so little authentic or consistent, as that of the
wars between the two "roses:" historians differ about many material
circumstances; some events of the utmost consequence, in which they
almost all agree, are incredible, and contradicted by records;[*] [19]
and it is remarkable, that this profound darkness falls upon us just on
the eve of the restoration of letters, and when the art of printing was
already known in Europe. All we can distinguish with certainty through
the deep cloud which covers that period, is a scene of horror and
bloodshed: savage manners, arbitrary executions, and treacherous,
dishonorable conduct in all parties. There is no possibility, for
instance, of accounting for the views and intentions of the earl of
Warwick at this time. It is agreed that he resided, together with his
son-in-law, the duke of Clarence, in his government of Calais during the
commencement of this rebellion; and that his brother Montague acted
with vigor against the northern rebels. We may thence presume, that the
insurrection had not proceeded from the secret counsels and instigation
of Warwick; though the murder committed by the rebels on the earl
of Rivers, his capital enemy, forms, on the other hand, a violent
presumption against him. He and Clarence came over to England, offered
their service to Edward, were received without any suspicion, were
intrusted by him in the highest commands,[**] and still persevered in
their fidelity. Soon after, we find the rebels quieted and dispersed
by a general pardon granted by Edward from the advice of the earl
of Warwick: but why so courageous a prince, if secure of Warwick's
fidelity, should have granted a general pardon to men who had been
guilty of such violent and personal outrages against him, is not
intelligible; nor why that nobleman, if unfaithful, should have
endeavored to appease a rebellion of which he was able to make such
advantages. But it appears, that after this insurrection, there was an
interval of peace, during which the king loaded the family of Nevil
with honors and favors of the highest nature: he made Lord Montague
a marquis, by the same name: he created his son George duke of
Bedford;[***] he publicly declared his intention of marrying that young
nobleman to his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, who, as he had yet no sons,
was presumptive heir of the crown: yet we find that soon after, being
invited to a feast by the archbishop of York, a younger brother of
Warwick and Mo