quirements Poem of the Duke of Orleans-Division in the English

Cabinet Henry's Coronation-the Banquet-Proposition respecting

a Coronation in France-Panic of the English Soldiers-Henry

visits France his Reception at Paris-Processions and Pageants-

the King is crowned-Indignation of the French Prelates-Com.

plaints of the Canons-Dislike of the Proceedings by the French-

Magnificence of the Banquet-a Tournament Honours paid to the

King on his Return to England-Jealousy of the Duke of Burgundy

Richemont's crooked Policy-War with Bretagne-Spirit of the

Duke of Bedford-Co-operation of the Cardinal-the Duke of Bed-

ford's impolitic Marriage-Quarrel between the Dukes of Bedford

and Burgundy-Successful Negociations of the French King—Indig-

nation of the English at Burgundy's Defection-Embassy of the

Heralds their Danger-Murders committed in the Metropolis—An-

swer of the Council-Disrespect offered to Henry-Grief at the

Death of the Duke of Bedford-Speech of Charles at the Hero's

Tomb-Burgundy's Appeal to the Citizens of Ghent-martial Ar-

dour of the Flemings-their vain Boasts-Conduct on the March to

Calais confident Expectations of the Flemings-Events of the Siege

-Embassy from the Duke of Gloucester-Burgundy's Answer-Dis-

content of the Flemings-Defeat sustained by the Men of Ghent-

Mutiny in the Burgundian Camp-the Duke is compelled to retreat

-Gloucester's Exploits in Flanders-Death of two Dowager Queens

of England-and of Isabella of France-Funeral of the latter.........

Page

58

CHAPTER IV.

Ill Effects of Henry's Education-Errors of his Government-Injudi-

cious Gifts to his Favourites-Anger of the Duke of Buckingham-

Character of the Duke of Warwick-Henry's pecuniary Embarrass-

ments-Description of the Jewels pledged to Cardinal Beaufort-

Suffolk and the Queen usurp all the Patronage-Henry's Love of the

Chace-Neglect of the Tilt by the Warriors of his Time-Henry's

Place amid the Royal Authors-his Love of Literature-Gloucester's

Patronage of Letters-his Collection of Books-Lydgate's Poetry-

Versatility of his Talents-his Gallantry to the Fair Sex-his Travels

-multiplicity of his Compositions-Other Poets of the Time-MSS.

collected by the Duke of Bedford-Decay of Learning-Queen's

College, Cambridge, founded by Margaret-and completed by Eliza-

beth Wydeville-The Ordeal of Battle-Appeals of Treason-Mas-

sacre of the Bishop of Salisbury-and of the Bishop of Gloucester

-Riot upon St. Bartholomew's Day-Gallantry of the Lord Mayor

-Brawl in Holborn-Hall's Account of an Affray between an Eng-

lish Merchant and an Italian-Female Deputation to Parliament-

Murder perpetrated by Women in Whitechapel-Wrongs sustained

by wealthy Heiresses-Laws of Chivalry-Religious Persecution—

Crimes of the Priesthood-Errors of the Church-Humble Station

of the Reformers-Execution of six Martyrs-Conduct of the

Lollards at St. Albans-Imprisonment of Reginald Peacocke-

Support afforded to the Church by the House of York-Embassy

from the Pope-Portents preceding the Civil Wars........

CHAPTER V.

Page

Edward's Government-his Attention to Commerce-Negociations with

foreign Powers-Warlike Feeling of the Nation-New Method of

raising Money-Edward's Fascination--Anecdote of a rich Widow

-Alliance with Burgundy-Preparations against France-Strength

of Edward's Army-the King claims the Crown of France-Politic

Conduct of Louis-the Herald's Advice-Errors of Burgundy and

the Constable distrust of the former-Indignation of the English

Army-their Discomfiture before St. Quentin-Burgundy's Depar-

ture-Edward's Courtesy to a Prisoner-Message of the Nobles--Sus-

picions of Louis-A counterfeit Herald-Interview with Edward's

Nobles The King enters into a Negociation-Morton one of the

Commissioners-his Fidelity-Demands of the English-Prelimina-

ries settled-Incredulity of the French Nobles-Anecdote of Louis-

Burgundy's Anxiety-his Disappointment and Anger-Favours

granted by Louis to the English Soldiers-their hospitable Reception

-their Excesses-Meeting between Louis and Edward-their Con-

versation-Edward's generous Defence of the Duke of Bretagne-

sumptuous Gifts of Louis-Flattery of the Courtiers-Indignation

of a Gascon-Anxiety of Louis-Edward's peremptory Refusal to

aid the King's Designs on Bretagne-Embarrassment of Louis-Ed-

ward's Reception in London-Contempt of his Contemporaries-

Murmurs of the People-Rigorous Enforcement of the Law-The

Earl of Richmond in Jeopardy-his narrow Escape-Obstinate

Attachment of the Lancastrian.....................................................................

CHAPTER VI.

Struggles in the Cabinet-Edward's Indolence-Discontent of Cla-

rence-he aspires to the Hand of the Princess of Burgundy-Disap-

pointment of his Hopes-Enmity of the Queen-Impolicy of Clarence

91

125

Page

---Misconstruction of Burdett's hasty Speech-Persecution of the Duke's

Servants-Arrest of Clarence-his Trial before the Peers-The

King's Speech in Parliament-Condemnation of Clarence-his

friendless Situation-his mysterious Death-Edward's bitter Re-

pentance-Misfortunes of the Heirs of Clarence-Grants to Lord

Rivers-Edward devotes himself to Pleasure-he enriches himself by

Trade-Base Conduct of the French King-Edward projects Alli-

ances for his Children-Marriage of the infant Duke of York with

a Baby-Wife-Stately Hunt at Waltham-Present to the Citizens'

Wives-Treachery of Louis XI.-Lord Howard's Mission to Paris

-Rupture with Scotland-Intemperate Language of Edward and

James-Rebellious Spirit of the Scottish Nobles-Execution of the

Earl of Mar-Albany's Visit at the English Court-his Proposals

to Edward-Siege of Berwick-Destruction of the Favourites of

James-Albany and Gloucester advance to Edinburgh-Reconcilia-

tion of Albany and his Brother-Edward's Discontent at the Ex-

pences of the War-Breach between France and England-Edward's

Illness-his ineffectual Attempt to reconcile the Nobles-he repents

of his Extortion-Death of the King-Edward's Disposition and

Character-Reports in France respecting the Cause of his Death.... 153

CHAPTER VII.

The King's Love of Dress-Sumptuary Laws-New Fashions-Mode

of wearing the Hair-Penalties for making piked Shoes- Costliness

of Banquets -Strange Modes of Cookery-Receipts for several Dishes

-The Soteltie-Great Feast at the Marriage of Lionel Duke of

Clarence and at subsequent Festivals-Sumptuous Banquet given

by Archbishop Nevil-Ceremonies observed in taking the Assay-

Dearth of the common Necessaries of the Table amidst its Splendour

-Amusements of Edward's Court-Sports and Pastimes of the Eng-

lish People-Tournament-Splendour of the Nobles when appearing

in the Lists-Laws of the Tournament-Statute published by the

Earl of Worcester-Military Toys-Caxton laments the Decay of

Chivalry-Knights-Errant-Introduction of Tilts-Pastimes of the

lower Orders-Masquings and Mummings-Sports of London from

old Times--Entertainments devised by the Citizens for the Royal

Family-Christmas Games-Festivities at Easter-and on May Day

-Poem of Lydgate's-Rejoicings on Saints' Days-Procession of

the Watch-Wrestling at Clerkenwell on Saint Bartholomew's Day

-Stow laments the Progress of Gaming-Statutes against unlawful

Games--Love of strange Sights-A Turkish Dwarf:................... 179

Page

CHAPTER VIII.

Splendour of Household Furniture-of Dress and Ornaments-Ex-

tracts from various Wills-Weight of the Gold Chains-Offerings

at Funerals-Dwellings of the Rich and of the Poor-Harrison's

Account of the Manner of Building-Poverty of the lower Classes

- Hospitality of the Nobles-Neglect of Agriculture-State of So-

ciety-Feud between the Talbots and the Berke eys-Battle at Nibly

Green-Brutality of the Conqueror-Brawl between Edward's Ser-

vants and the City Watch-Indignity offered to the Lord Mayor-

Aggressions of the Nobles-Treatment of Prisoners of War-An

unnatural Son-Character of Lord Rivers-Printing established in

England-Ignorance of the Age-Introduction of new offensive

Weapons-Statutes for the Encouragement of Archery-Archers and

Men-at-Arms-The Cross-bow-The Hand Cannon-Improvements

in Fire Arms-Anecdote respecting Hungary Water-Different an-

cient warlike Implements-Inscriptions upon Swords-and upon

Spurs-Architecture of the fifteenth Century-Devastation occa-

sioned by the Civil Wars-Price of Roses and Apples in the Time

of Henry VII.-Monumental Remains-Blazoning of Arms-Badges

of the House of York-and of the House of Lancaster-The Fox's

Tail-Anecdotes concerning it -Cognizance of the Feather-Badges

preserved on the Signs of Inns-Richard's White Boar-The Bear and

the Ragged Staff-Oxford's Star-Origin of Supporters-Introduction

of the Blazon of Arms by Richard I.-Coinage of England-Changes

under different Monarchs-Improvements made by Henry VII.-

Edward's Deference to the Church-Increase of Abuses-Feud be-

tween the different Orders of Friars-Fashionable Places of Burial

-Edward's Religion-Infliction of Torture-its Condemnation by

Sir John Fortescue-Persecution of Sir Thomas Cooke-Infractions

of the Law-Number of Law Students-Opinion of Sir Matthew

Hale-Privileges obtained by the House of Commons-Canvass of a

Candidate for a Borough-Wages of the Members-Short Sessions-

Rowlie's Poems-Hardynge's Poems-Origin of the Poet-Laureate-

Claim of Lord Rivers to a Place amid the Authors of Edward's

Reign-his Preface-Poem of Lord Rivers-Dame Juliana Berners.. 221

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 com-

mitted 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 London

Page

-Edward enters the Metropolis-is lodged in the Tower-Tempta-

tions 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 Hastings

-Alarming Rumours spread by Gloucester-Accusations of the Wyde-

villes-Alarm of Stanley-Hastings is summoned to the Council-

his Conversation on the Road-Change in the Protector's Demeanour

-Arrest of Hastings-his Execution-Character of Hastings-Inter-

view between Gloucester, Buckingham, and the Citizens of London

-Particulars of the late Affair proclaimed-Observations upon it., 293

CHAPTER X.

Prosecution of Jane Shore-her Penance-and Demeanour-Letter

from the Protector-Imprisonment of the Bishops-Morton is re-

moved to Ely-Stanley's Liberation-The Duke of York delivered

up into the Protector's Hands and committed to the Tower-Cor-

ruption of the Nobility-Richard openly pretends to the Crown-

Execution of Rivers, Vaughan and Grey-Piety of Rivers-Reports

concerning the Legitimacy of Edward's Children-Sermon at Paul's

Cross-Blunder of the Preacher-Richard's Disappointment-Tame

Submission of the People-Buckingham's Address to the Citizens→→→

Deputations from the City-The Crown is offered to Richard-and

is graciously accepted-Richard repairs to Westminster-and after-

wards to St. Paul's-Enmity of Stillington to Edward's Family-

Concurrence of the Nobles in Richard's Schemes-Arrival of Soldiers

from the North-Creation of Knights of the Bath-Release of Lord

Stanley and the Archbishop of York-Imputations against Stanley

-Richard's Son created Prince of Wales-Procession through Lon-

don--Coronation of the new King-Examination of the Wardrobe

Roll-Traits in Richard's Character-The Northern Soldiers return

Home-Richard's Expectations-Murmurs of the People-Plans in

Favour of Edward's Children-Buckingham's Disaffection-the

supposed Cause-Parallel between him and the King-maker-his

Unpopularity-Death of the young Princes-Grief of the Nation-

Despair of the Queen-Reports of the Time-More's Account of the

Murder-Buckingham's brief Hopes-his Determination in Favour