[50] This was called The Battle of Spurs from the French making more use of them than of their swords.
THE KING OF SCOTLAND ENTERS ENGLAND WITH A POWERFUL ARMY.—HE IS SLAIN.—PEACE CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE KING OF FRANCE AND THE VENETIANS.
While king Henry of England was engaged in his war abroad, the noble and gallant king of Scotland invaded England with a large army, on pretence of a claim to that crown in right of his queen, and also from his alliance with the king of France, to make a diversion in his favour, now he was attacked, and force his enemies to quit France to avoid greater inconveniences.
The king of Scotland, on entering England, did great mischiefs. A battle took place, in which very many English fell, as well as Scots,—but the greatest loss to France was the death of the king of Scotland, who was killed valiantly fighting. It is rare to find such friends as will put their lives and fortunes to the chance of war in the support of a friend, especially when absent[51].
The Scots gained the field, although numbers of them were slain,—for as both nations had been long desirous of coming to blows, it may be supposed that hard ones were exchanged on each side. May God pardon those who fell![52]
On Friday, the 3d of June, in the year 1513, peace was published on the marble table in the palace, between the most Christian king Louis XII. and the republic of Venice, and between them and their successors for ever. By this treaty, the gallant knights sir Bartholomew d'Alviano and sir Andrew Gritti, with others, obtained their liberty; and the king made them many rich gifts on their departure.
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