all soon be old enough to wear mine armour, and break a
lance; I'm nearly nine already," he added, as he straightened his
little body, and threw back his head with as bold a toss as could any
old champion produce.

"And wilt thou not make me thy Queen of Beauty?" asked Mary, as though
she did feel the slight.

"Now come, Lady Mary, do not be cross with me; I'll make thee a Queen
of Beauty too; for I shall ride lots of tourneys, and be the champion
every time. Uncle of Gloucester is going to teach me how to hold my
lance, that I can dismount a knight; so I cannot be other than a great
champion, when I have such a teacher; for ye know uncle of Gloucester
is the greatest lance in the world. Is he not, sister?" And he turned
to the Princess Elizabeth, as though seeking support with which to prop
up his idol.

"Nay, that I cannot tell," answered his eldest sister. "Thou hast a
greater knowledge of these things than have I." And she smiled sadly
on the young innocent.

"'Tis very true," said the little Prince, with a wise nod, as they set
out after his mother, "we men know more of those things; yet 'tis the
ladies that do inspire us and lead us on to such great feats."

The Princess, Mary, and Hazel, could no longer restrain their laughter.
This greatly offended the little Duke. He lowered the butt of the
little whip which he did carry, no matter what his occupation, and
charged, with all the speed he could succeed in forcing from his little
body. He struck his brother, Dorset, fairly between the shoulders,
which gave that nobleman such a start that he scarce kept his feet.
Then the little Prince turned and looked back at the girls, with a
satisfied smile, which plainly said:--"Now, ye would laugh at me? Was
not that course run right well and knightly?"

By this time they had reached their destination; so, after dismissing
their following, they were all admitted to the Sanctuary.

CHAPTER XIV

I REACH WESTMINSTER

When we reached Westminster, and neared the Palace, Lord Hastings,
attended by a large following, among which I espied Catesby, came forth
to meet us. As we did near them they lined the road on either side and
cheered the King as we passed between these rows of English oaks.
Hastings himself joined in with us and rode with Buckingham, behind the
King and Gloucester. When we arrived at the Palace and dismounted
Hastings approached Richard and whispered something which I did not
catch, thou