In September 1398 the Dukes entered the lists; but Richard forbade the duel, sentenced the Duke of Norfolk to banishment for life, and Henry of Lancaster to exile for ten years.

As Henry left London the streets were crowded with people weeping for his fate; some followed him even to the coast.

But his withdrawal removed the last check on Richard's despotism.

He forced from every tenant of the Crown an oath to recognize the acts of his Committee as valid, and to oppose any attempts to alter or revoke them.
Forced loans, the sale of charters of pardon to Gloucester's adherents, the outlawry of seven counties at once on the plea that they had supported his enemies and must purchase pardon, a reckless interference with the course of justice, roused into new life the old discontent.

Even this might have been defied had not Richard set an able and unscrupulous leader at its head.