Link Link
Thus it was that sir John de Hainault strengthened and encouraged in his resolution. He earnestly entreated the Hainaulters to be at Halle, the Brabanters at Breda, the Hollanders (of whom he had a few) at Dordrecht, and the Bohemians at Gertuydenberg, by a fixed and limited day. The queen of England took leave of the earl and countess, thanking them much for the honor and entertainment they had shown her, and kissed them at her departure. The queen, her son, and suite, set off, accompanied by sir John, who with great difficulty had obtained his brother's permission. He said to him, when he took his leave, "My dear lord and brother, I am young, and I believe that God has inspired me with a desire of this enterprise for my advancement; I also think and believe for certain, that this lady and her son have been driven from their kingdom wrongfully and sinfully. If it is for for the honour and glory of God, and of the world, to comfort the afflicted and oppressed, how much more so it is, to help and succor one of such high birth, who is a daughter of a king descended from royal lineage, and to whose blood we ourselves are related! I would have preferred renouncing every expectation I have here, and gone and served my God beyond the seas, rather than that this good lady should have left us without comfort and aid. If you will permit me to go, and grant me a willing leave, I shall do well, and thereby better accomplish my purpose."
When the good earl had heard his brother, and perceived the great desire he had for this enterprise, and possibly that it might turn out not only to his own honour, but that of his descendants; he said to him, "Dear brother, God forbid that there should be any hindrance to your wish; therefore I give you leave to go in the name of God!" He then kissed him, and squeezed his hand, in sign of great affection.
Sir John set out, and went that night to Mons, in Hainault, where he slept, as did the queen of England. - Why should I lengthen my story? - they traveled in such a manner as to arrive at Dordrecht by the time limited for their friends to meet them. At that place they provided themselves with vessels of different sizes, and having embarked their cavalry, baggage, &c. they set sail, having first recommended themselves to the care of the Lord. In this expedition there were the following knights and lords of Hainault: first, sir John de Hainault, lord of Beaumont, sir Henry d'Antoing, sir Michael de Ligne, the lord of Gommegines, sir Percival de Semeries, sir Robert de Bailleuil, sir Sanxen de Bouissolt, the lords of Vertaing, de Pocelles, de Villers, de Hein, de Sars, de Boisiers, d'Ambreticourt, de Sermuel, sir Oulphart de Guistelle, and many other knights and esquires, all eager to serve their master. When they left the harbour of Dordrecht, the fleet, considering its force, made a beautiful appearance, from its good order, and from the weather being clear and temperate. They came opposite the dikes of Holland the first tide after their departure. The next day they cast anchor and furled their sails, intending to follow the coast of Zeeland, and to land at a port which they has descried; but they were prevented by a violent tempest, which rove them far out of their course, that for two days they knew not where they were. In this God was very merciful to them; for, had they landed at the port they intended, they would have fallen into the hands of their enemies, who, apprised of their coming, waited for them in that place to put them to death. At the end of two days the storm abated, and the sailors descrying England, made for it with great joy, and landed upon the sands, having neither harbour nor safe port. They remained there three days at a short allowance of provisions, whilst they disembarked their cavalry, and landed their baggage. They were ignorant in which part of England they were, and whether that part of the country was friendly to them or not. The fourth day they bean their march, putting themselves under the protection of God and St, George, having suffered much from the cold and hunger in addition to their late fears, of which they had not yet divested themselves. They marched over hill and dale until they came to some villages; soon afterwards they saw a large monastery of black friars, called St. Hamons, where they refreshed themselves three days.1
