bard, the archer had taken up his bow; the village itself, before
disaffected, poured all its scanty population--women, and age, and
children--to the walls. And when the earl joined the king upon the
ramparts, he found that able general sanguine and elated, and pointing
out to Clarence the natural defences of the place. Meanwhile, the
rebels, no doubt apprised by their scouts of the new aid, had already
halted in their march, and the dark swarm might be seen indistinctly
undulating, as bees ere they settle, amidst the verdure of the plain.

"Well, cousin," said the king, "have ye brought these Hotspurs to their
allegiance?"

"Sire, yes," said Warwick, gravely; "but we have here no force to resist
yon army."

"Bring you not succours?" said the king, astonished. "You must have
passed through London. Have you left no troops upon the road?"

"I had no time, sire; and London is well-nigh palsied with dismay. Had
I waited to collect troops, I might have found a king's head blackening
over those gates."

"Well," returned Edward, carelessly, "few or many, one gentleman is more
worth than a hundred varlets. 'We are eno' for glory,' as Henry said at
Agincourt."

"No, sire; you are too skilful and too wise to believe your boast. These
men we cannot conquer,--we must disperse them."

"By what spell?"

"By their king's word to redress their complaints."

"And banish my queen?"

"Heaven forbid that man should part those whom God has joined," returned
Warwick. "Not my lady, your queen, but my lady's kindred."

"Rivers is dead, and gallant John," said Edward, sadly; "is not that
enough for revenge?"

"It is not revenge that we require, but pledges for the land's safety,"
answered Warwick. "And to be plain, without such a promise these walls
may be your tomb."

Edward walked apart, strongly debating within himself. In his character
were great contrasts: no man was more frank in common, no man more false
when it suited; no man had more levity in wanton love, or more firm
affection for those he once thoroughly took to his heart. He was the
reverse of grateful for service yielded, yet he was warm in protecting
those on whom service was conferred. He was resolved not to give up the
Woodvilles, and after a short self-commune, he equally determined not to
risk his crown and life by persevering in resistance to the demand for
their downfall. Inly obstinate, outwardly yielding, he concealed his
falsehood with his usual soldierl