might overawe the Welsh, and restore the
tranquillity of that country, which had been disturbed by some late
commotions. His person was committed to the care of his uncle, the earl
of Rivers, the most accomplished nobleman in England, who, having united
an uncommon taste for literature[*] to great abilities in business
and valor in the field was entitled by his talents, still more than by
nearness of blood, to direct the education of the young monarch. The
queen, anxious to preserve that ascendant over her son which she had
long maintained over her husband, wrote to the earl of Rivers, that he
should levy a body of forces, in order to escort the king to London, to
protect him during his coronation, and to keep him from falling into the
hands of their enemies.[**] The opposite faction, sensible that Edward
was now of an age when great advantages could be made of his name and
countenance, and was approaching to the age when he would be legally
entitled to exert in person his authority, foresaw that the tendency of
this measure was to perpetuate their subjection under their rivals;
and they vehemently opposed a resolution which they represented as the
signal for renewing a civil war in the kingdom. Lord Hastings threatened
to depart instantly to his government of Calais:[**] the other nobles
seemed resolute to oppose force by force: and as the duke of Glocester,
on pretence of pacifying the quarrel, had declared against all
appearance of an armed power, which might be dangerous, and was nowise
necessary; the queen, trusting to the sincerity of his friendship,
and overawed by so violent an opposition, recalled her orders to her
brother, and desired him to bring up no greater retinue than should be
necessary to support the state and dignity of the young sovereign.[***]

* This nobleman first introduced the noble art of printing
into England. Caxton was recommended by him to the patronage
of Edward IV. See Catalogue of Royal and Noble Authors.

** Hist. Croyl. Cont. p. 564, 565.

*** Sir Thomas More, p. 483.

The duke of Glocester, meanwhile, set out from York, attended by a
numerous train of the northern gentry. When he reached Northampton,
he was joined by the duke of Buckingham, who was also attended by a
splendid retinue; and as he heard that the king was hourly expected on
that road, he resolved to await his arrival, under color of conducting
him thence in person to London. The earl of Rivers,