honourable intentions. Understanding little of the rights of the
case, Richard only saw his father as the maintainer of the laws, and
defender of the oppressed against covenant breakers; and when the
appeal to arms was at length made, he saw the white cross assumed by
his father and brothers, in full belief that the war in defence of
Magna Carta was indeed as sacred as a crusade, and he had earnestly
entreated to be allowed to bear arms; but he had been deemed as yet
too young, and thus had had no share in the victory of Lewes, save
the full triumph in it that was felt by all at Kenilworth.
Afterwards, when sent to be Prince Edward's page at Hereford, he was
prepared to regard his royal cousin as a ferocious enemy, and was
much taken by surprise to find him a graceful courtly knight,
peculiarly gentle in manner, loving music, romances, and all
chivalrous accomplishments; and far from the pride and haughtiness
that had been the theme of all the vassals who assembled at
Kenilworth, he was gracious to all, and distinguished his young page
by treating him as a kinsman and favourite companion; showing him
indeed far more consideration than ever he had received from his
unruly turbulent brothers.

When Edward had effected his escape, and had joined the Mortimers and
Clares, Richard had gone home, where his expressions of affection for
the Prince were listened to by his father, indeed, with a well-
pleased though melancholy smile, and an augury that one day his brave
godson would shake off the old King's evil counsellors, and show
himself in his true and noble colouring. His brothers, however,
laughed and chid any word about the Prince's kindness. Edward's
flattery and seduction, they declared, had won the young De Clare
from their cause. And in vain did their father assure them that they
had lost the alliance of the house of Gloucester solely by their own