procéedings of K. Stephan against the earle of Chester, purchased him
new hatred of his old aduersaries, and like supicion of such as were his
freends, for it sounded not a little to his dishonor. Euerie man
therefore was in doubt of his dealing, and iudged that it stood them
vpon to take héed to themselues. [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._ K. Stephen
entreth into Lincolne with his crowne on his head.] But he (as one that
thought he had atchiued some high exploit) in triumphant wise shortlie
after entred into Lincolne in his roiall robes, and his crowne on his
head, whereas it had not béene heard that any king had doone the like
manie yeares before.

¶ It is reported by some writers, that he did this, to root out of mens
minds a foolish superstitious conceit, which beléeued that no king with
his crowne vpon his head might enter that citie, but some mischance
should light vpon him: wherevpon he seemed by this meanes to mocke their
superstitious imagination.

About the same time manie of the Nobles of the realme (perceiuing the
kings authoritie to represse violent wrongs committed by euill dooers to
be defectiue) builded sundrie strong castels and fortresses vpon their
owne grounds, either to defend themselues, or to make force vpon their
enimies néere adioining. After the departing of the king from Lincolne,
the earle of Chester came thither with an armie, to assaie if he might
recouer that citie. [Sidenote: _Simon Dun._] But his lieutenant that had
the leading of his men, was slaine at the entring of the northgate, and
so the erle was beaten backe with the losse of manie of his men: and the
citizens hauing got the vpper hand, reioised not a little for the
victorie.

But here (to staie a litle with temporall affaires) it shall not be