g of England. And of this it is well
to preserve a notable record. When Henry, father of the good Edward,
was reigning in England, he was a man of simple life, so that the
barons held him for nought, wherefore he sent for the said Count
Simon, his kinsman, to guide the realm for him, seeing that Edward was
but young. This Simon was much feared and dreaded; and when he saw the
government of the realm in his hands, as a felon and traitor, he
falsely averred that the king had passed certain iniquitous laws
against the people, and he put him and Edward in prison in the castle
of Dover, and held the realm himself. The queen, . . . Edward's
maternal aunt, was desirous of saving him, and knew that Count Simon
came every Easter to Dover, and took Edward out of the castle, and
made him ride with him; and when he departed he caused him to be again
imprisoned with strong and strict guard, that he might not so much as
have letters. So the wise queen sent to Dover a wise and beautiful
damsel, which knew how to work in jewels, purses, and pouches. And
when Edward saw her he loved her, and so wrought with his guards that
they brought him the said damsel, and when he would have touched her,
she said to him: "I am here for other matters," and she drew forth
letters sent him by the queen, advising him as to his deliverance and
welfare; and therein she advised him that she was sending him one of
our Florentine horse-dealers, which was named Persona Fulberti, with
fine steeds, and a small ship equipped with many oars, and advising
him what he was to do. Now, after his wont, at Easter, Count Simon
came to Dover, and took Edward out of the castle, and while they were
trying the steeds of the said dealer, Edward, with the count's
permission, mounted the best of them, and galloping round in a wide
sweep, at last took to the field and made off, and came to the port
and found the bark prepared. Then he left the horse, and embarked, and
came to France, and then with aid from the king of France, and
Flanders, and Brabant, and Germany, with a great host he passed into
England, and fought against Count Simon, and discomfited him, and
seized him by the scalp, and had him dragged along the ground, and
then hung. Then he set his father free; and when he was dead, then was
Edward crowned king of England with great honour. And now we return to
our chief subject--how was slain Count Henry, earl of Cornwall,
brother of King Edward, in revenge for this, as w