e confidence of his enemies: and
in the issue, the whole plan of the conspiracy was clearly laid before
him; and the pedigree, adventures, life, and conversation of the
pretended duke of York. This latter part of the story was immediately
published for the satisfaction of the nation: the conspirators he
reserved for a slower and surer vengeance.

{1494.} Meanwhile he remonstrated with the archduke Philip, on account
of the countenance and protection which was afforded in his dominions
to so infamous an impostor; contrary to treaties subsisting between the
sovereigns, and to the mutual amity which had so long been maintained
by the subjects of both states. Margaret had interest enough to get his
application rejected; on pretence that Philip had no authority over the
demesnes of the duchess dowager. And the king, in resentment of this
injury, cut off all commerce with the Low Countries, banished the
Flemings, and recalled his own subjects from these provinces. Philip
retaliated by like edicts; but Henry knew, that so mutinous a people as
the Flemings would not long bear, in compliance with the humors of their
prince, to be deprived of the beneficial branch of commerce which they
carried on with England.

He had it in his power to inflict more effectual punishment on his
domestic enemies; and when his projects were sufficiently matured, he
failed not to make them feel the effects of his resentment. Almost
in the same instant he arrested Fitzwater, Mountfort, and Thwaites,
together with William Daubeney, Robert Rateliff, Thomas Cressenor, and
Thomas Astwood. All these were arraigned, convicted, and condemned
for high treason, in adhering and promising aid to Perkin. Mountfort,
Ratcliff, and Daubeney were immediately executed: Fitzwater was
sent over to Calais, and detained in custody; but being detected in
practising on his keeper for an escape, he soon after underwent the same
fate. The rest were pardoned, together with William Worseley, dean of
St. Paul's, and some others, who had been accused and examined, but not
brought to public trial.[*]

* Polyd. Virg. p. 592.

Greater and more solemn preparations were deemed requisite for the
trial of Stanley, lord chamberlain, whose authority in the nation, whose
domestic connections with the king, as well as his former services,
seemed to secure him against any accusation or punishment. Clifford was
directed to come over privately to England, and to throw himself at the