Word being brought to him that the King of France made light of this, and joked about it, he swore in a great rage that he should rue his jests.

He assembled his army, marched into the disputed territory, burnt--his old way!--the vines, the crops, and fruit, and set the town of Mantes on fire.

But, in an evil hour; for, as he rode over the hot ruins, his horse, setting his hoofs upon some burning embers, started, threw him forward against the pommel of the saddle, and gave him a mortal hurt.

For six weeks he lay dying in a monastery near Rouen, and then made his will, giving England to William, Normandy to Robert, and five thousand pounds to Henry.

And now, his violent deeds lay heavy on his mind.