KING RICHARD THE FHIST ad 



II93- 



to the Emperour by the Duke ofAustridge for 60000. 

 markes, was there kept in custodie a yeere and 3. 

 moneths. 



In some stories it is affirmed, that King Richard re- 

 turning out of Asia, came to Italy with prosperous winde, 

 where he desired of the Pope to be absolved of an othe 

 made against his will and could not obteine it : and so 

 setting out from thence towards England, passing by the 

 Countrey of Conradus the Marques, whose death (he being 

 slaine a litle before) was falsly imputed by the French 

 king to the king of England, there traiterously was taken 

 (as is aforesayde) by Limpoldus duke of Austridge. 



Albeit in another storie I finde the matter more 

 credibly set forth : which saith thus. That king Richard 

 slewe the brother of this Limpoldus, playing with him at 

 Chesse in the French Kings Court : and Limpoldus 

 taking his vantage, was more cruel against him and 

 delivered him (as is sayde) to the Emperour. Ln whose 

 custodie he was deteined during the time above men- 

 tioned, a yeere & 3 moneths. During which time of the 

 kings endurance, the French king in the meane season 

 stirred warre in Normandie : and Earle John the Kings 

 brother, made stirre and invaded England, but the Barons 

 and Bishops of the land mightily withstood him. 



At length it was so agreed and concluded with the 

 Emperour, that king Richard should be released for a 

 hundreth and foure thousand pound : of which money 

 part should remaine to the Duke of Austridge, the rest 

 should be the Emperours. The summe of which money 

 was here gathered and made in England of chalices, 

 crosses, shrines, candlestickes and other Church plate, 

 also with publike contribution of Friers, Abbots, and 

 other subjects of the Realme : whereof part was presently 

 paid, and for the residue remaining, hostages and pledges 

 were taken, which was about the fift yeere of his reigne : 

 and then it was obteined of the Pope, that Priestes might 

 celebrate with Chalices of latten and tinne. 



At what time this aforesaide money was payde, and 

 IV 337 Y 



