Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/221

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Feudalism 185 I would have written to you at greater length, if I had not been occupied with many other things, including the rebuilding of our city and church, which was lately entirely consumed in a terrible fire ; from which loss, though we could not for a while be diverted, yet by the hope of God's comfort and of yours we breathe again. V. FEUDAL MILITARY SERVICE In the year 1272 the bishop of Paris came to Tours at the citation of the lord king and presented himself in the king's house on the second Sunday after Easter, before Ferrario of Verneuil, knight, marshal of France, saying that he had come at the citation of the lord king prepared to fulfill his duty; who replied to him that he should come again, or send, at the first hour of the next day, because in the meanwhile he could not speak or respond to him, since Gregory of St. Martin of Tours was absent, on account of his weakness, and because, moreover, he was expecting new instructions from the king. On the next day, and on Tuesday, the aforesaid bishop presented himself before the said marshal, saying that he had come ready for the service of the king with three knights, whose names were John of Marcey, John of Jul- liaco, and Adam of Blois. He said that if he was held to send more, he was ready to do what he ought; and if he had furnished more than he owed, that this should not bind either him or the church of Paris for the future. The bishop of Troyes appeared for his see, saying that he owed two knights, whose names were Ralph and Droce of Pre'aux. The bishop of Noyon was represented by Theobald of Boesseria, a knight, who acknowledged that the said bishop owed five knights and sent three knights beyond what he owed. The names of the knights are as follows: Ansold of Rancorolis, Nevelon of Rancorolis, his brother, etc. . . . They went forth to the service of the king. 88. List of men sum- moned undei Philip III of France to perform military service (1272).