The History of Fulk Fitz-Warine

Reprinted from The History of

Fulk Fitz Warine, An Outlawed
Baron in the Reign of King John,
ed. and trans. Thomas Wright
(London: The Warton Club, 1855).

This story, originally composed in French prose, was written

down sometime around 1320. However, there is good evidence
that the writer was copying from an earlier version of the story
composed in verse. A rhymed version of the story survived into
the sixteenth century. The original poem was probably written
some time in the thirteenth century (Wright, p. x, conjectures
between 1256 and 1264).

There was a genuine Fulk fitz Warren, who appears in the

historical record as a rebel against King John and his successor,
Henry III, and this romance may well have been written for him
or members of his family, perhaps again by a trouvère (minstrel)
in the employ of the family.

This kind of romance, which mixed family traditions with

fantastic feats and voyages, was popular in the thirteenth century
in England, and is known as a "family romance." Other examples
of these romances are Bevis of Hampton and Guy of Warwick,
although these stories are told about entirely fictional characters.
One of the more interesting aspects of Fulk Fitz-Warine is that
many of the events in the narrative, as well as the names and
roles of some of the characters, are later attached to Robin Hood,
another outlaw hero, and were earlier told about Hereward and
Eustace the Monk.

The text is given here in its entirety, with some of Wright's notes
Wright made extensive use of Leland's report of a Middle
English prose version of the text, and I have left these out. He
also included charters in Latin, which I have provided in
translation. I have inserted all the material given in square
brackets, all the subtitles, reparagraphed the text, changed some
spellings to standard American usage, and changed some unusual
words to more common ones.

1
In the season of April and May, when fields and plants become Owen Gwynned, or
green again, and everything living recovers virtue, beauty, and Gwyneth, ruled North
force, hills and vales resound with the sweet songs of birds, and Wales from 1137 to
the hearts of all people, for the beauty of the weather and the 1169, so that there is here
season, rise up and gladden themselves, then we ought to call to an anachronism of at least
memory the adventures and deeds of prowess of our forefathers
who labored to seek honor in loyalty, and to talk of such things fifty-six years.
as shall be profitable to many of us.
2
Mount Gilbert was the
How William the Conqueror gave away lands in the West common name, in the
Lords, you have heard heretofore how William the Bastard, duke twelfth and thirteenth
of Normandy, came with a great host and people without number centuries, for the Wrekin.
into England, and conquered by force all the land, and slew King
3
Harold, and caused himself to be crowned at London, and The Saxon Chronicle
established peace and laws at his will, and gave lands to divers places king William's
people who came with him. At that time Owen Gwynned was expedition to Wales in
prince of Wales,1 who was a valiant and good warrior, and the 1081.
king feared him much the more. This Owen had ravaged all the
march, and all was waste from Chester to Mount Gilbert.2 The
king appareled himself very richly, and came with a great host
into the county of Shrewsbury, and found all the towns burnt
between Chester and Shrewsbury; for the prince claimed all the
march for his own and as belonging to Powys.3 The prince
retreated, for he dared not await the king.

4
The king was very wise, and thought that he would give the This is a mistake of the
march lands to the most valiant knights of all his host, in order composer of the
that they should defend the march from the prince to their profit narrative, who, of course,
and to the honor of their lord the king. The king called Roger de means Roger de
Bellême,4 and gave him all the county of Shrewsbury very Montgomery, to whom
freely, and it was called a county palatine. Roger founded the Conqueror gave the
outside the town of Shrewsbury an abbey of St. Peter,5 and earldom of Shropshire
endowed it very richly; and he held the county all his life. He after 1071, but the exact
began a castle at Brugge,6 and another castle he began at Dynan;7 year is not known. The
but he did not finish them. title, de Belesme,
belonged to earl Roger's
first wife, and from her
descended to their eldest
son Robert.
5
Shrewsbury Abbey,
dedicated to St. Peter,
was the foundation of
Roger de Montgomery, as
here stated. The building
appears to have been
commenced in 1087. [It
is also famous to modern
TV watchers and mystery
lovers as the home of
Brother Cadfael.]
6
Bridgnorth. Earl Roger
did not begin the castle
here; but he built a castle
 at Quatford, which his
son Robert transferred to
"Brugge."
7
Ludlow. The history of
the commencement of
Ludlow Castle is very
obscure, and the
territorial division of the
district, as stated in
Domesday, would seem
to contradict the
statement of its being
begun by earl Roger, or,
at least, to render it
improbable. Yet I cannot
but think that there was
some foundation for the
statement of our writer,
which was evidently the
common belief of the
locality in the thirteenth
century.

8
After Roger was dead, Robert, his son, had all the county of Robert de Bellême, the
Shrewsbury;8 and Ernald, his youngest son, had Pembroke.9 eldest son of Roger de
These were very licentious people and very wicked, and greatly Montgomery. It was his
misconducted themselves towards their lord King Henry, the son brother, Hugh de
of William the Bastard and brother of King William Rufus; and Montgomery, however,
they completed the castle of Brugge in spite of king Henry's who succeeded his father
inhibition; for which king Henry disinherited them and in the Shropshire estates,
condemned them to perpetual exile, and he gave their lands to on whose death they
his knights. The castle of Dynan, and all the country round reverted to Robert de
towards the river of Corve, with all the honor, he gave to Sir Bellême.
Joce, his knight;10 who thenceforth retained the name of Dynan,
9
and was called everywhere Joce de Dynan. This Joce completed Arnulf de Montgomery,
the castle which Roger de Bellême in his time had begun, and he Roger's fifth and
was a strong and valiant knight. Now, the town was a very long youngest son, had the
time called Dynan, which is now called Ludlow. This Joce custody of Pembroke
caused to be made, below the town of Dynan, a bridge of stone Castle. [Arnold/Ernald
and lime,11 over the river of Teme, into the high road which goes and Arnulf were
amid the march from Chester to Bristol. Joce made his castle of essentially the same name
Dynan of three bails, and surrounded it with a double fosse, one in the Middle Ages.] The
within and one without.12 violent and unprincipled
lives of these two
brothers are related by
Ordericus Vitalis.
[Orderic Vitalis wrote
The Ecclesiastical
History, available in a
very nice translation with
facing Latin, between
approximately 1120 and
1139; he was from this
part of the country, and
his father and older
brothers became monks
at Shrewsbury. However,
because the abbey was
new, it could not train
children, and so his father
sent him to Saint-Evroul
in Normandy.] The
account of the
insurrection alluded to on
the next page, will be
found in Ordericus, 9:3,
and more briefly in
Florence of Worcester
[now known as John of
Worcester], under the
years 1101 and 1102.
10
"Ludlow, in all
probability came to the
hands of Henry I, not by
forfeiture of Robert de
Bellême, but as an
escheat of de Lacy; nor is
it at all likely that Joceas
de Dinan obtained
footing there under the
auspices of Henry I, but
of Stephen or of the
empress." R. W. E.
11
This bridge, from the
allusions to it further on,
must have occupied the
site of the present Castle,
or Dinham, bridge; but
there is no tradition at
present of any other than
a wooden bridge having
crossed the river Teme at
this place until recent
 times. I am informed by
old inhabitants of Ludlow
that within their
recollection the river
below Dinham was
crossed by a wooden
bridge for foot passengers
only, that it was a very
old one, and that all
horses and carriages had
to cross a ford, which at
times became
exceedingly dangerous;
in consequence of which,
the bridge was replaced
by a wooden bridge for
carriages, and about thirty
years ago this also was
taken down, and the
present stone bridge
erected.
12
This brief description
answers exactly to
Ludlow Castle as it now
stands, the three baillies
being the keep, the inner
court, and the outer court.
The two fosses were, that
which still exists in the
outer court, and one
which separated the wall
of the outer court from
the town, now filled up
and turned into a
promenade.

The Haunted castle of Bran (later renamed Dynan/Ludlow)

When king William the Bastard approached the hills and valleys
13
of Wales, he saw a very large town, formerly inclosed with high It is not easy to fix on
walls, which was all burnt and ruined;13 and in a plain below the the site of this ruined city,
town he caused his tents to be raised, and there he said he would of whom our writer has
remain that night. Then the king inquired of a Briton what was preserved the wild legend
the name of the town and how it came to be so ruined. that follows. Yet I am
inclined to think that it
"Sire," said the Briton, "I will tell you. The castle was formerly may be Old Oswestry. It
called Castle Bran; but now it is called the Old March. Formerly is worthy, however, of
there came into this country Brutus, a very valiant knight, and remark, that the articles
Corineus, from whom Cornwall still retains the name, and many mentioned below are just
others derived from the lineage of Troy; and none inhabited such as are commonly
these parts except very foul people, great giants, whose king was found, made of bronze,
called Geomagog. These heard of the arrival of Brutus, and set on Roman sites. The
out to encounter him; and at last all the giants were killed, except wrestling match between
Geomagog, who was marvelously great. Corineus the valiant Corineus and Geomagog,
said that he would willingly wrestle with Geomagog, to try or Gogmagog, is well
Geomagog's strength. The giant at the first onset embraced known to every reader of
Corineus so tightly that he broke his three ribs. Corineus became the fabulous British
angry, and struck Geomagog with the foot, that he fell from a history. [That is, the
great rock into the sea; and Geomagog was drowned. And a History of the Kings of
spirit of the devil now entered the body of Geomagog, and came Britain of Geoffrey of
into these parts, and defended the country long, that never Briton Monmouth (c. 1135), at
dared to inhabit it. And long after, king Bran the son of Donwal the end of the first book.
caused the city to be rebuilt, repaired the walls, and strengthened This is only one of the
the great fosses; and he made Burgh and Great March; and the many ways that this text
devil came by night, and took away everything that was therein; tries to connect itself with
since which time nobody has ever inhabited there."14 Arthurian legend ].
14
[This story come from
Geoffrey of Monmouth's
History of the Kings of
Britain, book 1.]

Payn Peverel drives out Geomagog

The king marveled much at this story; and Payn Peverel,15 the
15
proud and courageous knight, the king's cousin, heard it all, and This is another
declared that that night he would assay the marvel. Payn Peverel anachronism. Payn
armed himself very richly, and took his shield shining with gold Peverel was not a
with a cross of azure indented, and fifteen knights, and other contemporary of William
attendants; and went into the highest palace, and took up his the Conqueror, but he
lodging there. And when it was night, the weather became so owed his first
foul, black, dark, and such a tempest of lightning and thunder, advancement to Henry I,
that all those who were there became so terrified that they could who gave him the
not for fear move foot or hand, but lay on the ground like dead forfeited honor of
men. The proud Payn was very much frightened; but he put his Brunne, in
trust in God, whose sign of the cross he carried with him, and Cambridgeshire.
saw that he should have no help but from God. He lay upon the
ground, and with good devotion prayed God and his mother
Mary that they would defend him that night from the power of
the devil.

Hardly had he finished his prayer, when the fiend came in the
semblance of Geomagog; and he carried a great club in his hand,
and from his mouth cast fire and smoke with which the whole
town was illuminated. Payn had good hope in God, and signed
himself with the cross, and boldly attacked the fiend. The fiend
raised his club, and would have struck Payn, but he avoided the
blow. The devil, by virtue of the cross, was all struck with fear
and lost his strength; for he could not approach the cross. Payn
pursued him, till he struck him with his sword that he began to
cry out, and fell flat on the ground, and yielded himself
vanquished.

"Knight," said he, "you have conquered me, not by your own
strength, but by virtue of the cross which you carry."

"Tell me," said Payn, "you foul creature, who you are, and what
you do in this town; I conjure thee in the name of God and of the
holy cross."

The fiend began to relate, from word to word, as the Briton had
said before, and told that, when Geomagog was dead, he
immediately rendered his soul to Belzebub their prince; and he
entered the body of Geomagog, and came in his semblance into
these parts, to keep the great treasure which Geomagog had
collected and put in a house he had made underground in that
town. Payn demanded of him what kind of creature he was; and
he said that he was formerly an angel, but now is by his forfeit a
diabolical spirit.

"What treasure," said Payn, "had Geomagog?"

16
"Oxen, cows, swans, peacocks, horses, and all other animals, The White Land was
made of fine gold; and there was a golden bull, which through evidently the district
me was his prophet, and in him was all his belief; and he told around Whittington; but I
him the events that were to come. And twice a year the giants have not met with the
used to honor their god, the golden bull, whereby so much gold name elsewhere applied
is collected that it is wonderful. And afterward it happened that to it.
all this country was called the White Land;16 and I and my
companions enclosed the land with a high wall and deep fosse,
so that there was no entrance except through this town which
was full of evil spirits; and in the land we made jousts and
tournaments; and many came to see the marvels, but never one
escaped. At length came a disciple of Jesus who was called
Augustine, and by his preaching took many from us, and
baptized people, and made a chapel in his name; whereby great
trouble happened to us."

"Now you shall tell me," said Payn, "where is the treasure of
which you have spoken?"

"Vassal," said he, "speak no more of that; for it is destined for

others; but you shall be lord of all this honor, and those who
shall come after you will hold it with great strife and war.
 17
And from thy sleeve shall issue The boar and the wolf
The wolf who will do wonders, probably refer to the
Who will have sharp teeth, badges of the families to
And shall be known of all people, whom this prophecy
And shall be so strong and fierce applied.
That he will drive away the boar
Out of the White Land;17 18
[This prophetic poem
Such great virtue will he have. echoes the prophecies of
The leopard will follow the wolf, Merlin, which comes in
And with his tail will threaten him. the middle of the story of
The wolf will leave woods and mounts, Arthur in the History of
Will remain in water with the fishes, the Kings of Britain of
And will pass over the sea, Geoffrey of Monmouth.
Will encircle this whole island. One of the intentions of
At last he will conquer the leopard this romance is to tie Fulk
By his cunning and by his art; and his family to the
Then he will come into this land, Arthurian legends; this
Will have his stronghold in the water."18 makes a lot of sense as
they were marcher lords.]
When the spirit had said this, he issued out of the body; and
there arose such a stink, that Payn thought he should have died
through it. And when it was past, the night became light, and the
weather fair: and the knights and others, who were overcome
with fear, recovered themselves; and they marveled much at the
event which had happened to them. Next day the thing was
shown to the king and to all the host. And the king caused the
body of Geomagog to be carried and thrown into a deep pit
outside the town; and he caused the club to be preserved, and
long showed it to many people on account of its marvelous
magnitude.

The King rewards Payn Peverel

The king went thence, and came to a country joining to the
19
White Laund, which belonged formerly to a Briton, Meredus son Meredith ap Blethyn.
of Beledins;19 and beside it is a little castle which is called the "Meredith ap Blethyn, the
Tree of Oswald; but now it is called Osewaldestre (Oswestry).20 person alluded to, was a
The king called a knight, Alan fitz Flaeu,21 and gave him the contemporary of William
little castle with all the honor appertaining to it; and from this I, and Prince of North
Alan came all the great lords of England who have the surname Wales at the time when
of Fitz Alan. Subsequently, this Alan caused the castle to be that king invaded it. He
much enlarged. died in 1133. It was his
son Madoc whose name
became associated with
Oswestry, of which he
seems to have been
possessed during the
exile of William fitz
Alan, in Stephen's time.
Alan fitz Flaald was not a
 contemporary of William
I. He was advanced by
Henry I. The same is
probably true of Warine
de Metz." R. W. E.
20
[Oswald was an Anglo-
Saxon king of England,
and a saint as well. He
was killed by pagans, but
his arm was preserved
uncorrupted and miracles
were reported on the
place he fell in battle.]
21
In the abstract of the
English poem in Leland
he is called Alan
Fleilsone.

22
The king passed the river of Severn, and saw that the country The samit was a kind of
around was good and fair; and he called a knight who was born rich satin, usually
in Lorraine, in the city of Metz, who was greatly renowned for interwoven with gold or
strength, beauty, and courtesy. And his banner was of a red silver thread, and appears
samit,22 with two peacocks of gold. And he gave him to have been rather a
Alberbury,23 with all the honor appertaining to it.24 And thus favourite material for
gave the king to his best and most trusty knights all the lands, banners that were to be
chases, and fees, from Chester to Bristol. more splendid than usual.
The oriflamme of France
is sometimes spoken of as
being of vermeilsamit.
23
Alberbury is a village
about seven miles to the
west of Shrewsbury, and
eleven from Oswestry.
24
[An honor was another
term for a piece of land
held in exchange for
military service,
sometimes also called a
fief.]

25
The king called Payn Peverel, and gave him the White Laund, [Robert Curthose was
with forest, waste, chases, and all the country. And there was a the oldest child of
mound surrounded with marsh and water; and there Payn made a William the Conqueror,
fair and strong tower; and the mound was called Waybury; and a but the king passed over
river runs by it which took its name from Payn Peverel, and it him in favor of the
was called Peverel; but it was afterwards called Pevereyes. The second son, William
king, when thus he had settled these lands, returned to London, Rufus. Robert became the
and from London to Normandy, and there died. Then reigned in duke of Normandy
England William Rufus, his son; and after him Henry, his instead. When William
younger brother, who subsequently detained Robert Curthose, Rufus died in a hunting
his elder brother, in prison all his life; the cause will not be told accident in 1100, Robert
you on this occasion.25 was on crusade and the
English throne was seized
by the youngest brother,
Henry (1100-1135).
Robert came back from
Crusade fuming, but there
was little he could do.
Henry raised an army in
1106, invaded Normandy,
and captured Robert at
the battle of Tinchebray,
and made himself duke of
Normandy. . Robert was
held prisoner for over
twenty years.]

Guarin (Warine) de Metz wins the hand of Melette

It happened afterwards that Payn Peverel died in his castle in the
Peak;26 and William Peverel, his sister's son, received and had all 26
"Payn Peverel was
the heritage of Payn. Subsequently, this William conquered by never lord of the Peak.
the sword all the land of Morlas,27 as far as the water of Dee, His successor, William
Ellesmere, Maylour, and Nauhendon.28 This William made in the Peverel, of Dover and of
White Land a tower, and called it White Tower; and the town Brun, was either Payn's
which is about it is still called White Town, in English own son, or his brother's
Whittington.29 In Ellesmere he made another tower, and on the son. William Peverel, of
water of Keyroc another.30 Brun, had no nieces
answering this
William had two fair nieces, Elen, the elder, and Melette, the description. His four
younger; and he married Elen to the son of Alan, and gave with sisters were his heirs. The
her in marriage all the land of Morlas, as far as Keyroc. Melette wives of the first William
was the fairest, and for her beauty was the most sought; but fitz Alan were a niece of
nobody was found to please her. William expostulated with her, Robert the Consul, and,
and begged her to open her mind to him, if there was in the on her death, Isabel de
world any knight whom she would take for husband; and if there Say, baroness of Clun.
was no such one, he would aid her to his power.
27
This ought probably to
"Truly, sir," said she, "there is not a knight in the whole world have been rendered "from
that I would take for the sake of riches and for honor of lands; Morelas to Keyroc."
but if I ever should have one, he shall be handsome, courteous,
28
and accomplished, and the most valiant of his body in all The town of Ellesmere
Christendom. Of riches I make no account; for, I may well say, is about five miles north
he is rich who has what his heart desires." of Whittington. The
William, when he heard this, smiled, and said, "Fair niece, you hundred of Maelor was a
have said well; and I will aid you to my power to obtain such a district in the northwest
lord. And I will give you White-Tower and its appurtenances, of Shropshire, but
with all the honor; for woman who has land in fee will be so belonging to the Welsh
much the more sought after." county of Flint. I am not
able to identify
Nauendon, or Navendon.
29
Whittington, a
considerable village,
about two miles N.N.E.
of Oswestry. There are
still considerable and
picturesque remains of
the Castle, said here to
have been first built by
William Peverel.
30
The river Ceiriog is a
tributary of the Dee,
which it enters on the
borders of Denbighshire,
a few miles below
Llangollen.

Then William made a proclamation in many a land,31 in many a 31

"The pretended
city, that all the knights of worth who desired to tourney for tournament at Peak
love, let them come at the feast of St. Michael to castle Peverel, Castle may be a tradition
which is in the Peak; and the knight who shall do best, and shall of some similar affair at
conquer the tournament, shall have the love of Melette of the William Peverel's castle
White-Tower, and shall be lord and seigneur of White-Town and of Whittington. If,
of all the honor. This proclamation was soon published through however, Owen, prince of
various lands. Guarin de Metz, the valiant, had neither wife nor Wales, was there, it will
child; but he sent to John duke of Little Britain (Brittany) all the have happened after his
affair of this proclamation, and prayed him for aid and succor in accession in 1137, and
this need. The duke was very valiant; he had ten sons knights, before William Peverel's
the fairest and most valiant of body that were in all Little death in 1147. But
Britain; Roger the eldest, Howel, Audoin, Urien, Theobald, Warine de Metz must
Bertram, Amis, Guichard, Gerard, and Guy. The duke sent his have been married long
ten sons and a hundred knights with them, well mounted and before, for his sons Roger
with all accouterments richly furnished, to his cousin Guarin de and Fulk attest deeds
Metz; and he received them with great honor. Eneas, son of the early in Stephen's reign.
king of Scotland, came with the earl of Murray, and the Bruces, There is some reason to
Dunbars, Umfrevilles, and two hundred knights. Owen, prince of believe that the Fitz
Wales, came with two hundred shields; the duke of Burgundy Warines and Lestranges
with three hundred knights. Ydromor, son of the king of were related." R. W. E.
Galloway, came with a hundred and fifty knights.32 The knights
32
of England were numbered at three hundred. Guarin de Metz and Perhaps it will be the
his company lodged in tents made in the forest near where the
tournament should be, well clad all at will in red samite; and safest to consider all this
their steeds were covered down to the ground in manner of war. story of the tournament as
Guarin himself, in order to be unknown to the others, had a crest, romance, and not attempt
or.33 Then resounded the tabors, trumpets, busynes, and saracen to identify the persons
horns, till the valleys rebounded with the sound. mentioned in it.
33
Then began the tournament with vigor and force. There might [That is, a golden crest.]
one see knights overthrown from their steeds, and many a hard
blow given, and many a stroke. The damsel and a number of
ladies had ascended a tower, and saw the fair assemblage of
knights, and how each bore himself. To describe their blows and
bearings I care not; but Guarin de Metz and his company were
this day held the best, handsomest, and most worthy, and above
all was Guarin the most praised in all points. Evening now came
and the tournament, on account of the night, could last no
longer. The knights went away to their inns. Guarin and his
companions turned off privately to their tents in the forest, and
disarmed, and made great rejoicing. And none of the other lords
knew what had become of them, nor who they were, they held
themselves so shy; but they were unknown of all.

34
Next day was proclaimed everywhere a joust. Then came Guarin "Guy Lestrange, if,
to the jousts dressed with leaf of ere(?) all green out of the indeed, he were father of
forest, as he who was adventurous and all unknown. When the the three well known
duke of Burgundy had seen him, he immediately rushed upon brothers of Henry II's
him, and struck him a great blow with a spear. Guarin returned time, is mentioned here
the blow, so that he rolled over from his horse in the middle of with circumstances of
the place; then another, then the third. Melette of the White- some probability; but it is
Tower sent him her glove, and requested that he would defend the only notice we have
her. He said that he would do it to his power; and then repaired of the father of those
into the forest, and armed himself with his red arms, and came three brothers. We know,
with his companions in the field, and conquered the tournament, upon better evidence, that
and held the field against all people who should come there; their mother was an
whereupon judgment was taken among all the great lords and Englishwoman." R. W. E.
heralds and umpires, that Guarin, who was the knight
adventurous, should by right have the prize of the tournament
and Melette of the White-Tower. And he, with great joy, took
her, and she him. They sent for the bishop of the country, and, in
sight of all, she married him. William Peverel held a very rich
feast at the marriage; and, when the feast was over, Guarin took
his wife and his company, and went to White-Town, and
remained there with great rejoicing forty days. Then the ten
brothers with their hundred knights returned to Britain the Less;
but Guy, the youngest brother, remained in England, and
conquered with the sword many fair lands, and he was called
Guy the Estrange (the foreigner), and from him came all the
great lords of England who have the surname of Estrange.34
 35
Guarin de Metz held long in great honor the lordship of White- Jorwerth ap Owen,
Town; but Yervard, the son of Owen, prince of Wales,35 did him otherwise known as
great injury, killing his people and spoiling his lands. At last Jorwerth Drwyndwn, or
they made a day of battle, where many a good man lost his life. Jorwerth (Edward) with
In the end, the loss turned to Yervard; for he lost many of his the broken nose, from a
people, and quitted the field, and fled away in dishonor. Then damage on his face, on
Guarin appointed a knight very strong and bold, Guy son of account of which he was
Candelou of Porkington,36 to guard the honor of White-Town not allowed to succeed
and his other lands. his father Owen as prince
of Powys. The English
poem, as abridged by
Leland, tells this incident
somewhat differently.
36
Porkington is a hamlet
about three miles from
Whittington.

Fulk fitz-Warine I is fostered by Joce of Dynan

The lady became pregnant with a child. When she was delivered,
at the time ordained by God, they called the child Fulk.37 And 37
"Warine de Metz had
when the child was seven years old, they sent it to Joce de two sons, Roger and
Dynan to teach and nourish; for Joce was a knight of good Fulk. The last eventually
accomplishment.38 Joce received him with great honor and great succeeded him, and died
affection, and educated him in his chambers with his own about 1171, leaving Fulk
children; for he had two daughters, the younger of which was of II his son and heir. It was
the same age as Fulk, and was called Hawyse. The elder was Fulk II who married
called Sibylle. At this time there was great discord and war Hawyse, daughter and
between Sir Joce de Dynan and Sir Walter de Lacy, who then coheir of Joceas de
dwelt much at Ewyas;39 for which discord many a good knight Dynan. Fulk II died about
and many a brave man lost his life; for each invaded the other, 1197, leaving Fulk III his
burnt their lands, plundered and robbed their people, and did son and heir. It is of Fulk
much other damage. When Fulk was eighteen years of age, he II and Fulk III principally
was very handsome, strong, and large. that this narrative speaks,
though it combines in the
former much that can be
true only of his father.
There is no probability
whatever that Joceas de
Dynan and Walter de
Lacy were antagonists in
Ireland, or anywhere. The
former must have been an
old man, and deceased
before the latter attained
his majority." R. W. E.
38
It was the practice
among the Normans,
 almost as generally as
among the Celtic race, for
the chiefs to send their
children to be educated or
"fostered" in the families
of other chiefs, thus
establishing relationships
more intimate even than
those of blood. [We've
already seen this
relationship in the life of
Pryderi.]
39
The castle of Ewyas, in
Herefordshire, named
from this family Ewyas
Lacy, was the head seat
of Walter de Lacy's
barony.

Sir Joce is attacked by Walter de Lacy

One summer's day, Sir Joce rose early in the morning, and
40
ascended a tower in the middle of his castle, to survey the [Sir Walter's arms are a
country; and he looked towards the hill which is called Whitcliff, gold background with a
and saw the fields covered with knights, squires, sergeants, and red horizontal band
valets, some armed on their steeds, some on foot; and he heard across the middle of the
the horses neigh, and saw the helms glittering. Among whom he shield.]
saw the banner of Sir Walter de Lacy, blazing new with gold,
with a fess of gules across.40 Then he called his knights, and 41
[Three blue lions,
ordered them to arm and mount their steeds, and take their walking sideways with
arblasters and their archers, and go to the bridge below the town the front paw further
of Dynan, and defend the bridge and the ford that none passed it. away raised, wearing
Sir Walter and his people thought to pass safely; but the people gold crowns on a silver
of Sir Joce drove them back, and many on both sides were background.]
wounded and killed. At length came Sir Joce and his banner all
white with silver, with three lions passant, of azure, crowned 42
Probably one of the
with gold;41 with five hundred with him, knights and servants on towers on the northeast
horse and foot, besides the burgesses and their servants, who side of the castle.
were good. Then with great force Joce passed the bridge, and the
hosts encountered body to body. Joce struck Godebrand, who
carried the banner of Lacy, through the body with a spear. Then
the Lacy lost his banner. Then the people exchanged blows, and
many on both sides were slain. But the Lacy had the worst; for
he went off flying and discomfited, and took his way beside the
river of Teme. The lady, with her daughters and her other
damsels, had ascended a tower;42 whence they saw all the battle,
and prayed God devoutly to save their lord and his people from
hurt and defeat.
Fulk rescues Sir Joce from Sir Walter de Lacy and captures
Sir Walter and Arnold de Lys
43
Joce de Dynan knew Walter de Lacy by his arms, and saw him Literally the Broom-
flying all alone; for he had great fear of losing his life. He struck field. The village of
his steed with his spurs, and passed hills and vales, and in a short Bromfield is hardly two
time overtook the Lacy in a valley under the wood, towards miles from Ludlow. This
Bromfield,43 and commanded him to turn. The Lacy saw nobody is an exact description of
but Joce alone, and returned very boldly. And they fought the scene, as it may be
fiercely; for neither cared to spare the other. They exchanged viewed from Ludlow
great and heavy blows. It seemed to Joce that the encounter Castle, the banks of the
lasted too long, and he raised his sword with ire, and struck the Teme, the wood of
Lacy on the shield, that he clove it through the middle, and gave Whiteliff descending
him an ugly wound on the left arm. towards them, and
Bromfield in the distance.

44
Joce attacked him eagerly, and had nearly captured him, when The Bruces were
Sir Godard de Bruce44 and two knights with him came to succor located in the marches,
the Lacy. Sir Godard and his companions very boldly assailed and were much
Sir Joce on all sides, and he defended himself against them like a concerned in the border
lion. The lady and her daughters in the tower see their lord so wars during the twelfth
pressed that he could hardly endure, and cry, faint, and make century. William de
great lamentation; for they never expected to see their lord alive. Bruce, lord of Brecon,
Fulk fitz Warine was left in the castle, for he was only eighteen was one of the most
years old, and he heard the cry in the tower, ascended in haste, turbulent of the border
and saw the lady and all the others crying. He went to Hawyse, barons towards the end of
and asked what ailed her, and why she made such sorrowful that century.
cheer.

"Hold your tongue," cried she, "you resemble little your father
who is so bold and strong, and you are coward, and always will
be. See you not there my lord, who has cherished you and nursed
you affectionately, is in peril of death for want of help? And
you, wretch, go up and down unhurt, and care nothing for him."

45
The valet, for the reproof she had given him, was all filled with I have not been able to
anger and ire; and at once went down from the tower, and found ascertain who this
in the hall an old rusty hauberk, and put it on as well as he knew individual was, or if he be
how; and took a great Danish axe in his hand. He came to a merely a name of
stable which was near the postern by which they go towards the romance. The name,
river, and found there a cart horse. He now mounted the cart literally Arnold of the
horse, and went out by the postern, and soon passed the river, Lilly, sounds rather
and came to the field where his lord was struck down from his poetical.
steed and in point to be killed, if he had not arrived. Fulk had a
foul helmet, which almost covered his shoulders. And at his first
onset he struck Godard de Bruce, who had seized his lord, with
his axe, and cut his backbone in two parts, and remounted his
lord. Fulk turned towards Sir Andrew de Preez, and gave him
with his axe on his helm of white steel, that he split it all down
to the teeth. Sir Arnold de Lys45 saw well that he could in no
manner escape, for he was sorely wounded, and he surrendered
to Sir Joce. The Lacy defended himself but he was soon taken.

46
Now is Sir Walter de Lacy taken and Sir Arnold de Lys, and This is an allusion to
they are led over the river towards the castle of Dynan. Then one of the strong
spoke Sir Joce: "Friend burgess, you are very strong and valiant; prejudices of feudal
and if it had not been for you, I should have been dead before chivalry. As Joce says,
this. I am much bound to you, and shall be always. You shall there were instances of
live with me, and I will never fail you." Joce thought he had "burgers" having shown
been a burgess; for burgesses really have put armor on, and themselves worthy of
those which the lad had were rusty and foul.46 bearing the armor of a
knight; and such
Then the lad answered and said: "Sir, I am no burgess; do you instances are made the
not know me? I AM Fulk, your foster-child." subject of one or two of
the medieval romances,
but it generally turns out
that the upstart had come
some way or other of
gentle blood.

47
"Fair son," said he, "blessed be the time that ever I nourished From the sequel, it is
you! for a man will never lose his labor which he does for a evident that this tower
brave man." Then they carried Sir Walter and Sir Arnold into a must have stood at the
tower which is called Pendover;47 and there caused their wounds eastern extremity of the
to be healed, and guarded them in great honor. And the lady and north front of the castle.
her daughters and their damsels every day comforted and
solaced Sir Walter and Sir Arnold de Lys.

Sir Arnold and Sir Walter escape with the help of Marion of
the Heath
Sir Arnold was a young bachelor and handsome, and he was There are still several
greatly overtaken with the love of Marion of the Heath, a very places named the Heath
pretty damsel, who was the chief chamber-maid of the lady of in the neighborhood of
the castle of Dynan.48 Sir Arnold and the damsel often conversed Ludlow, from some one
together; for she used to come every day into the tower with her of which Marion may
lady, to comfort Sir Walter de Lacy and Sir Arnold. It happened have taken her name.
that Sir Arnold, when he saw an opportunity, pleaded with the Chaunbrere is perhaps
damsel, and told her that she was the thing which he loved most, not well represented by
and that he was so much overtaken with her love, that he could the modern English
have no rest day or night unless she yield to him; for she could chamber-maid. The
give him relief from all his sorrows. And, if she would do it, he maidens attendant upon
would make her a surety at her own will that never would he the ladies of knights and
love another but her; and, as soon as he should be set at liberty, barons were damsels of
he would take her for his wife. gentle blood, who were
placed with them to learn
The damsel heard the fair promise, and yielded him to do his good manners and the
will in all things, and took surety of him that he would hold with forms of courtesy, as well
her according to his promise. The damsel promised them that she as the accomplishments
would help them in all points secretly, that they might be which could only be
delivered from prison. And she took towels and sheets, and learnt there. They were
carried them into the tower, and sewed them together, and by often numerous, and lived
means of these she let down Sir Walter and Sir Arnold from the with their lady in her
tower, and she prayed them to keep their faith and the promise chamber (whence their
which they had made her. And they told her that they would title), where they worked
behave faithfully towards her, without breaking any covenant, with her at embroidery,
and bid her adieu. Sir Walter and Sir Arnold all alone went their spinning, weaving,
way on foot; and, at the dawn of day, came to Ewyas, to the needlework, etc.
castle of Sir Walter de Lacy. And when his people saw their lord
returned sound and well, it need not be asked if they were joyful;
for they thought they had lost him for ever.

49
Joce de Dynan rose early, and went to his chapel within the This allusion is no
castle, which was made and dedicated in honor of the doubt to the round chapel
Magdalene,49 the day of dedication of which is the day of St. in the inner court of
Cyriac and seventy days of pardon.50 He heard the service of Ludlow Castle, the walls
God; and, when he had done that, he mounted the highest tower of which still remain,
in the third bail of the castle, which is now called by many with some good Norman
Mortimer.51 And it has the name of Mortimer for this reason, that arches. It appears from
one of the Mortimers was in it a good while imprisoned. Joce this account to have been
surveyed the country, and saw nothing but what was well. He dedicated to St. Mary
descended from the tower, and caused the horn to be sounded for Magdalene.
washing, and sent for his prisoner Sir Walter.52 For he honored
50
him so much that he would never wash or eat before he did the The day of St. Cyriac,
same. The prisoners were sought everywhere. It was in vain; for or Ciriac, was the 8th of
they were escaped. Sir Joce made no semblance of being sorry August. The seventy days
for their going, and took no care of it. of pardon were of course
to be the reward of those
who offered up a prayer
for the founder.
51
It is curious that a tower
in the outer court (third
bailey) of the castle is
still popularly known by
the name of Mortimer's
Tower, which it thus
seems to have retained
since the thirteenth
century; for I think there
is no room for doubt that
it is identical with the one
alluded to in the text.
52
The regularity with
which all the domestic
operations were carried
on in the middle ages is
 well known to readers of
the literature of that
period; it was the more
necessary from the
number of persons who
had to act in unison. The
usual signal for meals,
etc., was the blowing of a
horn.

Peace is made between Sir Walter and Sir Joce and Sir Joce
marries his daughter Hawyse to Fulk
53
Sir Walter thought that he would revenge himself or die; he sent The Lacies had large
for his people from Ireland,53 and took into his pay knights and possessions in Ireland in
others, so that there was strong contest and hard battle between the conquest of which,
Sir Walter and Sir Joce. The earls and barons of England saw the Hugh de Lacy, the father
great mortality and hurt which had happened, and which still of Walter de Lacy, took
happened between them daily; they arranged a loveday between an active part, and he was
Sir Walter and Sir Joce;54 and there all grievances were rewarded with a grant of
redressed, and the parties were accorded, and embraced each the whole county of
other before the great lords. Meath.
54
Joce de Dynan sent his letters to Guarin de Metz and Melette his Love days (dies amoris)
good lady, the father of the youth Fulk. Fulk was of a dark were days agreed upon
complexion, and therefore he was called by many Fulk the for settling differences by
Brown. Guarin and Melette with a great retinue came to the umpire, instead of having
castle of Dynan, and were received there with great honor and recourse to violence, or to
joy, and remained there a week. Joce spoke very courteously to legal proceedings. They
Guarin, and said to him: "Sir," said he, "you have here a son appear to have been
whom I have fostered for you. I trust that he will be a brave man sometimes a means of
and valiant; and he will be your heir, if he survive you. And I hindering justice, and the
have two daughters, who are my heirs; and, if it please you, my ecclesiastics seem
wish is that we enter into alliance of marriage, and then we generally to have
should hardly fear any great lord in England, that our party managed them, and to
should not be maintained with right and reason. And, if you will have made them a source
agree to it, I will that Fulk the Brown marry Hawyse, my of profit and of temporary
younger daughter, and he shall be heir to the moiety of all my enjoyment, for they
land." appear usually to have
been accompanied with a
feast.[Wright notes that
love days are mentioned
in the fourteenth-century
poem, Piers Ploughman ,
l. 6217, and also in
Chaucer's Canterbury
Tales, l. 260.]

55
Guarin thanked him much for his fair offer, and said that he The scribe, for some
would agree to all according to his own will. Next day they sent reason or other, has left a
to Hereford for the bishop Robert de ...55 The bishop came, and blank for the name in the
with great honor performed the marriage ceremony. Joce held MS. There were three
great festivity during fifteen days. When the feast was ended, Sir Roberts, bishops of
Joce and Sir Guarin and their households all went towards Hereford, in the twelfth
Hertland; for they wished to sojourn there a while. century; Robert de Betun,
from 1131 to 1148;
Robert de Melun, from
1162 to 1167; and Robert
Foliot, from 1174 to
1186. The prelate alluded
to was probably the latter,
who must have been
bishop about the time of
the marriage of the
second Fulk fitz Warine.

Marion unwittingly betrays Dynan to Arnold de Lys and Sir

Walter takes Dynan
56
And Marion of the Heath feigned sickness, and took to her bed, Hartland in Devonshire.
and said that she was so ill that she could not move except with It appears that Leland
great difficulty. And she remained at the castle of Dynan. Joce read it Ireland.
commanded that she should be carefully attended to. And, for
fear of the Lacy and other people, he took into his pay thirty
knights and seventy sergeants and valets, and delivered them his
castle to keep until his return into the country. When Joce was
gone, next day Marion sent a messenger to Sir Arnold de Lys,
and prayed him, for the great friendship that was between them,
that he would not forget the covenants which were made
between them, and that he come hastily to talk with her at the
castle of Dynan, for the lord and the lady and the strength of
their household are gone to Hertland,56 and that he come to the
same place where last he escaped from the castle. When Sir
Arnold had heard the message of his mistress, he immediately
sent back the same messenger, and prayed that for his love she
would measure the height of the window by which he last
escaped out of the castle, and that she should send him back
information by the said messenger what kind of people, and how
many, and what household their lord had left behind him. The
damsel, who had no suspicion of treason, took a silk cord, and
let it down through the window to the ground, and sent
information of all the condition of the castle to Sir Arnold. Then
Sir Arnold sent back to his mistress that on the fourth day,
before it struck midnight, he would be at the same window
through which he passed; and begged that she would wait for
him there.

Sir Arnold de Lys caused to be made a ladder of leather of the

same length as the silk cord which his mistress had sent him.
Then went Sir Arnold to his lord, Sir Walter de Lacy, and told
him how Fulk, the son of Guarin de Metz, had espoused
Hawyse, the daughter of Sir Joce de Dynan, and how Sir Guarin
and Sir Joce had left provision in the castle of Dynan, and were
gone to Hertland to seek soldiers, and to assemble there their
men, and to collect a host and people without number." And,
when all the host shall be assembled, they will come at once to
Ewyas, and will burn and take your lands. And if they can take
your body, you will be cut in small pieces, and you and yours
will be deprived of your inheritance for ever. She whom you
know well has sent me this information; for she knows and has
heard the truth."

When Sir Walter heard this news, he became pale with vexation,
and said, "Truly, I cannot believe that Sir Joce would do me such
a deceit, since we are accorded, and there are many witnesses to
our having embraced each other; and I was provoked much that
our peers said the accord would be broken on my part, and Sir
Joce is held a loyal knight."

"Sir," said Sir Arnold, "you are my lord; I warn you of your hurt;
for I know the truth through her who has heard the counsel. And
tell me not another time that I knew of your hurt and would not
warn you of it, or that I have belied my faith to you."

Sir Walter became very thoughtful, and he knew no good

counsel for this matter. At length he said: "Sir Arnold, what do
you advise me to do?"

"Sir," said he, "trust my counsel, and you will do well. I will go
myself, with my company, and I will take by cunning the castle
of Dynan; and when Sir Joce shall have lost his stronghold, he
will grieve you the less and will give up his design; and so far
you will be revenged of him for the disgrace which he has often
inflicted upon us. And, sir, consider that, be it by right or by
wrong, one ought to revenge oneself of his enemy." Sir Walter
yielded himself entirely to the counsel of Sir Arnold, and
supposed that he had told him truth in what he had said; but he
lied like a false knight.

57
Sir Arnold prepared his company, which was numerous; for he The wood adjacent to
had in his company, knights, squires, and sergeants, more than a Whitcliff will be familiar
thousand. And he came to the castle of Dynan by night, and to every one who has
caused part of his company to remain in the wood, near visited Ludlow. The
Whitcliff,57 and part to lay in ambush below the castle, in the gardens belonging to the
gardens. The night was very dark, so that they were not castle lay in the meadows
perceived by the watch, or by any one else. Sir Arnold took a to the north, at the foot of
squire, who carried the ladder of leather, and went to the window the rock, and bordering
where Marion was waiting for them. And when she saw them, on the river Teme,
she was never so joyful; and she let down a cord, and drew up perhaps extending to the
the ladder of leather, and fastened it to a battlement of the wall. river Corve, which runs
And Arnold mounted easily and lightly the tower, and took his into the Teme, at a very
mistress between his arms and kissed her; and they made great short distance from the
joy, and went thence into another chamber, and supped, and then castle.
went to bed, and left the ladder hanging.

58
The esquire who carried it went for the knights and the great The parapet along the
company who were in ambush in the lord's garden and wall behind the chapel
elsewhere, and brought them to the ladder. And a hundred men, was the direct way from
well armed, mounted by means of the ladder of leather, and went the towers on the north-
down from the tower of Pendover, and went along the wall east of the inner court to
behind the chapel.58 And they found the watch sleeping, for he the entrance of the keep
seemed to be heavy under the presentiment of death; and they tower, in which the
took him immediately, and would have thrown him down from knights who guarded the
his tower into the deep fosse; but he cried for mercy, and begged castle, and their
that they would suffer him to whistle one note before he died. attendants, appear to have
And they granted it him; but he did it in order that the knights had their lodgings. The
within should be warned. But it was all in vain. While he watchman must have
whistled the greater part of the knights and sergeants were being been stationed at this
cut to pieces; and they screamed and cried in their beds that God entrance of the keep, just
might have pity. But the companions of Sir Arnold were without over the gateway leading
pity; for all who were therein they put to a foul death, and many into the outer court, and,
a sheet which was white at even, was all reddened with blood. therefore, into the town.
At last they threw the watch into the deep fosse, and broke his The object of the
neck. assailants was, by
securing this watchman
Marion takes revenge on Sir Arnold before he could give an
Marion of the Heath lay in bed beside her love, Sir Arnold, and alarm, to obtain an easy
knew nothing of the treason which Sir Arnold had perpetrated; entrance into the keep
she heard a great noise in the castle, rose from the bed, and tower, and take the
looked down into the castle, heard the noise and cry of the knights by surprise and in
wounded, and saw knights in arms and white helms and a defenseless condition,
hauberks. Now she perceived that Sir Arnold had deceived and as they had done before
betrayed her, and began to weep very affectingly, and said he had whistled his "one
piteously: "Alas!" said she, "that ever I was born of mother; for note."
by my fault, my lord, Sir Joce, who fostered me tenderly, has
lost his castle and his good people; and had I never been, nothing
would have been lost. Alas! that ever I believed this knight; for
by his flattery he has deceived me, and my lord, which is still
more to me."

Marion, all weeping, drew the sword of Sir Arnold and said, "Sir
knight, awake; for you have brought strange company into the
castle of my lord without leave. But if you, Sir, and your esquire,
were lodged by me, the others, who have come in through your
means, were not. And, since you have deceived me, you cannot
rightly blame me if I render you service according to your
desert; but you shall never boast to any mistress you shall have,
that by my deceit you have gained the castle of Dynan and the
country."

59
The knight raised himself erect. Marion, with the sword which The name of Linney is
she held drawn in her hand, struck the knight through the body, still preserved, and its
and the knight died immediately. Marion knew well that if she position, just below that
were taken, she should be delivered to an evil death, and knew part of the castle where
not what to do; so she let herself fall from a window towards the rock is steepest and
Linney,59 and broke her neck. highest, fixes that of the
tower of Pendover, the
scene of Marion's
adventures. The state
apartments were placed
here because it was least
exposed to attack, and
this circumstance would
also facilitate the
enterprise of Sir Arnold
de Lis, as, on account of
the impossibility of any
one entering the castle on
that side, except by such
an act of treason as that
here described, no
watchmen would be
stationed there.

The Destruction of the town of Dynan

The knights who were in the castle unfastened the doors, and
60
went into the town, and opened the gate of Dynan towards the The gate of the town,
river, and admitted all their people.60 They placed at the end of called, in modern times
each street in the town a great number of people, and caused the Dinham Gate. The
town to be set on fire; and in each street they made two fires. majority of Sir Arnold's
The burgesses and the sergeants of the town, when they saw the men had been left
fire, rose from their beds, some naked, others clothed, and knew outside; and now that the
not what to do, for they were almost mad. The knights and castle had been surprised
esquires of Lacy fell upon them, and cut them to pieces and slew and taken, they were
them in great numbers. The burgesses had no power or, thought admitted into the town.
to defend themselves; for all who were met with there cut to The original town of
pieces or burnt in the fire. The damsels went along the lanes, Dynan was built under
saw their fathers and their brothers lie slaughtered in the streets, the immediate protection
fell upon their knees, and implored mercy and pardon of their of the castle, and
life. It was in vain, as the history says;61 men, women, or probably occupied only
children, young and great, all were slain, either by weapon or by that part of the present
fire. town in and adjacent to
what is still called
At last day came; then they sent to their lord that he, with all his Dinham. No doubt one of
power, should come to the castle of Dynan. And so he did, and the two names is only a
caused his banner to be raised on the Pendover in sign of victory corruption of the other.
that he had gained the spot in which he was formerly put in
61
prison; but the town with all that was in it was burnt to black "As it is related in the
charcoal. original narrative, of
which this is a
paraphrase.[In the]
English metrical
history...there appears to
have been mention of at
least one individual,
Owen of Cornwall, who
does not figure in our
Anglo-Norman history. It
may be remarked, that the
Cornwalls were
established in this
neighborhood, but not till
the century following.

Sir Joce, Guarin, and Fulk attack Dynan, but cannot retake
it
62
When the news came to Sir Joce and Guarin de Metz, they were Caynham camp, a well-
much grieved, sad, and sorrowful. They sent to all their kinsmen, known entrenched hill,
friends, and to their own people, so that they had within a month about two miles to the
seven thousand men well provided. And they came to castle eastward of Ludlow.
Key,62 which is intrenched upon a knoll, a league's distance from There are still traces of
Dynan. But castle Key was old at that time, and its gates were the remains of building
decayed; for no people had inhabited it for a hundred years past. upon it, and pieces of
For Key, the steward of my lord Arthur the king,63 had made it, mortar are picked up in
and all the country belonged to him, and it still retains his name, the ground, of very
for the people of the country call it Keyenhom (Cainham). Joce ancient character, I think
and Guarin and Fulk the Brown, with their people, go on the not improbably Saxon. It
morrow towards the castle of Dynan, and attack it very fiercely is curious that at the early
from all sides. Sir Walter and his knights defend very period of this history it
courageously the crenels and the walls; after which Sir Walter should be already a ruin.
and his Irishmen sallied from the castle, and made a fierce attack There was a well towards
on those who were outside. Joce, Guarin, and Fulk, attack them the eastern end of the
on all sides, and slay them in great numbers. The Irish lay cut to inclosure, which has only
pieces in the fields and gardens, so that Sir Walter and his had been filled up at a very
the worst of it; he and his people retreated and entered the castle recent period. I think it
and defended the walls. And, if they had remained outside, they not improbable that it was
would soon have heard very hard news. Sir Joce and Sir Guarin originally a Roman post.
returned to their lodgings and disarmed; and, after they had
eaten, they were merry together. 63
Sir Key, or Cay, the
well-known seneschal or
steward of king Arthur's
court, holds a very
 prominent place in the
romances of this cycle.
The way in which the
legend has here, and in
other parts of this history,
been located on the
border, is extremely
curious.

64
On the morrow they attacked the castle very fiercely from all I may mention, that in
sides, but could not take it. And all they could find outside, they one or two instances in
cut them to pieces. This siege lasted long. Subsequently it this book, I have been
happened that, by the assent of a king of England, the gates of obliged to translate a
the castle, which were treble,64 were burnt and consumed by fire word rather by guess than
which was lighted with bacons and grease, and the tower over with a certain knowledge
the gate burnt in. And the high tower which is in the third bail of of its meaning, and I am
the castle, which was so strong and well built that no stronger or not sure that the
better tower was at that time known, was in great part beaten interpretation I have
down, and that bail almost entirely destroyed given to this word is
correct.
Guarin dies and Fulk succeeds him
Sir Guarin fell ill, and took leave of Sir Joce, and went to
Alberbury only with one esquire, and died. Fulk the Brown, after
his father's death, came to Alberbury, and took homage and
fealty of all the people who held of his father; and he took leave
of Melette, his mother, and Hawise, his wife, and returned to Sir
Joce, and related to him what had happened to his father, at the
news of which Joce was much grieved.

Sir Walter sends to the Welsh prince, Jervard Droyndoun

for help against Fulk and Sir Joce
65
Sir Walter was sorrowful and angry that he had lost his people, "Jorwerth Drwyndwn,
and he feared much to be beaten and conquered, and after eldest son of Owen
anxious consideration he sent a letter to Jervard Droyndoun, Gwyneth, was never
prince of Wales,65 as to his lord, friend, and kinsman, and prince of North Wales.
informed him by letter that Sir William Peverel, who held His and his son's
Maelor and Ellesmere, is dead; and he said that those lands are exclusion from the
of the lordship belonging to Powys, and Sir William held them government, if not
by gift of the king of England wrongfully, and the king will seize originally suggested by
them into his hand. "And, if he does so, he will be a very bad the contrivance of Henry
neighbor to you, for he does not love you. And therefore, sir, II, was perpetuated by the
come and challenge your right; and, if you please, send me policy of that king, and of
succor, for I am closely besieged in the castle of Dynan." Richard I. The narrative
in this part, and indeed
throughout, gives a
glimmering allusion to
facts which we know,
from other sources, to
 have had an existence.
The way in which such
facts are combined is, on
the other hand, in
defiance of all
chronology. For instance,
the inveterate hostility of
Jorwerth Drwyndwn to
the English king, the
disaffection of Walter de
Lacy, the sometime
possession of Ellesmere
by the last William
Peverel of Brun, are, all
facts; but the earliest and
latest of these facts were
separated by an interval
of half a century." R. W.
E.

66
Jervard, when he heard the news, caused to assemble Welsh, Roger de Powys and his
Scots, and Irish, more than twenty thousand; and he hastened brother Jonas were both
towards the march, burnt the towns, plundered the people, and in the service and pay of
he had such a great host that the country could not withstand king Henry II. Roger had
them. Joce was wary and got intelligence of the approach of two sons, Meredyth and
Jervard; and he and his people and Fulk armed, and boldly Meurich, the latter of
attacked Roger de Powys66 and Jonas his brother, who came with whom was the Morice of
the vanguard of Jervard's host, and slew many of their men. our history. Roger and his
Roger and Jonas were not able to withstand the attack, and eldest son died between
retreated. At length came Jervard armed, and his arms were of 1179 and 1187. Meurich
or, quartered with gules, and in each quarter a leopard;67 and he fitz Roger went with king
assailed Sir Joce and Fulk. And they defended themselves long, Richard to Normandy in
and slew many of their people; but they (the Welsh) had so 1194, and was under the
many people that Sir Joce could not maintain the contest, and he constant patronage of that
fell back upon Castle Key, at a league from Dynan. But it was king; he seems to have
very disastrous to him; for he had lost many of his people. died about A.D. 1200,
which proves the
Sir Joce is captured and Fulk wounded inaccuracy of several
Jervard and the Lacy, who was now glad, pursued Sir Joce and passages in the narrative.
Fulk, and besieged them in the little castle, and assailed them His son, Wrenock,
very fiercely. Joce, Fulk, and their knights, during three days, succeeded him, and was
without drinking or eating, defended their weak and old little deprived of Whittington
castle against all the host. On the fourth day, Sir Joce said that it in consequence of king
would be greater honor to leave the castle and die in the field John's reconciliation with
with honor, than to die in the castle of hunger and with dishonor; the Fitz Warines; but he
and thereupon they went into the field and slew at their first was in the pay of the
encounter more than three hundred, knights, esquires, and English crown till 1224.
sergeants. Jervard Droyndoun and the Lacy and their people Wianus, son of Jonas de
 Powys, occurs as
assailed Sir Joce and his people, and they defended themselves receiving favors from
like lions; but so many people hemmed them in that they could kings Richard and John
not hold out long; for the horse of Sir Joce was killed, and he from 1194 to 1209.
himself severely wounded; and his knights, some taken, some
67
slain. Then they took Sir Joce and his knights, and sent them to [That is, a gold shield
prison to the castle of Dynan, there where he used to be lord and divided in four by a red
master. cross, with a leopard in
each of the four fields.]

68
When Fulk saw Sir Joce taken and led away, he went almost Owen Cyveilioc was the
mad with grief and anger; he struck his horse with the spurs, and nephew of Madoc ap
struck a knight who led him through the body with a lance. Then Meredydh, prince of
came Owen Keveylloke,68 a bold and fierce knight, and with a Powys, and held
lance of ash struck Fulk through the hollow of his body, and the considerable estates in
lance broke, and the piece remained in his body; but his entrails that principality. Owen
were not touched. Fulk felt himself terribly wounded, and could was prince of Higher
no longer defend himself; he took to flight, and the others hunted Powys, Madoc of Powys
him two leagues or more, and, not being able to catch him, they Vadoc, or Lower Powys.
returned and seized all the lands which Fulk had. And they took He was one of the chiefs
Guy, the son of Candelou of Porkington, who was Fulk's who acknowledged the
constable, and sent him to prison at Rhuddlan,69 and his seven sovereignty of England;
sons with him. but he often sided with
the Welsh princes against
the English king, and on
either side he was an
active partizan.
69
Rhuddlan, in Flintshire.

Fulk seeks help from King Henry

Fulk was in great grief for his lord; and, as he had heard that
King Henry was dwelling at Gloucester,70 he went thither direct. 70
It would perhaps be a
As he approached the town, the king was going after supper to fruitless labor to trace the
divert himself in the meadow,71 and saw Fulk coming armed on exact visit of king Henry
horseback, and riding very painfully; for he was weak, and his to Gloucester, here
steed weary. "Let us wait," said the king, "we shall now hear alluded to; he was there
news." in the year 1175, when, in
consequence of the
Fulk came all on horse to the king, for he could not dismount, troubled state of the
and told the king entirely the whole affair. The king rolled his border, king Henry held a
eyes very fiercely, and said that he would revenge himself of great council in that city.
such evildoers in his realm. And he asked him who he was, and Many of the Welsh
from whom descended. Fulk related to the king where he was princes came to him here,
born, and of what race, and that he was the son of Guarin de and made their peace, and
Metz. Jorwerth Drwyndwn
himself at last followed
"Fair son," said the king, "you are welcome to me; for you are of their example. At a
my blood, and I will help you." The king caused his wounds to council held in 1177 at
be doctored. And he sent for Melette, his mother, and Hawise, Oxford, David, prince of
his wife, and the rest of their household, and retained them with North Wales, Rhys ap,
him, and caused Hawise and Melette to dwell in the queen's Gryffydh, and Owen
chambers. Hawise was advanced in pregnancy, and when her Cyveilioc, and other
time came she was delivered of a child, and they caused the chieftains in Powys, came
child to be named Fulk. He in his time was greatly renowned, upon Henry's summons to
and it was with good reason; for he was peerless in strength, confer with him on the
courage, and goodness. state of their country. It
was on this occasion that
the king granted
Ellesmere to David,
prince of North Wales,
and the territory of
Merioneth to Rhys ap
Gryffydh. The king
appears to have been at
Gloucester again in 1179
and in 1184, and perhaps
in other years.
71
It must be borne in
mind, that the hours of
the domestic meals
differed very widely from
those of the present day.
The king's hour of supper
was probably four o'clock
in the afternoon, his
dinner hour being ten in
the morning. These
continued during several
centuries to be the regular
hours of dinner and
supper both in England
and France. So late as the
year 1510, a letter,
written from the court of
Louis XII, tells us,
—"Apres souper, environ
entre quatre et cinq, nous
allasmes avec le roy
chasser au parcq." [After
supper, between around
four and five, we go hunt
in the park with the king.]

72
When Fulk the Brown was healed of his wound, King Henry The original high road
sent a letter to Sir Walter de Lacy, and commanded him on pain down the border was of
of life and member to deliver Joce de Dynan, his knight, and his course the Roman road,
knights, whom he holds wrongfully in his prison; and, if he did which is still called the
not do it, he will come and seek them himself, and will do such Watling Street (though it
justice that all England shall talk of it. When Sir Walter heard is not the real Watling
the message, he was much frightened at it; and he set Sir Joce Street), and ran through
and his knights at liberty, and clothed and mounted them very Clungunford,
honorably, and conducted them through a postern towards the Leintwardine, Wigmore,
river of Teme and beyond the ford of Teme and beyond and Aymestrey, and so on
Whitcliff,72 until they came to the high road to Gloucester. direct to Hereford, or
rather to Kenchester. At
an early period, a part of
this road, to the north of
Wigmore, seems to have
been deserted, and
travelers turned down the
valley of the Oney, to
Bromfield, and thence
apparently on the western
side of the Teme to
Ludlow Castle; they
appear then to have
turned over Whitcliff hill,
and to have joined the old
road again at Wigmore.
Ludlow Castle thus
protected as well as
commanded the road, and
merchants and travelers
might be subjected to any
exactions as they passed.
Fulk fitz Warine, when
he escapes from a
skirmish, which is
represented as taking
place between Caynham
and Ludlow, goes "over"
or "beyond" Whiteliff, on
his way to Gloucester,
which he would not have
done by the present road
from Ludlow to
Leominster and Hereford.
Giraldus Cambrensis
[Gerald of Wales, the
author of a number of
books, including The
Topography of Wales]
seems to have passed by
Bromfield, under Ludlow
 Castle (without entering
the town), and onward to
Leominster, by this road.

73
When Sir Joce came to Gloucester, the king received him very Lamburne, in Berkshire.
gladly, and promised him law and right. Joce resided with the
king as long as he pleased, and then took leave and went to
Lambourne,73 and resided there; and soon after died, and was
interred there. God have mercy on his soul!

Fulk I receives new lands and is honored by the king

King Henry called Fulk, and made him constable of all his
host;74 and placed under his command all the force of his land, 74
This is probably an
and that he should take people enough and go to the march, and error: we have no
drive thence Jervard Droyndoun and his power out of the march. evidence that this office
Thus was Fulk made master over all; for he was strong and was ever given to Fulk
courageous. The king remained at Gloucester; for he was ailing, fitz Warine, and all the
and not in a condition for labour. Jervard had taken entirely the facts we know lead us to
whole march from Chester to Worcester, and he had disinherited believe the contrary.
all the barons of the march. Sir Fulk, with the king's host, gave
many fierce assaults to Jervard; and in a battle near Hereford, at 75
It is not easy to decide
Wormeslow,75 made him fly and quit the field. But before he whether this be meant for
fled, many were killed on both sides. Fierce and hard war Wormlow, about five
between Fulk and the prince lasted four years, until at the miles to the southwest, or
request of the king of France a loveday was taken at Shrewsbury Wormseley, about eight
between the king and Jervard the prince, and they embraced miles to the northeast of
mutually and came to an agreement. And the prince restored to Hereford; but probably
the barons of the march all the lands which he had taken from the latter. The battle is
them, and restored Ellesmere to the king; but for no gold would not recorded in any of the
he render White-Town and Maelor. chronicles.

76
"Fulk," said the king, "since you have lost White-Town and "The allusion is to
Maelor, I give you instead Alleston76 and all the honor which Alveston, in
belongs to it, to hold for ever." Fulk thanked him dearly. King Gloucestershire,
Henry gave to Lewis, the son of Jervard, a child of seven years, undoubtedly a manor of
little Joan, his daughter;77 and he gave them in marriage the Fitz Warines, but
Ellesmere and many other lands, and carried Lewis with him to given to them much
London. The prince Jervard, with his retinue, took leave of the earlier than the period
king, and went to Wales; and he gave White-Town and Maelor indicated. The first Fulk
to Roger de Powys. Roger subsequently gave Maelor to Jonas, fitz Warine held it in
his younger brother. capite in 1156." R. W. E.
77
The lady to whom
prince Lewis was married
was a natural daughter of
king John, and not of
Henry II, and the
marriage took place in
1204, many years after
 the events here related. It
is true that the lordship of
Ellesmere was given with
the princess as her dower;
but other parts of the
statement are inaccurate.
"It was Henry II who
gave Whittington to
Roger de Powys. It is
hardly possible that the
claim of the Fitz Warines
on Whittington arose
from any blood
relationship to the
Peverels, but much more
probably by feoffment. It
may confidently be
asserted, that from 1140
to 1200 no Fitz Warine
was tenant in capite of
Whittington. neither, as
under tenant, was any
Fitz Warine of the twelfth
century the sole tenant of
Whittington. A portion
thereof was held by
d'Engaine, independently
of Fitz Warine, and
d'Engaine's tenure was
certainly by feoffment of
(not by inheritance from)
Peverel." R. W. E.

78
Now you have heard how Joce de Dynan, his daughters Sibylle This is another error. "
the elder and Hawise the younger, were disinherited of the castle Sibil, the eldest daughter
and honor of Dynan, which Sir Walter de Lacy holds and co-heir of Joceas de
wrongfully; but the town of Dynan was afterwards repaired and Dynan, was wife of Hugh
restored, and was called Ludlow. And you have heard too how de Plugenai. Both Sibil
Sir Fulk, the son of Guarin de Metz, is disinherited of White- and Hawyse were
Town and Maelor. Sibylle, the elder sister, was subsequently widows in 1199, their
married to Pain Fitz John, a very valiant knight.78 respective husbands
having died within the
five years previous. As to
Sibil, wife of Pain fitz
John, though I cannot
undertake to name her
parentage, she was
married before 1125, and
 her husband was killed in
1136." R. W. E.

The Quarrel between Fulk II and Prince John

Fulk and Hawise dwelt so long with the king, that he had five
79
sons, Fulk, William, Phillip the Red, John, and Alan. King Chess was the
Henry had four sons, Henry, Richard Coeur-de-Lion, John, and fashionable game at this
Jeffrey, who was afterwards earl of Lesser Britain. Henry was period, and indeed
crowned during his father's life time, but he died before his generally, from the time
father; and after the death of his father, Richard was crowned; the Western Christians
and after Richard, John, his brother, who all his life was wicked first became acquainted
and ill-grained and envious. Young Fulk was bred with the four with the Saracens, to the
sons of King Henry, and much beloved by them except John; for introduction of cards. The
he used often to quarrel with John. It happened that John and Anglo-Norman princes
Fulk were sitting all alone in a chamber, playing at chess.79 John and barons were great
took the chessboard, and struck Fulk a great blow. Fulk felt chess players. The game
himself hurt, raised his foot, and struck John in the middle of the of the Anglo-Saxons was
stomach, that his head flew against the wall, and he became all tœfel, something of the
weak and fainted. Fulk was in consternation; but he was glad nature of our
that there was nobody in the chamber but they two, and he backgammon.
rubbed John's ears, who recovered from his fainting-fit, and
went to the king, his father, and made a great complaint.

"Hold your tongue, wretch," said the king, "you are always
quarreling. If Fulk did anything but good to you, it must have
been by your own desert." And he called his master, and made
him beat him finely and well for complaining. John was much
enraged against Fulk; so that he could never afterwards love him
heartily.

Fulk II proves himself and succeeds his father

When King Henry, the father, died, then reigned King Richard,
80
who loved dearly Fulk the Brown, fitz Warine, for his loyalty; Baldwin de Hodnet was
and he called before him at Winchester the five sons of Fulk the hereditary seneschal of
Brown, little Fulk, Phillip the Red, William, John, and Alan, and Montgomery castle, and
their cousin, Baldwin de Hodnet,80 and dubbed them very richly, held Hodnet in capite by
and made them knights. that service. He also held
Westbury, under the
The young Sir Fulk and his brothers with their company passed barons Corbet of Caus,
the sea, to seek praise and renown; and they heard talk of no and Fitz Warine was
tournament or jousts but he would be there. And he obtained so vassal of the same barons
much reputation everywhere, that people said commonly that he at Alderbury. It is very
was peerless in strength, goodness, and courage; for he had such probable that Fitz Warine
grace, that he came to no encounter in which he was not held and he were relations, as
and reputed for the victor. here stated; they are
found attesting jointly
deeds of the Corbets, and
Baldwin's participation in
Fitz Warine's rebellion
 and forfeiture is proved
by the contemporary
records. "The narrative
here begins to be much
more consistent with
chronological probability.
Baldwin de Hodnet is
introduced under
circumstances
wonderfully consonant
with what else is known
of him. The time of the
death of Fulk fitz Warine
II, and his son's
succession, are also
correctly indicated
(allowing for the writer's
ignorance of the
existence of Fulk I)." R.
W. E.

It happened that Fulk the Brown, their father, died.81 King 81

Fulk II died before
Richard sent his letters to Sir Fulk that he should come into 1199, but after king
England and receive his lands, for his father was dead. Fulk and Richard's return from the
his brothers were much grieved that Fulk the Brown, their good Holy Land.
father, was dead: and they returned to London to King Richard,
82
who was very glad of them, and delivered to them all the lands [That is, all the lands
of which Fulk the Brown died seized.82 The king made himself Fulk I held of the king
ready towards the Holy Land,83 and he entrusted all the march to when he died.]
the keeping of Sir Fulk. The king loved him much, and cherished
him for his loyalty and for the great renown which he had, and 83
[That is, the third
Fulk was very well with the king all the life of King Richard. crusade.]

King John grants Sir Morris White-Town

After his death, John, the brother of King Richard, was crowned
84
king of England. Then he sent to Sir Fulk that he should come to Montgomery is still
him to talk and treat of divers matters touching the march, and called by the Welsh
said that he would go visit the march; and he went to castle Baldwin's town (Tref
Baldwin, which is now called Montgomery.84 And when Morris, Faldwyn).
the son of Roger de Powys, lord of White-Town, knew that king
John was on his way to the march, he sent the king a fat and fair The falcons and hawks of
steed, and a gerfalcon all white.85 The king thanked him much Wales were highly
for his present. Then came Morris to talk with the king;86 and the prized, at a time when
king requested him to dwell with him and be of his council, and falconry was so much in
made him keeper of all the march. When Morris saw his time, he fashion. They were often,
spoke to the king, and prayed him, if he pleased, that he would therefore, given as most
confirm to him by charter the honor of White-Town, to him and acceptable presents by the
his heirs, as King Henry, his father, had before confirmed it to Welsh chieftains to the
Roger de Powys, his father. The king knew well that Sir Fulk
had right to White Town, and he called to mind the blow which kings of England, or
Fulk had formerly given him, and thought that he would now be exacted by the latter as
avenged; and he granted that whatever Morris would put in tribute or fines. When, on
writing, he would seal it to him. And, for doing this, Morris the invasion of Wales by
promised him a hundred pounds of silver. king John, the bishop of
Bangor was taken
prisoner, his ransom was
fixed at two hundred
hawks.

Meurich, the son of

Roger de Powys, did fine
with king John for
Whittington, but the fine,
instead of a hundred
pounds, was fifty or sixty
marks. A subsequent fine
of his son Wrenoch is
variously stated at eighty
marks and two palfreys,
or a hundred pounds and
four palfreys.

87
There was close by a knight, who had heard all the conversation "Fulk fitz Warine's
between the king and Morris; and he went in haste to Sir Fulk, counter-fine of £100 is as
and told him that the king was about to confirm by his charter to correctly stated as if the
Sir Morris the lands to which he had right. Fulk and his four writer had seen the
brothers came before the king, and prayed that they might have Oblata roll." R. W. E.
the common law and the lands to which they had claim and
right, as the inheritance of Fulk; and they prayed that the king
would receive from them a hundred pounds,87 on condition that
he should grant them the award of his court of gain and loss. The
king told them that what he had granted to Sir Morris he would
hold to it, whoever might be offended, or who not.

Sir Morris insults Fulk and Fulk becomes an outlaw

At length Sir Morris spoke to Sir Fulk, and said: "Sir knight, you
are a great fool to challenge my lands. If you say that you have
right to White-Town, you lie; and, if we were not in the king's
presence, I would prove it on your body."

Sir William, Fulk's brother, without a word more, sprang

forwards, and struck Sir Morris with his fist in the middle of his
face, that it became all bloody. Knights interfered, that no more
hurt was done. Then said Sir Fulk to the king; "Sir king, you are
my liege lord, and to you was I bound by fealty, as long as I was
in your service, and as long as I held lands of you; and you ought
to maintain me in right, and you fail me in right and common
law; and never was he a good king who denied his frank tenants
law in his courts; wherefore I return you your homages." And
with this word he departed from the court, and went to his
hostel.

Fulk and his brothers armed immediately, and Baldwin de

Hodnet likewise; and when they were gone half a league from
the city, there came after them fifteen knights well mounted and
armed, the strongest and most valiant of all the king's household,
and commanded them to turn back, and said that they had
promised the king their heads. Sir Fulk turned back, and said:
"Fair sirs, you were great fools to give what you cannot have."
Then they encountered with lances and swords, so that four of
the most valiant of the king's knights were killed outright, and all
the others wounded almost to death, except one, who saw the
danger and took to flight. He came to the city; the king asked
him if Warine were taken.

"No," said he, "nor nothing hurt; he and all his companions are
gone; and we were all slain, except me, who with great difficulty
have escaped."

88
Said the king: "Where is Gerard de France, Piers d'Avignon, and These names sound so
Sir Amis the Marquis?"88 much like those of heroes
of romance, that we
"Sire, slain." should hardly look for
them in sober history.
At length came ten knights all on foot, for Sir Fulk carried off
their steeds. Some of the knights had lost their noses, others their
chins; and they were all ill treated. The king swore a great oath
that he would be revenged of them and of all their lineage.

(Some things to think about: Compare how Fulk becomes an

outlaw to how Eustace the Monk becomes an outlaw. In both
stories, the men who pursue the outlaw are badly wounded:
what do the stories have in common and what is different?
What does this tell us about the expectations of the audiences
in each case?)

89
Fulk came to Alberbury, and related to dame Hawise his mother King John was at
how they had fared at Winchester.89 Fulk took great treasure Winchester on the 6th
from his mother, and went, he and his brothers, and their and 7th of May, 1201,
cousins, into Brittany, and sojourned there as long as they and he was not there
pleased. King John seized into his hand all the lands Fulk had in again until after the date
England, and did great damage to all his friends. of Fulk fitz Warine's
pardon.

Fulk takes to the woods and is attacked there by Sir Morris

Fulk and his four brothers, Aldulf de Bracy, his cousin,90 and
90
Baldwin de Hodnet, his cousin, took leave of their friends and "Audulf de Bracy was
cousins in Britain the Less, and came into England. By day they of Meole, near
reposed themselves in woods and in moors, and by night they Shrewsbury. Several
wandered and labored; for they dared not await the king, as they generations of the family
had not power to resist him. At last they came to Huggeford,91 to bore the same christian
Sir Walter de Huggeford, who had married dame Vileine, name of Audulf. The
daughter of Guarin de Metz; but her right name was Emeline,92 individual here
and she was the aunt of Sir Fulk. Afterwards Fulk went his way mentioned was, in the
towards Alberbury; and when he came there, the people of the time of king John,
country told him that his mother was buried, for which Fulk involved in a great
made great grief, and prayed very piteously for her soul. litigation with his
suzerain, Roger de
Mortimer, of Wigmore,
as to the tenure of the
manor of Meole, which is
still known as Meole
Brace." R. W. E.
91
Huggeford is Higford,
near Shiffnall. "Sir
Walter de Huggeford was
lord of this manor in king
John's time, but dame
Emeline was more
probably the widow of
his father, another
Walter." R. W. E.
92
Emeline, or Elvina, de
Huggeford was a widow
before the death of
Richard I, so that Fulk
could not have repaired to
her husband at the time of
which we are now
speaking.

Sir Fulk and his men that night go into a forest which is called
Babbing,93 which is near White-Town, to spy Morris Fitz Roger.
93
At length there came a valet of Morris's household, who Perhaps this is what is
perceived them, and went back, and related to Morris what he now called Babies Wood,
had seen. Morris armed himself very richly, and took his green about a mile and a half to
shield, with two boars of beaten gold; the bordure was of argent, the south-east of
with fleurs-de-lis of azure.94 And he had in his company the nine Whittington, the modern
sons of Guy of the Mountain and the three sons of Aaron de name being a corruption
Clairfontaine,95 so that there were thirty well mounted and five of the old one.
hundred footmen. When Fulk saw Morris he issued in haste from
the forest. There was begun between them a hard contest, and 94
[The green part of the
there was Morris wounded through the shoulder, and many
knights and footmen were killed. And at last Morris fled towards shield with the gold boars
his castle, and Fulk pursued him, and thought to have struck him was surrounded by a
on the helm as he fled; but the blow fell on the crupper of his border of silver, with blue
steed. At length came Morgan Fitz Aaron, and shot from the fleurs-de-lis on it.]
castle, and struck Fulk through the leg with an arrow. Fulk was
much grieved that he could not avenge himself as he would on 95
These are perhaps
Sir Morris, and paid no attention to the wound in his leg. translations of well
known names on the
(Compare this conflict between Fulk and Sir Morris with the border, which it would
conflict between Humphrey and Eustace the Monk. What do not be very easy to
they have in common? What is different? Why are they identify. They appear to
different? Robin Hood and Eustace the Monk also set up have been Welshmen.
shop in the woods. What is similar/different about their
situations?)

Sir Morris made his complaint to the king that Sir Fulk was
returned into England and had wounded him through the
shoulder. The king became so incensed that it was wonderful;
and he appointed a hundred knights with their company to go
through all England, to seek and take Fulk and deliver him to the
king alive or dead. And they shall have all their costs from the
king; and if they could take him, the king would give them lands
and rich fees. The knights go through all England to seek Sir
Fulk; but then when they heard that Sir Fulk was there, they
would not go for any king; for they feared him excessively,
some for love they had for him, others for fear of his strength
and of his noble knighthood, lest damage or death might happen
to them by his strength and boldness.

Fulk robs the king's merchants

Sir Fulk and his company came to the forest of Bradene;96 and
96
they dwelt there secretly, for they dared not do it openly on Leland calls this forest
account of the king. Then came from abroad ten burgher Holt, as will be seen in
merchants, who had bought with the money of the king of the extract in a
England the richest cloths, furs, spices, and gloves, for the body subsequent note,
of the king and the queen of England; and they were carrying mistaking the English
them under the forest towards the king, and thirty-four sergeants word holt, a wood, for a
armed followed to guard the king's treasure.97 When Fulk proper name.
perceived the merchants, he called his brother John, and told him
to go and talk with those people and inquire of what land they 97
In giving the literal
were. John struck his steed with his spurs, and came to the representative of this
merchants, and demanded what folks they were and from what word in the translation, I
land. A spokesman proud and fierce sprang forward, and hope the general reader
demanded what business it was of his to inquire what folk were will not be led into any
there. John demanded of them to come in love to speak with his misunderstanding. The
lord in the forest, or if not they should come in spite of word sergeant, derived
themselves. Then a sergeant sprang forward, and struck John a from the Latin serviens,
great blow with a sword. John struck him again on the head, that belonged properly to a
he fell to the ground insensible.
class of men at arms who
Then came Sir Fulk and his company, and assailed the were bound to a
merchants; and they defended themselves very vigorously. In the particular service; but it
end they surrendered, for they were forced to do so. Fulk led was also applied more
them into the forest, and they related to him that they were usually to hired fighting
merchants of the king; and when Fulk heard that, he was very men or guards, and was
glad. And he said to them: "Sirs merchants, if you should lose generally employed
these goods, on whom will the loss turn? tell me the truth." almost in the sense of our
soldiers.
"Sir," said they, "if we should lose it by our cowardice or by our
own bad keeping, the loss would turn upon us; and if we lose it
in other manner, by danger of the sea or by people's force, the
loss will turn upon the king."

"Say you the truth?"

"Yes, sir," said they. Sir Fulk, when he heard that the loss would
be the king's, caused the rich cloth and rich skins to be measured
with his spear, and clothed all those who were with him, little
and great, with that rich cloth, and gave to each according to
what he was; but every one had large measure enough. Of the
rest of the goods each took at his will. When evening was come,
and the merchants had eaten well, he bade them adieu, and
prayed them to salute the king from Fulk Fitz Warine, who
thanked him much for his good robes. Fulk nor any of his,
during the whole time that he was outlawed, would ever do hurt
to any one, except to the king and to his knights.

When the merchants and their sergeants came wounded and

maimed before the king, and related to the king Fulk's message
and how Fulk had taken his goods, he almost went mad with
rage. And he caused it to be cried through the kingdom, that
whoever would bring him Fulk alive or dead, he would give him
a thousand pounds of silver, and besides that he would give him
all the lands which were Fulk's in England.

(What does this story mean? Compare it to Eustace's

encounter with the merchant in Eustace the Monk )

Fulk is betrayed in Kent, attacked and forced to flee to an

abbey
98
Fulk went thence, and came into the weald of Kent, and left his The wearing of garlands
knights in the thick of the forest, and went all alone riding in the or chaplets of flowers,
high road; and he met a messenger singing very joyfully, with especially of roses, was a
his head decorated with a chaplet of red roses.98 Fulk prayed him very common piece of
for love that he would give him the chaplet; and if he had need gallantry, or of foppery,
of him, he would repay him double. in the middle ages, and is
frequently alluded to in
"Sir," said the messenger, "he is very sparing of his goods, who the old writers.
will not give a chaplet of roses at the request of a knight." And
he gave the chaplet to Fulk; who gave him twenty sols for his
pay. The messenger knew him well, for he had often seen him.

The messenger came to Canterbury; and met the hundred knights

who had sought Fulk through all England, and said to them:
"Lords, whence come ye? Have you found that which you have
sought by command of our lord the king and for your
advancement?"

"No," say they.

"What will you give me," said he, "and I will take you to the
place where I saw him and spake to him yesterday?"

They gave and promised so much to the messenger that he told

them where he had seen him, and how he had given him twenty
sols for the chaplet which he gave him gratis. The hundred
knights caused all the country to be summoned in haste, knights,
esquires, and sergeants, and beset the forest all round; and set
starters and receivers as if they were hunters, and placed old
people and others all over the field, with horns, to raise the cry
upon Fulk and his companions, when they should have issued
from the forest.

99
Fulk was in the forest, and knew nothing of this matter. At William Malveissin is
length he heard a knight sound a great bugle, and had suspicion, mentioned in the records,
and commanded his brothers to mount their steeds, William, which will be given in a
Philip, John, and Alan. His brothers mounted at once. Aldulf de subsequent note, as one
Bracy and Baldwin de Hodnet, with John Malveysin,99 mounted of the outlaws of Fulk's
also. The three brothers of Cosham, Thomas, Pierce, and party, who received his
William, were good arblasters,100 and all the rest of Fulk's people pardon of king John at
were soon ready for the attack. the same time as his
chief. "There were
Fulk and his companions issued from the forest, and saw, before Mauveysyns in
all the others, the hundred knights who had sought them through Shropshire, lords of
England. And they charged among them, and slew Gilbert de Berwich, near Atcham,
Mountferrant and Jordan de Colchester and many other knights still known as Berwich
of the company; and they passed through the midst of the Maviston. I know of no
hundred knights, and sometimes returned among them, and other interest of theirs,
struck them down in numbers. At length there came upon them more immediately
so many knights, esquires, burghers, sergeants, and people connecting them with the
without number, that Fulk saw well he could not support the border. Their tenure of
contest, and returned into the forest; but his brother John was Berwich was, however,
wounded in the head through the helm. But before they turned to under Fitz Alan. The
the forest, many a good knight, squires, and sergeants, were cut Mauveysyn who was lord
up. of Berwich in John's
 reign was not John, nor
Fulk and his companions struck their steeds with their spurs, and yet William." R. W. E.
fled. The people everywhere raised the hue and cry upon them,
100
and everywhere pursued them with the country. At length they I have not been able to
entered in a way, and saw but one raising the hue and cry with a ascertain who these three
horn. One of the company struck him through the body with an brothers were; and it
arrow; upon which he left the cry and the pursuit. would be in vain to try to
identify several of the
Fulk and his companions quitted their horses, and all on foot fled persons who are
towards an abbey which was near at hand. When the porter saw mentioned in the
them, he ran to shut the gates. Alan was very tall; and passed at following pages.
once over the walls, and the porter began to fly. "Wait," said
Alan. And he ran after him, and took the keys from him; and he
struck him with the staff on which the keys hung a blow that
fairly stopped his flying. Alan let all the brothers come in. Fulk
took a habit of an old monk, and immediately dressed himself in
it; and took a great club in his hand, and went out at the gate, and
caused the gate to be shut after him, and goes away. He goes
limping with one foot, supporting all his body on the great club.
At length came knights and sergeants, with much people.

Then said a knight: "Sir old monk, have you seen any knights
armed pass by here?"

"Yes, sir; may God repay them the hurt they have done!"

"What have they done to you?"

"Sir," said he, "I am aged, and can no longer help myself, I am
so decrepit; and there came seven on horseback, and about
fifteen on foot; and because I could not quickly get out of their
way, they took no care of me, but made their horses run over me,
and little did they reek of what they had done."

"Say no more," said he, "you shall be well revenged before the
day is over."

The knights and all the others passed forwards in haste to pursue
Fulk, and were soon a league's distance from the abbey.

101
Sir Fulk raised himself on his feet, to see more. At length came [Many of the names in
Sir Girard de Malfée101 and ten companions, knights well this poem mean
mounted, for they were come from abroad; and they brought something. Sir Girard is
with them horses of value. Then said Girard in mockery: "Here "of bad faith"---like
is a monk who is stout and tall; and he has a belly large enough Draco Malfoy of Harry
to hold two gallons inside." Potter fame. However,
some of the names are
Fulk's brothers were within the gate, and had heard and seen all also real, so one needs to
Fulk's proceedings. Fulk, without more words, lifted up the great be careful. The poet is not
 always trying to say
club, and struck Sir Girard under the ear, that he fell quite something about someone
stunned to the earth. Fulk's brothers, when they saw this, rushed by choosing a name!]]
out at the gate, and took the ten knights and Sir Girard and all
their equipments, and bound them very tight in the porter's
lodge, and took all their harness and their good steeds; and went
their way, so that they never ceased wandering till they came to
Huggeford. And there John was healed of his wound.

Fulk marries Maude de Caus

After they had dwelt there awhile, there came a messenger who
102
had been very long seeking Sir Fulk, and saluted him on the part Hubert Walter was
of Hubert archbishop of Canterbury,102 and begged him in haste archbishop of Canterbury
to come and talk with him. Fulk took his people, and came near from 1193 to 1205.
Canterbury, in the forest where he had been before; and left all
his company there, except his brother William. Fulk and William
dressed themselves as merchants, and came to Canterbury to
bishop Hubert.

103
The archbishop Hubert le Botiler said to them, "Fair sons," said Theobald Walter, the
he, "you are very welcome to me. You know well that Sir brother of archbishop
Theobald le Botiler,103 my brother, is departed to God, and had Hubert, accompanied
espoused dame Maude de Caus, a very rich lady and the fairest Henry II into Ireland in
in all England, and king John lusts after her so much for her 1171, and that monarch
beauty, that she can with difficulty be kept from him. And I have conferred upon him the
her here within, and you shall see her. And I pray you, dear office of chief butler of
friend Fulk, and command you on my benediction that you take Ireland. He also
her to wife!" accompanied prince John
into Ireland in 1185. It
was his son, however,
who first assumed the
surname of Le Botiler, or
Butler, in 1221. This
Theobald Walter was the
ancestor of the dukes and
marquises of Ormond. He
is said to have died in
1206, which would
overthrow the whole of
this romantic story of the
manner of the marriage of
Fulk fitz Warine with his
widow. The latter was the
daughter and heir of
Robert Vavasour, a
Yorkshire baron.

104
Fulk saw her; and knew well that she was fair, good, and of good It need hardly be stated
repute; and that she had in Ireland strong castles,104 cities, lands, that the Butlers were
and rents, and extensive homages. With the assent of his brother among the great Irish
William, and by the counsel of archbishop Hubert, he married barons. Thcobald Walter
the lady Maude de Caus.205 Fulk remained two days there, and possessed the baronies of
then took leave of the bishop, and left his wife there, and Upper and Lower
returned to the wood to his companions, and told them all he had Ormond, besides
done. They made game of him and laughed, and called him numerous other
husband; and asked him where he should take the fair lady, territories.
whether to castle or to wood; and made merry together. But they
105
did everywhere great damage to the king; and to no other, but to Of this marriage there
those who were openly their enemies. can be no doubt, as
appears by the following
(Compare this marriage to how Guarin marries Melette and documents taken from the
Fulk I marries Hawyse. Why would Fulk's companions tease Close Rolls of the ninth
him about his marriage? Fulk is an outlaw; what is the of king John, that is A.D.
author trying to show by placing his marriage at this point in 1207, which seem to
his story?) confirm the statement
that Theobald Walter
died in 1206. ["The King,
to William of Bruse, etc.
We order that you give to
Fulk fitz-Warine and
Matilda, who was the
wife of Theobald Walter,
or to their appointed
messenger, the
reasonable dower that
belongs that that same
Matilda, namely the third
part of the free tenements
which that same
Theobald Walter held of
us in Ireland, because we
have granted to the
aforementioned Fulk and
Matilda that same
Matilda's dowry and
dower whole, just as we
have earlier conceded
these things to Robert
Vavasseur, the father of
that same Matilda.
Witness G. (William) son
of Peter, at Winchester,
the first day of October.
This has been written in
the same form to Walter
de Lacy. This has been
written in the same form
to Count William the
 Marshal. The same Fulk
has letters to the justiciar
of Ireland, in the same
form as those which
Theobald Walter had to
the same justiciar."
Wright includes a second
letter as well: "The king
to the viscount of
Norfolk, etc. We order
you that you shall grant
to Fulk fitz-Warine and
his wife Matilda, who
was the wife of Theobald
Walter, all of her third of
the lands which belonged
to Theobald Walter in
your bailliwick without
delay. Witness G.
(William) son of Peter, at
Winchester, the first day
of October."]

The False Fulk A knight who was called Robert Fitz Sampson
was dwelling in the march of Scotland, and used very often to
106
receive Sir Fulk and his people and lodge them with great honor; He is called Bromeville
and he was a man of great wealth. And his wife was called the by Leland.
lady Anable, and was a very courteous lady. At that time there
was a knight in the country who was called Piers de Bruvile.106
This Piers used to collect all the sons of gentlemen of the
country who were wild, and other ribald people; and used to go
about the country, and slew and robbed loyal people, merchants,
and others. This Piers, when he with his country went to rob
people, caused himself to be called Fulk Fitz Warine, whereby
Fulk and his companions gained very ill fame for that of which
they were not guilty.

Fulk, who could not, for fear of king John, remain too long in
one place, came by night into the march of Scotland, and came
very near the court of Sir Robert Fitz Sampson. And he saw a
great light within the court, and heard talking within and
frequent mention of his name; and he made his companions halt
outside. Fulk himself boldly entered the court, and then the hall,
and saw Piers de Bruvile and other knights sitting at supper; and
Robert Fitz Sampson and his good lady and the household bound
and cast on one side of the hall. And Sir Piers and his
companions were all masked; and all who served within bent the
knee before Sir Piers, and called him their lord Sir Fulk.

The lady, who lay bound near her lord in the hall, said very
piteously: "Ha! Sir Fulk," said she, "for God's mercy, I never did
you hurt, but have always loved you to my power."

Sir Fulk stood up on his feet, and had heard all that he had said;
but when he heard the lady speak, who had done him great
kindness, for nothing in the world could he longer contain
himself. All without companion he stepped forward, with his
sword drawn in his hand, and said: "Now, peace! I command
you, all whom I see in here, that no one stir the least." And he
swore a great oath that, if any one was so bold as to stir, he
would cut him into small pieces. Piers and his companions felt
themselves overreached.

"Now," said Fulk, "which of you causes himself to be called

'Fulk'?"

"Sir," said Piers, "I am a knight, and am called Fulk."

"By God," said he, "Sir Fulk, rise quickly, and bind well and
tight all your companions, or if not, you shall be the first to lose
your head."

Piers was much terrified with the threat, and rose; and he
unbound the lord and the lady and all the rest of the household,
and bound well and tight all his companions. And when all were
bound, Fulk made him cut off the heads of all those whom he
had bound. And when he had beheaded all his companions, [said
Fulk], "You recreant knight who cause yourself to be called
Fulk, you lie in doing so. I am Fulk, and that you shall know
well; and I will pay you off for falsely procuring me the
reputation of a robber." And he immediately cut off his head;
and when he had done that, he called his companions, and they
supped, and enjoyed themselves much. And thus Sir Fulk saved
Sir Robert and all his treasure, that nothing was lost.

Fulk leaves a false trail

The king very often did great damage to Sir Fulk. And Sir Fulk,
107
strong and bold as he was, was also prudent and crafty; for the We are told that when
king and his people very often pursued Sir Fulk by the footmarks the Scottish patriot,
of his horses; and Sir Fulk very often caused his horses to be Robert Bruce, fled from
shoed with the shoes reversed,107 so that the king was deceived London to head a rising
and tricked in the pursuit. Many a hard battle Fulk endured of his countrymen, he
before he gained his heritage. adopted this same
expedient of having his
horse shoed with the
 shoes turned backward, in
order to deceive his
pursuers. It seems to have
been not an uncommon
trick in the middle ages.
[And you know who does
it also!.]

John of Rampaigne disguises himself as a minstrel

Sir Fulk took leave of Sir Robert Fitz Sampson, and went to
108
Alberbury, and caused his lodging to be made in a forest near the The jongleur, or
river. Fulk called John de Rampaigne; "John," said he, "you minstrel, was so welcome
know enough of minstrelsy and jongleury;108 dare you go to a guest wherever he went,
White-Town, and play before Morris Fitz Roger, and spy how that he was often
things are going on?" employed as a spy, or the
guise of a minstrel
"Yea," said John. He caused a herb to be crushed and put it in adopted for that purpose.
his mouth; and his face began to enlarge and swell very great, The account given here is
and became all discolored that his own companions hardly knew an admirable and correct
him. John dressed himself very poorly, and took his box with his picture of a minstrel of
instruments of jongleury and a great staff in his hand; came to this period. [Minstrels or
White-Town, and said that he was a jongleur. The porter took jongleurs or troubadours
him before Sir Morris Fitz Roger; and Morris asked him where came in a number of
he was born. different flavors. At the
top of the heap were
"Sir," said he, "in the march of Scotland." highly educated
individuals, who often
"And what news?" could read Latin as well
as the vernacular, who
"Sir, I know none, except of Sir Fulk Fitz Warine, who has been were frequently
killed in a robbery which he was executing at the house of Sir employed by a single
Robert Fitz Sampson." lord. They might perform
the songs of others
"Do you say the truth?" (including, sometimes,
the compositions of the
"Yes, certainly," said he, "all the people of the country say so." great lords who employed
them), as well as their
"Minstrel," said he, "for your news I will give you this cup of own, and were court
fine silver." The minstrel took the cup, and thanked very much poets, although not the
his good lord. only kind to be found in a
great court. They might
John de Rampaigne was very ill-favored in face and body; and be from the lowest ranks
on this account the ribalds of the household made game of him of the nobility (and
and treated him roughly and pulled him by his hair and by his usually younger sons) or
feet. He raised his staff, and struck a ribald on the head, that his from common
brain flew into the midst of the place. backgrounds. Blondin,
the troubadour of Richard
the Lionheart of England,
"Wretched ribald," said the lord, "what have you done?" fell into this category; he
found Richard when
"Sir," said he, "for God's mercy, I cannot help it; I have a disease Richard was being held in
which is very grievous, which you may see by my face which is captivity by the German
so much swollen. And this disease takes entire possession of me Emperor Philip by
at certain hours of the day, whereby I have not power to govern wandering through the
myself." empire singing a song
that Richard, an
Morris swore a great oath, that if it were not for the news he had accomplished poet, had
brought, he would have his head cut off immediately. The himself composed. Other
jongleur hastened his departure, for the time he remained there minstrels were itinerant,
seemed very long. He returned to Fulk, and told him from word and led a more chancy
to word how he had proceeded, and said that he had heard in the existence.]
court that Sir Morris and his fifteen knights and his household
would go on the morrow to the castle of Shrewsbury, for he was
keeper of all the march. When Sir Fulk knew that, he was very
glad and his companions also.

109
Fulk rose early on the morrow, and was armed all at his will, and Ness is a parish about
his companions likewise. Morris came towards Shrewsbury, and seven miles to the north-
fifteen knights with him, and the four sons of Guy Fitz Candelou west of Shrewsbury,
of Porkingtone, and the rest of his household. And when Fulk through which the road
saw him, he was very glad; and he was much angered against runs from that town to
him, because he detained from him his inheritance by force. Oswestry and
Morris looked towards the pass of Nesse,109 and saw a shield Whittington. The scene of
quartered with gules and indented argent, and by his arms knew this adventure was
that it was Fulk. "Now know I well," said Morris, "that jongleurs perhaps the neighborhood
are liars; for there is Fulk." of the hill called Ness-
cliff, which overlooks the
Morris and his knights were very courageous; and they boldly road, and in the state of
attacked Fulk and his companions, and called them thieves, and the country at that time
said that before evening their heads should be placed on the high was probably the best
tower of Shrewsbury. Fulk and his brothers defended themselves position along the road
very vigorously; and there were Morris and his fifteen knights for laying in ambush to
and the four sons of Guy Fitz Candelou of Porkingtone slain; intercept a party going to
and by so many had Fulk the fewer enemies. Shrewsbury.

Fulk takes refuge with Prince Lewis of Wales

Fulk and his companions went their way thence toward
Rhuddlan to talk with Sir Lewis,110 the prince, who had married 110
Lewys, we must of
Joan, the daughter of King Henry, sister of King John; for the course understand
prince and Sir Fulk and his brothers were educated together in Llewellyn, the prince of
the court of King Henry. The prince was very glad of Sir Fulk's Wales, who married King
visit, and asked him what accord there was between the king and John's illegitimate
him daughter, Joan.

"Sir," said Fulk, "none, for I cannot have peace for anything; and
therefore, sir, am I come to you and to my good lady to have
your peace."

"Truly," said the prince, "my peace I grant and give you, and
from me you shall have good protection. The king of England
knows not how to have peace with you or me or anyone else."

"Sir," said Fulk, "much thanks; for I trust me much in you and in
your great loyalty. And, since you have granted me your peace, I
will tell you another thing; truly, sir, Morris Fitz Roger is dead;
for I have slain him."

When the prince knew that Morris was dead, he was much
enraged; and said that, if he had not given him his peace, he
would have had him drawn and hanged, because Morris was his
cousin. Then came the good lady, and brought about an accord
between the prince and Sir Fulk, so that they embraced each
other and all offences were forgiven.

111
At this time there was great discord between Prince Lewis and Gwenwynwyn
Gwenwynwyn, the son of Owen Keveyloc;111 and to this succeeded to the
Gwenwynwyn great part of the country of Powys belonged, and sovereignty of the higher
he was very proud, haughty, and fierce, and would not submit to Powys on the death of his
the prince in anything, but made great destruction in his land. father, Owen Cyveilioc,
The prince by force had totally demolished the castle of in 1197. In 1201,
Metheyn,112 and had taken into his hand Mochnant,113 Llewelyn prince of North
Lannerth,114 and other lands which belonged to Gwenwynwyn. Wales, at peace with king
The prince entrusted the mastery of all his land to Fulk, and John, called a great
commanded him to go against Gwenwynwyn and destroy all his council of the Welsh
lands. Fulk was prudent and cautious, and knew well that the chieftains to receive their
wrong was on the prince's side; so he said to him in fair manner: fealties as their suzerain,
"Sir, for God's sake," said he, "pardon! if you do that which you at which Gwenwynwyn
have devised, you will be much blamed in foreign kingdoms by refused to attend.
everybody. And, sir, if you please, be not offended that I tell it to Llewelyn, with the
you, all people say that you have sinned against him. And authority of the whole
therefore, sir, for God's sake have mercy towards him, and he assembly of chieftains,
will return to his service to you at your will, and will serve you made war upon the prince
with gladness. And you do not know when you will have need of of Powys, and invaded
your barons." Fulk preached and talked so much to the prince, his territories ; but
that the prince and Gwenwynwyn were reconciled; and the through the mediation of
prince restored to him all his lands which had been before taken mutual friends, a
from him. reconciliation was
effected, and
King John was at Winchester. At length came news to him that Gwenwynwyn made his
Fulk had slain Morris Fitz Roger, and that he was dwelling with submission. These events
Prince Lewis, who had married Joan, his sister; upon which he occurred just about the
became very thoughtful, and for a good while uttered not a word. time of this part of the
Then he said: "Ha! St. Mary! I am king, rule England, am duke adventures of Fulk fitz
of Anjou and Normandy, and all Ireland is in my lordship; and I Warine, and seem to be
 those alluded to in the
cannot find or have in all my dominion, give what I will, anyone text.
who will avenge me for the injury and shame that Fulk has done
112
me. But I will not fail to avenge myself of the prince." Probably Mathrafal, in
Montgomeryshire, an
ancient palace of the
princes of Powys, where
a castle was built early in
John's reign.
113
The wild romantic
valley of Mochnant, on
the borders of the
counties of Denbigh and
Merioneth, is well-known
to travellers in search of
Welsh scenery, on
account of its lofty
cataract, the celebrated
Pistyl-Rhaiadr.
114
Llanerch, in
Denbighshire.

King John attacks Fulk and Lewis

He caused to be summoned to Shrewsbury all his earls and
115
barons and his other knights, that they should be on a certain day At Shrewsbury. King
at Shrewsbury with all their people.115 And when they were John himself was not at
come to Shrewsbury, Lewis was warned by his friends that King Shrewsbury until the
John would stir up great war against him; and he called Fulk, latter days of the month
and showed him all the circumstances. of January 1209, long
after Fulk and his
companions had been
pardoned, so that, so far
as relates to the presence
of the king in these
transactions, the narrative
here cannot be correct.
The narrator may,
however, have inserted
here the traditional
account of events which
really occurred in King
John's expedition against
the Welsh at a subsequent
date. The king was,
however, on the border
immediately after his
coronation. He was at
 Gloucester on the 29th
and 30th of October,
1200; at Westbury, on the
30th and most of the
same month; at St.
Briavells, from the 1st to
the 3rd of November; at
Hereford, on the 4th and
5th at Ledbury, on the 6th
at Upton Bishop, on the
7th at Feckenham, on the
8th and 9th at
Bridgenorth, from the
11th to the 14th; and on
the 15th at Haywood, in
Nottinghamshire, on his
return.

116
Fulk caused to assemble at castle Balaham in Pentlyn thirty It is called Balaha
thousand good men;116 and Gwenwynwyn, the son of Owen, below, and was no doubt
came with his men, who were strong and bold. Fulk was skillful Bala, in Merionethshire,
enough in war, and knew well all the passes by which it called by Powell, sub
behooved king John to pass. And the pass was very narrow, annis 1202-3, "Bala, in
closed in by woods and marshes, so that he could pass only by Penlhyn."
the high way. And the pass is called the Ford of Gymele.117 Fulk
117
and Gwenwynwyn and their people came to the pass, and caused The description is not
a long, deep, and broad ditch to be dug across the highway; and sufficiently precise to
they caused the ditch to be filled with water, so that, what for the make it easy to identify
ditch and the marsh, nobody could pass. And beyond the ditch the locality here alluded
they made a defense of pales very well fortified; and the ditch to, though it is a question
may still be seen. well worth investigation.
The dyke spoken of was
King John with all his army came to the ford, and thought to probably an ancient
pass it safely; but they saw on the other side more than ten earthwork. The haut
thousand knights in arms, who guarded the passage. Fulk and his chemyn, which is spoken
companions had passed the ford by a secret road which they had of as a causeway, was
made, and were on that side where the king was, and perhaps a Roman road,
Gwenwynwyn and many other knights with them. The king which seems to have run
cried Fulk, and the king's knights on all sides assailed Fulk; but along the valley of the
it was much to their disadvantage, that they could not come at Dee.
him except in front by the causeway. Fulk and his companions
defended themselves like lions, and were often dismounted and
often remounted; and many of the king's knights were slain; and
Gwenwynwyn was sorely wounded in the head through the
helm.

When Fulk saw that he and his people could not long hold out on
the outside of their ditch, they returned by their secret way, and
defended their pales and the ditch, and hurled and threw quarrels
and other darts on the king's people, and slew a great number,
and wounded people beyond measure. This fierce and hard battle
lasted till evening. When the king saw so many of his people
slain and wounded, he was so grieved that he knew not what to
do; but he returned to Shrewsbury.

King John was a man without conscience, wicked, quarrelsome,

and hated by all good people, and lecherous; and if he could hear
of any handsome lady or damsel, wife or daughter of earl or
baron or other, he would have her at his will; either seducing her
by promise or gift, or ravishing her by force. And therefore he
was the more hated; and for this reason many of the great lords
of England had thrown up their homages to the king; for which
the king was the less feared.

Lewis grants Fulk White-Town

John Lestrange, lord of Knokyn and of Ruton,118 held always
118
with the king, and did damage to the prince's people. And Knockin and Ruyton
therefore the prince caused the castle of Ruton to be demolished, are respectively about
and took his people and imprisoned them; at which John was eight miles SSE and
much grieved. The prince came to castle Balaham, and called twelve miles SE of
Fulk, and gave and restored to him all White-Town, his Oswestry. The Lestranges
inheritance, and Estrat, and Dinorben. Fulk thanked him much, of Knockin are said to
and took those he would and went to White-Town; and caused have been descended
the castle to be thoroughly fortified and repaired. from the youngest of the
sons of the Guy
Lestrange who figures in
the earlier pages of this
history, of whom the
John Lestrange, here
mentioned, was a
grandson. The truth of the
statement that his castles
had been destroyed in the
border wars of King
John's reign, is proved by
the circumstance, that in
the 3rd of Henry III, he
obtained the king's
precept to the sheriff of
Shropshire for aid to
rebuild his castle of
Knockin. John
Lestrange's steady
adherence to King John is
proved by abundant
evidence, and this fidelity
 is spoken of years
afterwards by Henry III
in granting
Wrockwardine to his son.

Fulk is attacked at White-Town, his brother wounded, and

Sir Audulf de Bracy captured
119
John Lestrange went to the king and told him how Fulk had Henry de Audley, or
caused him great loss of his people and demolished his castle of Alditheley, the founder of
Ruton; and prayed the king (for he was in favor with him) that the great family of the
he would aid him with power, and he would avenge him Audleys, was
effectually on Fulk and his people. The king called Sir Henry de distinguished by his
Audley, who was lord and first conqueror of Red Castle and of attachment to the cause of
the honor;119 and commanded him to take ten thousand knights king John during the
of the most valiant in England, and that he and his knights whole of his wars with
should be in all things obedient to Sir John Lestrange. Sir Henry the barons. Henry de
and Sir John and their knights proceeded towards White-Town; Audley built Redcastle, in
and, in their progress, slew all they found, men and women, and Shropshire, in the reign
robbed the country. The cry was raised everywhere. Fulk was at of Henry III.
White-Town, and entertained there a fair company, because he
had then now entry into his lands; and there were there from
Wales seven hundred knights, and many sergeants.

120
When the news came to Fulk that Sir John and Sir Henry were Middle is a village
approaching those parts, they armed at once and went privately about seven miles to the
to the pass of Mudle.120 And when Sir John saw Sir Fulk, he north of Shrewsbury, at
spurred his steed, and struck Sir Fulk with his lance that it flew which are the remains of
into little pieces. And Sir Fulk in return struck Sir John in the a castle erected there to
face through the helm, that the blow was apparent all his life; command the valley or
and Sir John fell all flat on the ground. Sir John was very pass.
valiant; he jumped up quickly on his feet, and shouted very loud:
"Now, lords, all at Fulk!"

121
Fulk replied proudly: "Right," said he, "and Fulk at all!" Then The Corbets were lords
the knights on both sides encountered each other. Fulk and Sir of Caus in Shropshire.
Thomas Corbet121 and his other companions slew many. Alan Thomas Corbet was
Fitz Warine and Philip, his brother, were wounded. When Fulk eldest son of Robert
saw his brothers wounded, he went almost mad with rage. Sir Corbet, baron of Caus;
Fulk put himself in the thick of the fight, and whomever he but as his father survived
reached, he could have no succor from death. Sir Fulk had that king John, he was not
day but seven hundred knights, and the others were ten thousand himself lord of Caus
and more; wherefore Fulk could not conquer in the battle, but during that king's reign.
returned towards White-Town. Sir Audulf de Bracy was Thomas Corbet's
dismounted in the press, and defended himself very disaffection, however,
courageously; but at length he was taken and carried to which lasted till the end
Shrewsbury. Sir Henry and Sir John were very glad of the of John's reign, was made
capture; and came to Shrewsbury to the king's presence, and the ground of
gave up Sir Audulf to the king, who questioned him very proceedings against the
proudly, and swore a great oath that he would have him drawn father, and his castle of
and hanged, because he was his traitor and his thief, and had Caus was seized to the
slain his knights, burnt his cities, and demolished his castles. crown, and was not
Audulf replied to him boldly, and said that he was never traitor, restored until the third of
nor any of his lineage. Henry 111. "If Thomas
Corbet were in arms with
Fitz Warine at the very
beginning of the
thirteenth century, he
must have lived to an
extraordinary age, for he
died, I think, in 1273. I
do not, however, question
the accuracy of the
chronicle in this matter,
and there are other
evidences of Thomas
Corbet's entry upon
active life, at least as
early as the time here
implied." R. W. E.

John de Rampaigne rescues Sir Audulf

Fulk was at White-Town, and caused his brothers and his other
122
people to be washed and doctored. At length he bethought him The whole of these
of Sir Audulf, and caused him to be sought everywhere; and adventures of John de
when he could not be found, he thought he should never see him Rampaigne furnish a
again, and made so great lamentation that one could not do most interesting picture
more. At last came John de Rampaigne, and saw Fulk making of the manners of the
this lamentation.122 minstrels in the middle
ages, and the anecdote of
"Sir," said he, "leave this mourning; and, if God please, before his making himself
prime to-morrow you will hear good news of Sir Audulf de known to the prisoner by
Bracy; for I myself will go and talk with the king." a song, will remind the
reader of the story of
John de Rampaigne knew enough of tabor, harp, fiddle, citole, Richard I, when in prison,
and jongleury; and he attired himself very richly, like an earl or and the troubadour,
baron. And he caused his hair and all his body to be entirely Blondel de Nesle.
dyed as black as jet, so that nothing was white except his teeth.
And he hung round his neck a very fair tabor; then mounted a
handsome palfrey and rode through the town of Shrewsbury to
the gate of the castle; and by many a one was he looked at. John
came before the king, and placed himself on his knees, and
saluted the king very courteously. The king returned his
salutation, and asked him whence he was?

"Sire," said he, "I am an Ethiopian minstrel, born in Ethiopia."

Said the king: "Are all the people in your land of your color?"

"Yea, my lord, man and woman."

"What do they say in foreign realms of me?"

"Sire," said he, "you are the most renowned king of all
Christendom; and, for your great renown, am I come to see you."

"Fair sir," said the king, "you are welcome."

"Sire, my lord, great thanks." John said he was more renowned

for wickedness than goodness; but the king heard him not.

John during the day made great minstrelsy of tabor and other
instruments. When the king was gone to bed, Sir Henry de
Audley sent for the black minstrel, and led him into his chamber.
And they made great melody; and when Sir Henry had drunk
well, then he said to a valet, "Go and fetch Sir Audulf de Bracy,
whom the king will put to death to-morrow; for he shall have a
good night of it before his death."

123
The valet soon brought Sir Audulf into the chamber. Then they [The word "juggler" is
talked and played. John commenced a song which Sir Audulf the same in French as
used to sing; Sir Audulf raised his head, looked at him full in the "jongleur" and it reflects
face, and with great difficulty recognized him. Sir Henry asked the variety of entertaining
for some drink; John was very serviceable, jumped nimbly on skills that jongleurs might
his feet, and served the cup before them all. John was sly; he be expected to have.]
threw a powder into the cup, which nobody perceived, for he
was a good juggler;123 and all who drunk became so sleepy that 124
Whittington is sixteen
soon after drinking they lay down and fell asleep. And when miles from Shrewsbury;
they were all asleep, John took a fool whom the king had, and so that this would give
placed him between the two knights who had the custody of Sir about a mile and a half of
Audulf. John and Sir Audulf took the towels and sheets which our present measure to
were in the chamber; and, by a window towards Severn, escaped the league, according to
and went to White-Town, which was twelve leagues from the estimate of the
Shrewsbury.124 The thing could not be long concealed; for next thirteenth century.
day the whole truth was told to the king, who was much enraged
at the escape.

Fulk had risen early on the morrow, for he had slept little during
the night; he was looking towards Shrewsbury, and saw Sir
Audulf and John coming. It need not be asked if he was glad
when he saw them; he ran to embrace and kiss them. He asked
them what news; and Sir Audulf related to him how John had
acted and how they escaped; on which Fulk, who was before
sorrowful, made great solace and great joy.
How the king tried to seize Maude de Caus, Fulk's wife and
about Fulk and Maude's children
125
Now let us leave Fulk and talk of Dame Maude de Caus. When To the minster or
the king, who had so much lusted for her, knew of a truth that cathedral of Canterbury.
she was married to Sir Fulk, his enemy, by the counsel of
archbishop Hubert, he did great damage to the archbishop and to 126
"Hawise must have
the lady; for he wanted to have her carried off by force. And she married William Pantulf,
fled to the church,125 and was there delivered of a daughter, baron of Wem. This is the
whom the archbishop baptized by the name of Hawise, and who only record I have met
was afterwards lady of Wem.126 Fulk and his companions came with of the marriage,
one night to Canterbury, and conducted the lady from thence to which is, however, very
Hugford, and she remained awhile there. Then she became again probable; for on the death
with child, and was residing privately at Alberbury. And the of William Pantulf, in
king set spies upon her, and she went thence privately to 1233, Fulk fitz Warine
Shrewsbury; and there she was followed by the spies, and she purchased the wardship
was too big to support the labor of removing from thence. And and marriage of his infant
she took refuge in the church of Our Lady at Shrewsbury;127 and heirs (Fines, vol. i, p.
was there delivered of a daughter who was baptized Joan, who 237)." R. W. E.
was afterwards married to Sir Henry de Pembridge.
Subsequently Maude had a son, who was born on a mountain in 127
St. Mary's is one of the
Wales, and was baptized John in a brook which comes from the most interesting churches
Maidens' well. The lady and the child were very weak; for the in Shrewsbury, and a
child was born two months before its term. And when the child great part of the building
was confirmed by the bishop, it was named Fulk. The lady and is the same which was
the child, who were weak, were carried from the Mountain to a standing at the time when
grange, which was that at Carreganant. the lady Maude is said to
have taken refuge in it.
Prince Lewis makes peace with King John and Fulk leaves
the country 128
This statement is
When the king could in nowise avenge himself of Fulk, or put correct. Sir Henry de
the lady to shame and take her, he wrote a letter to the Prince Pembridge (of Pembridge
Lewis, who had married his sister Joan, and prayed him out of in Herefordshire) was
love to expel from his household his mortal enemy and his felon sheriff of that county in
(that was, Fulk); and he would restore to him all the lands which the 42nd and 43rd Henry
his ancestors had ever taken from his lordship, on condition that III. Pembridge is a village
he should cause him to have the body of Fulk. The prince called about halfway between
into his chamber Joan, his wife, and showed her the letter which Leominster and Kington.
the king her brother had sent him. When the lady had heard the
letter, she sent privately to Sir Fulk all the tenor of it and that the 129
Leland, from the
king wanted to accord with her lord. When Fulk heard this news, English poem, calls this
he was much grieved and feared treason; he sent dame Maude by the Maiden-frith; but I
Baldwin de Hodnet privately to the bishop of Canterbury, and can identify neither it nor
assigned Baldwin to come to him at Dover. Fulk and his four Carreganant, mentioned
brothers and Audulf and John de Rampaigne armed themselves in connection with it.
at their will, and their other people, and came to castle Balaha
before the prince.

"Sire," said Fulk, "I have served you to my power loyally; but
now, sir, one knows not in whom to put trust; for, in return for
the king's great promise, you intend to desert me. And the king
has sent you a letter, which, sir, you have concealed from me;
wherefore, sir, I fear the more."

"Fulk," said the prince, "remain with me; for, truly, I had no
thought of committing treason against you."

130
"Truly, sir," said Fulk, "I believe it full well; but, sir, I will not [In the county of
remain in any wise." And he took leave of the prince and of all Boulogne; in other words,
his companions. From thence he wandered so day and night that Fulk is arriving in
he came to Dover; and there he met Baldwin, who had Eustace's neck of the
conducted the lady to the archbishop. And they put themselves woods and more or less
to sea, and arrived at Wissant.130 in Eustace's day.]

Fulk resides incognito at the court of King Philip of France

Fulk and his brothers and his other companions, when they came
to Paris, saw King Philip of France,131 who was come to the 131
Philip II, who occupied
fields to see the knights of France joust. Fulk remained silent, the French throne from
and so did his companions; when they saw so fair an 1180 to 1223. The known
assemblage, they remained to see the jousts. When the French hostility of Philip to King
saw the knights of England, they labored much the more to do John, gives a great air of
well. Then Sir Druz de Montbener, a very proud Frenchman, probability to this part of
sent to Sir Fulk and asked him to joust with him; and Fulk the story, and at the time
immediately granted him his request. Fulk and his brothers at which it may be
armed and mounted their good steeds. John de Rampaigne was supposed to have
very richly attired and well mounted; and he had a very rich occurred, there was a
tabor, and he struck the tabor at the entrance of the lists, that the temporary but insincere
hills and valleys rebounded and the horses became joyful. peace between the two
monarchs, which ended
When the king saw Sir Fulk armed, he said to Sir Druz de after the murder of Arthur
Montbener: "Be on your guard; for this English knight is very of Britany, in 1202. It is
able and valiant, and this is very apparent." hardly worth the labor to
attempt to ascertain if
"Sire," said he, "there is not a knight in all the world whom I such a person as Sir Druz
dare not encounter, on horse or on foot, body against body." de Montbener ever
existed, or who he was.
"God be with you!" said the king. [However, the word
"druz" means lover in
Fulk and Sir Druz spurred their steeds and encountered each French, so the knight's
other. Fulk struck him with his lance in the middle of the shield name might be translated
and pierced his good hauberk, and through the shoulder, that the as "Sir Lover." That
lance flew in pieces; and Sir Druz fell all flat on the ground. suggests that the author is
Fulk took the horse of Sir Druz; he led it away, and sent it as a making a little fun of
present to air Druz, for Sir Fulk had no desire to keep the horse. courtly love ideals, in
At last came a French knight, who volunteered to avenge Sir which being in love was
Druz; he struck Fulk with his lance in the middle of the shield, supposed to make one a
that his lance broke. Fulk returned the blow in the middle of his better fighter.]
helm, that he all bruised his lance; and the knight quitted his
saddle, whether he would or not. Fulk's brothers and his
companions were ready to joust; but the king would not suffer it.
The king came pricking to Fulk, and said to him: "English
knight, God bless you; for you have demeaned yourself right
well." And he invited him to remain with him. Fulk thanked the
king much, and consented to be at his will. Fulk that day was by
many a one regarded, praised, and esteemed everywhere. Fulk
had such favor that he came never to any place where courage,
knighthood, prowess, or goodness was, that he was not held the
best and without equal.

132
Fulk remained with King Philip of France, and was loved and The name thus assumed
honored by the king and the queen and all good people. The king by Fulk fitz Warine,
asked him what was his name; Fulk said that he was called Amis which means literally
du Bois.132 Amys of the Wood, is
quite in character with his
"Sir Amis," said the king, "you know Fulk Fitz Warine, of whom position as an outlaw. [In
they say much good every where?" fact, it is the name of the
hero of the epic Amis et
"Yes, sire," said he, "I have often seen him." Amiles, which dates from
the early 13th century,
"Of what stature is he?" although the legend was
current from the 11th
"Sire, to my estimation, he is of the same stature as I am." century.]

Said the king, "It may well be, for you are both valiant."

Fulk could hear of no tournament or jousts in all France but he

would be there; and everywhere he was prized, loved, and
honored, for his prowess and his liberality.

133
When the king of England knew that Sir Fulk was residing with [St. Denis was the
king Philip of France, he sent to the king and prayed him, if he patron saint of France.]
pleased, that he would expel from his household and from his
suite Fulk Fitz Warine, his mortal enemy. When the king of
France had heard the letter, he declared by St. Denis133 that no
such knight was in his retinue; and this was the answer he sent to
the king of England.

When Sir Fulk heard this news, he came to the king of France
and asked leave to go. Said the king, "Tell me if anything is
wanting to you, and I will cause full amends to be made for
anything that gives you cause to leave me."

"Sire," said he, "I have heard such news as compels me to go."
And by this speech the king understood that he was Fulk.

Said the king: "Sir Amis du Bois, I think that you are Fulk Fitz
Warine."

"Truly, my lord, yes."

Said the king: "You shall dwell with me, and I will give you
richer lands than ever you had in England."

"Truly, sire," said he, "he is not worthy to receive lands of

another's gift, who cannot hold rightfully those which are his
own by direct heritage."

Fulk takes ship with Mador the Mariner

Fulk took leave of the king, and came to the sea; and he saw the
ships afloat on the sea, and no wind was towards England,
though the weather was fair enough. Fulk saw a mariner, who
seemed bold and courageous, and he called him to him and said:
"Fair sir, is this ship yours?"

"Sir," said he, "yes."

"What is your name?"

"Sir," said he, "Mador of the mount of Russia, where I was

born."

"Mador," said Fulk, "do you know well this business, and to
carry people by sea into divers regions?"

"Truly, sir, there is not a land of any renown in Christendom,

whither I could not conduct a ship well and safely."

134
"Truly," said Fulk, "you have a very perilous occupation. Tell This anecdote is not
me, Mador, fair sweet brother, of what death died your new, but was, if I
father?"134 remember right, taken
from one of the old
Mador replied to him that he was drowned in the sea. classical writers. The
adventures of Fulk in the
"How your grandfather?" Northern Seas are rather
too marvelous in
"The same." character to invite much
critical investigation, and
"How your great grandfather?" I may merely observe,
that they are in perfect
"In the same manner; and all my relations that I know to the accordance with the
fourth degree." general knowledge (or
rather, in this case,
"Truly," said Fulk, "you are very fool-hardy that you dare go to ignorance) and belief of
sea." people of that age with
 regard to the regions he is
"Sir," said he, "wherefore? Every creature will have the death said to have visited.
which is destined for him. Sir," said Mador, "if you please,
answer my question: where did your father die?"

"Truly, in his bed."

"Where your grandfather?"

"The same."

"Where your great-grandfather?"

"Truly, all of my lineage that I know died in their beds."

"Truly, sir," said Mador, "since all your lineage died in beds, I
marvel greatly that you have dared to go into any bed." And then
Fulk perceived that the mariner had told him the truth, that every
man shall have such death as is destined for him, and he knows
not which, on land or in water.

Fulk takes up the pirate's life

Fulk spoke to Mador, who knew the manner of ships, and prayed
him for love and for money that he would devise and ordain a
ship, and he would pay the costs. Mador agreed to it. The ship
was made in a forest beside the sea, according to the design of
Mador in all points, and all the ropes and other furniture that
belonged to it, so well and so richly as was wonderful; and it
was exceedingly well provisioned. Fulk and his brothers and his
men put to sea, and coasted England. Then saw Mador a ship
well fitted for fighting coming towards them; and when the ships
approached each other, a knight spoke to Mador and said:
"Master mariner, whose is that ship which is in your
governance? for none such is accustomed to pass here."

"Sir," said Mador, "it is mine."

"Faith!" said the knight, "it is not; you are thieves, and I know it
well by the quartering of the sail, which is the arms of Fulk Fitz
Warine; and he is in the ship, and before today is past I will
deliver his body to King John."

"Faith!" said Fulk, "you will not do so; but if you desire
anything of ours, you shall have it willingly."

"I will have," said he, "you all, and whatever you have, in spite
of you."
"Faith!" said Fulk, "you shall be proved a liar."

Mador, who was a good and bold mariner, let his ship sail; and
he ran right into the middle of the other ship, so that the sea
entered it. And thus the ship perished; but many a hard blow was
given first. And when the ship was conquered, Fulk and his
companions took great riches and provisions, and brought it into
their ship. At last the other ship perished and sank.

Fulk clears out a nest of pirates on an island and rescues the

daughter of the lord of Orkney
Fulk all that whole year continued coasting England; and he
desired to injure nobody but King John; and he often took his
goods, and whatever he could get of his. Fulk began to sail
towards Scotland; at last there came from the west a favoring
wind, which drove them three days from Scotland. At length
they saw an island that was very pleasant and fair, as they
judged, and they proceeded to it, and found good port. Fulk and
his four brothers and Audulf and Baldwin went on land to
observe the country and to victual their ship. At last they saw a
lad keeping sheep; and when he saw the knights, he went
forwards to them and saluted them in a corrupt Latin. Fulk asked
him if he knew of any meat to sell in the country.

"Truly, sir," said he, "no; for it is an isle which is inhabited by no

people, except a few, and these people live by their beasts. But if
you please to come with me, such meat as I have you shall have
willingly." Fulk thanked him, and went with him; the youth led
them into a cavern under ground, which was very fair, and made
them be seated, and showed them good countenance enough.
"Sir," said the youth, "I have a servant in the mountain; be not
annoyed if I sound the horn for him; and we will soon eat."

"In God's name, let it be so!" said Fulk. The lad went outside the
cavern, blew six moots, and returned into the cavern.

Soon there came six great and tall clowns and fierce, clad in
coarse and filthy tabards, and each had in his hand a great staff
which was hard and strong. And when Fulk saw them, he had
suspicion of their ill designs. The six clowns entered a chamber,
and put off their tabards, and dressed themselves in a green
scarlet and shoes of orfrey; and in all articles of dress they were
as richly attired as any king could be. And they returned to the
hall, and saluted Sir Fulk and his companions, and there was
brought to them a very rich chessboard with chessmen of fine
gold and silver. Sir William sat to a game; but he lost it
immediately. Sir John sat to another; it was immediately lost.
Philip, Alan, Baldwin, and Audulf, one after the other, sat to a
game, and each lost his game.

Then said one of the fiercest of the shepherds to Fulk, "Will you
play?"

"No," said he.

"Faith!" said the shepherd, "you shall play or wrestle, in spite of

your will."

"Faith!" said Sir Fulk, "wretched clown of a shepherd, you lie in

that; and, since I must wrestle or play in spite of my will, I will
play with you in the manner I have learnt." And he jumped up,
drew his sword, and struck him with it that his head flew into the
middle of the place; then another, then the third, until Fulk and
his companions slew all the clownish rascals.

Fulk entered a chamber, and found an old woman seated; and

she had a horn in her hand, and often put it to her mouth; but she
could not blow it at all. When she saw Fulk, she cried for mercy;
and he asked her what use the horn would be, if she could sound
it. The old woman told him that, if the horn were sounded,
succor would come to her in abundance. Fulk took the horn, and
passed into another chamber. Then he saw seven damsels, who
were wonderfully beautiful; and they were very richly dressed,
and were working very rich work. And when they saw Fulk, they
threw themselves on their knees, and cried him mercy. Fulk
asked them whence they were; and one said to him, "Sir," said
she, "I am the daughter of Aunflorreis of Orkney; and my lord
dwelling in a castle of his in Orkney, which is called castle
Bagot, and is on the sea, beside a very fair forest, it happened
that I and these damsels, with four knights and others, entered a
boat in the sea, and went to solace ourselves. At last came upon
us the seven sons of the old woman within, with their company,
in a ship; and they slew all our people, and brought us hither,
and have dishonored our bodies, against our will, God knows;
wherefore we pray in the name of God, in whom you believe,
that you will help us from this captivity, if you can escape hence;
for I see well, by your appearance, that you are not dwellers in
this country."

Fulk comforted the damsels, and said that he would aid them to
his power. Fulk and his companions found great riches, victual,
and armor, and there Fulk found the haubergeon, which he held
so rich and which he loved so much, which he used to use
privately, and which he would not in all his life for any
consideration sell or give.
 135
Fulk furnished his ship richly; and carried the damsels to his The reader need hardly
ship, and made them as much at their ease as he could. And then be informed that piracy
he commanded all his people to arm in haste; and when they was a general occupation
were all armed at will, then Fulk raised the hue and cry with the of the inhabitants of the
little horn which he had taken from the old woman, and then Northern Islands) the
there came running over the fields more than two hundred of the descendants of the old
thieves of the country. Fulk and his company run at them, and vikings.
they defended themselves vigorously. There were slain more
than two hundred of the robbers and thieves; for there was no
people in all that island but robbers and thieves,135 who used to
slay all they could reach or take by sea. Fulk asked Mador if he
knew how to conduct him by sea into the realm which they call
Orkney.

"Yes, truly," said he; "it is but an isle; and castle Bagot is very
near the port."

Fulk said: "At that castle would I be."

"Sir, within this day you shall be there."

When Fulk was arrived, then he asked the damsels if they had
knowledge of the country.

"Truly, sir," said the one, "this is the realm of Aunflour my

father."

Fulk came to the castle, and restored to the king his daughter and
the damsels; and he received them with great honor, and gave
Fulk rich gifts.

Fulk's ocean voyages

Fulk has sailed so much, to see marvels and adventures, that he
136
has gone round the seven isles of the ocean, Little Britain, Scania, or Scandia, or,
Ireland, Gothland, Norway, Denmark, Orkney, and Great as we now call it,
Eschanie.136 In Eschanie dwells no man but serpents and other Scandinavia.
foul beasts. And there Fulk saw horned serpents, and the horns
were very sharp-pointed; and they have four feet, and fly like
birds. One of these serpents assailed Fulk, and struck him with
his horn, and pierced through his shield in the middle. Fulk
wondered much at the blow; and he perceived very well that,
when the serpent struck him in the shield, he could not quickly
withdraw his horn; and Fulk stabbed him through the heart with
his sword.

Then saw Fulk a venomous animal which had the head of a 137
mastiff, a thick beard like a goat, and ears like a hare; and many
137
other animals which St. Patrick drove out of Ireland, and The story of the
inclosed them there through the virtue of God; for the good man expulsion of the
St. Patrick was in favor with him. And still no venomous animal
inhabits the land of Ireland except lizards without tails.137 venomous animals from
Ireland by St. Patrick, is
so well known, that it is
hardly necessary to
illustrate this passage.
Giraldus Cambrensis,
Topog. Hibern., c. 21)
says, ["Among all types
of vermin, Ireland
rejoices solely in those
that are not harmful; it
lacks all venomous ones.
It lacks serpents and
snakes; it lacks toads and
frogs, it lacks tortoises
and scorpions and it also
lacks dragons. It has,
however, spiders, has
leeches and has lizards,
but only harmless ones."]

Fulk and his men rescue the daughter of the duke of

Cartagena from a dragon
138
Fulk goes sailing towards the north over the ocean sea, beyond St. Clement was the
Orkney, and found so much cold and ice, that one could not patron of sailors, and is
endure the cold, nor could the ship pass forward in the sea for generally figured with an
the ice. Fulk turned back towards England. At length came a anchor.
very hideous tempest, whereby all expected to perish by the
tempest, and they cried devoutly to God and St. Clement138 to be
delivered from the storm. This tempest lasted them fifteen days.
They then saw land, but knew not what.

Fulk went ashore, and saw a very fair castle. He entered the
castle, for the gate was unclosed, and he found within neither
man nor beast living, nor in all the country. And he wondered
much that so fair a place should be inhabited by no one. He
returned to his ship, and told it to his company.

"Sir," said Mador, "let us leave the ship and go ashore, except
those who shall guard our provisions; and soon, perhaps, we
shall hear from somebody what is the matter with this country."

When they came on shore, they met a peasant. Mador asked him
what land it was, and how it was named, and why it was not
inhabited. The peasant told them that, "It is the kingdom of
Iberie, and this country is called Cartagena. This castle belongs
to the duke of Cartagena, who holds of the king of Iberie. This
duke had a daughter, the fairest maiden that one knew in the
kingdom of Iberie. This damsel mounted one day the principal
tower of the castle. Then came a flying dragon, and took the
damsel, and carried her to a high mountain in the sea, and ate
her. This dragon has slain and destroyed all this country; on
which account no man has dared to inhabit the country, nor has
the duke dared to enter this castle, the dragon is so hideous."

Fulk returned to his galley, and sailed forward. Then they saw a
great mountain in the sea.

"Sir," said Mador, "it is the mountain where the dragon dwells;
now we are all in great peril!"

"Hold your peace," said Fulk, "as yet you see nothing but good.
Master Mador, will you be dead of fear? Many a dragon we have
seen, and God has easily delivered us from danger. We were
never yet in peril from which, thank God, we have not well
escaped. Your bad comfort would put a coward to death."

Fulk took Audulf de Bracy, and by steps ascended the mountain,

which was very high; and when they came to the summit of the
mountain, they saw many a good hauberk, helm and swords and
other arms, lying there, and they saw beside the arms nothing but
people's bones. And they saw a large and fair tree, and a fountain
beneath it running with fair and clear water. Fulk looked about
him, and saw a hollow rock; raised his right arm and crossed
himself in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost;
drew his sword, and very boldly entered, as one who trusted
entirely in God. And he saw a very fair damsel weeping and
making great lamentation. Fulk asked her whence she was.

"Sir," said she, "I am daughter of the duke of Cartagena; and I

have been in here seven years. And I never saw a Christian
herein, unless he came against his will, and, if you have the
power, for God's sake, go away; for if the dragon come from
within, you will never escape."

"Truly," said Fulk, "I will not go hence till I hear and see more.
Damsel," said Fulk, "what does the dragon do with you? Does he
do you no harm?"

"Sir," said she, "the dragon is fierce and strong; and he would
carry an armed knight to these mountains, if he could take him in
his claws; and many a one has he brought and eaten, of whom
you may see there outside the bones; and he likes human flesh
better than any other. And when his hideous face and his beard
are covered with blood, then he comes to me, and makes me
wash with clear water his face and his beard and his breast. And
when he wants to sleep, he goes to his couch which is all of fine
gold; for such is his nature that he is very hot in the extreme, and
gold is very cold by nature; and, to cool himself, he lies on gold.
And when he goes to his couch, he takes a great stone, as you
may see there, and puts it before the door, for fear of me lest I
should kill him when asleep; for he has the sense of a man and
fears me greatly. And, in the end, I know well that he will slay
me."

"By God!" said Fulk, "if it please God, he shall not do it."

Fulk took the damsel, and gave her in charge to Sir Audulf, and
they came out from the rock. And they had not long come out
when they saw the flying dragon in the air come towards them,
and it cast forth from its mouth, which was hot, smoke and flame
very horrible. And it was a very foul beast; and it had a great
head, teeth squared, sharp claws, and long tail. The dragon,
when it saw Fulk, aimed at him, and with its claw in flying
struck him on the shield that it tore it through the middle. Fulk
raised his sword, and struck the dragon on the head as hard as he
could. And the blow did not hurt him at all, nor did he at all
flinch at the blow, so hard had he both bone and skin. The
dragon took his run from afar to strike hard; and Fulk, who could
not withstand the blow, shrunk behind the tree which stood
beyond the fountain.

Fulk perceived that he could not hurt the dragon in front, so he

contrived, at a return which the dragon made, to strike him well
in the body upon the tail, and cut it in two. The dragon began to
cry and roar; jumps at the damsel, and would take her and carry
her elsewhere; and Sir Audulf defended her. The dragon took Sir
Audulf with his claw so tightly that, if Fulk had not come very
hastily, he would have crushed him. Then came Fulk, and cut off
his paw, and with great difficulty set Sir Audulf free, for he had
fixed him hard with his paw through the hauberk. Fulk struck the
dragon through the middle of the mouth with his sword, and by
that slew him.

Fulk was very weary, and reposed himself awhile; then he went
to the dragon's sleeping place, and took all the gold he found
there and caused it to be carried to his galley. John de
Rampaigne examined the wound of Sir Audulf, and doctored it;
for he knew much of medicines. Mador turned back his ship
towards Cartage, and they arrived in the country, and restored to
the duke his daughter, who was very glad when he saw her. The
damsel related to her lord what life she had led, and how Fulk
slew the dragon. The, duke fell down at Fulk's feet, and thanked
him for his daughter; and prayed him, if he pleased, that he
would dwell in the country, and he would give him all Cartage
with his daughter in marriage. Fulk thanked him finely and
heartily for his fair offer, and said that he would willingly take
his daughter, if his Christianity would suffer it; for he had
already a married wife. This said, Fulk dwelt there until Audulf
was whole of his wound; and then he took leave of the duke,
who was very sorrowful for his departure. The duke gave them
many a good jewel and fair, and steeds very handsome and swift,
and to everyone he gave rich gifts.

139
Fulk disguises himself as a charcoal burner and traps King One incident in the
John adventures in Windsor
Fulk and his companions sailed towards England. When they forest, that with the
arrived at Dover, they went on shore, and left Mador with the collier, bears rather a
ship in a certain place where they could find him when they close resemblance to one
would. Fulk and his companions had learnt from the people who in the French metrical
passed them that king John was at Windsor,139 and they set out history of Eustace le
privily on the way towards Windsor. By day they slept and Moine [No kidding!].
reposed, and by night they wandered, until they came to the
forest; and there they lodged in a certain place where they used
before to be in the forest of Windsor, for Fulk knew all the parts
there. Then they heard huntsmen and men with hounds blow the
horn, and by that they knew that the king was going to hunt.
Fulk and his companions armed themselves very richly. Fulk
swore a great oath that for fear of death he would not abstain
from revenging himself on the king, who forcibly and
wrongfully had disinherited him, and from challenging loudly
his rights and his heritage. Fulk made his companions remain
there; and himself, he said, would go and look out for
adventures.

Fulk disguises himself as a collier

Fulk went his way, and met an old collier carrying a triblet140 in
140
his hand; and he was dressed all in black, as a collier ought to I have translated this by
be. Fulk prayed him for love that he would give him his clothes the word triblet, as the
and his triblet for money. "Sir,"said he, "willingly." Fulk gave only one I could get
him ten besants,141 and begged him for his love that he would not which seems to answer to
tell anybody of it. The collier went away. Fulk remained, and it. It was, perhaps, a rod
now dressed himself in the attire which the collier had given of iron, used in arranging
him, and went to his coals, and began to stir up the fire. Fulk saw the wood for burning;
a great iron fork, which he took in his hand, and arranged here though it is by no means
and there the pieces of wood. At length came the king with three impossible that we ought
knights, all on foot, to Fulk where he was arranging his fire. to read crible, a sieve. In
When Fulk saw the king, he knew him well enough, and he cast the manuscripts it is
the fork from his hand, and saluted his lord, and went on his impossible to distinguish
knees before him very humbly. The king and his three knights between c and t.
had great laughter and game at the breeding and bearing of the
collier; they stood there very long. 141
The value of a besant is
variously estimated at
Fulk captures king John from ten to twenty sols. It
"Sir villain," said the king, "have you seen no stag or doe pass was a foreign coin of
here?" gold, receiving its name
from Byzantium, and it is
"Yes, my lord, a while ago." therefore quite in
character that it should be
"What beast did you see?" the money which the
adventurers would
" Sir, my lord, a horned one; and it had long horns." possess on their return
from their strange
"Where is it?" wanderings abroad.

"Sir, my lord, I know very well how to lead you to where I saw
it."

"Onward, then, sir villain;142 and we will follow you." 142

[Villain is an old term
for an unfree peasant.]
"Sir," said the collier, "shall I take my fork in my hand? For, if it
were taken, I should have thereby a great loss."

"Yea, villain, if you will."

Fulk took the great fork of iron in his hand, and led the king to
shoot; for he had a very handsome bow.

"Sir, my lord," said Fulk, "will you please to wait, and I will go
into the thicket, and make the beast come this way by here?"

"Yea," said the king. Fulk hastily sprang into the thick of the
forest, and commanded his company hastily to seize upon King
John, "For I have brought him there, only with three knights; and
all his company is on the other side of the forest."

Fulk and his company leaped out of the thicket, and cried upon
the king, and seized him at once.

"Sir king," said Fulk, "now I have you in my power; such

judgment will I execute on you as you would on me if you had
taken me."

The king trembled with fear, for he had great dread of Fulk. Fulk
swore that he should die for the great damage and disinheriting
which he had done to him and to many a good man in England.
The king implored his mercy, and begged his life of him for the
love of God; and he would restore him entirely all his heritage
and whatever he had taken from him and from all his people, and
would grant him his love and peace for ever, and of this he
would make him in all things such security as he might himself
choose to devise. Fulk soon yielded his demand, on condition
that he gave him, in presence of his knights, his faith to keep this
covenant. The king pledged his faith that he would hold the
covenant, and he was very glad that he could thus escape.

142
And he returned to his palace, and caused his knights and his I can find no account of
courtiers to assemble, and told them from word to word how Sir this near relative to
Fulk had deceived him; and he said that he had made that oath royalty.
through force, and therefore he would not hold it; and
commanded that they should all arm in haste to take those felons
in the park. At length Sir James of Normandy,143 who was the
king's cousin, prayed that he might have the advanced guard;
and said that, "The English, nearly all the men of rank, are
cousins to Sir Fulk, and for that are traitors to the king, and will
not take those felons."

Then said Randulf earl of Chester:144 "In faith, sir knight! Saving 144
This was the celebrated
the honor of our lord the king, not yours, you lie." And he would Ranulf earl of Chester,
have struck him with his fist, and it not being for the earl who, having been born at
marshal; and said that they neither are nor never were traitors to Oswestry, and being so
the king nor to his, but he said right that all the men of rank and much connected with the
the king himself were cousins to Sir Fulk. border, could not but feel
an interest in the Fitz
Then said the earl marshal: "Let us go and pursue Sir Fulk; the Warines. The knight of
king will then see who will flinch for his cousenage." Normandy was quite
correct in his estimate of
Fulk wins a battle over Sir James of Normandy, but his the great connections
brother is wounded which the Fitz Warines
Sir James of Normandy and fifteen knights his companions had among the English
armed themselves very richly and all in white armor, and were barons. Earl Ranulf
all nobly mounted on white steeds; and he hurried forward with remained steady to the
his company, to have the capture. royal cause during his
wars with the barons. The
Now John de Rampaigne had spied all their proceedings, and earl marshal mentioned
told them to Sir Fulk, who could in no manner escape except by here, was the no less
battle. Sir Fulk and his companions armed themselves very celebrated Hugh Bigot.
richly, and put themselves boldly against Sir James, and
defended themselves vigorously, and slew all his companions
except four, who were almost wounded to death; and Sir James
was taken. Sir Fulk and his companions now armed themselves
with the arms of Sir James and of the other Normans; and
mounted their good steeds, which were white, for their own
steeds were tired and lean; and they armed Sir James with the
arms of Sir Fulk; and bound his mouth, that he could not speak,
and put his helm on his head; and rode towards the king. And
when he saw them, he knew them by their arms, and thought that
Sir James and his companions were bringing Sir Fulk.
Then Sir Fulk presented Sir James to the king, and said that it
was Sir Fulk. The earl of Chester and the earl marshal, when
they saw this, were very sorry. The king, for the present,
commanded him that he should kiss him; Sir Fulk said that he
could not wait to take off his helm, for he must go and pursue
the other Fitz-Warines. The king descended from his good steed,
and commanded him to mount it, for it was fleet to pursue his
enemies. Sir Fulk descended, and mounted the king's steed, and
went his way towards his companions, and they fled soon to a
distance of six leagues from thence. And there they disarmed in
a wood, and washed their wounds; and they bandaged the wound
of William, his brother, who was severely wounded by one of
the Normans, and they held him for dead, for which they all
made excessive lamentations.

The king commanded on the spot to hang Sir Fulk. At length

came Emery de Pin, a Gascon, who was kinsman to Sir James,
and said that he would hang him; and took him, and led him a
little from thence and caused his helm to be taken off; and now
he saw that it was James, and unbound his mouth. And he told
him all that had happened between him and Sir Fulk. Emery
came immediately to the king, and brought Sir James, who told
him how Sir Fulk had served him. And when the king perceived
that he was thus deceived, he was much vexed, and swore a
great oath that he would not divest himself of his hauberk until
he had taken these traitors. And of this Sir Fulk knew nothing.

Fulk is Wounded and his brother William captured

The king and his earls and barons pursued them by the footmark
of their horses, until they came almost to the wood where Fulk
was. And when Fulk perceived them, he wept and lamented for
William his brother, and held himself lost for ever. And William
begged of them that they would cut off his head and carry it with
them, that the king, when he found his body, might not know
who he was. Fulk said that he would not do that for the world,
and prayed very tenderly and in tears that God for his pity would
be to them in aid; and such grief as was among them, you never
saw greater made.

Ranulf, earl of Chester, came in the first place; and when he

perceived Sir Fulk, he commanded his company to halt, and
went alone to Sir Fulk, and prayed him for the love of God to
yield himself to the king, and he would answer for him for life
and limb, and his peace would be easily made with the king.
Fulk replied that he would not do that for all the wealth in the
world; "But, sir cousin, for the love of God, I pray you for my
brother, who is there, when he is dead, that you cause his body
to be buried, that wild beasts may not devour it, and ours too,
when we are dead. And return to your lord the king, and do your
duty to him without cowardice, and without having regard to us,
who are of your blood; and we will receive now here the destiny
which is ordained for us." The earl, all weeping, returned to his
company. Fulk remained, who very tenderly wept with pity for
his brother, whom he was compelled to leave there; and prays
God to succor and aid them.

145
The earl commanded his retinue and his company to the assault, Blées is of course
and they laid on vigorously. The earl himself attacked Sir Fulk; Blois.
but at last the earl lost his horse, and his retinue were in great
part slain. Fulk and his brothers defended themselves bravely;
and as Fulk was defending himself, Sir Berard de Blées245 came
behind him, and struck him with his sword in the side, and
believed he had killed him. At length Fulk turned round, and
returned the blow on his left shoulder with both his hands, and
cut through his heart and lung, and he fell dead from his steed.
Fulk had bled so much that he fainted on the neck of his steed,
and his sword fell from his hand. Then began grief wonderfully
among the brothers. John, his brother, leapt behind Fulk on the
steed, and held him up that he could not fall; and they took to
flight, for they had not power to remain. The king and his retinue
pursued them, but they could not take them. Then they wandered
all the night, till on the morrow morning they came to the sea to
Mador the mariner. Then Fulk revived, and asked where he was,
and in whose power; and his brothers comforted him in the best
way they could, and laid him in bed in the ship in a very fair bed,
and John de Rampaigne doctored his wounds.

The earl of Chester had lost greatly of his people, and saw near
him William Fitz-Warine almost dead, and took the body and
sent it to an abbey to be doctored. In the end he was discovered
there, and the king caused him to be brought in a litter to
Windsor before him, and caused him to be thrown into a deep
prison, and was much angered against the earl of Chester
because he concealed him. Said the king: "Fulk is mortally
wounded, and this one have I now here; the others I shall easily
take, be they where they will. Truly, I am greatly annoyed at the
pride of Fulk; for had it not been for his pride, he would have
been still alive. And as long as he was alive there was not such a
knight in all the world; wherefore it is a great loss to lose such a
knight."

Fulk is accidentally abandoned by his companions

In the sea near Spain is an island entirely closed in with high
rock, and there is only one entrance; it is called Beteloye,146 half 146
Perhaps this name is
a league long and as much broad, and there was neither man nor made up from one of the
beast inhabiting it. The sixth day they came to this isle. Fulk names Beetulo or Betuli,
began then to sleep, for during six days before he had not slept.
His brother and his retinue went on shore; and he himself alone placed in Spain by the
slept in the ship, which was attached to the rock. At length came ancient geographers.
a hideous wind, and broke the cords of the ship, and carried the Now that Fulk and his
ship out into the open sea. When Fulk awoke and saw the stars companions proceed
and the firmament, he called his brother John and his other abroad, the whole
companions; and nobody answered him, and he saw that he was becomes again a mere
alone on the open sea. And then he began to weep, and to curse romance, and we might
his destiny, which was so hard, and he regretted his brothers. as well imagine ourselves
Then a slumber seized upon him, and soon his ship arrived in the reading Guy of Warwick,
land of Barbary, at the city of Tunis. or Bevis of Hampton, or
any other romance of that
Fulk becomes the champion of the king of Barbary class, some of which
And there at that time was Messobryns, king of Barbary, with perhaps furnished the
four kings and six admirals, who were all Saracens. The king incidents of our story.
leaned on a tower towards the sea, and saw this marvelous galley
arrive in his land, and commanded two sergeants to go and see
what it was. The two sergeants entered the ship; they found
nothing but the knight, who was still asleep. The one pushed him
with his feet, and commanded him to awake. The knight jumped
up like a man in a fright, and struck him with his fist that he fell
overboard into the middle of the sea; the other took to flight, and
came to tell the king how it had happened to him. The king
commanded a hundred knights to go and take that ship, and
bring the knight to him. The hundred knights, all armed, came to
the ship, and assailed it on all sides. Fulk defended himself
courageously against them all; but at last he surrendered on
condition that he should have no hurt. They led him before the
king, who commanded that he should be served well in a
chamber.

147
Isorie, the king's sister, used often to visit and comfort him, and ["Lost sailor"]
was a very fair and gentle damsel; and she saw that he was
wounded in the side, and prayed him for love that he would tell
her how he was named, and from what land he was, and in what
manner he was wounded. He replied that he was named Marin le
Perdu147 of France, and that he loved tenderly from his heart a
damsel, daughter of an earl of his country, and she made him in
return great semblance of love; but she loved more another.
"And it happened that she and I one day were together through
great love, and she held me in her arms very tight; at length
came the other whom she loved more, and struck me here with a
sword; and then they placed me in a galley on the sea for dead,
and the galley brought me into these parts."

"Truly," said Isorie, "that damsel was not overly courteous."

Isorie took her harp, which was very rich, and made descants
and notes to solace Fulk; for she saw that he was handsome, and
of courtly breeding.

Fulk asked of Isorie the fair what was the noise that was before
the king in the hall.

148
"Truly," said she, "I will tell you. In the land of Iberie was a [This was a very
duke who was called duke of Cartagena, and he had a very fair common medieval
daughter, Ydoine of Cartagena. She during her father's life dwelt Christian misconception,
in his castle of Cartagena. At length came a dragon, and took her that Muslims worshiped
and carried her to a high mountain in the sea; and held her more Muhammad, as well as
than seven years, when there came to the mountain a knight of other gods. What is
England, who was called Fulk Fitz-Warine de Metz, and slew particularly interesting, is
the dragon, and restored her to her father. Soon after the duke that there is some
died, and she holds all the duchy. The king, my brother, sent evidence that Christians
messengers to her that he would take her to wife, and she refused of the tenth and eleventh
him; and for shame which the king had, he caused a great centuries, when they
multitude to be assembled, and destroyed her cities and beat knew anything about
down her castles. The damsel fled thence into a foreign country Muslims at all, had a
to seek succor; but now she is returned with people without more accurate picture of
number, and begins fiercely to make war upon the king, and she their beliefs. In the
is ready to do battle against host, or knight against knight, so that thirteenth century, the
if hers be vanquished she shall go to her own country; and if Qur'an was translated into
ours be vanquished, the king, my brother, shall make good all Latin (for use by
her damages. And upon this there came today proud messages; Christian missionaries),
and may it please the god Muhammad148 that you were such as so some more educated
you dare take the battle for the king my brother; for great honor people actually knew that
would accrue to you." Muslims worshiped God,
as they did.]
"Truly, my damsel, I am greatly obliged to my lord the king, and
especially to you; but I will never take battle for Saracen against
Christian, though I should lose my life. But if the king will
relinquish his faith, and become a Christian, and be baptized, I
will take the battle, and will save his land and his people, and
will cause him to have that damsel of whom you have told me."

Isorie went to tell to Messobryn, her brother, the king of

Barbary, all that Fulk, who had assumed the name of Marin le
Perdu of France, had promised her. The king at once granted all
that he would order, if Fulk could so carry out this business.

Fulk fights his brother

The day of the battle was ordained, the king armed Sir Fulk very
richly, and Isorie herself served him very willingly. The king
and his Barbarines, his admirals, and all his other people, were
richly armed, and much people with them; and they put forward
his knight Fulk, who was to do the battle; and the duchess put
forward her (knight). The knights, who were fierce, urged their
horses with spurs, and struck with their lances, that the pieces
flew about the field; then drew their swords, and encountered
each other courageously. Fulk struck the horse of his companion,
so that he fell dead, but he had wished to have smitten the
knight. When the knight was on the ground then he said;
"Wicked heathen, bad Saracen of an ill faith, may the God of
heaven curse you; why have you killed my horse?"

Fulk dismounted on foot and they fought together fiercely all the
day; when it was near the evening said the knight to Fulk; "Sir
pagan, you are strong and active; for the love of me where were
you born?"

"If you want to know my nation I will not tell you, unless you
tell me first about yours and I will grant it you."

The knight said that he was a Christian born in England, the son
of Warine de Metz, and he was called Philip le Rous. And he
told word by word in order entirely all his life and that of his
brothers, and how the duchess came in a ship by the island of
Betloye, and how she removed them in the ship and saved them.
For they were there half a year and more, and they ate their
horses for hunger. "And when the countess saw us, she knew us
at once, and found us whatever we needed; and told us that she
came from England, and that she had sought us there to maintain
her war; and such hard life have we led."

"Fair brother Philip the Red, do you not know me? I am Fulk,
your brother."

"Nay, truly, Sir Saracen, you are not; but now you would
deceive me. By God! you shall not do it!"

Then Fulk told him a true mark, by which he knew him well.
Then they made great joy, and postponed the battle till the
morrow. Philip told the duchess that it was Fulk his brother with
whom he had fought, so that by the counsel of Fulk and Philip
and his other brothers, the king and all his household were
baptized, and the king married the duchess with great honor.

Fulk and his brothers and his retinue remained a while with the
king, then prepared them very richly towards England. The king
gave them gold, silver, horses, arms, and all the riches that they
would have or desire; and they filled their ship with so much
riches as was wonderful.

John de Rampaigne disguises himself as a merchant

When they had arrived secretly in England, Fulk ordered that
149
John de Rampaigne should make himself a merchant and inquire At this place the
where king John was,149 and if William, his brother, were alive
or not. John dressed himself very richly in guise of a merchant, manuscript of the English
came to London, and lodged in the house of the mayor, and poem used by Leland
caused himself to be served very richly, and obtained the broke off abruptly, from
acquaintance of the mayor and all his household, and gave them mutilation.
fair gifts; and prayed the mayor that he would cause him to have
knowledge of the king, so that he could bring his ship to the During this period of his
shore in his land. And what he talked was corrupt Latin;150 but outlawry, Fulk fitz
the mayor understood it well. The mayor conducted him to the Warine appears to have
presence of King John at Westminster, and the merchant very been deserted by some of
courteously saluted him in his language. The king understood it his comrades, who had no
well, and asked who he was and whence he came. doubt joined him as an
ally in circumstances
similar to those in which
he had been thrown. We
find in the patent rolls
that on the 30th April,
1202, Eustache de
Kidwelly, one of Fulk's
companions, obtained his
own pardon. ["King, etc.,
to his justiciars,
viscounts, and all bailiffs
and faithful men of his in
England, etc. Know in as
much as it pertains to us
that we have pardoned
Eustace de Kidwelly
concerning the escape he
made and the outlawry
promulgated against him
upon the downfall of Fulk
fitz Warine, whose
companion he was. And
we permit him to return
to our land of England
and he shall have our
peace there. However, he
should make peace with
those against whom he
brought harm and
because of whom he took
flight; he should either
stand trial directly if
anyone wishes to speak
against him or he may
freely and without
impediment leave our
land of England if he
 does not wish to do this.
Witness, H. the
archbishop of
Canterbury, our
chancellor, at Ponte-de-
l'Arche, 30th day of
April."] The king was at
this time in Normandy, at
Pont-de-l'Arche.
150
This has been already
mentioned as the
language in which Fulk
conversed with the
pirates of Orkney, and it
is alluded to in other
medieval writings as a
dialect in which people of
different countries
understood one another,
especially merchants. It
was, in fact, something
like the Lingua Franca of
the Mediterranean in
modern times. It was
quite in the character of a
minstrel who traveled
from country to country
to understand it. [It would
be surprising, however,
for a king to admit to
understanding it!]

151
"Sir," said he, "I am a merchant of Greece, and have been in The city known as
Babylon,151 Alexandria, and India the Greater, and have a ship Babylon in the middle
laden with avoirdupois, rich cloths, pearls, horses, and other ages was Cairo in Egypt,
riches which might be of great worth to this kingdom." the capital of the
Egyptian califs. This city,
"I will," said the king, "that you and yours come to shore well in and that of Alexandria,
my land, and I will be your warrant." And they were were the great emporia of
commanded to stay and eat. The mayor and the merchant ate the medieval trade with
together before the king. At last came two sergeants-at-mace, the East, and especially
and conducted into the hall a tall knight, stout, with a long and with India.
black beard, and meanly clad, and they seated him in the midst
of the area, and gave him to eat. The merchant asked the mayor
who he was; and he told him a knight named Sir William Fitz
Warine, and related to him entirely all the affair of him and his
brothers. And when he heard him named, then he was very glad
that he saw him alive; but much grieved in his heart that he saw
him so ill at ease. The merchant, as soon as he could, hastened to
Sir Fulk, and told him all his proceedings, and caused them to
bring the ship as near the city as they could. On the morrow the
merchant took a white palfrey (there was not so beautiful a one
in all the kingdom), and presented it to king John, who received
it very joyfully on account of its beauty. The merchant gave so
liberally, that he made himself beloved by all, and could do in
court what he pleased.

William fitz Warine is rescued

One day he took his companions, and they armed themselves
well, and then put on their gowns as is the custom with mariners,
came to Westminster to court, and were there nobly received,
and saw William Fitz Warine who was led by his keepers
towards the prison. The merchant and his companions, in spite
of the keepers, took him by force and carried him to their boat,
which was afloat pretty near below the palace, and put
themselves in. The keepers raised the hue and cry, and pursued
them; but the merchants were well armed, and defended
themselves courageously, and escaped to their galley, and sailed
towards the high sea. When Fulk saw William, his brother, and
John de Rampaigne, who was merchant, it need not be asked if
he was joyful; they kissed each other, and each told the other his
adventures and his griefs. And when the king heard that he was
taken in by the merchant, he was very much mortified.

Fulk and his companions are pardoned by King John

Fulk and his companions arrived in Britanny, and dwelt there
152
half a year and more, with his kinsmen and cousins. At length he [So called, because
thought that nothing should hinder him from going into England. William the Conqueror
And when he came into England, in the New Forest,152 where he had created it by razing
used to haunt, he fell in with the king, who was pursuing a boar. villages.]
Fulk and his companions took him and six knights with him, and
carried him into their galley. The king and all his were much
abashed. There were many words; but at last the king pardoned
them all his spite, and restored them all their inheritance, and
promised them in good faith that he would cause their peace to
be proclaimed through all England; and for the doing of this he
left his six knights with them as hostages, until the peace was
proclaimed.

153
The king went thence to Westminster, and caused to assemble It may be well to
earls, barons, and the clergy, and told them openly that he had of observe here, that none of
his own will granted his peace to Fulk Fitz Warine and his these adventures can be
brothers and all his adherents, and commanded that they should correctly told, as far as
be honorably received through all the kingdom, and granted regards the presence of
them entirely all their heritage. When Hubert the archbishop the king, as we learn from
heard this, he was very glad, and sent his letters immediately to the dates of the records
Fulk and to the earl of Gloucester, and to Randulf earl of on the rolls, that John was
Chester, and to Hugh earl-marshal, that they should come in absent, engaged in his
haste to him at Canterbury; and when they were come, they wars in Normandy, from
ordained that Fulk and his brothers should surrender themselves the end of May 1201, till
at London to the king. Fulk and his brothers and the three earls the 7th of December,
with their power appareled themselves as richly as they knew 1203, when he returned
how and were able, and came through London with noble to Portsmouth, that is,
apparel, and knelt before the king at Westminster, and rendered during nearly the whole
themselves to him.153 The king received them, and restored to period of Fulk fitz
them all that was theirs in England, and commanded them to Warine's outlawry.
remain with him; which they did a whole month. Then Fulk took
154
leave, and, remained with the earl-marshall; and the earl gave [This note is much
him on Ashdown, Wanting, and other lands. Fulk and his shortened.] According to
brothers armed themselves to their liking, and came to the records, Fulk and his
Abingdon, and removed thence all that they could find to sell, companions owed their
and caused it to be taken and carried to Wanting, and he made pardon to the bishop of
there a fair and a market town,155 which has been since held there Norwich and the earl of
and is still. Salisbury, and not to
Hubert Walter; but the
Fulk kills a giant in Ireland archbishop, who held the
Fulk took leave of the earl-marshal, and went thence to earl two important offices of
Ranulf of Chester, who was appareling himself with much lord chancellor and grand
people towards Ireland to defend his rights there. When they justiciary, may still have
arrived, they saw a great assemblage of their enemies. The earl been the real and primary
commanded that all should arm; and the earl had with him three mediator. There is a
youthful brothers who were people of great valor and force and greater error in laying the
were armed and well mounted, and with them was Fulk. At scene of this last act of
length they saw a hideous giant among their enemies, who was the adventures of the
well armed, all on foot, hideous, black, and horrible, longer than outlaws at Westminster,
any other by twelve feet; and he cried: "Earl of Chester, send me for the king was all this
the most valiant knight you have to advocate your right." The time in Normandy, and
three youths, who heard it, encountered him each after the other; did not return to
and he slew them immediately with the axe he held. At last Fulk Westminster until the
let go his horse, and would have struck him with his lance; and 22nd of January, 1204,
the giant flinched a little, and struck at Fulk that he had almost more than two months
killed him. Fulk feared him much and watched him well, until after the pardon was
with his lance he struck him through the body; he fell to the given. According to the
ground, and as he fell struck Fulk's horse and cut off two of his patent rolls, it was on the
feet. Fulk fell to the ground, and sprung up again, and drew his 20th of August, 1203,
sword and cut off his head; and he carried his axe to White- that king John first gave
Town, where Fulk had caused to be built in the marsh a strong Fulk and his companions
and fair castle. And thus conquered the earl all his lands and a safe conduct for a
castles in Ireland. And when he had remained there, he fortnight to come to the
replenished his lands, and then returned to England. court, then at Verneuil, in
Normandy. On the 12th
of September, the king,
then at Herbetot, granted
another safe-conduct, for
a week, to Fulk fitz
Warine and Baldwin de
Hoduet and their
companions. On the 2nd
of October, another safe-
conduct for a fortnight
was granted to Fulk fitz
Warine and such as he
might bring with him, the
king being then at
Montfort. At length, on
the 15th of November,
Fulk fitz Warine received
his pardon from the king,
who was then at Caen.

On the 11th of
November, the king, then
at Rouen, gave a similar
pardon to Vivian de
Prestecotes, one of Fulk's
companions, who had
been outlawed for some
act of violence against
Jorvet de Hulton.
Whittington was restored
to Fulk fitz Warine soon
afterwards, as we know
from the same records.

The same records give us

as follows, the names of
those of Fulk's
companions who received
their pardon at the same
time, distinguishing them
into those who had
originally joined in Fulk's
rebellion, and those who,
having been outlawed for
other causes, afterwards
joined him. The first list
contains the names of
several borderers:
Baldwin de Hodenet,
William fitz-Fulk, John
de Tracy, Roger de
Preston, Philip fitz-
Warine, Yves fitz-
Warine, Ralph Gras,
Stephen de Hodenet,
Henry of Pontesbury,
Herbert Branche, Henry
le Norreis, William
Malveissin, Ralph
fitzWilliam, Abraham
Passavaut, Matthew de
Dulvustiria, Hugh Rufus,
William Gernun, Walter
of Alwestana, John de
Preston, Richard de
Preston, Philip de
Hauewuda, Hamo of
Wakefield(?), Arfin
Marnur, Adam de
Creckefergus, Walter le
Sumter, Gilbert de Dover,
William de Eggremundia,
John de Lamborne, Henry
Walenger, John
Descunsit, William Fet,
William Cook, Geoffrey
his son, Phillip de
Wemma, Richard Scott,
Thomas de Lidetuna,
Henry of Gloucester.

These were outlawed for

their crimes and
afterward came to that
same Fulk and were
restored on account of the
petition of the lord bishop
of Norwich and W. count
of Salisbury, the brother
of the lord king: Hugh
Fressellus, Orun de
Prestecotes, Roger de
Waletona, Reynold
fitzReynold, William
fitzWilliam, William son
of Richard de Bertona,
Richard of Wakefield,
Henry son of Robert le
Kinge of Uffington, John
son of Toke, Henry le
 Francets, Walter Godric,
Thomas his brother,
Roger de Onderoude,
Roger de la Hande,
William fitzJohn.]
155
Wanting in Berkshire,
now called Wantage, is
supposed to have been
originally a Roman
station, and was a place
of some importance in
Saxon times, being well
known as the birth-place
of King Alfred. The
manor was given from
the crown in the reign of
Richard 1, to Baldwin de
Bethune earl of
Albemarle, from whom it
passed to William de
Valence earl of
Pembroke, and his eldest
daughter carried it by
marriage to Hugh Bigot,
the earl marshal. Hugh
Bigot, as here stated,
granted this manor to
Fulk fitz Warine, but the
grant was made in reward
for military services, and
its date was 1215, long
after that at which it
appears here to be placed.

156
Fulk does penance for his sins and dies The king's charter
Fulk came to White-Town, and found there Maude, his wife, and confirming the
his children, who were very glad of his coming; and they made foundation of this abbey
great joy between them. Then Fulk caused his treasures and his at Alburbury, is dated at
riches to be brought; gave lands and horses to his sergeants and Hereford, on the 12th day
friends very largely, and maintained his land in great honor. Fulk of December, in the 17th
bethought him that he had greatly sinned against God, as by Henry 11, that is in the
slaughter of people and other great offences; and, in remission of year 1171. It must
his sins, founded a priory in the honor of our lady St. Mary of therefore have been
the order of Grandmont near Alberbury,156 in a wood, on the founded by Fulk fitz
river Severn; and it is called the New Abbey. And not long after Warine, the father of him
died dame Maude de Cause,157 his wife, and was interred in this of whom we are now
priory. speaking, as, according to
 the abstract given in
Leland, was stated more
correctly in the early
English metrical version
of the history.
157
I have been able to
obtain no information
relating to this lady, or to
Clarice de Auberville, or
the pretended marriage of
Eve with the prince of
Wales, so that we can
only take the events as
they are here told.

158
And a good while after the lady was dead, Fulk married a very Llewelyn died in 1240,
gentle lady, lady Clarice de Auberville; and by his two wives he and was buried in the
begat fair children and very valiant. When Lady Joan, wife of Cistercian abbey of
Lewis prince of Wales, who was the daughter of king Henry of Conway, which he had
England, was dead, for the great renown of prowess and founded.
goodness that Sir Fulk had, he sent to him for Eve his daughter;
and he gave her to him, and they were married with great honor
and solemnity. But Lewis only lived a year and a half after; he
died and was buried at Aberconway,158 without heir begotten of 159
Blanc-Mostiers, or
Eve. And afterwards she was married to the lord of White- White-Minster, means,
Minster,159 who was a knight of great breeding, courageous and probably, Whitchurch in
bold. Shropshire, though I
think it has been
Fulk and Lady Clarice, his wife, one night were sleeping interpreted to mean
together in their chamber; the lady was asleep, and Fulk was Oswestry.
awake and thought of his youth, and repented much in his heart
for his trespass. At length he saw in the chamber so great a light
that it was wonderful, and he thought what could it be. Then he
heard a voice as it were of thunder in the air, and it said: "Vassal,
God has granted thee thy penance, which is better here than
elsewhere." At that word, the lady awoke, and saw the great
light, and covered her face for fear. At length this light vanished.
And after this light, Fulk could never see more; but he was blind
all his days. This Fulk was very hospitable and liberal; and he
caused the king's road to be turned through his hall at his manor
of Alleston, in order that no stranger might pass there without
having meat or lodging or other honor or goods of his. Merlin
says that

In Britain the Great,

A wolf will come from the White-Land;
Twelve teeth he shall have sharp,
Six beneath and six above.
 He shall have so fierce a look,
That he shall drive away the leopard
Out of the White-Land;
He shall have such great force and virtue.
But we know that Merlin
Said it for Fulk Fitz Warine;
For each of you may be sure
That in the time of King Arthur
That was called White-Land,
Which is now named White Town.
For in that country was the chapel
Of St. Augustine, which was fair,
Where Kahuz the son of Ywein dreamt
That he stole the candelabrum,
And that he encountered a man
Who wounded him with a knife,
And gave him a wound in the side;
And in his sleep he cried so loud,
That King Arthur heard him,
And awoke from his sleep.
And when Cahuz was awake,
He put his hand to his side;
There he found the knife
Which had made the wound in him.
Thus the Graal tells us,
The book of the holy vessel.
There King Arthur recovered
His goodness and his valor,
When he had lost all
His chivalry and his virtue.
From that country the wolf issued,
As the wise Merlin says,
And the twelve sharp teeth
We have recognized by his shield.
He carried a shield indented,
As the sayers have devised;
In the shield are twelve teeth
Of gules and of argent.
By the leopard may be known
And well understood King John;
For he carried on his shield
The leopards of beaten gold.

160
This Fulk remained seven years blind, and suffered well his The date of the death of
penance. Lady Clarice died, and was buried at the New Abbey; this Fulk fitz Warine is
after whose death, Fulk lived but a year, and died at White- not known. It is probable
Town.160 And in great honor was he interred at the New Abbey; that he was alive in 1256,
on whose soul may God have mercy. Near the altar lies the as the Fulk fitz Warine
body. God have mercy on us all, alive and dead! Amen. who was drowned at the
battle of Lewes in 1264,
and who was no doubt his
son, is described in
January 1256, as Fulk fitz
Warine junior.