tance of the parliament to grant supplies; the disorders in
which the English affairs in Normandy were involved; the daily progress
made by the French king; and the advantage of stopping his hand by a
temporary accommodation which might leave room for time and accidents
to operate in favor of the English. The duke of Glocester, high-spirited
and haughty, and educated in the lofty pretensions which the first
successes of his two brothers had rendered familiar to him, could not
yet be induced to relinquish all hopes of prevailing over France; much
less could he see with patience his own opinion thwarted and rejected by
the influence of his rival in the English council. But, notwithstanding
his opposition, the earl of Suffolk, a nobleman who adhered to the
cardinal's party, was despatched to Tours, in order to negotiate with
the French ministers. It was found impossible to adjust the terms of a
lasting peace; but a truce for twenty-two months was concluded, which
left every thing on the present footing between the parties. The
numerous disorders under which the French government labored, and which
time alone could remedy, induced Charles to assent to this truce; and
the same motives engaged him afterwards to prolong it.[*] But Suffolk,
not content with executing this object of his commission, proceeded also
to finish another business, which seems rather to have been implied than
expressed in the powers that had been granted him.[**]

* Rymer, vol. xi. p. 101, 108, 206, 214.

** Rymer, vol. xi. p. 53.

In proportion as Henry advanced in years, his character became fully
known in the court, and was no longer ambiguous to either faction. Of
the most harmless, inoffensive, simple manners, but of the most slender
capacity, he was fitted, both by the softness of his temper and the
weakness of his understanding, to be perpetually governed by those who
surrounded him; and it was easy to foresee that his reign would prove a
perpetual minority. As he had now reached the twenty-third year of his
age, it was natural to think of choosing him a queen; and each party was
ambitious of having him receive one from their hand, as it was probable
that this circumstance would decide forever the victory between them.
The duke of Glocester proposed a daughter of the count of Armagnac; but
had not credit to effect his purpose. The cardinal and his friends had
cast their eye on Margaret of Anjou, daughter of Regnier, titular king
of Si