The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-25

away, was concluding the mission on which he had been sent by his King. In the midst of the splendid entertainments of the French court the message came to him that Edward had dishonored him and had concluded an alliance between his sis ter and the ruler of Burgundy.
 Ever brave, highly egotistical, Edward would not consider the ingratitude of the course he had taken. Indeed every re- flection that brought to his mind anew the fact that Warwick had made him King brought him renewed impatience against a subject so powerful and great that the real ruler of England.
 Having done the deed, he welcomed the coming feud with Warwick, eager to break with his mighty minister. Draining a goblet to Burgundy, he cried: Thus we bind forever Burgundy and Englandi Woe to Francel We will wrench her lands from this huckster Louis By heavenl I shall not sleep in peace till York hath regained what Lancaster hath lost! Let Warwick come! We want no more his battle axl In our new designs on France Burgundy is an ally that might compensate for a greater loss than sul- len minister. Let him comel'
 As he spoke, there arose long, loud shout gentleman-in- waiting drew aside a curtain and the Earl of Warwick en- tered the royal presence.
 His dress was disordered and soiled by travel The black plume on his cap was broken and hung darkly over his face. Yet before the grandeur of his stature, the majesty of his presence. even the splendid Edward himself seemed suddenly to be dwarfed to a common man.
 "This to me Kingl" said he. This to mel Edward. thou hast misused mine honor and belied thine own. Thou hast debased myself in juggling me, delegated as the representative of thy loyalty. Stand back, my lords, stand backl I am of the race of those who, greater than kings, have built thrones and toppled them."
 By St. George and my fathers headr' cried Edward, with g. rage no less fierce than Warwicks. Another word, and thou leavest Athib apartment for the Toweri"
 "There is not a hair on my head" an- swered Warwick scornfully, which thy whole house could dare to touch. Send me to the Tower-and before three days have passed look around broad England and miss throne!"
 Before Edward could speak his brother, Richard of Gloucester, stepped between the two and said:
 ''Edward my brother, remember the field of Touton and forbear! Warwick. my cousin, forget not thy King or his dead father!''
 The Earrs face fell. for to that father he had sworn that he would succor and defend the sons. He thought, too, of the battle of Touton when he had won the throne for this Edward whom he loved; and at the recollection all his love re- turned.
 What Edward might have done none could say. There arose the shout of an immense multitude: ''Warwickl War wick!' and even the fierce son of York knew in that moment that to touch War wick meant to throw away the crown.
 Thereafter you may find at need what faith is to be placed in Burgundy" said the Earl in a softened tone. My liege, I lay down my offices and leave it to Your Grace to account as 1t lists you to the ambassador of France-I shall vindicate myself to their King. And now, ere depart for my hall of Middleham. l, alone here, I, Richard Neville, say that If any peer or knight can be found to ex- ecute Your Graces threat and arrest me I will attend him to the Tower.
 "Begone where thou wilt. Earl" an- swered the King. From this day Ed- ward ". reigns alone"
 1 Warwick strode from the apartment, and, concealing his emotion, returned the wild welcome of the crowd outside with his usual courtesy. Attended by only a single squire he galloped away. He had not gone far before the sound of hoofs galloping still more swiftly came to his ear Refining up he saw plumes and tunics following him, and In another moment Q troop of knights and courtiers, compris- ing the flower of the ancient nobility, came around him bareheaded and offered him their swords
 .@warwick," cried Raoul de Fulke. the leading representative of the Norman faction that no English monarch had ever braved successfully fin disgrace to you we, the ancient barons of England, behold the first blow at our own state. We have wrongs we endured in silence while thou vert the shield and sword of yon mer- ] chant-kins. We have seen the ancient peers of England set aside for men of yesterday. William the Norman dared not even think what Edward, Earl of March, hath been permitted to do. Rich ard, Earl of Warwick, thou are of royal l blood. the descendant of old John of ] Gaunt. In thee we see the likeness of the Hero Prince of Greasy. Speak but the word, and we make thee King!'
 .'I speak it not!' replied Warwick. By heaven. Richard Neville has too proud a l soul to be a King. Richard II. was a l King. and Lancaster dethroned him. The 1 Commons and the Lords raised Lancaster | to what? Ye would debase me to a Henry of Lancaster. Mort dieul I thank you What. my dear Raoul de Fulke, is thy 1 friend fallen so low that he. Earl of Sails b1,ry and of Warwick chief of the races of Montagu, Monthermer and Neville, lord of a hundred baronies, leader of 60.- ooo followers is not greater than Edward of March?'
 1 This address so thoroughly expressed the pride of the barons that RaouI de Fulke kneeled and said: "Oh, noble