gton, where the duke
sought protection in the house of the Princess of Wales. Thanks to the
intervention of the bishop, who appeared on the scene, the mob did but
little serious harm, beyond ill-using a priest and some of the duke's
retainers whom they happened to come across.(609)

(M331)

The civic authorities were naturally anxious as to what the king might say
and do in consequence of the outbreak, and desired an interview in order
to explain matters. Lancaster was opposed to any such interview taking
place. The London mob had seized upon an escutcheon of the duke, displayed
in some public thoroughfare, and had reversed it by way of signifying that
it was the escutcheon of a traitor.(610) This had particularly raised his
anger. Nevertheless, in spite of his efforts to prevent it, an interview
was accorded to a deputation from the city, of which John Philipot acted
as spokesman. After drawing the king's attention to the threatened attack
on the privileges of the city, and the proposed substitution of a
"captain" for a mayor, Philipot offered an apology for the late riot. It
had taken place, he said, without the cognisance of the civic authorities.
Among a large population there were sure to be some bad characters whom it
was difficult to restrain, even by the authority of the mayor, when once
excited. A mob acted after the manner of a tornado, flying hither and
thither, bent on committing havoc at anybody's expense, even its own, but,
thank God! the duke had suffered no harm nor had any of his retinue been
hurt. The king having listened to the deputation, assured them in reply,
that so far from wishing to lessen the privileges of the city, he had a
mind to enlarge them. They were not to alarm themselves, but to go home
and endeavour to preserve peace. On leaving the presence the deputation
met the duke, with whom they interchanged courtesies.(611) In the
meanwhile lampoons on the duke were posted in the city. The duke became
furious and demanded the excommunication of the authors. The bishops
hesitated through fear of the mob, but at last the Bishop of Bangor was
induced by representations made to him by leading citizens, who wished it
to be known that they did not approve of such libels, to execute the
duke's wishes.(612)

(M332)

The duke was determined to have his revenge, and again the citizens were
summoned to appear before the king, who was lying at Shene. This time they
did not get off so easily. The mayor