ascendant among them,
though his integrity seemed not proof against great temptations, was
neither of an enterprising spirit, nor of a popular and engaging temper.
York was indolent, inactive, and of slender capacity. Glocester was
turbulent, bold, and popular; but being the youngest of the family,
was restrained by the power and authority of his elder brothers. There
appeared, therefore, no circumstance in the domestic situation of
England which might endanger the public peace, or give any immediate
apprehensions to the lovers of their country.

But as Edward, though he had fixed the succession to the crown, had
taken no care to establish a plan of government during the minority of
his grandson, it behoved the parliament to supply this defect; and the
house of commons distinguished themselves by taking the lead on the
occasion. This house, which had been rising to consideration during the
whole course of the late reign, naturally received an accession of power
during the minority; and as it was now becoming a scene of business, the
members chose for the first time a speaker, who might preserve order
in their debates, and maintain those forms which are requisite in all
numerous assembles. Peter de la Mare was the man pitched on; the same
person that had been imprisoned and detained in custody by the late king
for his freedom of speech, in attacking the mistress and the ministers
of that prince. But though this election discovered a spirit of liberty
in the commons, and was followed by further attacks, both on these
ministers and on Alice Pearce,[*] they were still too sensible of
their great inferiority to assume at first any immediate share in the
administration of government, or the care of the king's person. They
were content to apply by petition to the lords for that purpose, and
desire them both to appoint a council of nine, who might direct the
public business, and to choose men of virtuous life and conversation,
who might inspect the conduct and education of the young prince. The
lords complied with the first part of this request, and elected the
bishops of London, Carlisle, and Salisbury, the earls of Marche and
Stafford, Sir Richard de Stafford, Sir Henry le Scrope, Sir John
Devereux, and Sir Hugh Segrave, to whom they gave authority for a year
to conduct the ordinary course of business.[**] But as to the regulation
of the king's household, they declined interposing in an office which,
they said, both was invid