Here every one of gentle blood has been more or less mixed up in these civil broils.

To few of us does it personally matter whether a member of the House of York or Lancaster sits on the throne, and yet we have been almost compelled to take sides with one or the other; and now, in my middle age I am on the eve of another battle in which I risk my life and fortune.

If we win I gain naught but the satisfaction of seeing young Edward made King of England.

If we lose I am going into exile again, or I may leave my wife a widow, and my child penniless." "It is too true, Tresham; and as I am as likely to fall as you are, the child might be left without a protector as well as fatherless.

However, against that I will provide.