Tales of the Kings of England (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844 edition. Excerpt: ...King Alfred? I liked that so much better than the anecdotes we had last evening.," I will try what I can do," I replied;, and as we have got to the reign of Richard the First, I think I can oblige you." ' untimely m, (rates mt.-to-night. amen mam.-I'1liwd am so much mm, mt gefiet mt: tacit better.-we have got, mic fiat gctommett. Richard, surnamed Coeur de Lion, or the Lionhearted, immediately on taking possession of the English throne, resolved upon expiating his great crimes by joining the crusaders, who were then about to sail to Palestine, to recover Jerusalem from the Saracens. I-le gave his brother John immense possessions, and appointed him guardian of the kingdom of England during his absence. When they heard of the king's determination, all the military and daring men of the nation flocked round his standard, impatient to distinguish themselves against the iniidels. Philip, king of France, had likewise undertakenthis expedition. with a numerous army; and both monarchs decided upon proceeding to the Holy Land by sea, as there were innumerable diiliculties attending a long march through a hostile country. In the autumn of the year 1189J Richard of England, and Philip of France, held each an assembly of his nobles, in which it was decided that all those who had assumed the ' cross (the crusaders wore a cross of red linen sewed upon their cloaks) should assemble in the plains of Vezelay, on the coast of France. On their arrival there, Richard and Philip found their combined army amounted to a hundred thousand men; a mighty force animated with religious zeal and the hopes of glory. The English and French kings here renewed their promises of friendship and mutual support, and, pledged their honour not to...