ots, violences, and even in bearing evidence for him in courts of
justice.[v****]

* 3 Henry VII. cap. 1.

** 11 Henry VII. cap. 12.

*** 3 Henry VII. cap. 2.

**** 4 Henry VII. cap. 13.

v 11 Henry VII. cap. 15.

v* 11 Henry VII. cap. 24.

v** 19 Henry VII. cap. 3.

v*** 3 Henry VII. cap 13.

v**** 3 Henry VII. cap 1 and 12.

This disorder, which had prevailed during many reigns, when the law
could give little protection to the subject, was then deeply rooted
in England; and it required all the vigilance and rigor of Henry to
extirpate it. There is a story of his severity against this abuse; and
it seems to merit praise, though it is commonly cited as an instance of
his avarice and rapacity. The earl of Oxford, his favorite general, in
whom he always placed great and deserved confidence, having splendidly
entertained him at his castle of Heningham, was desirous of making a
parade of his magnificence at the departure of his royal guest, and
ordered all his retainers, with their liveries and badges, to be drawn
up in two lines, that their appearance might be the more gallant
and splendid. "My lord," said the king, "I have heard much of your
hospitality, but the truth far exceeds the report. These handsome
gentlemen and yeomen, whom I see on both sides of me, are no doubt your
menial servants." The earl smiled, and confessed that his fortune was
too narrow for such magnificence. "They are most of them," subjoined
he, "my retainers, who are come to do me service at this time, when
they know I am honored with your majesty's presence." The king started
a little, and said, "By my faith, my lord, I thank you for your good
cheer, but I must not allow my laws to be broken in my sight. My
attorney must speak with you." Oxford is said to have paid no less than
fifteen thousand marks, as a composition for his offence.

The increase of the arts, more effectually than all the severities of
law, put an end to this pernicious practice. The nobility, instead of
vying with each other in the number and boldness of their retainers,
acquired by degrees a more civilized species of emulation, and
endeavored to excel in the splendor and elegance of their equipage,
houses, and tables. The common people, no longer maintained in vicious
idleness by their superiors, were obliged to learn some calling or
industry, and became useful both to themselves and to othe