artifices were employed, not to satisfy the pope; for he had
too much penetration to be so easily imposed on: nor yet to deceive the
people; for they were too gross even for that purpose: they only served
for a coloring to Philip's cause; and in public affairs men are often
better pleased that the truth, though known to every body, should
be wrapped up under a decent cover, than if it were exposed in open
daylight to the eyes of all the world.

After the expulsion of the French, the prudence and equity of the
protector's subsequent conduct contributed to cure entirely those wounds
which had been made by intestine discord. He received the rebellious
barons into favor; observed strictly the terms of peace which he had
granted them; restored them to their possessions; and endeavored, by an
equal behavior, to bury all past animosities in perpetual oblivion.
The clergy alone, who had adhered to Lewis, were sufferers in this
revolution. As they had rebelled against their spiritual sovereign, by
disregarding the interdict and excommunication, it was not in Pembroke's
power to make any stipulations in their favor; and Gualo, the legate,
prepared to take vengeance on them for their disobedience.[*] Many of
them were deposed; many suspended; some banished; and all who escaped
punishment made atonement for their offence, by paying large sums to the
legate, who amassed an immense treasure by this expedient.

The earl of Pembroke did not long survive the pacification, which had
been chiefly owing to his wisdom and valor;[*] and he was succeeded in
the government by Peter des Roches, bishop of Winchester, and Hubert de
Burgh, the justiciary. The counsels of the latter were chiefly followed;
and had he possessed equal authority in the kingdom with Pembroke, he
seemed to be every way worthy of filling the place of that virtuous
nobleman. But the licentious and powerful barons, who had once broken
the reins of subjection to their prince, and had obtained by violence an
enlargement of their liberties and independence, could ill be restrained
by laws under a minority; and the people, no less than the king,
suffered from their outrages and disorders. They retained by force the
royal castles, which they had seized during the past convulsions, or
which had been committed to their custody by the protector;[**] they
usurped the king's demesnes;[***] they oppressed their vassals; they
infested their weaker neighbors; they invited all disorderl