In the meane time, whilest the christians were thus occupied, as well
against the infidels Barbarie, as in the east parts towards Littawe, a
roiall iusts and martiall turnament was proclaimed to be holden within
Smithfield in London, to begin on sundaie next after |811| the feast
of saint Michaell. And bicause this triumphant pastime was published,
not onelie in England, but also in Scotland, in Almaine, in Flanders,
in Brabant, in Heinault, & in France, manie strangers came hither
foorth of diuerse countries, namelie Valeran erle of saint Paule, that
had married king Richards sister the ladie Mauld de Courtnie, and
William the yoong erle of Osteruant, sonne to Albert de Bauiere earle
of Holland and Heinault. At the daie appointed, when all things were
prepared there issued foorth of the tower about thrée of the clocke in
the after noone sixtie coursers apparelled for the iustes, and vpon
euerie one an esquier of honor, riding a soft pace. Then came foorth
foure and twentie ladies of honour (three score saith Froissard)
mounted on palfries, riding on the one side richlie apparelled, and
euerie ladie led a knight with a chaine of gold. Those knights being
on the kings part, had their armor and apparell garnished with white
hearts and crownes of gold about their necks, and so they came riding
through the stréets of London vnto Smithfield, with a great number of
trumpets and other instruments before them.
[Sidenote: The king kept opē household in the bishop of London his
palace by Paules church. The K. festeth the strangers.