Howbeit he
would not giue eare to their aduice in that point, but said; Such as
loue me, I know well will follow me, and so went a shipboord, setting
apart all doubts of perils; and yet was the weather verie darke, rough
and cloudie, insomuch that the maister of the ship was afraid, and
willed him to tarrie till the wind did settle in some quiet quarter:
[Sidenote: The saieng of king William Rufus.] but hee commanded to
hoise vp sailes, and to make all speed that could be for life,
incouraging the shipmaster with these words, "that he neuer heard as
yet of anie king that was drowned."
Thus passing the seas, he landed in Normandie, where he gathered his
power, and made towards Mans. When those which held the siege before
the citie, heard of his approch, they brake vp their campe and
departed thence: [Sidenote: Mans deliuered from an asseege.] howbeit,
the capteine named Helias, that pretended by title and right to be
earle of Mans, was taken by a traine; and brought before the king, who
iested at him, as though he had beene but a foole and a coward.
[Sidenote: Helias.] Wherevpon, the said Helias kindled in wrath,
boldlie said vnto him; "Whereas thou hast taken me prisoner, it was by
meere chance, and not by thy manhood: but if I were at libertie
againe, I would so vse the matter with thee, that thou shouldest not
thinke I were a man so lightlie to be laughed at." "No should (saith
the king); Well then I giue thee thy libertie, and go thy waies, doo
euen the worst that lieth in thy power against me, for I care not a
button for thee.
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