A.D, 1226-40·]] ANECDOTE OF HENRY THE LIBERAI*. 375 was named Henry, the second Thibaut, and the third Stephen. Henry was afterwards count of Champagne and of Brie, and surnamed Henry the Liberal ; for generous and liberal was he towards God and man. Towards God he was apparently liberal, by his founding the church of St Stephen at Troyes, as well as many other, to each of which he daily made great gifts, as is well known throughout Champagne. Towards man he was equally generous, as is notorious from his conduct to Arthault of Nogent, and in many other instances too tedious to relate ; but I must mention that of Arthault of Nogent This Arthault was a citizen in whom, for a time, Count Henry had the greatest confidence ; and Arthault increased so much in riches that he built the castle of Nogent Now it chanced that Count Henry was desirous of descending from his castles of Troyes to hear mass at St Stephen's church on Whitsunday : on the lower steps of the entrance to the church, he found a poor knight on his knees, who with a loud voice cried out, " Sir count, I request of you, in the name of God, that you would give me wherewith to portion my two daughters that are by my side, for I am unable to do it" Arthur do Nogent, who was behind the count, replied to the knight, " Sir knight, you do wrong to make such a request to my lord ; for he has given away so much, he is no longer able to be generous." * The count, on hearing this, turned round to Arthault and said, 4 4 Sir Vilain, you do not speak truth when you say I have no longer wherewithal to give, for I have you in my disposai, and I give yon to him. Here, sir knight, I give this man to you, and warrant him your bondsman." The poor knight was greatly surprised, and instantly seizing the citizen by his hood, said he would not let him go until he should have ransomed himself handsomely. Arthault was forced to pay a fine of 500 livres. The second brother to Henry the Liberal was Thibaut count de Blois, and the third, Stephen count de Sancerre ; but these two brothers held their counties and lordships under their elder brother Henry the Liberal, and after him under his heirs, who possessed the county of Champagne nntil this Count Thibaut sold them to the king, St. Louis, as has been mentioned. Let ue now return tc our more immediate subject, and say,