We neither desire to fill the mind with a host of historic doubts, nor would we hold up the Chroniclers as immaculate; but we do seek to encourage our young readers to think for themselves, and, while giving all due honour to the labours of the patient historian, to consider the grounds upon which his conclusions are founded. In the prosecution of our design, we have laid open the works of two writers, on whose testimony, as that of eyewitnesses of, and diligent inquirers after, cotemporary events, much of the received history of their times is dependent; and whilst endeavouring, as far as possible, to excite the interest of the reader, we have throughout sought to show, without disguise, what is to be expected from a further acquaintance with the Chronicles. In the course of the narrative we have, wherever it was practicable, closely adhered to the expressions of the original, using generally Johnes's version, but occasionally turning to the sturdy English of Lord Berners, and not unfrequently adopting our own interpretation. But in no case have we ventured to overwhelm ancient simplicity by modern ornament, or to give a false impression for the sake of exciting a greater temporary interest, thus risking a future disappointment. Once before we have attempted something of this kind, and we indulge a hope that our present offering may not be received with less favour than its predecessor. CONTENTS. FIRST EVENING-THE BATTLE OF OTTERBOURNE- Chevy Chace-Disputes between the Nevilles and Percies— The Scots make an Inroad on England-Douglas conquers SECOND EVENING-THE WARS OF GHENT- Flourishing condition of Flanders—-Jacob Van Artavelde— Origin of the Troubles in Ghent-John Lyon establishes the White Hoods-Murder of the Earl's Bailiff, and De- struction of his favourite Country-house-War between the Earl and the Ghent Men-Peace mediated by the THIRD EVENING-PHILIP VAN ARTAVELDE- Philip Van Artavelde made Governor of Ghent-Second Siege of Ghent-Propositions for a Peace-Philip Van Artavelde and Peter du Bois assassinate the Deputies who bring the Earl's answer- Great Distress in Ghent-Con- PAGE FOURTH EVENING - PHILIP VAN ARTAVELDE, Battle of Bruges-Danger of the Earl of Flanders-Philip Van Artavelde governs all Flanders-Siege of Oudenarde -Battle of Rosebecque-Death of Philip-The War FIFTH EVENING-JACQUELINE OF HOLLAND— Ladies' Head-dresses-"Au Hennin"-Jacqueline of Holland -Her unfortunate Second Marriage- Escapes to England —Marries the Duke of Gloucester-Is joyfully received ILLUSTRATIONS. SWORD. JEDBURGH LOCHABER AXES THE DEATH OF DOUGLAS THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY ARMED, AND BEARING THE GREAT DUCAL (Frontispiece.) 16 17 39 THE BISHOP OF DURHAM LEADING HIS FORCES AGAINST THE SCOTS 48 FEMALE HEAD-DRESSES OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY, STYLED |