THE CHRONICLES OF y ENGLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN, fcfr. CHAP. I. OF THE BRAVEST KNIGHTS OF THIS PRESENT BOOK. lO encourage all valourous hearts, and to fhow them honourable examples, I John Froiffart will begin to relate, after the documents and papers of mailer John le Bel, formerly canon of St. Lambert's, at Liege, as followeth : That whereas various noble perfonages have frequently fpoken of the wars between France and England without knowing any thing of the matter, or being able to aflign the proper- reafons for them ; I having perceived the right foundation of the matter, ihall neither add nor omit, forget, corrupt, nor abridge my hiftory ; but the rather will enlarge it, that I may be able to point out and fpeak of each adventure from thè nativity of the noble king Edward of England, who fo potently reigned, and who was engaged in fo many battles and perilous adventures, and other feats of arms and great prowefs, from the year of grace 1326, when he was crowned in England. B Although 3