Happily, Robert, earl of Leicester appeared in that critical moment, a gallant nobleman, who had acquired great honor during the crusade, and who, being more fortunate than his master in finding his passage homewards, took on him the command in Rouen, and exerted himself, by his exhortations and example, to infuse courage into the dismayed Normans.

Philip was repulsed in every attack; the time of service from his vassals expired; and he consented to a truce with the English regency, received in return the promise of twenty thousand marks, and had four castles put into his hands as security for the payment.[**] [* Rymer, vol.i.p.

85.] [** Hoveden, p, 730, 731.

Rymer, vol.i.p.

81] Prince John, who, with a view of increasing the general confusion, went over to England, was still less successful in his enterprises.