A Knight of the White Cross | Page 3

action. I am
rejoiced at the thought that at last I shall be able to reward those who
have ventured and suffered so much in the cause of Lancaster."
"My hope is, madam, that this enterprise will be the final one, -- that,
once successful, our dear land will be no longer deluged with blood,
and that never again shall I be forced to draw my sword against my
countrymen."
"'Tis a good and pious wish, Sir Thomas, and heartily do I join in it.
My married life has been one long round of trouble, and none more
than I have cause to wish for peace."
"There is the more hope for it, madam, that these wars have greatly
diminished the number of powerful barons. It is they who are the
authors of this struggle; their rivalries and their ambitions are the ruin
of England. Save for their retainers there would be no armies to place
in the field; the mass of people stand aloof altogether, desiring only to
live in peace and quiet. 'Tis the same here in France; 'tis the powerful
vassals of the king that are ever causing trouble."
"'Tis so indeed, Sir Thomas. But without his feudal lords how could a
king place an army in the field, when his dominions were threatened by
a powerful neighbour?"
"Then it would be the people's business to fight, madam, and I doubt
not that they would do so in defence of their hearths and homes.
Besides, the neighbour would no longer have the power of invasion
were he also without great vassals. These great barons stand between
the king and his subjects; and a monarch would be a king indeed were
he able to rule without their constant dictation, and undisturbed by their
rivalry and ambitions."
"That would be a good time indeed, Sir Thomas," the queen said, with
a smile; "but methinks there is but little chance of its coming about, for
at present it seems to me that the vassals are better able to make or
unmake kings, than kings are able to deprive the great vassals of power;

and never since Norman William set foot in England were they more
powerful than they are at present. What does my chance of recovering
our throne rest upon? Not upon our right, but on the quarrel between
Warwick and the House of Rivers. We are but puppets that the great
lords play against each other. Did it depend upon my will, it should be
as you say; I would crush them all at a blow. Then only should I feel
really a queen. But that is but a dream that can never be carried out."
"Not in our time, madam. But perhaps it may come sooner than we
expect; and this long war, which has destroyed many great families and
weakened others, may greatly hasten its arrival. I presume until
Warwick is ready to move naught will be done, your Majesty?"
"That is not settled yet. Warwick spoke somewhat of causing a rising in
the north before he set sail, so that a portion at least of Edward's power
may be up there when we make our landing."
"It would be a prudent step, madam. If we can but gain possession of
London, the matter would be half finished. The citizens are ever ready
to take sides with those whom they regard as likely to win, and just as
they shout at present 'Long live King Edward!' so would they shout
'Long live King Henry!' did you enter the town."
"This may perhaps change the thought that you have entertained, Sir
Thomas, of making your son a Knight of St. John."
"I have not thought the matter over, madam. If there were quiet in the
land I should, were it not for my vow, be well content that he should
settle down in peace at my old hall; but if I see that there is still trouble
and bloodshed ahead, I would in any case far rather that he should enter
the Order, and spend his life in fighting the infidel than in strife with
Englishmen. My good friend, the Grand Prior of the Order in England,
has promised that he will take him as his page, and at any rate in the
House of St. John's he will pass his youth in security whatsoever fate
may befall me. The child himself already bids fair to do honour to our
name, and to become a worthy member of the Order. He is fond of
study, and under my daily tuition is making good progress in the use of
his weapons."

"That is he," the prince said, speaking for the first time, "It was but
yesterday in the great hall downstairs he stood up with blunted swords
against young Victor