The testimony of eyewitnesses could not be doubted.

The fatal day had again been hostile to the cause of the Red Rose, and the mournful cry of those who had seen and shared in the fight, as they fled pellmell from the field, had been, "Lost--all lost! the House of Lancaster is utterly overthrown!" Mournfully the little procession turned itself and rode back to the Abbey.

Edward had not spoken one word all this time, and the messengers, who had now learned who he was, fell to the rear, and observed an awed silence.

But their tale had been told.

They had said enough.