ABSTRACT
But through such resistance as he made against one of the tormentors that came to execute the kings commandement (for the other rather forsooke their prince and countrie, than they would consent to obeie the kings authoritie heerein) 5 and such lamentable words as he uttered, Hubert de Burgh did preserve him from that injurie, not doubting but rather to have thanks than displeasure at the kings hands, for delivering him of such infamie as would have redounded unto his highnesse, if the yoong gentleman had beene so cruellie dealt withall. For he considered, that king John had resolved upon this point onelie in his heat and furie ... and that afterwards, upon better advisement, he would both repent himselfe so to have commanded, and give them small thanke that should see it put in execution.6 Howbeit to satisfie his mind for the time, and to staie the rage of the Britains, he caused it to be bruted abroad through the countrie, that the kings commandement was fulfilled, and that Arthur also through sorrow and greefe was departed out of this life. 7 For the space of fifteene daies this rumour incessantlie ran through both the realmes of England and France,8 and there was ringing for him through townes and villages, as it had beene for his funerals. It was also bruted, that his bodie was buried in the monasterie of saint Andrewes of the Cisteaux order.
