interview was also requested between Henry and Richard at Flint Castle, which was near by. These terms the King accepted, and having made Northumland to swear fidelity, at once prepared to meet his cousin and enemy.

By this time Henry had approached so rapidly that the King, having mounted and come out of the castle on his way to Flint, observing the banners and symbols of the red rose flaunting to the breeze in the distance, exclaimed: "I am betrayed! God of Paradise, assist me!" Northum berland now came up with several hundred lances, and informed his Majesty that he would escort him to Castle Flint. Richard turned his horse, as if to retrace his steps to Conway; but the Earl, seizing the bridle, declared that he should not turn back, but that it was necessary for him to be conducted to the Duke of Lancaster. The unfortunate monarch was obliged to submit to this indignity, and without further resistance suffered himself to be conveyed under the surveillance of the Earl's troop to the designated spot. It may be imagined that the evening and night were spent in sad apprehension and foreboding, and that the fallen prince, though wearied, failed to obtain his needed rest. He was held as a prisoner in the castle, and could get no communication to his friends. at a distance. The guards of the Earl of Northumberland kept vigilant watch. The royal bird was at last fairly and securely caged.

In the morning he arose, dressed himself, and ascended the donjon-keep of the castle. He beheld a great and brilliant host of soldiers, with banners bearing the escutcheon of Lancaster, winding along over the broad beach which swept beneath the castle walls

toward him. This sight, which brought with it the certainty of his fate, at last unnerved him, and he sank to the pavement in a paroxysm of grief and despair. Henry, meanwhile, accompanied by a small body-guard, approached the moat, and knocked loudly at the gate. In answer to the demand from within who he was, he shouted: "I am Henry of Lancaster, and demand audience of the King." Richard, after a little hesitation, ordered his officers to admit Henry and eleven followers within the walls. The wicket was therefore opened, and the rebellious Duke marched into the presence of his sovereign rather as if he were the master than the vassal. The King, when he saw his cousin thus proudly advancing, changed color and was about to speak; but Henry interrupted him, and asked him if he had breakfasted. "No," said Richard, "'tis yet early morn; why do you ask?" "It is time you should breakfast," answered the Duke, "for you have a long way to go." "Where?" asked the terrified King. "To London." Richard was urged to eat by his attendants, and he tried to swallow a meagre breakfast; but so oppressed was his heart, that it was with difficulty that he ate enough to sustain him.

He was then formally taken prisoner by Henry, as well as such of his adherents as were there present. Strict orders were given, however, that none of the King's friends should be robbed, or deprived of any article whatever, except their swords. The King was mounted on one of Lancaster's horses, and Salisbury on another. Richard and Henry rode down through the court of the castle and over the drawbridge together, in deep conversation; the King with his head bowed down, his eyes on the ground, and his countenance

full of distress; Henry proud, calm, and serious. Shouts of derision, but ill repressed, met the fallen King as he rode through the throng of his once loyal subjects. Henry ordered the army to take the road to Chester, and himself conducted the King thither. From that place writs of election were issued at the demand of the Duke for a new Parliament. After three days of rest, the journey toward London was resumed without incident until the cortége reached Lichfield. Henry had already disbanded the greater part of his forces.

oner.

At Lichfield, Richard, having given up all hope of safety while in the hands of his cousin, attempted to escape by slipping down from the castle tower in which he was confined at night, into the garden below; but here he was taken in the act of flight by the vigilance of Henry's guard, and restored to confinement. This incident increased the Duke's haste to reach London, and he passed rapidly through Coventry, Northampton, and St. Albans with his royal prisWhen they were yet distant from London about six miles, the Lord Mayor and the companies in livery came out to meet the cavalcade and to escort the princes within the city. The obsequious attentions of these city fathers were observed to be directed almost entirely to Henry, while Richard was scarcely vouchsafed a recognition. Ever thus, from the beginning of the world, have those been insulted who have fallen from a high estate. The multitude follows successful usurpation, but never offers a shield to fallen dignity.

The King was reduced to entreat Henry that he should not be conveyed through London. The reasonable request was granted. When they reached

the gates, he was sent under a strong guard by way of Westminster to the Tower. Lancaster, separating from him, proceeded through the city in great state, and, entering St. Paul's Cathedral, ascended the high altar, and occupied himself in earnest prayer.

Having thus accomplished the bold design of possessing control over the royal person, Lancaster strengthened the defences of the metropolis, and or ganized a force of thirty thousand men for the pur pose. He next summoned such of his adherents as were near at hand for a consultation; called to his counsels the powerful Percys; annulled the banishment of Warwick; and ordered an immediate session of the new Parliament. The result of his deliberations with his friends is readily conjectured. The resolution, which had probably been for some time fixed in his mind, was now openly announced. The climax to the revolution must be a change of dynasty-the Lancasters must be Kings of England. It was resolved, first, that Richard should be compelled to abdicate in favor of Henry; second, that Parliament should be in duced to confirm Henry as King, as of the people's choice. After much expostulation, threat, entreaty, and insult, poor Richard consented to sign away his royalty, and to transfer his inheritance to his successful and implacable enemy. Articles of abdication were drawn up. By them the King absolved his subjects of their allegiance and devotion to him as King of England. He renounced all royal power. He declared himself incompetent to reign. He was made to say that he had justly incurred the degrada tion which he now suffered. He made an oath never by act or word to revoke his present abdication. Finally, he announced Henry Duke of Lancaster his

successor, in token of which he bestowed upon him the royal signet which he wore on his finger.

The Parliament which had been summoned came up to Westminster thoroughly Lancastrian. They were ready to act the will of the usurper, and to confirm the usurpation. Articles were framed by Henry's command containing a list of charges against Richard. They declared him to be guilty of the confiscation of Henry's property; of the murder of Gloucester, and other princes and barons; of tyranny to the people; of favoritism and neglect of duty;-hardly any misdemeanor of which a King could be guilty was omitted. The populace of London were in a constant ferment; they loudly demanded the death of Richard. They seized his faithful knights, tor tured them, and put them to death before his eyes. These atrocities so alarmed Richard, that he sent to implore Lancaster to protect him from his own people. On the 20th of September, amid great excitement, the Parliament convened in Westminster Hall. The throne stood vacant; a cloth of gold, with the lion rampant and the fleurs-de-lis embroidered thereon, covered the royal seat. Near the throne, a little below it, Henry of Lancaster took his place. Parlia ment at once turned their attention to the great crisis which was now upon them, in the presence of a multitude of people, who crowded the corridors and antechambers.

The King's abdication was first read; after that the coronation oath. The articles of impeachment were produced, in proof that Richard had violated the coronation oath. The subject was then open for discussion. Only one voice was heard in opposition to the general opinion. Thomas Merks, Bishop of