Isabel of Warwick had been a mate for William the Norman; and my grandson, if heir to his grandsire's soul, should have ruled from the throne of England over the realms of Charlemagne! But it hath pleased Him whom the Christian knight alone bows to without shame, to order otherwise.

So be it.

I forgot my just pretensions,--forgot my blood, and counselled the king to strengthen his throne with the alliance of Louis XI.

He rejected the Princess Bona of Savoy, to marry widow Elizabeth Gray; I sorrowed for his sake, and forgave the slight to my counsels.

At his prayer I followed the train of his queen, and hushed the proud hearts of our barons to obeisance.