A.J. 1250. LOUIS, KING OF FRANCS, TAKES PRISONER. 313 Roman fathers were by this addition deprived of their power and authority (any enactments to the contrary notwithstanding), not without injury to them, and bringing them into contempt. The ordeal which used to take place by fire and water was abolished ; and leave was given that any one who was promoted to a bishopric might retain his former revenues. Licence was also granted that Christian usurers might lawfully live in England among Christians, under the protection of the pope, as it were, though usury was condemned in both the Old and New Testament ; but though they are called usurers b y the common people, they profess themselves before the pop e to be merchants. Prohibition was issued against any one in the church immediately sncceeding his father without a papal dispensation, and against any one being illegally advanced to any dignity. The coinage, which had been spoilt by clipping, was renewed. Louis, the eldest son of Philip, king of France, was elected to be lord and, as it were, king of England, on account of the intolerable oppressions of king John ; but, at length, the same Louis, being a violator of his faith and promises, returned ingloriously back to his father. Otho and Frederic, emperors who rebelled against the pope, were overthrown, and after they were put down the imperial dignity withered, and the pope endeavoured to advance two other princes to the supreme power in the empire. But before they were thus promoted the Lord struck them down ; and they were Henry de Baspen, landgrave of Hesse and Thuringia, and count of Schwartzenberg, and William, count of Holland, son of Florence, the fourth duke, and of Matilda, the daughter of Henry, duke of Brabant. William, indeed, did begin to enjoy his elevation during this period of fifty years, but he was soon afterwards slain. Louis, king of France, was taken prisoner, and his whole army dispersed and routed, and many nobles of his kingdom were taken with him, and a large body belonging to the Temple, to the Hospital, to the Teutonic order and that of Saint Lazarus ; and the city of Jerusalem, with its churches and holy places, which had been consecrated by the presence of Christ, was twice destroyed and desolated, once by the Chorosmines, and a second time by the soldan of Babylon. An eclipse of the sun happened twice in three years. There were many earthquakes in England, and a very unprecedented extension of the sea.