Edward, who had suffered many hardships and privations since leaving the French court, was glad enough of a few days' rest in the hospitable farmhouse, and of the opportunity of hearing all the village gossip which the wedding festivity would give him.

But after that event he desired to push on to London, to learn what he could of public feeling in the great metropolis.
"For, Paul," he said, gravely and almost sadly, "the city of London is like the heart of the nation.

If that beat with enmity to our cause and love to our foes, I fear me all is lost before a blow has been struck.

I know we have loyal friends in the west, and in some of those fair towns like Coventry and Lichfield; but if London be against us, that rich merchant city, the pride and wonder of the world, I have little heart or hope of success.

Folks ever talk as if London were Yorkist to the core; but I yet have hopes that amongst her humbler citizens there may beat hearts warm in Henry of Lancaster's cause.