258 ROGER OF AVENDO VER. [Λ.η. 1212. from different countries, were to one and the same effect, which was that, if the king persisted in the war which lie had begun, he would either be slain by his own nobles, or delivered to his enemies for destruction. The king was greatly alarmed on learning this ; and, as be knew that the English nobles were absolved from their allegiance to him, he put more faith in the truth of the letters ; therefore, wisely changing his intention, he ordered his army to return home, he himself going to the city of London, where, on his arrival, he sent messengers to all the nobles, of whose fidelity to himself he had suspicions, and demanded hostages from them that he might thus tind out who Avere willing, and Avho uinvilling, to obey him. The nobles, not daring to disobey the king's commands, sent their sons, nieces, and other relatives at the pleasure of the king, and thus his anger was in some small degree assuaged ; however, Eustace de Vesci, and Robert Fitz-Walter, AVIIO had been accused of the above-mentioned treachery, and AA-ere strongly suspected by the king, left England, Eustace retiring to Scotland, and Robert to France. Of Peter the hermit and his prophecy. About this time there dwelled in the county of York a certain hermit named Peter, who Avas considered a wise man. on account of his having foretold to a number of people many circumstances which Avere about to happen ; amongst other things, Avhich, in his spirit of prophecy, be had seen concerning John the English king, he openly and liefore all declared, that he would not be a king on the next approaching Ascension-day, nor afterwards ; for he foretold that on that day the crown of England would be transferred to another. This assertion coming to the knowledge of the king, the hennit was. b y his orders, brought before him, and the king asked him if he should die on that day, or how he wonld be, deprived of the throne of the kingdom: the hermit replied, " Rest assured that on the aforesaid day yon will not be a king ; and if I am proved to have, told a lie, do what you Avili Avith me." The king then said to him, " Be it as you say ;" and he then delivered the hermit into the custody of William d'llareourt, who loaded him with chains, and kept him imprisoned at Corte to await the event of his pro