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.