THE DUTCH KNIGHTS ad. 



H55- 

 Conradus died in the yeere 1450. The 28. was 



Lewis ab Ellerichshausen. Under this man there arose 

 a dangerous sedition in Prussia betweene the chiefe 

 cities and the knights of the Order. The citizens 

 demanded libertie, complaining that they were oppressed 

 with divers molestations. Whereupon they privily 

 made sute unto Casimir then king of Polonia. The 

 Master of the Order seeing what would come to passe 

 began to expostulate with the king, that he kept not 

 the peace which had bene concluded betweene them to 

 last for ever. Also Frederick the Emperour com- 

 maunded the Prussians to returne unto the obedience 

 of the knights, who by the dint of their swordes had 

 released that province out of the hands of Infidels, 

 and had bought it with the shedding of much blood. 

 Notwithstanding the popular sort persisting stil in their 

 stubborne determination, proceeded at length to open 

 warre. The cities adhearing unto the king usurped 

 divers Castles belonging to the Master, tooke certain 

 Commanders and knights, yea, and some they slewe 

 also. Fiftie and five townes conspired together in that 

 rebellion : but thinking their estate and strength not 

 sure enough against their own governors without forrein 

 aide, they chose king Casimir to be their lord. Heere- 

 upon the Polonian king marched into Prussia with a 

 great armie, taking possession of such cities as yeelded 

 themselves unto him, and proceeding forward against 

 Marieburg, besieged the castle and the towne. In the 

 meane season the Master having hired an armie of 

 Germane souldiers, suddenly surprised the king at The great ma- 

 unawares in his tents, and slewe about 300. Polonians, ster overcom- 

 tooke prisoners 136. noblemen, spoiled their tents, tooke fp B i e - "^ 

 away their horses, victuals, and armour, insomuch that 

 the king himselfe hardly escaped upon one horse. 

 These things came to passe in the yeere 1455. The 

 Master having thus obtained the victorie, sent his armie 

 into the countrey, and recovered the castles and cities 

 which he had lost, to the number of 80. putting many 



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