whom all comfort and fuccefs proceed ; and then I will lay my foundation on the true Chronicles formerly written by that reverend, wife, and difcreet man, John le Bel, canon of St. Lambert's, at Liege ; who beftowed great care and diligence on them, and continued them, as faithfully as he could* to his death, though not without much pains and expenfe : but thefe he minded not, being rich and powerful. He was alfo a man of courteous manners, generous, and a privy counfellor, well beloved by fir John de Hainault j who is fpoken of in thefe books, and not without reafon, for he was the chief of many noble enterprifes, and nearly related to feveral kings ; and by his means the above mentioned John le Bel could fee as through a perfpeciive the many gallant actions recorded in the following Iheets. The true reafon of my undertaking this book Was for my amufement, to which I have ever been inclined, and for which I have frequented the company of many noblemen and gentlemen, as well in France as in England and Scotland, and in other countries, from whofe acquaintance I have always requefted accounts of battles and adventures, efpecially linee the mighty battle of Poitiers, where the noble king John of France was taken prifoner ; for before that time I was young in years and underftand ing : however, on quitting fchool, I boldly undertook to write and relate the wars above mentioned—which compilation, fuch as it was, I carried to England, and prefented to my lady Philippa of llniiuult, queen of England, who moil gracioufly » received