to Morton, now a cardinal, and Sir
Reginald Bray, who were deemed the most active instruments in all his
oppressions. Notwithstanding their rage against the administration, they
carefully followed the directions given them by their leaders; and as
they met with no resistance, they committed, during their march, no
violence or disorder.

The rebels had been told by Flammoc that the inhabitants of Kent,
as they had ever, during all ages, remained unsubdued, and had even
maintained their independence during the Norman conquest, would surely
embrace their party, and declare themselves for a cause which was no
other than that of public good and general liberty. But the Kentish
people had very lately distinguished themselves by repelling Perkin's
invasion; and as they had received from the king many gracious
acknowledgments for this service, their affections were by that means
much conciliated to his government. It was easy, therefore, for the
earl of Kent, Lord Abergavenny, and Lord Cobham, who possessed great
authority in those parts, to retain the people in obedience; and the
Cornish rebels, though they pitched their camp near Eltham, at the
very gates of London, and invited all the people to join them, got
reenforcement from no quarter. There wanted not discontents every where,
but no one would take part in so rash and ill-concerted an enterprise;
and besides, the situation in which the king's affairs then stood
discouraged even the boldest and most daring.

Henry, in order to oppose the Scots, had already levied an army, which
he put under the command of Lord Daubeney, the chamberlain; and as
soon as he heard of the Cornish insurrection, he ordered it to march
southwards and suppress the rebels. Not to leave the northern frontier
defenceless, he despatched thither the earl of Surrey, who assembled the
forces on the borders, and made head against the enemy. Henry found
here the concurrence of the three most fatal incidents that can befall a
monarchy; a foreign enemy, a domestic rebellion, and a pretender to
his crown; but he enjoyed great resources in his army and treasure, and
still more in the intrepidity and courage of his own temper. He did not,
however, immediately give full scope to his military spirit. On other
occasions, he had always hastened to a decision; and it was a usual
saying with him, "that he desired but to see his rebels:" but as the
Cornish mutineers behaved in an inoffensive manner, and committed no