"Prince Edward, at a very early age, had given the strongest proofs of his understanding and courage; he well knew what his father had suffered from the weakness of his character, yet for some time he refused to listen to the supplications of the people; but being at length prevailed on to concur, a parliament was called, in which the king resumed his former authority. This being considered as a breach of the late convention, a civil war ensued, and in a pitched battle, Leicester gained not only the victory, but also took the king prisoner, who, however, was soon exchanged for Prince Edward, who agreed to remain an hostage for his father's punctual performance of the former convention.

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Notwithstanding these advantages, Leicester had still to dread, not only the interference of foreign foes, but also the machinations of the royal party; to maintain, therefore, his power, he had recourse to the body of the people, and called a parliament, where, added to the barons of

his own party, and churchmen, he ordered returns to be made of two knights from every shire, and deputies from the boroughs, which before had been considered as too inconsiderable to be consulted. You will observe, John, that this arrangement gave rise to the first English house of commons. This parliament did not answer Leicester's wishes; the barons were disgusted at his pride and ambition, and others, who had even desired a change of rulers, by no means approved their new choice, but wished the reinstatement of the king. Leicester, aware of the storm that hung over him, made a merit of necessity; and, releasing Prince Edward from confinement, brought him to Westminster Hall, where his freedom was confirmed.

"Notwithstanding this shew of liberty, the politic baron caused him to be still guarded by his creatures, who watched all his actions, and frustrated all his measures, till the prince, hearing that the Duke of Gloucester had taken up

arms in his cause, by a bold effort, escaped from his keepers, and joined his party.

"A battle ensued, in which, though Leicester behaved with uncommon valour during seven hours, yet the fury and impetuosity with which Edward attacked his army, turned the victory on his side. Leicester had his horse slain under him, and was compelled to fight on foot, and though at length he cried for quarter, it was denied him; he was not only slain, but his dead body barbarously mangled, and after the battle triumphantly sent to his wretched widow, to increase, if possible, her affliction by the sight.

"At the commencement of the battle, Leicester had caused King Henry, who was in his custody, to be placed in the front; in which situation, not being known by his friends, he was soon wounded in the shoulder by an arrow, and had been slain, had he not cried out, "I am Henry of Winchester, your king.' The prince, informed of his danger, ran to

the spot where he lay, and ordered him to be conveyed to a place of security.

"By this battle the prince restored peace to the kingdom, and all being settled in a manner conformable to his wishes, he resolved upon taking the cross, and trying his valour in the Holy Land.

"Not long after his departure the health of the old king began to decay; and the insurgents also emboldened by the prince's absence, it was found necessary to send him letters of recal.

"The cares of government, added to the infirmities of age, pressed hard upon the king, and, ordering himself to be moved, by easy journies, from St. Edmondsbury to Westminster, he died the night of his arrival, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, and the fifty-sixth of his reign, the longest to be met with in English history."

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"Dear papa," said John, though Henry the Third might in some respects act wrong, yet he was so much better

3

than his father, that I cannot help being sorry for his misfortunes."

"Yet you will find," replied Mr. Wilmot," that the greater part originated in his own misconduct; his partiality to foreigners was highly impolitic, for it was a natural consequence that his neglected nobles should be displeased, and revengeful. Favourites have usually many enemies, and the head of a state, or even the master of a family, should be cautious of shewing a marked preference for one where all are equally entitled to his favour, for it may, as in the case of Henry, not only injure himself, but ruin them. also. You will find him likewise very blameable in promising the barons what he never intended to perform. A man entrusted with the happiness and welfare of thousands should consider well before he gives his word, which, once passed, should be sacred."

How much more amiable does Prince Edward appear," said Anne, "as