For six months things remained in the same state. The king's fourth
expedition into Wales had effected no more than the preceding.
Glendower was still virtually master of Wales. Cardiff had been burned
by him, with its numerous priories and convents, with the exception of
that of the Franciscans; the castle of Penmarc, and the town and castle
of Abergavenny had been burned, and other strong places captured.
The Percys remained, during this time, sullen and inactive; although
somewhat mollified by the thanks voted them by Parliament. The king, as
a reward for their services, bestowed upon them the estates of Douglas.
This, however, they treated with scorn, for as well might he have
presented to them the city of Naples or Paris; since, unless all
Scotland was conquered, they could not come into peaceful mastership of
the Douglas estates. Nor, indeed, could the king have intended it in
earnest; for he was far too politic to think of adding so great an
increase of territory to the estates of the Percys, who had already
shown their power by placing him on the throne, and who might some day
take back what they had given him, by declaring in favour of the Earl
of March.
One day in February, 1403, Oswald was summoned from Stoubes to Alnwick
and, on his arrival there, was requested to go to the earl's chamber.
Pages:
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499