force of his blows. The earl of Chester, on perceiving this, envying the king his glory, rushed upon him with all the weight of his armed men.12 Then was seen the might of the king, equal to a thunderbolt, slaying some with his immense battle-axe, and striking down others. Then arose the shouts afresh, all rushing against him, and he against all. At length, through the number of the blows, the king's battle-axe was broken asunder. Instantly, with his right hand, drawing his sword, well worthy of a king, he marvellously waged the combat, until the sword as well was broken asunder. On seeing this, William de Kahamnes, a most powerful knight, rushed upon the king, and seizing him by the helmet, cried with a loud voice, " Hither, all of you, come hither ! I have taken the king !" All flew to the spot, and the king was taken. Baldwin was also captured, who had made the speech for the purpose of exhorting them, pierced with many wounds, and bruised with many blows, while earning undying fame by his glorious resistance. Bichard Fitz-Urse was also taken, who in giving blows and receiving them was distinguished by his prowess. After the king was made prisoner, his troop stiB fought on ; indeed, being surrounded, they could not take to flight ; but at last were all either taken prisoners or slain. According to the usages of war, the city was plundered, and the king, in a piteous condition, was taken there. The judgment of God being thus wrought upon the king, he was led to the empress, and placed in captivity in the castle at Bristowe.13 The empress was recognized as mistress by all the people of England, except the men of Kent, where the queen14 and William of Yypres fought against her with all their strength. She was first received by the bishop of Winchester, the Boman legate, and, shortly after, by the citizens of London. However, she soon became elated to an intolerable degree of pride, because her affairs, after their uncertain state, had thus prospered in warfare ; conduct which alienated from her the affections of almost all the people. Irritated at this, with all the spitefulness of a woman, she ordered the king, the Lord's anointed, to be placed in irons. A few days 12 " Arroatorum" seems a preferable reading to " armorum," as it appears that Stephen was not taken by the earl of Chester alone, but in consequence of being overpowered and borne down by a multitude. 13 Bristol. H The wife of king Stephen. 244 ANNALS OF ROGER IlE HOVEDEN. A.l). 1141.