CHAPTER XXV.

THE REIGN OF HENRY III. (_concluded_).

The King's Misfortunes Abroad and Exactions at Home--Ambition and Rapacity of the Church of Rome--The Council of Lyons--The Kingdom of Sicily--Henry Accepts the Crown for his Son--Consequent Extortions--Richard becomes King of the Romans--Disputes between the King and the Barons--Simon de Montfort--He becomes Leader of the National Party--The Mad Parliament and the Provisions of Oxford--Banishment of Aliens--Government of the Barons--Peace with France--Henry is Absolved from the Provisions of Oxford--The Barons Oppose Him--Outbreak of Hostilities--The Award of Amiens--The Battle of Lewes--The Mise of Lewes--Supremacy of Leicester--The Exiles Assemble at Damme--The Parliament of 1265--Escape of Prince Edward--Battle of Evesham and Death of De Montfort--Continuance of the Rebellion--The Dictum de Kenilworth--Parliament of Marlborough--Prince Edward goes on Crusade--Deaths of Henry D'Almaine, Richard of Cornwall, and the King--Character of Henry 290