Α.η. 1180.] 4 9 SI EG Κ OF TAll.ElïLRG. iind by man}' injuries which lie bad received from him, assembled bis troops, and laid siege to Taileburg, one of liis castles, a bold enterprise, which none of his ancestors had ever dared to undertake, for the castle was up to that time unknown to its enemies, and was defended by three moats and walls, besides arms of all kinds, bolts, and bars ; it was crowned with turrets placed at intervals, and had a large quantity of stones on its battlements, besides stores of provisions, and numbers of knights and experienced soldiers; for which reason it entertained no fear from duke Richard's approach. He, however, invaded its territory with more than a lion's fury, carried oft'the produce, cut down the vines, burned the villages, and demolished every thing; then fixing his tents near the castle, he erected machines against the walls, and created great alarm in the garrison, who had no suspicion that any such things would happen. Inasmuch, however, as it seemed somewhat ignominious, that such high-minded and experienced soldiers should be cooped up within the walls, they determined, by common consent, to make a sally and attack the duke's army by surprise. This resolution was bravely put in force, but the duke, summoning his men, charged the enemy and compelled them to retire within their walls. In their retreat, a fierce fight ensued, and the worth of both horse and men, lance and sword, bow and crossbow, shield and mace, with every other kind of weapon or defensive armour, were all tested in that encounter. Wherefore the townspeople, unable any longer to endure the duke's assaults, retreated within their walls, and the duke, urging on the pursuit, entered with the fugitives: the streets were filled with rapine and conflagration, for there was noway of escape left for them. Sonic of the townspeople, favoured by fortune, fled to the principal tower: the lord of the castle was compelled to surrender, the fair walls were levelled with the ground, and others of the revolted castles, within a month, shared the same fate. When every thing was completed to the duke's wish, he crossed into England, where he was received with the greatest honours by king Henry his father.* * " Λ noli* coinage was made this year in JT'n;;!.im] ; and Jolin bishop if Chichester died."— il . PARIS, VOL. II.