VIII.

CHAP. which were afterwards supplied by the Fairfax manuscripts in the Sloanian collection. The language may appear uncouth to the modern reader, but the mild yet dignified resignation which it breathes, cannot fail to excite the warmest feelings of admiration for the virtuous nobleman who could view approaching death with so calm a gaze.

These sad yet unmurmuring reflections on the mutability of fortune, are pointed out by the early editor of the earl's works to be written in imitation of a poem of Chaucer.

The reign of Edward IV. boasts a female writer in Juliana Berners, daughter of Sir Simon Berners or Barnes, sister of the first Baron of Berners, and the prioress of the convent of Sopewell in Herefordshire. This lady's works, consisting of three English tracts on hawking, hunting, and heraldry, appeared in the "Boke of St. Alban's," so called because printed in that monastery soon after the introduction of the typographic art in England. Dallaway attributes the devotion of this amazonian nun, to studies apparently so incompatible with the duties enjoined by monastic vows, to the licence granted to the superiors of convents who were exempt from the austerities practised by the lower orders of the community over which they bore sway, and indulging in unrestrained intercourse with society participated freely in the fashionable amusements of the day. Being descended from a noble house, the prioress

VIII.

CHAP. was permitted to take the title of Dame, and she is described by her biographers as a woman of majestic beauty and heroic spirit. Holinshed styles her "a gentlewoman indued with excellent giftes of body and mind," and tells us that she took great delight in the exercises and sports of the field. The treatise upon hunting is in verse, but the claims of the writer to original composition are disputed both by Warton and Dallaway who suspect that the works which bear her name are merely translations from the French. It was however a bold effort of female genius to enter the lists thus early.

CHAPTER IX.

Absence of Prince Edward at Ludlow at the Time of his Father's Death -and of Gloucester in the North of England-Proceedings of the Council-Disappointment of the Queen's Wish-Errors committed by her Party-Gloucester takes the Oath of Allegiance-Buckingham's Message-Meeting between Gloucester and Rivers—Arrest of the Queen's Relations—Gloucester's Dissimulation—Alarm of the Queen-her melancholy Situation-Joy of Hastings-Visit of the Chancellor to the Sanctuary-Panic of the Citizens of LondonEdward enters the Metropolis-is lodged in the Tower—Temptations offered to Gloucester-Feebleness of the opposing Party-Gloucester's ambitious Hopes-Co-operation of the Nobles—their Expectations from the Protector-The blind Confidence of HastingsAlarming Rumours spread by Gloucester-Accusations of the Wydevilles-Alarm of Stanley-Hastings is summoned to the Councilhis Conversation on the Road-Change in the Protector's Demeanour -Arrest of Hastings-his Execution-Character of Hastings-Interview between Gloucester, Buckingham and the Citizens of London -Particulars of the late Affair proclaimed-Observations upon it..

IX.

1483

Ar the period of Edward's decease, the heir of his CHAP. crown resided at Ludlow castle, under the care of the Earl of Rivers his governor, and attended by Lord Richard Gray his uterine brother, and Sir Thomas Vaughan his chamberlain; he had been placed upon the border for the purpose of curbing the turbulent disposition of the Welch, who awed by the presence of their youthful prince, restrained

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CHAP. the fierceness of their spirits, and yielded obedience to the laws. This disposal of Edward's person was also supposed to have been the result of deep anxiety on the part of his mother, to cherish a mutual affection between the royal boy and his near relations the Wydevilles, to whom, if domesticated in early life and secured from the evil influence of designing men, he would in all probability form a strong attachment. They were men of virtue and integrity superior to their age, and it was natural that the queen should wish, both for their advantage and that of her son, that they should become the chief advisers and councillors of his riper years. Gloucester was likewise absent in the north of England, being in the command of the expedition against Scotland at the time of his brother's death; and the Duke of Buckingham, an ambitious aspirant, just entering the political arena, was also at a distance from the capital.

Edward's right appeared to be so clear and indisputable, that the most suspicious person could not anticipate the possibility of any plausible pretext arising to set him aside; he was proclaimed king, and letters filled with professions of loyalty and obedience and personal assurances to the same effect, poured in from all quarters; but his youth (he was only thirteen) threatened to renew those fierce contentions for power which had shaken the cabinets of Richard II. and of Henry VI.

These apprehensions were too well founded; the struggle commenced in the capital immediately after the deceased monarch had been laid in his grave. grave. A hope of possessing the regency has been attributed