[MR] efforts to aid King Richard of England

[Karen Setze]

Fellow Atlantians:

I am sure that you have not forgotten the shocking news, that I, Lady Yseulte Trevelyn recently delivered: that His Majesty, King Richard of England, who had mysteriously disappeared on his way home from his crusade in the Holy Land, had been captured and imprisoned by the Duke of Austria at the request of Henry VI, who styles himself Holy Roman Emperor, and King Philip of France.

Therefore, I thought I should also share with you the latest letter my friend, Hugh de Puiset, the bishop of Durham, has received from the archbishop of Rouen, and the news it contains of efforts being made to free King Richard.

To his venerable brother in Christ and his most dearly-beloved friend Hugh, by the grace of God, bishop of Durham, Walter, by the same grace, archbishop of Rouen, health in all that is truly healthful.

It cheers me to tell you that Savaric de Bohun, recently elevated to the bishopric of Bath, has had several interviews with our lord the emperor, his cousin, on the subject of setting our king at liberty. For the bishop is using every labor and exertion to show the emperor all due obedience, and to pay that homage which is due from his respect for the crown, acceptable to the king’s honor, and as advantageous under present circumstances.

In addition, I have heard that a minstrel known as Blondel of Picardy, who had been on crusade with His Majesty, has recently returned to court, and was even given an audience by Queen Eleanor. Some say the minstrel brought news of where King Richard is being held.

Soon thereafter, the Great Council was summoned to attend Her Majesty two days before the calends of March After all the great magnates reaffirmed their oath of fealty to the king, the abbots of Boxley and Robertsbridge were dispatched to Germany to seek him.

And whereas, under all circumstances, the Divine aid of God ought to be implored, we beg that throughout the whole of your diocese you will cause prayers to be put up for him to the Most High.

Farewell.

Given on this, the feast of St. David, in the city of Oxford.