In the spring of 1199 he was, as usual, in appearance negotiating a peace, probably in reality meditating a brisker war, when he heard that the Viscount of Limoges had found a great buried treasure: a golden emperor and all his court sitting at a golden table. The very name of the gold aroused Richard: he demanded his share--the lion’s share. The viscount gave, but not all. So the king besieged his castles; and before one of them, Chalus-Chabrol, he received a wound in the shoulder, which the awkwardness of the surgeons made mortal to him. He lived long enough to set his house in order. He left his jewels to Otho; John he declared his heir, and directed the barons to swear allegiance to him; he sent for his mother to receive his last words; he ordered the man who had wounded him to be set free, and declared his forgiveness of all his enemies. Then in an agony of penitence he made a very solemn and very sad confession. It was said that he had not confessed for seven years, because he would not profess to be reconciled to Philip; and he had much besides that to ask pardon for. After receiving the last sacraments he closed his laborious life on the 7th of April, and was buried with his father, by St. Hugh of Lincoln, in the abbey church of Fontevraud; a very strong man, who knew at least his own need of mercy. CHAPTER VII. JOHN. John’s succession--Arthur’s claims--Loss of Normandy--Quarrel with the Church--Submission to the Pope--Quarrel with the Barons--The Great Charter and its consequences--Arrival of Lewis--John’s death. [Sidenote: John and Arthur. ]