whowasaverylovelycreature,andwhomadearealimpressiononKingHenry,nowthathesawherforthefirsttime.Thiswasthemostimportantcircumstancethataroseoutofthemeeting.
AsifitwereimpossibleforaFrenchnoblemanofthattimetobetruetohiswordofhonourinanything,HenrydiscoveredthattheDukeofBurgundywas,atthatverymoment,insecrettreatywiththeDauphin;andhethereforeabandonedthenegotiation.
TheDukeofBurgundyandtheDauphin,eachofwhomwiththebestreasondistrustedtheotherasanobleruffiansurroundedbyapartyofnobleruffians,wereratheratalosshowtoproceedafterthis;but,atlengththeyagreedtomeet,onabridgeovertheriverYonne,whereitwasarrangedthatthereshouldbetwostronggatesputup,withanemptyspacebetweenthem;andthattheDukeofBurgundyshouldcomeintothatspacebyonegate,withtenmenonly;andthattheDauphinshouldcomeintothatspacebytheothergate,alsowithtenmen,andnomore.
SofartheDauphinkepthisword,butnofarther.WhentheDukeofBurgundywasonhiskneebeforehimintheactofspeaking,oneoftheDauphin\'snobleruffianscutthesaiddukedownwithasmallaxe,andothersspeedilyfinishedhim.
ItwasinvainfortheDauphintopretendthatthisbasemurderwasnotdonewithhisconsent;itwastoobad,evenforFrance,andcausedageneralhorror.Theduke\'sheirhastenedtomakeatreatywithKingHenry,andtheFrenchQueenengagedthatherhusbandshouldconsenttoit,whateveritwas.Henrymadepeace,onconditionofreceivingthePrincessCatherineinmarriage,andbeingmadeRegentofFranceduringtherestoftheKing\'slifetime,andsucceedingtotheFrenchcrownathisdeath.HewassoonmarriedtothebeautifulPrincess,andtookherproudlyhometoEngland,whereshewascrownedwithgreathonourandglory.
ThispeacewascalledthePerpetualPeace;weshallsoonseehowlongitlasted.ItgavegreatsatisfactiontotheFrenchpeople,althoughtheyweresopoorandmiserable,that,atthetimeofthecelebrationoftheRoyalmarriage,numbersofthemweredyingwithstarvation,onthedunghillsinthestreetsofParis.TherewassomeresistanceonthepartoftheDauphininsomefewpartsofFrance,butKingHenrybeatitalldown.
Andnow,withhisgreatpossessionsinFrancesecured,andhisbeautifulwifetocheerhim,andasonborntogivehimgreaterhappiness,allappearedbrightbeforehim.But,inthefulnessofhistriumphandtheheightofhispower,Deathcameuponhim,andhisdaywasdone.WhenhefellillatVincennes,andfoundthathecouldnotrecover,hewasverycalmandquiet,andspokeserenelytothosewhoweptaroundhisbed.Hiswifeandchild,hesaid,helefttothelovingcareofhisbrothertheDukeofBedford,andhisotherfaithfulnobles.HegavethemhisadvicethatEnglandshouldestablishafriendshipwiththenewDukeofBurgundy,andofferhimtheregencyofFrance;thatitshouldnotsetfreetheroyalprinceswhohadbeentakenatAgincourt;andthat,whateverquarrelmightarisewithFrance,EnglandshouldnevermakepeacewithoutholdingNormandy.Then,helaiddownhishead,andaskedtheattendantprieststochantthepenitentialpsalms.Amidwhichsolemnsounds,onthethirty-firstofAugust,onethousandfourhundredandtwenty-two,inonlythethirty-fourthyearofhisageandthetenthofhisreign,KingHenrytheFifthpassedaway.
SlowlyandmournfullytheycarriedhisembalmedbodyinaprocessionofgreatstatetoParis,andthencetoRouenwherehisQueenwas:fromwhomthesadintelligenceofhisdeathwasconcealeduntilhehadbeendeadsomedays.Thence,lyingonabedofcrimsonandgold,withagoldencrownuponthehead,andagoldenballandsceptrelyinginthenervelesshands,theycarriedittoCalais,withsuchagreatretinueasseemedtodyetheroadblack.TheKingofScotlandactedaschiefmourner,alltheRoyalHouseholdfollowed,theknightsworeblackarmourandblackplumesoffeathers,crowdsofmenboretorches,makingthenightaslightasday;andthewidowedPrincessfollowedlastofall.AtCalaistherewasafleetofshipstobringthefuneralhosttoDover.Andso,bywayofLondonBridge,wheretheserviceforthedeadwaschantedasitpassedalong,theybroughtthebodytoWestminsterAbbey,andthereburieditwithgreatrespect.
CHAPTERXXII-ENGLANDUNDERHENRYTHESIXTH
PARTTHEFIRST
IThadbeenthewishofthelateKing,thatwhilehisinfantsonKINGHENRYTHESIXTH,atthistimeonlyninemonthsold,wasunderage,theDukeofGloucestershouldbeappointedRegent.TheEnglishParliament,however,preferredtoappointaCouncilofRegency,withtheDukeofBedfordatitshead:toberepresented,inhisabsenceonly,bytheDukeofGloucester.TheParliamentwouldseemtohavebeenwiseinthis,forGloucestersoonshowedhimselftobeambitiousandtroublesome,and,inthegratificationofhisownpersonalschemes,gavedangerousoffencetotheDukeofBurgundy,whichwaswithdifficultyadjusted.
AsthatdukedeclinedtheRegencyofFrance,itwasbestowedbythepoorFrenchKingupontheDukeofBedford.But,theFrenchKingdyingwithintwomonths,theDauphininstantlyassertedhisclaimtotheFrenchthrone,andwasactuallycrownedunderthetitleofCHARLESTHESEVENTH.TheDukeofBedford,tobeamatchforhim,enteredintoafriendlyleaguewiththeDukesofBurgundyandBrittany,andgavethemhistwosistersinmarriage.WarwithFrancewasimmediatelyrenewed,andthePerpetualPeacecametoanuntimelyend.
Inthefirstcampaign,theEnglish,aidedbythisalliance,werespeedilysuccessful.AsScotland,however,hadsenttheFrenchfivethousandmen,andmightsendmore,orattacktheNorthofEnglandwhileEnglandwasbusywithFrance,itwasconsideredthatitwouldbeagoodthingtooffertheScottishKing,James,whohadbeensolongimprisoned,hisliberty,onhispayingfortythousandpoundsforhisboardandlodgingduringnineteenyears,andengagingtoforbidhissubjectsfromservingundertheflagofFrance.Itispleasanttoknow,notonlythattheamiablecaptiveatlastregainedhisfreedomupontheseterms,but,thathemarriedanobleEnglishlady,withwhomhehadbeenlonginlove,andbecameanexcellentKing.IamafraidwehavemetwithsomeKingsinthishistory,andshallmeetwithsomemore,whowouldhavebeenverymuchthebetter,andwouldhavelefttheworldmuchhappier,iftheyhadbeenimprisonednineteenyearstoo.
Inthesecondcampaign,theEnglishgainedaconsiderablevictoryatVerneuil,inabattlewhichwaschieflyremarkable,otherwise,fortheirresortingtotheoddexpedientoftyingtheirbaggage-
horsestogetherbytheheadsandtails,andjumblingthemupwiththebaggage,soastoconvertthemintoasortoflivefortification-whichwasfoundusefultothetroops,butwhichI
shouldthinkwasnotagreeabletothehorses.Forthreeyearsafterwardsverylittlewasdone,owingtobothsidesbeingtoopoorforwar,whichisaveryexpensiveentertainment;but,acouncilwasthenheldinParis,inwhichitwasdecidedtolaysiegetothetownofOrleans,whichwasaplaceofgreatimportancetotheDauphin\'scause.AnEnglisharmyoftenthousandmenwasdespatchedonthisservice,underthecommandoftheEarlofSalisbury,ageneraloffame.Hebeingunfortunatelykilledearlyinthesiege,theEarlofSuffolktookhisplace;underwhom(reinforcedbySIRJOHNFALSTAFF,whobroughtupfourhundredwaggonsladenwithsaltherringsandotherprovisionsforthetroops,and,beatingofftheFrenchwhotriedtointercepthim,camevictoriousoutofahotskirmish,whichwasafterwardscalledinjesttheBattleoftheHerrings)thetownofOrleanswassocompletelyhemmedin,thatthebesiegedproposedtoyieldituptotheircountrymantheDukeofBurgundy.TheEnglishgeneral,however,repliedthathisEnglishmenhadwonit,sofar,bytheirbloodandvalour,andthathisEnglishmenmusthaveit.Thereseemedtobenohopeforthetown,orfortheDauphin,whowassodismayedthatheeventhoughtofflyingtoScotlandortoSpain-
whenapeasantgirlroseupandchangedthewholestateofaffairs.
ThestoryofthispeasantgirlIhavenowtotell.
PARTTHESECOND:THESTORYOFJOANOFARC
INaremotevillageamongsomewildhillsintheprovinceofLorraine,therelivedacountrymanwhosenamewasJACQUESD\'ARC.
Hehadadaughter,JOANOFARC,whowasatthistimeinhertwentiethyear.Shehadbeenasolitarygirlfromherchildhood;
shehadoftentendedsheepandcattleforwholedayswherenohumanfigurewasseenorhumanvoiceheard;andshehadoftenknelt,forhourstogether,inthegloomy,empty,littlevillagechapel,lookingupatthealtarandatthedimlampburningbeforeit,untilshefanciedthatshesawshadowyfiguresstandingthere,andeventhatsheheardthemspeaktoher.ThepeopleinthatpartofFrancewereveryignorantandsuperstitious,andtheyhadmanyghostlytalestotellaboutwhattheyhaddreamed,andwhattheysawamongthelonelyhillswhenthecloudsandthemistswererestingonthem.So,theyeasilybelievedthatJoansawstrangesights,andtheywhisperedamongthemselvesthatangelsandspiritstalkedtoher.
Atlast,Joantoldherfatherthatshehadonedaybeensurprisedbyagreatunearthlylight,andhadafterwardsheardasolemnvoice,whichsaiditwasSaintMichael\'svoice,tellingherthatshewastogoandhelptheDauphin.Soonafterthis(shesaid),SaintCatherineandSaintMargarethadappearedtoherwithsparklingcrownsupontheirheads,andhadencouragedhertobevirtuousandresolute.Thesevisionshadreturnedsometimes;buttheVoicesveryoften;andthevoicesalwayssaid,\'Joan,thouartappointedbyHeaventogoandhelptheDauphin!\'Shealmostalwaysheardthemwhilethechapelbellswereringing.
Thereisnodoubt,now,thatJoanbelievedshesawandheardthesethings.Itisverywellknownthatsuchdelusionsareadiseasewhichisnotbyanymeansuncommon.ItisprobableenoughthattherewerefiguresofSaintMichael,andSaintCatherine,andSaintMargaret,inthelittlechapel(wheretheywouldbeverylikelytohaveshiningcrownsupontheirheads),andthattheyfirstgaveJoantheideaofthosethreepersonages.Shehadlongbeenamoping,fancifulgirl,and,thoughshewasaverygoodgirl,Idaresayshewasalittlevain,andwishfulfornotoriety.
Herfather,somethingwiserthanhisneighbours,said,\'Itellthee,Joan,itisthyfancy.Thouhadstbetterhaveakindhusbandtotakecareofthee,girl,andworktoemploythymind!\'ButJoantoldhiminreply,thatshehadtakenavownevertohaveahusband,andthatshemustgoasHeavendirectedher,tohelptheDauphin.
Ithappened,unfortunatelyforherfather\'spersuasions,andmostunfortunatelyforthepoorgirl,too,thatapartyoftheDauphin\'senemiesfoundtheirwayintothevillagewhileJoan\'sdisorderwasatthispoint,andburntthechapel,anddroveouttheinhabitants.
Thecrueltiesshesawcommitted,touchedJoan\'sheartandmadeherworse.Shesaidthatthevoicesandthefigureswerenowcontinuallywithher;thattheytoldhershewasthegirlwho,accordingtoanoldprophecy,wastodeliverFrance;andshemustgoandhelptheDauphin,andmustremainwithhimuntilheshouldbecrownedatRheims:andthatshemusttravelalongwaytoacertainlordnamedBAUDRICOURT,whocouldandwould,bringherintotheDauphin\'spresence.
Asherfatherstillsaid,\'Itellthee,Joan,itisthyfancy,\'shesetofftofindoutthislord,accompaniedbyanuncle,apoorvillagewheelwrightandcart-maker,whobelievedintherealityofhervisions.Theytravelledalongwayandwentonandon,overaroughcountry,fulloftheDukeofBurgundy\'smen,andofallkindsofrobbersandmarauders,untiltheycametowherethislordwas.
WhenhisservantstoldhimthattherewasapoorpeasantgirlnamedJoanofArc,accompaniedbynobodybutanoldvillagewheelwrightandcart-maker,whowishedtoseehimbecauseshewascommandedtohelptheDauphinandsaveFrance,Baudricourtburstouta-laughing,andbadethemsendthegirlaway.But,hesoonheardsomuchaboutherlingeringinthetown,andprayinginthechurches,andseeingvisions,anddoingharmtonoone,thathesentforher,andquestionedher.Asshesaidthesamethingsaftershehadbeenwellsprinkledwithholywaterasshehadsaidbeforethesprinkling,Baudricourtbegantothinktheremightbesomethinginit.Atallevents,hethoughtitworthwhiletosendherontothetownofChinon,wheretheDauphinwas.So,heboughtherahorse,andasword,andgavehertwosquirestoconducther.AstheVoiceshadtoldJoanthatshewastowearaman\'sdress,now,sheputoneon,andgirdedherswordtoherside,andboundspurstoherheels,andmountedherhorseandrodeawaywithhertwosquires.Astoherunclethewheelwright,hestoodstaringathisnieceinwonderuntilshewasoutofsight-aswellhemight-andthenwenthomeagain.Thebestplace,too.
Joanandhertwosquiresrodeonandon,untiltheycametoChinon,whereshewas,aftersomedoubt,admittedintotheDauphin\'spresence.Pickinghimoutimmediatelyfromallhiscourt,shetoldhimthatshecamecommandedbyHeaventosubduehisenemiesandconducthimtohiscoronationatRheims.Shealsotoldhim(orhepretendedsoafterwards,tomakethegreaterimpressionuponhissoldiers)anumberofhissecretsknownonlytohimself,and,furthermore,shesaidtherewasanold,oldswordinthecathedralofSaintCatherineatFierbois,markedwithfiveoldcrossesontheblade,whichSaintCatherinehadorderedhertowear.
Now,nobodyknewanythingaboutthisold,oldsword,butwhenthecathedralcametobeexamined-whichwasimmediatelydone-there,sureenough,theswordwasfound!TheDauphinthenrequiredanumberofgravepriestsandbishopstogivehimtheiropinionwhetherthegirlderivedherpowerfromgoodspiritsorfromevilspirits,whichtheyheldprodigiouslylongdebatesabout,inthecourseofwhichseverallearnedmenfellfastasleepandsnoredloudly.Atlast,whenonegruffoldgentlemanhadsaidtoJoan,\'WhatlanguagedoyourVoicesspeak?\'andwhenJoanhadrepliedtothegruffoldgentleman,\'Apleasanterlanguagethanyours,\'theyagreedthatitwasallcorrect,andthatJoanofArcwasinspiredfromHeaven.ThiswonderfulcircumstanceputnewheartintotheDauphin\'ssoldierswhentheyheardofit,anddispiritedtheEnglisharmy,whotookJoanforawitch.
SoJoanmountedhorseagain,andagainrodeonandon,untilshecametoOrleans.Butsherodenow,asneverpeasantgirlhadriddenyet.Sherodeuponawhitewar-horse,inasuitofglitteringarmour;withtheold,oldswordfromthecathedral,newlyburnished,inherbelt;withawhiteflagcarriedbeforeher,uponwhichwereapictureofGod,andthewordsJESUSMARIA.Inthissplendidstate,attheheadofagreatbodyoftroopsescortingprovisionsofallkindsforthestarvinginhabitantsofOrleans,sheappearedbeforethatbeleagueredcity.
Whenthepeopleonthewallsbeheldher,theycriedout\'TheMaidiscome!TheMaidoftheProphecyiscometodeliverus!\'Andthis,andthesightoftheMaidfightingattheheadoftheirmen,madetheFrenchsobold,andmadetheEnglishsofearful,thattheEnglishlineoffortswassoonbroken,thetroopsandprovisionsweregotintothetown,andOrleanswassaved.
Joan,henceforthcalledTHEMAIDOFORLEANS,remainedwithinthewallsforafewdays,andcausedletterstobethrownover,orderingLordSuffolkandhisEnglishmentodepartfrombeforethetownaccordingtothewillofHeaven.AstheEnglishgeneralverypositivelydeclinedtobelievethatJoanknewanythingaboutthewillofHeaven(whichdidnotmendthematterwithhissoldiers,fortheystupidlysaidifshewerenotinspiredshewasawitch,anditwasofnousetofightagainstawitch),shemountedherwhitewar-horseagain,andorderedherwhitebannertoadvance.
Thebesiegersheldthebridge,andsomestrongtowersuponthebridge;andheretheMaidofOrleansattackedthem.Thefightwasfourteenhourslong.Sheplantedascalingladderwithherownhands,andmountedatowerwall,butwasstruckbyanEnglisharrowintheneck,andfellintothetrench.Shewascarriedawayandthearrowwastakenout,duringwhichoperationshescreamedandcriedwiththepain,asanyothergirlmighthavedone;butpresentlyshesaidthattheVoiceswerespeakingtoherandsoothinghertorest.Afterawhile,shegotup,andwasagainforemostinthefight.WhentheEnglishwhohadseenherfallandsupposedherdead,sawthis,theyweretroubledwiththestrangestfears,andsomeofthemcriedoutthattheybeheldSaintMichaelonawhitehorse(probablyJoanherself)fightingfortheFrench.
Theylostthebridge,andlostthetowers,andnextdaysettheirchainoffortsonfire,andlefttheplace.
ButasLordSuffolkhimselfretirednofartherthanthetownofJargeau,whichwasonlyafewmilesoff,theMaidofOrleansbesiegedhimthere,andhewastakenprisoner.Asthewhitebannerscaledthewall,shewasstruckupontheheadwithastone,andwasagaintumbleddownintotheditch;but,sheonlycriedallthemore,asshelaythere,\'On,on,mycountrymen!Andfearnothing,fortheLordhathdeliveredthemintoourhands!\'AfterthisnewsuccessoftheMaid\'s,severalotherfortressesandplaceswhichhadpreviouslyheldoutagainsttheDauphinweredeliveredupwithoutabattle;andatPatayshedefeatedtheremainderoftheEnglisharmy,andsetuphervictoriouswhitebanneronafieldwheretwelvehundredEnglishmenlaydead.
ShenowurgedtheDauphin(whoalwayskeptoutofthewaywhentherewasanyfighting)toproceedtoRheims,asthefirstpartofhermissionwasaccomplished;andtocompletethewholebybeingcrownedthere.TheDauphinwasinnoparticularhurrytodothis,asRheimswasalongwayoff,andtheEnglishandtheDukeofBurgundywerestillstronginthecountrythroughwhichtheroadlay.However,theysetforth,withtenthousandmen,andagaintheMaidofOrleansrodeonandon,uponherwhitewar-horse,andinhershiningarmour.Whenevertheycametoatownwhichyieldedreadily,thesoldiersbelievedinher;but,whenevertheycametoatownwhichgavethemanytrouble,theybegantomurmurthatshewasanimpostor.ThelatterwasparticularlythecaseatTroyes,whichfinallyyielded,however,throughthepersuasionofoneRichard,afriaroftheplace.FriarRichardwasintheolddoubtabouttheMaidofOrleans,untilhehadsprinkledherwellwithholywater,andhadalsowellsprinkledthethresholdofthegatebywhichshecameintothecity.Findingthatitmadenochangeinherorthegate,hesaid,astheothergraveoldgentlemenhadsaid,thatitwasallright,andbecamehergreatally.
So,atlast,bydintofridingonandon,theMaidofOrleans,andtheDauphin,andthetenthousandsometimesbelievingandsometimesunbelievingmen,cametoRheims.AndinthegreatcathedralofRheims,theDauphinactuallywascrownedCharlestheSeventhinagreatassemblyofthepeople.Then,theMaid,whowithherwhitebannerstoodbesidetheKinginthathourofhistriumph,kneeleddownuponthepavementathisfeet,andsaid,withtears,thatwhatshehadbeeninspiredtodo,wasdone,andthattheonlyrecompensesheaskedfor,was,thatsheshouldnowhaveleavetogobacktoherdistanthome,andhersturdilyincredulousfather,andherfirstsimpleescortthevillagewheelwrightandcart-maker.ButtheKingsaid\'No!\'andmadeherandherfamilyasnobleasaKingcould,andsettleduponhertheincomeofaCount.
Ah!happyhaditbeenfortheMaidofOrleans,ifshehadresumedherrusticdressthatday,andhadgonehometothelittlechapelandthewildhills,andhadforgottenallthesethings,andhadbeenagoodman\'swife,andhadheardnostrangervoicesthanthevoicesoflittlechildren!
Itwasnottobe,andshecontinuedhelpingtheKing(shedidaworldforhim,inalliancewithFriarRichard),andtryingtoimprovethelivesofthecoarsesoldiers,andleadingareligious,anunselfish,andamodestlife,herself,beyondanydoubt.Still,manytimessheprayedtheKingtolethergohome;andoncesheeventookoffherbrightarmourandhungitupinachurch,meaningnevertowearitmore.But,theKingalwayswonherbackagain-
whileshewasofanyusetohim-andsoshewentonandonandon,toherdoom.
WhentheDukeofBedford,whowasaveryableman,begantobeactiveforEngland,and,bybringingthewarbackintoFranceandbyholdingtheDukeofBurgundytohisfaith,todistressanddisturbCharlesverymuch,CharlessometimesaskedtheMaidofOrleanswhattheVoicessaidaboutit?But,theVoiceshadbecome(verylikeordinaryvoicesinperplexedtimes)contradictoryandconfused,sothatnowtheysaidonething,andnowsaidanother,andtheMaidlostcrediteveryday.CharlesmarchedonParis,whichwasopposedtohim,andattackedthesuburbofSaintHonore.
Inthisfight,beingagainstruckdownintotheditch,shewasabandonedbythewholearmy.Shelayunaidedamongaheapofdead,andcrawledouthowshecould.Then,someofherbelieverswentovertoanoppositionMaid,CatherineofLaRochelle,whosaidshewasinspiredtotellwherethereweretreasuresofburiedmoney-
thoughsheneverdid-andthenJoanaccidentallybroketheold,oldsword,andotherssaidthatherpowerwasbrokenwithit.
Finally,atthesiegeofCompi奼ne,heldbytheDukeofBurgundy,whereshedidvaliantservice,shewasbaselyleftaloneinaretreat,thoughfacingaboutandfightingtothelast;andanarcherpulledheroffherhorse.
Otheuproarthatwasmade,andthethanksgivingsthatweresung,aboutthecaptureofthisonepoorcountry-girl!Othewayinwhichshewasdemandedtobetriedforsorceryandheresy,andanythingelseyoulike,bytheInquisitor-GeneralofFrance,andbythisgreatman,andbythatgreatman,untilitiswearisometothinkof!ShewasboughtatlastbytheBishopofBeauvaisfortenthousandfrancs,andwasshutupinhernarrowprison:plainJoanofArcagain,andMaidofOrleansnomore.
IshouldneverhavedoneifIweretotellyouhowtheyhadJoanouttoexamineher,andcross-examineher,andre-examineher,andworryherintosayinganythingandeverything;andhowallsortsofscholarsanddoctorsbestowedtheirutmosttediousnessuponher.
Sixteentimesshewasbroughtoutandshutupagain,andworried,andentrapped,andarguedwith,untilshewasheart-sickofthedrearybusiness.Onthelastoccasionofthiskindshewasbroughtintoaburial-placeatRouen,dismallydecoratedwithascaffold,andastakeandfaggots,andtheexecutioner,andapulpitwithafriartherein,andanawfulsermonready.ItisveryaffectingtoknowthatevenatthatpassthepoorgirlhonouredthemeanverminofaKing,whohadsousedherforhispurposesandsoabandonedher;and,thatwhileshehadbeenregardlessofreproachesheapeduponherself,shespokeoutcourageouslyforhim.
Itwasnaturalinonesoyoungtoholdtolife.Tosaveherlife,shesignedadeclarationpreparedforher-signeditwithacross,forshecouldn\'twrite-thatallhervisionsandVoiceshadcomefromtheDevil.Uponherrecantingthepast,andprotestingthatshewouldneverwearaman\'sdressinfuture,shewascondemnedtoimprisonmentforlife,\'onthebreadofsorrowandthewaterofaffliction.\'
But,onthebreadofsorrowandthewaterofaffliction,thevisionsandtheVoicessoonreturned.Itwasquitenaturalthattheyshoulddoso,forthatkindofdiseaseismuchaggravatedbyfasting,loneliness,andanxietyofmind.ItwasnotonlygotoutofJoanthatsheconsideredherselfinspiredagain,but,shewastakeninaman\'sdress,whichhadbeenleft-toentrapher-inherprison,andwhichsheputon,inhersolitude;perhaps,inremembranceofherpastglories,perhaps,becausetheimaginaryVoicestoldher.Forthisrelapseintothesorceryandheresyandanythingelseyoulike,shewassentencedtobeburnttodeath.
And,inthemarket-placeofRouen,inthehideousdresswhichthemonkshadinventedforsuchspectacles;withpriestsandbishopssittinginagallerylookingon,thoughsomehadtheChristiangracetogoaway,unabletoenduretheinfamousscene;thisshriekinggirl-lastseenamidstthesmokeandfire,holdingacrucifixbetweenherhands;lastheard,callinguponChrist-wasburnttoashes.TheythrewherashesintotheriverSeine;buttheywillriseagainsthermurderersonthelastday.
Fromthemomentofhercapture,neithertheFrenchKingnoronesinglemaninallhiscourtraisedafingertosaveher.Itisnodefenceofthemthattheymayhaveneverreallybelievedinher,orthattheymayhavewonhervictoriesbytheirskillandbravery.
Themoretheypretendedtobelieveinher,themoretheyhadcausedhertobelieveinherself;andshehadeverbeentruetothem,everbrave,evernoblydevoted.But,itisnowonder,thatthey,whowereinallthingsfalsetothemselves,falsetooneanother,falsetotheircountry,falsetoHeaven,falsetoEarth,shouldbemonstersofingratitudeandtreacherytoahelplesspeasantgirl.
InthepicturesqueoldtownofRouen,whereweedsandgrassgrowhighonthecathedraltowers,andthevenerableNormanstreetsarestillwarmintheblessedsunlightthoughthemonkishfiresthatoncegleamedhorriblyuponthemhavelonggrowncold,thereisastatueofJoanofArc,inthesceneofherlastagony,thesquaretowhichshehasgivenitspresentname.Iknowsomestatuesofmoderntimes-evenintheWorld\'smetropolis,Ithink-whichcommemoratelessconstancy,lessearnestness,smallerclaimsupontheworld\'sattention,andmuchgreaterimpostors.
PARTTHETHIRD
BADdeedsseldomprosper,happilyformankind;andtheEnglishcausegainednoadvantagefromthecrueldeathofJoanofArc.Foralongtime,thewarwentheavilyon.TheDukeofBedforddied;
thealliancewiththeDukeofBurgundywasbroken;andLordTalbotbecameagreatgeneralontheEnglishsideinFrance.But,twooftheconsequencesofwarsare,Famine-becausethepeoplecannotpeacefullycultivatetheground-andPestilence,whichcomesofwant,misery,andsuffering.Boththesehorrorsbrokeoutinbothcountries,andlastedfortwowretchedyears.Then,thewarwentonagain,andcamebyslowdegreestobesobadlyconductedbytheEnglishgovernment,that,withintwentyyearsfromtheexecutionoftheMaidofOrleans,ofallthegreatFrenchconquests,thetownofCalaisaloneremainedinEnglishhands.
Whilethesevictoriesanddefeatsweretakingplaceinthecourseoftime,manystrangethingshappenedathome.TheyoungKing,ashegrewup,provedtobeveryunlikehisgreatfather,andshowedhimselfamiserablepunycreature.Therewasnoharminhim-hehadagreataversiontosheddingblood:whichwassomething-but,hewasaweak,silly,helplessyoungman,andamereshuttlecocktothegreatlordlybattledoresabouttheCourt.
Ofthesebattledores,CardinalBeaufort,arelationoftheKing,andtheDukeofGloucester,wereatfirstthemostpowerful.TheDukeofGloucesterhadawife,whowasnonsensicallyaccusedofpractisingwitchcrafttocausetheKing\'sdeathandleadtoherhusband\'scomingtothethrone,hebeingthenextheir.Shewaschargedwithhaving,bythehelpofaridiculousoldwomannamedMargery(whowascalledawitch),madealittlewaxendollintheKing\'slikeness,andputitbeforeaslowfirethatitmightgraduallymeltaway.Itwassupposed,insuchcases,thatthedeathofthepersonwhomthedollwasmadetorepresent,wassuretohappen.Whethertheduchesswasasignorantastherestofthem,andreallydidmakesuchadollwithsuchanintention,I
don\'tknow;but,youandIknowverywellthatshemighthavemadeathousanddolls,ifshehadbeenstupidenough,andmighthavemeltedthemall,withouthurtingtheKingoranybodyelse.
However,shewastriedforit,andsowasoldMargery,andsowasoneoftheduke\'schaplains,whowaschargedwithhavingassistedthem.BothheandMargerywereputtodeath,andtheduchess,afterbeingtakenonfootandbearingalightedcandle,threetimesroundtheCity,asapenance,wasimprisonedforlife.Theduke,himself,tookallthisprettyquietly,andmadeaslittlestiraboutthematterasifhewererathergladtoberidoftheduchess.
But,hewasnotdestinedtokeephimselfoutoftroublelong.Theroyalshuttlecockbeingthree-and-twenty,thebattledoreswereveryanxioustogethimmarried.TheDukeofGloucesterwantedhimtomarryadaughteroftheCountofArmagnac;but,theCardinalandtheEarlofSuffolkwereallforMARGARET,thedaughteroftheKingofSicily,whotheyknewwasaresolute,ambitiouswomanandwouldgoverntheKingasshechose.Tomakefriendswiththislady,theEarlofSuffolk,whowentovertoarrangethematch,consentedtoacceptherfortheKing\'swifewithoutanyfortune,andeventogiveupthetwomostvaluablepossessionsEnglandthenhadinFrance.So,themarriagewasarranged,ontermsveryadvantageoustothelady;andLordSuffolkbroughthertoEngland,andshewasmarriedatWestminster.OnwhatpretencethisqueenandherpartychargedtheDukeofGloucesterwithhightreasonwithinacoupleofyears,itisimpossibletomakeout,thematterissoconfused;
but,theypretendedthattheKing\'slifewasindanger,andtheytookthedukeprisoner.Afortnightafterwards,hewasfounddeadinbed(theysaid),andhisbodywasshowntothepeople,andLordSuffolkcameinforthebestpartofhisestates.Youknowbythistimehowstrangelyliablestateprisonersweretosuddendeath.
IfCardinalBeauforthadanyhandinthismatter,itdidhimnogood,forhediedwithinsixweeks;thinkingitveryhardandcurious-ateightyyearsold!-thathecouldnotlivetobePope.
ThiswasthetimewhenEnglandhadcompletedherlossofallhergreatFrenchconquests.ThepeoplechargedthelossprincipallyupontheEarlofSuffolk,nowaduke,whohadmadethoseeasytermsabouttheRoyalMarriage,andwho,theybelieved,hadevenbeenboughtbyFrance.Sohewasimpeachedasatraitor,onagreatnumberofcharges,butchieflyonaccusationsofhavingaidedtheFrenchKing,andofdesigningtomakehisownsonKingofEngland.
TheCommonsandthepeoplebeingviolentagainsthim,theKingwasmade(byhisfriends)tointerposetosavehim,bybanishinghimforfiveyears,andproroguingtheParliament.ThedukehadmuchadotoescapefromaLondonmob,twothousandstrong,wholayinwaitforhiminSt.Giles\'sfields;but,hegotdowntohisownestatesinSuffolk,andsailedawayfromIpswich.SailingacrosstheChannel,hesentintoCalaistoknowifhemightlandthere;
but,theykepthisboatandmenintheharbour,untilanEnglishship,carryingahundredandfiftymenandcalledtheNicholasoftheTower,camealongsidehislittlevessel,andorderedhimonboard.\'Welcome,traitor,asmensay,\'wasthecaptain\'sgrimandnotveryrespectfulsalutation.Hewaskeptonboard,aprisoner,foreight-and-fortyhours,andthenasmallboatappearedrowingtowardtheship.Asthisboatcamenearer,itwasseentohaveinitablock,arustysword,andanexecutionerinablackmask.Thedukewashandeddownintoit,andtherehisheadwascutoffwithsixstrokesoftherustysword.Then,thelittleboatrowedawaytoDoverbeach,wherethebodywascastout,andleftuntiltheduchessclaimedit.Bywhom,highinauthority,thismurderwascommitted,hasneverappeared.Noonewaseverpunishedforit.
TherenowaroseinKentanIrishman,whogavehimselfthenameofMortimer,butwhoserealnamewasJACKCADE.Jack,inimitationofWatTyler,thoughhewasaverydifferentandinferiorsortofman,addressedtheKentishmenupontheirwrongs,occasionedbythebadgovernmentofEngland,amongsomanybattledoresandsuchapoorshuttlecock;andtheKentishmenroseuptothenumberoftwentythousand.TheirplaceofassemblywasBlackheath,where,headedbyJack,theyputforthtwopapers,whichtheycalled\'TheComplaintoftheCommonsofKent,\'and\'TheRequestsoftheCaptainoftheGreatAssemblyinKent.\'TheythenretiredtoSevenoaks.Theroyalarmycomingupwiththemhere,theybeatitandkilledtheirgeneral.Then,Jackdressedhimselfinthedeadgeneral\'sarmour,andledhismentoLondon.
JackpassedintotheCityfromSouthwark,overthebridge,andentereditintriumph,givingthestrictestorderstohismennottoplunder.Havingmadeashowofhisforcesthere,whilethecitizenslookedonquietly,hewentbackintoSouthwarkingoodorder,andpassedthenight.Nextday,hecamebackagain,havinggotholdinthemeantimeofLordSay,anunpopularnobleman.SaysJacktotheLordMayorandjudges:\'WillyoubesogoodastomakeatribunalinGuildhall,andtrymethisnobleman?\'Thecourtbeinghastilymade,hewasfoundguilty,andJackandhismencuthisheadoffonCornhill.Theyalsocutofftheheadofhisson-
in-law,andthenwentbackingoodordertoSouthwarkagain.
But,althoughthecitizenscouldbearthebeheadingofanunpopularlord,theycouldnotbeartohavetheirhousespillaged.AnditdidsohappenthatJack,afterdinner-perhapshehaddrunkalittletoomuch-begantoplunderthehousewherehelodged;uponwhich,ofcourse,hismenbegantoimitatehim.Wherefore,theLondonerstookcounselwithLordScales,whohadathousandsoldiersintheTower;anddefendedLondonBridge,andkeptJackandhispeopleout.Thisadvantagegained,itwasresolvedbydiversgreatmentodivideJack\'sarmyintheoldway,bymakingagreatmanypromisesonbehalfofthestate,thatwereneverintendedtobeperformed.ThisDIDdividethem;someofJack\'smensayingthattheyoughttotaketheconditionswhichwereoffered,andotherssayingthattheyoughtnot,fortheywereonlyasnare;
somegoinghomeatonce;othersstayingwheretheywere;andalldoubtingandquarrellingamongthemselves.
Jack,whowasintwomindsaboutfightingoracceptingapardon,andwhoindeeddidboth,sawatlastthattherewasnothingtoexpectfromhismen,andthatitwasverylikelysomeofthemwoulddeliverhimupandgetarewardofathousandmarks,whichwasofferedforhisapprehension.So,aftertheyhadtravelledandquarrelledallthewayfromSouthwarktoBlackheath,andfromBlackheathtoRochester,hemountedagoodhorseandgallopedawayintoSussex.But,theregallopedafterhim,onabetterhorse,oneAlexanderIden,whocameupwithhim,hadahardfightwithhim,andkilledhim.Jack\'sheadwassetaloftonLondonBridge,withthefacelookingtowardsBlackheath,wherehehadraisedhisflag;
andAlexanderIdengotthethousandmarks.
Itissupposedbysome,thattheDukeofYork,whohadbeenremovedfromahighpostabroadthroughtheQueen\'sinfluence,andsentoutoftheway,togovernIreland,wasatthebottomofthisrisingofJackandhismen,becausehewantedtotroublethegovernment.Heclaimed(thoughnotyetpublicly)tohaveabetterrighttothethronethanHenryofLancaster,asoneofthefamilyoftheEarlofMarch,whomHenrytheFourthhadsetaside.Touchingthisclaim,which,beingthroughfemalerelationship,wasnotaccordingtotheusualdescent,itisenoughtosaythatHenrytheFourthwasthefreechoiceofthepeopleandtheParliament,andthathisfamilyhadnowreignedundisputedforsixtyyears.ThememoryofHenrytheFifthwassofamous,andtheEnglishpeopleloveditsomuch,thattheDukeofYork\'sclaimwould,perhaps,neverhavebeenthoughtof(itwouldhavebeensohopeless)butfortheunfortunatecircumstanceofthepresentKing\'sbeingbythistimequiteanidiot,andthecountryveryillgoverned.ThesetwocircumstancesgavetheDukeofYorkapowerhecouldnototherwisehavehad.
WhethertheDukeknewanythingofJackCade,ornot,hecameoverfromIrelandwhileJack\'sheadwasonLondonBridge;beingsecretlyadvisedthattheQueenwassettinguphisenemy,theDukeofSomerset,againsthim.HewenttoWestminster,attheheadoffourthousandmen,andonhiskneesbeforetheKing,representedtohimthebadstateofthecountry,andpetitionedhimtosummonaParliamenttoconsiderit.ThistheKingpromised.WhentheParliamentwassummoned,theDukeofYorkaccusedtheDukeofSomerset,andtheDukeofSomersetaccusedtheDukeofYork;and,bothinandoutofParliament,thefollowersofeachpartywerefullofviolenceandhatredtowardstheother.AtlengththeDukeofYorkputhimselfattheheadofalargeforceofhistenants,and,inarms,demandedthereformationoftheGovernment.BeingshutoutofLondon,heencampedatDartford,andtheroyalarmyencampedatBlackheath.Accordingaseithersidetriumphed,theDukeofYorkwasarrested,ortheDukeofSomersetwasarrested.
Thetroubleended,forthemoment,intheDukeofYorkrenewinghisoathofallegiance,andgoinginpeacetooneofhisowncastles.
HalfayearafterwardstheQueengavebirthtoason,whowasveryillreceivedbythepeople,andnotbelievedtobethesonoftheKing.ItshowstheDukeofYorktohavebeenamoderateman,unwillingtoinvolveEnglandinnewtroubles,thathedidnottakeadvantageofthegeneraldiscontentatthistime,butreallyactedforthepublicgood.Hewasmadeamemberofthecabinet,andtheKingbeingnowsomuchworsethathecouldnotbecarriedaboutandshowntothepeoplewithanydecency,thedukewasmadeLordProtectorofthekingdom,untiltheKingshouldrecover,orthePrinceshouldcomeofage.AtthesametimetheDukeofSomersetwascommittedtotheTower.So,nowtheDukeofSomersetwasdown,andtheDukeofYorkwasup.Bytheendoftheyear,however,theKingrecoveredhismemoryandsomesparkofsense;uponwhichtheQueenusedherpower-whichrecoveredwithhim-togettheProtectordisgraced,andherfavouritereleased.SonowtheDukeofYorkwasdown,andtheDukeofSomersetwasup.
TheseducalupsanddownsgraduallyseparatedthewholenationintothetwopartiesofYorkandLancaster,andledtothoseterriblecivilwarslongknownastheWarsoftheRedandWhiteRoses,becausetheredrosewasthebadgeoftheHouseofLancaster,andthewhiterosewasthebadgeoftheHouseofYork.
TheDukeofYork,joinedbysomeotherpowerfulnoblemenoftheWhiteRoseparty,andleadingasmallarmy,mettheKingwithanothersmallarmyatSt.Alban\'s,anddemandedthattheDukeofSomersetshouldbegivenup.ThepoorKing,beingmadetosayinanswerthathewouldsoonerdie,wasinstantlyattacked.TheDukeofSomersetwaskilled,andtheKinghimselfwaswoundedintheneck,andtookrefugeinthehouseofapoortanner.Whereupon,theDukeofYorkwenttohim,ledhimwithgreatsubmissiontotheAbbey,andsaidhewasverysorryforwhathadhappened.HavingnowtheKinginhispossession,hegotaParliamentsummonedandhimselfoncemoremadeProtector,but,onlyforafewmonths;for,ontheKinggettingalittlebetteragain,theQueenandherpartygothimintotheirpossession,anddisgracedtheDukeoncemore.
So,nowtheDukeofYorkwasdownagain.
Someofthebestmeninpower,seeingthedangeroftheseconstantchanges,triedeventhentopreventtheRedandtheWhiteRoseWars.TheybroughtaboutagreatcouncilinLondonbetweenthetwoparties.TheWhiteRosesassembledinBlackfriars,theRedRosesinWhitefriars;andsomegoodpriestscommunicatedbetweenthem,andmadetheproceedingsknownateveningtotheKingandthejudges.Theyendedinapeacefulagreementthatthereshouldbenomorequarrelling;andtherewasagreatroyalprocessiontoSt.
Paul\'s,inwhichtheQueenwalkedarm-in-armwithheroldenemy,theDukeofYork,toshowthepeoplehowcomfortabletheyallwere.
Thisstateofpeacelastedhalfayear,whenadisputebetweentheEarlofWarwick(oneoftheDuke\'spowerfulfriends)andsomeoftheKing\'sservantsatCourt,ledtoanattackuponthatEarl-whowasaWhiteRose-andtoasuddenbreakingoutofalloldanimosities.So,hereweregreaterupsanddownsthanever.
Therewereevengreaterupsanddownsthanthese,soonafter.
Aftervariousbattles,theDukeofYorkfledtoIreland,andhissontheEarlofMarchtoCalais,withtheirfriendstheEarlsofSalisburyandWarwick;andaParliamentwashelddeclaringthemalltraitors.Littletheworseforthis,theEarlofWarwickpresentlycameback,landedinKent,wasjoinedbytheArchbishopofCanterburyandotherpowerfulnoblemenandgentlemen,engagedtheKing\'sforcesatNorthampton,signallydefeatedthem,andtooktheKinghimselfprisoner,whowasfoundinhistent.Warwickwouldhavebeenglad,Idaresay,tohavetakentheQueenandPrincetoo,buttheyescapedintoWalesandthenceintoScotland.
TheKingwascarriedbythevictoriousforcestraighttoLondon,andmadetocallanewParliament,whichimmediatelydeclaredthattheDukeofYorkandthoseothernoblemenwerenottraitors,butexcellentsubjects.Then,backcomestheDukefromIrelandattheheadoffivehundredhorsemen,ridesfromLondontoWestminster,andenterstheHouseofLords.There,helaidhishandupontheclothofgoldwhichcoveredtheemptythrone,asifhehadhalfamindtositdowninit-buthedidnot.OntheArchbishopofCanterbury,askinghimifhewouldvisittheKing,whowasinhispalacecloseby,hereplied,\'Iknownooneinthiscountry,mylord,whooughtnottovisitME.\'Noneofthelordspresentspokeasingleword;so,thedukewentoutashehadcomein,establishedhimselfroyallyintheKing\'spalace,and,sixdaysafterwards,sentintotheLordsaformalstatementofhisclaimtothethrone.
ThelordswenttotheKingonthismomentoussubject,andafteragreatdealofdiscussion,inwhichthejudgesandtheotherlawofficerswereafraidtogiveanopiniononeitherside,thequestionwascompromised.ItwasagreedthatthepresentKingshouldretainthecrownforhislife,andthatitshouldthenpasstotheDukeofYorkandhisheirs.
But,theresoluteQueen,determinedonassertingherson\'sright,wouldhearofnosuchthing.ShecamefromScotlandtothenorthofEngland,whereseveralpowerfullordsarmedinhercause.TheDukeofYork,forhispart,setoffwithsomefivethousandmen,alittletimebeforeChristmasDay,onethousandfourhundredandsixty,togiveherbattle.HelodgedatSandalCastle,nearWakefield,andtheRedRosesdefiedhimtocomeoutonWakefieldGreen,andfightthemthenandthere.Hisgeneralssaid,hehadbestwaituntilhisgallantson,theEarlofMarch,cameupwithhispower;but,hewasdeterminedtoacceptthechallenge.Hedidso,inanevilhour.Hewashotlypressedonallsides,twothousandofhismenlaydeadonWakefieldGreen,andhehimselfwastakenprisoner.Theysethimdowninmockstateonanant-hill,andtwistedgrassabouthishead,andpretendedtopaycourttohimontheirknees,saying,\'OKing,withoutakingdom,andPrincewithoutapeople,wehopeyourgraciousMajestyisverywellandhappy!\'Theydidworsethanthis;theycuthisheadoff,andhandeditonapoletotheQueen,wholaughedwithdelightwhenshesawit(yourecollecttheirwalkingsoreligiouslyandcomfortablytoSt.Paul\'s!),andhaditfixed,withapapercrownuponitshead,onthewallsofYork.TheEarlofSalisburylosthishead,too;andtheDukeofYork\'ssecondson,ahandsomeboywhowasflyingwithhistutoroverWakefieldBridge,wasstabbedintheheartbyamurderous,lord-LordCliffordbyname-whosefatherhadbeenkilledbytheWhiteRosesinthefightatSt.Alban\'s.
Therewasawfulsacrificeoflifeinthisbattle,fornoquarterwasgiven,andtheQueenwaswildforrevenge.Whenmenunnaturallyfightagainsttheirowncountrymen,theyarealwaysobservedtobemoreunnaturallycruelandfilledwithragethantheyareagainstanyotherenemy.
But,LordCliffordhadstabbedthesecondsonoftheDukeofYork-
notthefirst.Theeldestson,EdwardEarlofMarch,wasatGloucester;and,vowingvengeanceforthedeathofhisfather,hisbrother,andtheirfaithfulfriends,hebegantomarchagainsttheQueen.HehadtoturnandfightagreatbodyofWelshandIrishfirst,whoworriedhisadvance.ThesehedefeatedinagreatfightatMortimer\'sCross,nearHereford,wherehebeheadedanumberoftheRedRosestakeninbattle,inretaliationforthebeheadingoftheWhiteRosesatWakefield.TheQueenhadthenextturnofbeheading.HavingmovedtowardsLondon,andfallingin,betweenSt.Alban\'sandBarnet,withtheEarlofWarwickandtheDukeofNorfolk,WhiteRosesboth,whoweretherewithanarmytoopposeher,andhadgottheKingwiththem;shedefeatedthemwithgreatloss,andstruckofftheheadsoftwoprisonersofnote,whowereintheKing\'stentwithhim,andtowhomtheKinghadpromisedhisprotection.Hertriumph,however,wasveryshort.Shehadnotreasure,andherarmysubsistedbyplunder.Thiscausedthemtobehatedanddreadedbythepeople,andparticularlybytheLondonpeople,whowerewealthy.AssoonastheLondonersheardthatEdward,EarlofMarch,unitedwiththeEarlofWarwick,wasadvancingtowardsthecity,theyrefusedtosendtheQueensupplies,andmadeagreatrejoicing.
TheQueenandhermenretreatedwithallspeed,andEdwardandWarwickcameon,greetedwithloudacclamationsoneveryside.Thecourage,beauty,andvirtuesofyoungEdwardcouldnotbesufficientlypraisedbythewholepeople.HerodeintoLondonlikeaconqueror,andmetwithanenthusiasticwelcome.Afewdaysafterwards,LordFalconbridgeandtheBishopofExeterassembledthecitizensinSt.John\'sField,Clerkenwell,andaskedthemiftheywouldhaveHenryofLancasterfortheirKing?Tothistheyallroared,\'No,no,no!\'and\'KingEdward!KingEdward!\'Then,saidthosenoblemen,wouldtheyloveandserveyoungEdward?Tothistheyallcried,\'Yes,yes!\'andthrewuptheircapsandclappedtheirhands,andcheeredtremendously.
Therefore,itwasdeclaredthatbyjoiningtheQueenandnotprotectingthosetwoprisonersofnote,HenryofLancasterhadforfeitedthecrown;andEdwardofYorkwasproclaimedKing.HemadeagreatspeechtotheapplaudingpeopleatWestminster,andsatdownassovereignofEnglandonthatthrone,onthegoldencoveringofwhichhisfather-worthyofabetterfatethanthebloodyaxewhichcutthethreadofsomanylivesinEngland,throughsomanyyears-hadlaidhishand.
CHAPTERXXIII-ENGLANDUNDEREDWARDTHEFOURTH
KINGEDWARDTHEFOURTHwasnotquitetwenty-oneyearsofagewhenhetookthatunquietseatuponthethroneofEngland.TheLancasterparty,theRedRoses,werethenassemblingingreatnumbersnearYork,anditwasnecessarytogivethembattleinstantly.But,thestoutEarlofWarwickleadingfortheyoungKing,andtheyoungKinghimselfcloselyfollowinghim,andtheEnglishpeoplecrowdingroundtheRoyalstandard,theWhiteandtheRedRosesmet,onawildMarchdaywhenthesnowwasfallingheavily,atTowton;andtheresuchafuriousbattleragedbetweenthem,thatthetotallossamountedtofortythousandmen-allEnglishmen,fighting,uponEnglishground,againstoneanother.
TheyoungKinggainedtheday,tookdowntheheadsofhisfatherandbrotherfromthewallsofYork,andputuptheheadsofsomeofthemostfamousnoblemenengagedinthebattleontheotherside.
