[Footnote 32:  In these times none served on horseback but gentlemen or knights, in right of their fiefs, or their representatives, called Men-at-arms; and each of these was attended by at least two servants or retainers mounted and armed. [D.S.]]

King Stephen was not surprised at the news of the Empress’s arrival, being a thing he had always counted upon, and was long preparing himself against.  He was glad to hear how ill she was provided, and resolved to use the opportunity of her brother’s absence; for, hasting down to Arundel with a sufficient strength, he laid siege to the castle, in hopes, by securing her person, to put a speedy end to the war.

But there wanted not some very near about the King, who, favouring the party of Maud, had credit enough to prevail with him not to venture time and reputation against an impregnable fortress, but rather, by withdrawing his forces, permit her to retire to some less fortified place, where she might more easily fall into his hands.  This advice the King took against his own opinion; the Empress fled out of Arundel by night; and, after frequent shifting her stages through several towns, which had already declared in her favour, fixed herself at last at Lincoln; where, having all things provided necessary for her defence, she resolved to continue, and expect either a general revolt of the English to her side, or the decision of war between the King and her brother.

But Stephen, who had pursued the Empress from place to place, hearing she had shut herself up in Lincoln, resolved to give her no rest; and to help on his design, it fell out that the citizens in hatred to the Earl of Chester, who commanded there for the Empress, sent a private invitation to the King, with promise to deliver the town and their governor into his hands.  The King came accordingly, and possessed himself of the town; but Maud and the Earl made their escape a few days before.  However, many great persons of Maud’s party remained prisoners to the King, and among the rest the Earl of Chester’s wife, who was daughter to the Earl of Gloucester.  These two Earls resolving to attempt the relief of their friends, marched with all their forces near Lincoln, where they found the enemy drawn up and ready to receive them.

The next morning, after battle offered by the lords, and accepted by the King, both sides made ready to engage.  The King having disposed his cavalry on each wing, placed himself at the head of his foot, in whom he reposed most confidence.  The army of the lords was divided in three bodies; those whom King Stephen had banished were placed in the middle, the Earl of Chester led the van, and the Earl of Gloucester commanded the rear.  The battle was fought at first with equal advantage, and great obstinacy on both sides; at length the right wing of the King’s horse, pressed by the Earl of Chester, galloped away, not without suspicion of treachery; the left followed the example.  The King beheld their flight, and