etatutes which they adopted, they might, by the exertion of a little vigour, be compelled to agree, or, perhaps, the foreigners might be absolutely compelled, without delay, entirely to evacuate the kingdom of England. And the provisions and statutes which they intended to pace at Oxford, were concerning the observation of Magna Charta, as to the general liberties of the kingdom, and the Forest Charter. At last, as the lord the king inclined to the observance of the etatutes of his nobles, some of his knights administering the oath by the touching of the holy relics, he committed himself to the deliberation and wisdom of twenty-four prudent men of the English nation, whom they considered the most proper of all their body to be selected for the government of the kingdom under the king. And when this had been done, they compelled every one who chose to dwell in the kingdom to swear fidelity to the king and kingdom, and to promise to stand on all occasions by the judgment of his peers. There were then some persons, who about that time had, on account of their brotherly recognition by the king, flocked into England, who were entertained in England, so that, by reason of their numbers and arrogance, they appeared burdensome to the English. Namely, JEthelmar, bishop elect of Westminster, William de Valence, Geoffrey, and Guy de Lezen, being all brothers of the king on the mother's side ; and they, with some others, refused to condescend to the provisions made by the nobles on their oaths, or to swear to them. On which account, departing from Winchester, they all withdrew with indignation into the district of Winchester. But the nobles of the kingdom being vehemently excited to anger, manfully pursued them with horses and arms. At last, the lord the king and the nobles, all with one accord coming to Winchester, held another Parliament in that city ; at which the aforesaid Poitevins being alarmed, and being unwilling to abide its judgment, immediately withdrew from the kingdom by a secret flight, with some of their fellow-countrymen, and went to Provence. When king John died, Isabella, his queen, mother of king Henry the Third, had married Hugh le Brun, count de la Marche, whose territories lay between France and Poitou ; and she bore him five sons, all uterine brothers of king Henry. Namely, William de Valence, Guy, and Geoffrey de Lizenen, all denving their surnames from the place of their birth. The