A.D. 1260. DISSENSION ARISES IN CAMBRIDGE. that he had been baulked of his object by prince Manfred and others, who were eager to obtain the empire of the Romans, and who therefore intercepted his journey, plundered his treasure, and put his esquires to flight, with this further addition, that if he presumed to cross the Alps he would very speedily find himself in great danger in consequence. Nor is it at all strange that, as he had not foreseen this, and as he was not forewarned against it, he avoided his enemies and retraced his steps without delay. But others said that he had been forewarned and hindered beforehand also by the counsel of his nobles of Germany, so that he was not desirous and did not think it desirable to undertake so long and dangerous a journey at the beginning of the winter season ; thinking that when the winter was over, he could perform it with more security in the season of fine weather. Adding this consideration also, that he at present had and was still likely to retain his kingdom of Germany and all the inhabitants in peace, and he knew, too, that they would assist him in hie business before mentioned without any evasion. So he acquiescing in their advice, presently returned to England, as I have already said, in order to arrange his estates and possessions, which were not under very good management there, as seemed expedient for himself and his son Henry ; and that when a suitable time arrived he might cross the sea never to return. Others also said that he returned in consequence of an admonition from the pope, in order, forsooth, that Master Albert, his nuncio, who had been sent to England for several reasons, might enter the more secretly, contrary to the provision made by the barons, following behind so great a leader ; and that so, when the business of the pope had been finished, the king might find him more favourable to him in his own business. About this time, an intolerable dissension arose in the university of Cambridge. For, as a certain quarrel had broken out between two youths, one from the south and the other from the north, the compatriots of each presently came to their assistance ; so that one party attacking the other, a great many were stricken and wounded on both sides. And in this way at last the whole town was thrown into confusion, because every one, both clergy and laity, left their houses, and flew in bands to the fray. Therefore, while the clergy were absent, some of the laity secretly entered their houses, and carried off property of all kinds from thence. For the cc 2