Λ.η. 1202.] DKATII ΟΓ AKTIIDR. 205 means of pctrariai, and balista-, to break through the walls ; the garrison, on the other hand, resisting bravely, endeavoured by a continued discharge of stones and arrows to drive, the enemy to a greater distance ; but as soon as the report of the capture of Arthur and his own followers reached the cars of the French king, he retired from the siege in vexation. In his retreat he destroyed and burned every place be came to, and even reduced the monasteries of the religious men to ashes : at length he readied J'tin's, and remained inactive there for the rest of that year. Of the death if Arthur, count of Brittany. After some lapse of time, king John came to the castle of Falaise, and ordered his nephew Arthur to be brought into his presence ; when he appeared, the king addressed him kindly, and promised him many honours, asking him to separate himself from the French king, and to adhere to the side, of himself, as his lord and uncle. But Arthur illadviscdly replied to him with indignation and threats, and demanded of the king that he should give up to him the kingdom of England, with all the territories, which king Richard possessed at the time of his death ; and, since all those possessions belonged to him by hereditary right, he affirmed with an oath, that unless king John quickly restored the aforesaid territories to him, he should never enjoy peace for any length of time. The king was much troubled at hearing his words, and gave orders that Arthur should be sent to Rouen, to be imprisoned in the new tower there, and kept closely guarded ; but shortly afterwards the said Arthur suddenly disappeared.* In this same year, king .John came to England, and was crowned at Canterbury by Hubert archbishop of that place, on the 14th of April, and alter this he again sailed for Normandy. On his arrival • " The same year pope Innocent proposed to exact a large sum of money from the Oistcrtian order, for the use of the crusade, us he professed, but in reality to gratify his own avarice. He was, however, admonished by tlie holy Virgin, and in alarm, censed from his intention. He had also ordered the fortieth part of all rents to lie collected throughout nil England, for the use of the crusaders. About this time died the nobleman, William de Stutcville."—.1/. l'ari.*.