Specimens of English literature from the 'Ploughmans crede' to the ...

XV.LORD BERNERS,A.D. 1523.John Bourchier, Lord Berners, was born about A.D. 1464^,and was the eldest son of Sir Humphrey Bourchier, a Yorkist,who was killed at the battle of Barnet in 147 1. He was withHenry VH. at the siege of Boulogne in 1492, and was appointedChancellor of the Exchequer under Henry VHL about 1515-He died on the 19th of March, 1532. He is best rememberedby his excellent translation of Froissart's ' Chronicles,' which wasundertaken by the King's command, the first volume being printedby Pynson in 1523, and the second in 1525. The language of histime was exceedingly wellsuited to render the chivalrous pagesof Froissart with picturesque effect, and his translation from thispoint of view is preferable to the modern one by Mr. Johnes.Mr. Marsh says—' This translation isprose style which had yet appeared, and, asdoubtless the best Englisha specimen of picturesquenarrative, it is excelled by no production of laterperiods.''Student's Manual of the English Language,' ed. SmithLect. V. p. 84. The first extract describes the sea-fight offSluys, in which Edward HL gained a victory over the Frenchfleet ; and the second extract gives an account of the battle ofCre9y.1 This is conjectural; the date generally given is 14 74, three years afterhis father's death.