War propaganda, 1214

Translation

The king [sends] greeting[s] to all his earls, barons, knights, and other faithful men constituted throughout the realm of England. Know that we are healthy and uninjured, and that everything amongst us is prosperous and joyous through the grace of God. We send many thanks to those amongst you who have sent your knights to us in our service and for the protection and winning of our rights, and we ask most attentively, just as you value our honour, that those of you who have not crossed over with us, come to us without delay to the aid of our land which needs to be won over, all apart from those who with the counsel of our venerable fathers P. bishop of Winchester, our justice, J. bishop of Norwich, Master R. Marsh and W. Brewer, and of other of our faithful men, are to stay behind in England. Acting thenceforth in such a way that we are held in perpetual gratitude towards you. If indeed any of you may think that we harbour rancour in our soul against him, he will have such rancour entirely remitted by coming to us. And as a testimony to this business, etc. Witness as above.