A.D. 1173. INVASION OF NORMANDY. 369 of . health, and the wished-for triumph in victory over his enemies. On the receipt of your letter, we learned a thing of which indeed we cannot without the greatest astonishment make mention, how that, forgetting the ordinary usages of humanity and violating the law of nature, the son has risen in rebellion against the father, the begotten against the begetter, the bowels have been moved to intestine war, the entrails have had recourse to arms, and, a new miracle taking place, quite unheard of in our times, the flesh has waged war against the blood, and the blood has sought means how to shed itself. And, although for the purpose of checking the violence of such extreme madness, the inconvenience of the distance does not allow of our power affording any assistance, still, with all the loving-kindness we possibly ean, the expression of whieh, distance of place does not prevent, sincerely embracing your person and honor, we sympathize with your sorrow, and are indignant at your persecution, which we regard as though it were our own. However, we do hope and trust in the Lord, by whose judgment the judgments of kings are directed, that He will no longer allow your sons to be tempted beyond what they are able or ought to endure ; and that He who became obedient to the Father even unto death, will inspire them with the light of filial obedience, whereby they shall be brought to recollect that they are your flesh and blood, and, leaving the errors of their hostility, shall acknowledge themselves to be your sons, and return to their father, and thereby heal the disruption of nature, and that the former union, being restored, will cement the bonds of natural affection." Accordingly, immediately after Easter, as previously mentioned, the wicked fury of the traitors burst forth. For, raving with diabolical frenzy, they laid waste the territories of the king of England on both sides of the sea with fire and sword in every direction. Philip, earl of Flanders, with a large army, entered Normandy, and laid siege to Aumarle, and took it. Proceeding thenee, he laid siege to the castle of Drincourt, which was surrendered to him ; here his brother Matthew, earl of Beulogne, died of a wound whieh he received from an arrow when off his guard. On his decease, his brother Peter, the bishop elect of Cambray, succeeded him in the earldom of Boulogne, and renouncing his election, was made a knight, but died shortly after without issue. VOL. I. Β Β