it carries on the history through the first years of the
reign of Henry VI, and is evidently only part of what the volume once
contained.[316]

[Footnote 316: From this point the manuscript
proceeds, in the very words of Elmham, to describe
Henry's second expedition.]

* * * * *

The two former portions of the volume now claim our careful
examination; and, of these two, especially the second.

It has been already intimated, that the first part of the MS. contains
that portion of the history of Richard II. and Henry IV. which is
embraced by the memoirs of the Monk of Evesham. A careful examination
of both, and a comparison of each with the other, have induced the
Author to conclude (with what degree of probability he must leave
others to decide) that the writer had the work of the Monk before him,
and copied from it very largely, but made such alterations as we
should expect to find made by a _foreigner_, and one whose feelings
were _opposed to the Lancastrian party_; a supporter rather of the
cause of Richard, and the French, and the other enemies of
Bolinbroke's house. The Monk's work bears every mark of being the
genuine production of one who witnessed Henry IV.'s expeditions to
Wales, and who was in all his sentiments and prejudices an Englishman
and a Lancastrian. The Author fears he may be considered too minute
and tedious on this point; but, since the circumstance of the (p. 429)
writer of the manuscript bear immediately upon the authenticity of
the charge, he trusts he shall be excused a detail which, except for
that consideration, would be superfluous.

1. They both record the execution of a Welshman, who preferred death
to treachery. The Monk adds this comment: "_We English_ too [possumus
et _nos Angli_] may derive an example here; to preserve our fidelity,
&c. even to death." The MS. thus expresses its comment: "_All English
servants_ may contemplate an example of fidelity towards their own
masters from the conduct of that Welshman."

2. Thus too, in mentioning the introduction of the fashion into
England of wearing long sleeves like a _bagpipe_, the two MSS. of the
Monk most clearly write "Bagpipe." Of the MSS. in question, the Sloane
writes Bagebyte, the Reg. "Babepipae;"--evidently the writer in neither
case knowing the meaning of the English word which he attempted so
unsuccessfully to copy.

3. In relati