THE DISASTER TO JOHN'S ARMY AT THE WASH. (See p. [275.])

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The character of John has been shown only too clearly in the records of those miserable years during which he occupied the throne. It is unquestionable that the very circumstances which entailed so much misery upon the people under his rule were ultimately of the greatest benefit to the country, and that the cowardice and tyranny of John produced results of far more importance to the welfare of the English nation than the high military talent and abilities of his predecessors. Yet, however highly we may estimate the national blessings which have followed in the train of Magna Charta, we cannot be blind to the fact, that, like every other triumph of freedom, it was bought with tears and blood.

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL. (From a photograph by Frith and Co.)

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CHAPTER XXIV.

THE REIGN OF HENRY III.