KING RICHARD THE FIRST ad. 



such sort (as it was thought) that the Saladine was not 

 put to such confusion 40. yeres before, and but one 

 Christian Captaine called James Avernus in that conflict 

 was over thro wen. 



From thence king Richard proceeding further went 

 to Joppe, and then to Ascalon, where he found first 

 the citie of Joppe forsaken of the Saracens, who durst 

 not abide the kings comming : Ascalon the Saladine 

 threw downe to the ground, & likewise forsooke the 

 whole land of Syria, through all which land the king 

 had free passage without resistance : neither durst the 

 Saracene Prince encounter after that with K. Richard. ^^^^S R'^chard 

 Of all which his atchevances the sayd K. Richard sent '^^ po^J'^^^<^^ 'f 

 his letters of certificate as well into England, as also 

 to the Abbot of Clara valle in France, well hoping y' 

 he God willing should be able to make his repaire 

 againe to them by Easter next. 



Many other famous acts were done in this voyage 

 by these two Kings, and moe should have bene, had 

 not they falling into discorde dissevered themselves, by 

 reason whereof Philip the French king returned home 

 againe within short space : who being returned againe 

 eftsoones invaded the countrey of Normandy, exciting 

 also John the brother of king Richard, to take on him 

 the kingdome of Englande in his brothers absence : 

 who then made league upon the same with the French [II. i. 27.] 

 king, and did homage unto him, which was about the 

 fourth yeere of king Richard. Who then being in ii93« 

 Syria, and hearing thereof, made peace with the Turkes 

 for three yeeres : and not long after, king Richard the King Richard 

 next spring following returned also, who in his returne returneth from 

 driven by distresse of weather about the parts of 

 Histria, in a towne called Synaca, was there taken by 

 Lympold, Duke of the same countrey, and so solde to 

 the Emperour for sixtie thousand Markes : who for no 

 small joy thereof, writeth to Philip the French king, 

 these letters here following. 



[The letter 

 335 



Palcestina. 



