This was attested by several of the nobles who were with us and who returned safely to England.

Prince John, however, declared that he should not give any heed to the document; that King Richard's power over this realm had ceased before he made it; and that he should bestow the earldom upon whomsoever he chose.

As a matter of fact, it has been given to Sir Rudolph Fleming, a Norman knight and a creature of the prince.

The king has also, I hear, promised to him the hand of the young Lady Margaret, when she shall become of marriageable age.

At present she is placed in a convent in Worcester.