He harangued on a strange variety of subjects, on the disobedience of the fellows of Magdalene College, on the miracles wrought by Saint Winifred's well, on the disloyalty of the black coats, and on the virtues of a piece of the true cross which he had unfortunately lost.
"What have I done ?" he demanded of the Kentish squires who attended him.
"Tell me the truth.

What error have I committed ?" Those to whom he put these questions were too humane to return the answer which must have risen to their lips, and listened to his wild talk in pitying silence.
[587] When the news that he had been stopped, insulted, roughly handled, and plundered, and that he was still a prisoner in the hands of rude churls, reached the capital, many passions were roused.

Rigid Churchmen, who had, a few hours before, begun to think that they were freed from their allegiance to him, now felt misgivings.

He had not quitted his kingdom.
He had not consummated his abdication.

If he should resume his regal office, could they, on their principles, refuse to pay him obedience?
Enlightened statesmen foresaw with concern that all the disputes which his flight had for a moment set at rest would be revived and exasperated by his return.