The Dragon and the Jewel (50 page)

After the Battle of Lewes, Simon de Montfort ruled England for over two years. During that time he realized his dream of seeing plain men sit in Parliament. From each city and borough he had summoned two to four good and loyal men to sit with the peers, the barons, the bishops, and the knights to discuss the business of the realm.

The story of Simon and Eleanor is one of the great love stories of the thirteenth century. They had five sons and then a daughter.

After the Battle of Lewes men wrote poems in praise of Simon de Montfort.

Earl Simon’s faith and faithfulness all England’s peace secure.

He smites the rebels, calms the realm and drooping hearts makes sure.

And how does he keep down the proud? I trow ’tis not by praise

But the red juice he squeezes out in battle’s stubborn frays. He felt he must fight for truth or else must truth betray To truth he gave his right hand brave, and trod the rugged way.

Read, read, ye men of England, of Lewes’ fight my lay; For guarded by that fight ye live securely at this day.

Published by
Bantam Dell
a division of
Random House. Inc.

Copyright © 1991 by Virginia Henley

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eISBN: 978-0-307-56741-3

December 1991

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