im of this nature; which might be
construed as an abolition of all their rights and privileges, and the
establishment of absolute authority in the sovereign.[**]

*Bacon in Kennet's Complete History, p. 579.

**Bacon, p. 579.

William himself, the Norman, though at the head of a powerful and
victorious army of foreigners, had at first declined the invidious
title of Conqueror; and it was not till the full establishment of his
authority, that he had ventured to advance so violent and destructive a
pretension.

But Henry was sensible that there remained another foundation of power,
somewhat resembling the right of conquest, namely, present possession;
and that this title, guarded by vigor and abilities, would be sufficient
to secure perpetual possession of the throne. He had before him the
example of Henry IV., who, supported by no better pretension, had
subdued many insurrections, and had been able to transmit the crown
peaceably to his posterity. He could perceive that this claim, which had
been perpetuated through three generations of the family of Lancaster,
might still have subsisted, notwithstanding the preferable title of the
house of York, had not the sceptre devolved into the hands of Henry
VI., which were too feeble to sustain it. Instructed by this recent
experience, Henry was determined to put himself in possession of regal
authority, and to show all opponents, that nothing but force of arms and
a successful war should be able to expel him. His claim as heir to the
house of Lancaster he was resolved to advance, and never allow it to
be discussed; and he hoped that this right, favored by the partisans of
that family, and seconded by present power, would secure him a perpetual
and an independent authority.

These views of Henry are not exposed to much blame; because founded on
good policy, and even on a species of necessity; but there entered into
all his measures and counsels another motive, which admits not of the
same apology. The violent contentions which, during so long a period,
had been maintained between the rival families, and the many sanguinary
revenges which they had alternately taken on each other, had inflamed
the opposite factions to a high pitch of animosity, Henry himself, who
had seen most of his near friends and relations perish in battle or
by the executioner, and who had been exposed in his own person to many
hardships and dangers, had imbibed a violent antipathy to the York