92 PAPERS, ETC. 



as a traveller espied a stranger on the road, he trembled 

 with apprehension; and fleeing from the alarraing appa- 

 rition, took refuge in a wood, or Struck into a cross-road, 

 until he recovered courage enough to continue his journey, 

 with more resolution, and in greater security. Reports 

 reaching the King's ears that the Bristolians were 

 disturbing y° kingdoni by their open and secret rob- 

 beries, though he had enough to do in other parts of the 

 kingdom, he suninion'd the militia from all parts of Eng- 

 land, and came unexpectedly to Bath, meaning to lay siege 

 to Bristol." On arriving at Bath he surveyed the city, 

 raised the walls higher, constructed outworks, and leaving 

 a strong body of soldiers to watch the Bristolians, marched 

 on to that city to besiege it ; but a Council was held, and 

 for certain reasons the siege was abandoned. .The history 

 then goes on: — " Swayed by these representations the 

 King abandcned the proposed seige, and having laid waste 

 the country round Bristol, and destroyed or carried off the 

 pluuder, he set on foot cxpeditions against two Castles, 

 Carith and Harpetreu (Cary and Harptree), the one 



belonging to , namcd Luvel; the other to 



William Fitzjohn. Both were in close alliance with the 

 Earl (of Gloucester,) and so confederated with him by oaths 

 and leagues, and bound by their homage, that no sooner 

 were they informed of his intention to make head against 

 the Royal power, than they flew to arms to second his cause. 

 Receiving also information that the King proposed to sit 

 down before Bristol, and being of opinion that the siege 

 would be long protraeted, they agreed together faithfully to 

 aid the Earl, by making hostile inroads, and harassing the 

 inhabitants of all the neighbouring districts. But the King 

 lost no time in besieging Carith (Cary), and pressing the 

 siege with vigour ; throwing, by his machines, showers of 



