essity, and
implied no renunciation of their pretensions that the restoration of
the true order of succession could not be considered as a change which
familiarized the people to devolutions; but as the correction of
a former abuse, which had itself encouraged the giddy spirit of
innovation, rebellion, and disobedience: and that, as the original
title of Lancaster stood only, in the person of Henry IV., on present
convenience, even this principle, unjustifiable as it was when not
supported by laws and warranted by the constitution, had now entirely
gone over to the other side; nor was there any comparison between a
prince utterly unable to sway the sceptre, and blindly governed by
corrupt ministers, or by an imperious queen, engaged in foreign and
hostile interests and a prince of mature years, of approved wisdom and
experience, a native of England, the lineal heir of the crown, who, by
his restoration, would replace every thing on ancient foundations.

So many plausible arguments could be urged on both sides of this
interesting question, that the people were extremely divided in their
sentiments; and though the noblemen of greatest power and influence seem
to have espoused the party of York, the opposite cause had the advantage
of being supported by the present laws, and by the immediate possession
of royal authority. There were also many great noblemen in the
Lancastrian party, who balanced the power of their antagonists, and kept
the nation in suspense between them. The earl of Northumberland adhered
to the present government: the earl of Westmoreland, in spite of his
connections with the duke of York, and with the family of Nevil, of
which he was the head, was brought over to the same party; and the whole
north of England, the most warlike part of the kingdom, was, by means of
these two potent noblemen, warmly engaged in the interests of Lancaster.
Edmund Beaufort, duke of Somerset, and his brother Henry, were great
supports of that cause; as were also Henry Holland duke of Exeter,
Stafford, duke of Buckingham, the earl of Shrewsbury, the Lords
Clifford, Dudley, Scales, Audley, and other noblemen.

While the kingdom was in this situation, it might naturally be expected
that so many turbulent barons, possessed of so much independent
authority, would immediately have flown to arms, and have decided
the quarrel, after their usual manner, by war and battle, under the
standards of the contending princes. But there still