eir natural envy against the prevailing power, bore
great favor to the cause of these noblemen.

But Edward knew that, though he himself had been able to overawe those
rival factions, many disorders might arise from their contests during
the minority of his son; and he therefore took care, in his last
illness, to summon together several of the leaders on both sides, and
by composing their ancient quarrels, to provide, as far as possible,
for the future tranquillity of the government. After expressing his
intentions, that his brother, the duke of Glocester, then absent in
the north, should be intrusted with the regency, he recommended to them
peace and unanimity during the tender years of his son; represented to
them the dangers which must attend the continuance of their animosities;
and engaged them to embrace each other with all the appearance of the
most cordial reconciliation. But this temporary or feigned agreement
lasted no longer than the king's life; he had no sooner expired,
than the jealousies of the parties broke out afresh; and each of them
applied, by separate messages, to the duke of Glocester, and endeavored
to acquire his favor and friendship.

This prince, during his brother's reign, had endeavored to live on good
terms with both parties; and his high birth, his extensive abilities,
and his great services, had enabled him to support himself without
falling into a dependence on either. But the new situation of affairs,
when the supreme power was devolved upon him, immediately changed
his measures; and he secretly determined to preserve no longer that
neutrality which he had hitherto maintained. His exorbitant ambition,
unrestrained by any principle either of justice or humanity; made him
carry his views to the possession of the crown itself; and as this
object could not be attained without the ruin of the queen and her
family, he fell, without hesitation, into concert with the opposite
party. But being sensible that the most profound dissimulation was
requisite for effecting his criminal purposes, he redoubled his
professions of zeal and attachment to that princess; and he gained such
credit with her as to influence her conduct in a point which, as it was
of the utmost importance, was violently disputed between the opposite
factions.

The young king, at the time of his father's death, resided in the Castle
of Ludlow, on the borders of Wales; whither he had been sent, that
the influence of his presence