THE House of York, at this time, seemed wanting in no support; but, fixed on an apparently firm foundation at home, thought only of ensuring her conquests abroad, and humbling the pride of France and her allies.

But the demon of discord again seemed to unite his force against the happiness of the Yorkists; and the best blood in the / kingdom was to be shed, as a sacrifice for Edward's crimes and follies. From private enemies of the virtuous Princess of Savoy, or from what cause was unknown, he took, or appeared to take, a rooted aversion to her, and refused to ratify the treaties of his marriage, declaring he never would unite his fate to her's.

The hopes of Lady Elizabeth again strengthened; and it is universally believed, that she and her confessor were the chief agents in a plot to calumniate this unfortunate and worthy princess. It is very certain she shewed, no longer, a repugnance at receiving the visits of the prince; and the tie of his affection for her seemed now more indissoluble than ever.

Warwick, enraged at his duplicity, no longer able to endure the conduct of the man who had thus called his integrity in / question at the court of Savoy, and from whom he had also received the most virulent abuse for his virtuous expostulations; quitted his party for ever, and united himself to the house of Lancaster.

The name of Warwick, skilled in arms, brave as a lion, diffused terror against whoever he marched. A large body, composed of the chief nobility and bravest soldiers in the kingdom, revolted from Edward, to join their beloved Warwick. Even Lord Hastings, whose love and loyalty to his master were proverbial, felt himself wavering, and half inclined to follow the earl; but he reflected on the confidence which Edward placed in him, and in which he was determined to fall, sooner than abuse.