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he would or no.” And though the King and prince Edward had both ſworn before, yet prince Edward, as he could, refuſed this oath, and ſo did John, earl of Warren. But Henry, ſon to Richard, King of the Romans, was doubtful and unreſolved; ſaying, “That he could not take ſuch an oath, unleſs it were with his father’s leave and advice.” To whom the barons publicly made anſwer, “That if his father himſelf would not agree to it, he ſhould not hold one furrow of land in England.” The King’s half brothers were very poſitive, and ſwore bloodily that they would never part with any of the caſtles, revenues, and, wards, which their brother had freely given them as long as they breathed. But while they were aſſerting this, and multiplying oaths not fit to be rehearſed, the earl of Leiceſter made anſwer to William de Valence, who was more ſwoln and haughty than the reſt; “Know for certain, that either you ſhall give up the caſtles which you have from the King, or you ſhall loſe your head.” And the other earls and barons firmly atteſted the ſame. The Poitovins therefore, were in a great fright, not knowing what to do: for if they ſhould retire to ſome caſtle, wanting proviſions, they would ſoon be ſtarved out: “For the body of the common

people,