PREFACE. The present volume contains the translations of Lestorie des Engles" and of the "Lai d Haueloc le Danois." The translations have been made line by line in order that the same index may refer both to the texts and to the translations. The preface to the previous volume treated of the manuscripts in which Gaimar's work is preserved and of the language employed by him, but there remain to be said a few words about historical matters connected therewith. Considerable research has failed to bring to light any The more facts about the author of "Lestorie des Engles" author. than are told by himself.1 He wrote the book at the request of Custance, wife of Ralf FitzGilbert,1 using for it manuscripts borrowed by their friend Walter Espec from Robert Earl of Gloucester. This nobleman was natural son of Henry I. "li reis meillur "ki vnkes fust, ne iames seit "2 according to Gaimar. Gloucester died in 1147, and as it is clear from Gaimar's words that he wrote in his lifetime, this date is the latest limit of time for the composition of the work. The earl's father, King Henry, appears, from the language used concerning him, to be dead, though this is not distinctly stated. If this assumption be correct, 1135 would be the earliest date possible. In any case, |