In the first place the ecclesiastics, for the most part, and the monks of all the orders save the Franciscans, favoured King Henry against Richard; but the chief reason is the long animosity between the Church and the Bards, of whom Glendower is a great patron; and who have done him great service, by stirring up the people with their songs.

The bards have ever been foremost in instigating insurrections in Wales.

Edward the First attempted to suppress them altogether, and his edict for executing them, by martial law, is still unrepealed; and they dare not venture to show themselves, in any castle or town held by us.

But they have, to a man, rallied round Glendower.

His house was always open to them, and he was even distinguished by some Welsh name, meaning the protector of the bards.