of i&ogamonfc'g ffirabe, 103 



When the differences that existed between the monarch 

 and his barons arose to a fearful height, and the month 

 of June witnessed the proud triumph of the rebel chiefs, 

 and the acquisition of Magna Charta, on the field 

 of Runnimede, the brother stood unshaken in his fidelity. 

 Many had transferred their allegiance from the king to 

 the prevailing party, and John was reduced by an im- 

 perious necessity to a reluctant and insincere concession ; 

 but the banners of the Earl of Salisbury* floated in the 

 camp of his royal kinsman, together with those of the 

 Earls of Pembroke, Arundel, and Warren. The country 

 was quiet for a season, but at length disturbances broke 

 out again. It was no longer safe to venture unattended, 

 by an armed force, beyond the precincts of the castle, 

 and the " most dear friend and brother" of the wayward 

 monarch, shared in the disasters of his reign. At one 

 time a prisoner,! at another deputed to place garrisons 

 in the castles of Windsor, Hertford, and Berkhampstead, 

 and to cut off supplies from the city of London, where the 

 insurgents had fixed themselves. At length, hardened 

 by the scenes of misery to which he had been accus- 

 tomed, his kindlier feelings seemed to be totally ob- 

 scured. Marching at the head of troops, with the fierce 

 Falcasius de Breant, the earl imbibed his spirit, and 

 shared in his enormities. Before them was often a smil- 

 ing and well-peopled country, behind them a desolate 



Clause Rolls, 

 f Dugdale, from a MS. Oxon, in Bibl. Bodl. n. 11. f. 177, et 178. p. a. 



