rdinary about the man, which, amidst the feodal and knightly
habits in which young persons of his high rank were then bred, prompted
him to speculate, however unhappily, on any metaphysical subject. Now,
whether this abominable persuasion were the cause or the effect of his
actual guilt,--whether he had reasoned himself into materialism in order
to drown the voice of conscience, or fell into the sin of murder because
he had previously reasoned himself out of all ideas of responsibility,
does not appear; but his practice, as might have been expected, was
suited to his principles, and Hornby was too rich a bait to a man who
hoped for no enjoyment but in the present life, and feared no
retribution in another. Accordingly, we find him loudly accused of
having poisoned his brother-in-law, John Harrington, by the agency of a
servant; and he is suspected also of having, through subornation of
perjury, proved, or attempted to prove, himself tenant of the honour of
Hornby."

Sir Edward Stanley, the fifth son of Thomas, first Earl of Derby, early
received the notice and favour of his sovereign King Henry the Eighth.
It is said of him, "The camp was his school, and his learning the pike
and sword." The king's greeting, when they met, was "_Ho! my soldier_."
Honour floated in his veins, and valour danced in his spirits. At the
battle of Flodden he commanded the rear of the English army, and was
attacked by the Earls of Lennox and Argyle, both of whom were slain,
together with the King of Scots, on that memorable day. Through his
great bravery and skill he mainly contributed to its success. A sudden
feint inducing the Scots to descend a hill, their stronghold, an opening
was caused in their ranks, which Sir Edward Stanley espying, he attacked
them on the sudden with his Lancashire bowmen. So unexpected an assault
put them into great disorder, which gave the first hopes of success, and
kindled fresh courage through the English ranks, ending in the complete
overthrow and discomfiture of their enemies.

Upon this signal achievement, Sir Edward Stanley, being much advanced
thereby in the king's favour, received from the hand of his royal master
a letter of thanks, together with an assurance of some future reward.
Accordingly, we are told, the year ensuing, the king keeping Whitsuntide
at Eltham in Kent, Sir Edward being in his train, he commanded that, for
his valiant acts against the Scots, when he won the hill, and relieved
the Engli