PREFACE
The subjects described in the following pages, have been chosen from among the almost unlimited number that present themselves to notice, during the stirring periods in which they are included, as they appeared to lend interest and variety of incident, illustrative of the days wherein they occurred. The concluding paper—not originally written for this series—extends into the era of the early Stuart, and has claimed admission from the comparatively unique features of its history.
W. H. H. R.
"The Middle Ages had their wars and agonies, but also intense delights. Their gold was dashed with blood; but ours is sprinkled with dust. Their life was inwove with white and purple, ours is one seamless stuff of brown."
John Ruskin.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| 1. "OUR STEWARD OF HOUSEHOLD." Robert, Lord Willoughby de Broke, K.G. | 1 |
| 2. EXTINCT FOR THE WHITE ROSE. William, Lord Bonville, K.G. | 37 |
| 3. UNDER THE HOOF OF THE WHITE BOAR. Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, K.G. | 87 |
| 4. UNHORSED AT BOSWORTH. John, Lord Cheney, K.G. | 118 |
| 5. "WITH THE SILVER HAND." Stafford of Suthwyke, Archbishop, and Earl | 137 |
| 6. "THEY DID CAST HIM." Sir Thomas Arundell, K.B. | 155 |
| 7. OF THE IMPERIAL LINE. Theodoro Paleologus | 183 |