But while pursuing this splendid career, he received information of the rapid decay of the king's health, and the unsettled state of the kingdom. This intelligence induced him to hasten his return; but long before he could reach his native country, Henry expired, in the 64th year of his age, and 56th of his reign.

M. Paris. Act. Public. T. Wykes. Knyght, coll. &c.

Rymer. Fæder. M. West.

REFLECTIONS.

Though the reign of Henry III. occupies so considerable a space in the annals of our country, and, when politically considered, must be acknowledged to have been an æra of great importance; yet it presents to the eye of the moral observer but a dull and tedious track, on no part of which it can rest with satisfaction or pleasure. Intrigues, discords, conspiracies and rebellions, fill up the whole scene; if we except the short administration of the earl of Pembroke. Princes and statesmen might indeed gather many valuable lessons from the events of this turbulent and protracted reign. They might learn from the principal occurrences of this period, that despotism ultimately defeats its own end, that instead of establishing, it subverts the authority of the sovereign-that policy, as well as justice, requires the frequent sacrifice of private partialities to the public good-that no government, whether in church or state, can be stable, which depends on illegal exactions for its necessary supplies-and finally, that nothing can be more impolitic and unjust, than to enter into public engagements, not only without the intention of fulfilling them, but with the express design of violating them, as soon as a favourable opportunity shall arise. These were the grand political errors into which Henry III. fell, and which occasioned the calamities of his latter years.

It is a great unhappiness to be deprived in early youth of a prudent and faithful counsellor; whether

that guide of our youth stand in the intimate relation of a parent, or whether more remotely connected. Such a loss is not easily repaired, and frequently leads to the most calamitous results. It is probable that the character of Henry III. would have proved far superior to that which was eventually formed, if the fostering influence of the earl of Pembroke had been enjoyed to a more advanced period of life. A heart so affectionate as Henry's seems to have been, and so disposed to surrender itself to the guidance of others, might have insensibly received the impression of that distinguished statesman, and thus those errors of his future reign might have been avoided. Let parents and guardians of youth learn from hence to exert their utmost influence, while they are intrusted with so important a charge; and let those whose privilege it is still to enjoy the counsels and protection of the guides of their youth, be thankful for the salutary restraints under which they are placed, and careful to improve a benefit which may soon be withdrawn !

The conduct of Henry sufficiently proves, that an intimate connexion subsists between prodigality and avarice. He that forms habits of dissipation and extravagance that scatters with a profuse hand the bounties of Providence, expending them in luxury and self-indulgence-is not unfrequently driven to the most dishonourable and dangerous expedients, in order to satisfy those imaginary wants, which he has created, and indulge those appetites which have acquired the dominion over him. Thus have many been betrayed, ere they were aware, into fraudulent deeds, which have involved them in ignominy and ruin. For this cause, he that knows what is in man," and what will conduce most essentially to his improvement and happiness, has commanded his followers" to deny themselves to crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts-to be soberminded, humble, and content with such things as they have denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present evil world."

It is not uncommon to meet with characters in every gradation of society, who, like the earl of Leicester, seem

to set out in life with moderate views, and to be influenced by comparatively pure motives, but who, as they proceed in their career, become inebriated with prosperity; grow proud, selfish and impatient of control; until at length,they terminate in disgrace, a course which began with honour, making shipwreck, not only of faith and a good conscience, but even of their reputation and lives. It is thus, that in a much more important concern, many begin and continue for a time to run well: but afterwards either turn aside, or draw back unto perdition." In how impressive accents do such fearful examples of apostacy admonish us not "to be high-minded, but to fear!" "Let him "that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall: for it is " he that endureth to the end, and he alone, that shall be finally saved."

ESSAY VI.

The Reign of EDWARD I.

A. D. 1272-1S07.

PRINCE Edward had arrived at Sicily, on his return from Palestine, when the tidings of his father's death reached him; and, by the same messenger, he was so fully informed of the tranquil condition of the empire, that it did not appear necessary to accelerate his pace. The earls of Cornwall and Glocester, and the archbishop of York, having been appointed regents during his absence, by the unanimous consent of parliament, he had no apprehension for the safety of his crown. He resolved therefore to visit Rome, traverse Italy, and pass through France, for the purpose of doing homage to the French king for the territories held under that crown, before he embarked for England. At length he gratified the earnest wishes of his subjects, by returning to take possession of his throne, and was crowned, with his amiable consort Eleonora, who had

been the companion of his travels, on the 10th of August, A. D. 1274.

Edward was no less distinguished by his legislative wisdom, than by his military prowess. The first year of his reign demonstrated that he was worthy of the crown which he was called to wear, and afforded a pleasing presage of his future administration. Many wholesome laws were enacted, tending to repress the licentiousness of the times, and prevent the corrupt practices which had crept into every department of the state. A diligent inquiry was instituted into the conduct of the judges, sheriffs, and other civil officers, during the late turbulent reign: and all who were found to have abused their trust, were degraded and punished; while the new magistrates were laid under the most solemn obligations to administer justice with impartiality, and execute the laws with firmness and moderation. Perceiving that most of the troubles with which the kingdom had been agitated during the late reign, arose from the undue influence of the barons, Edward confirmed the authority and extended the privileges of the commons, which the earl of Leicester had convened for a far different purpose. This politic prince discerned the benefits that would result from the establishment of such a popular institution; that it would tend to inspire the inferior orders with confidence in the government, and attachment to their rulers; that by appointing the representatives of the people guardians of the public purse, taxes would be less obnoxious, and more easily raised; and especially that a rival power would be created, which the sovereign might at any time employ in humbling the pride and checking the ambition both of his barons and clergy. It was therefore the constant policy of this sagacious monarch, to strengthen this branch of the legislature, by receiving with marked attention whatever petitions to the crown passed through this medium, and enacting those laws which were most calculated to meet their wishes.

But the love of conquest was the ruling passion of this monarch; and when this sentiment takes possession of the breast of a sovereign, opportunities of calling it into exercise are seldom wanting. Lewellyn, the prince of Wales, had not only assisted the insurgent barons during the

reign of Henry III., but, since the accession of Edward, had refused to do the customary homage for his crown. The king resolved to reduce this rebellious vassal by force. Having therefore raised an army, Edward pursued the Cambrian prince to his mountainous recesses, in which the latter was so closely besieged, as to be under the necessity of suing for peace, which he obtained, on condition that he should pay fifty thousand pounds towards the expenses of the war; that both himself and all his barons, (four only excepted,) should do homage to the crown of England; and that some territories bordering on Cheshire, which he had usurped during the late perturbed reigns, should be restored. Famine alone compelled this haughty prince to submit to these terms, while a secret determination was formed to throw off the English yoke, as soon as it should appear practicable.

The reputation which Edward had acquired by this expedition, and by his prudent legislative measures, was, however, tarnished by the cruelty he exercised towards bis Jewish subjects. These unhappy and defenceless victims of popular hatred were charged with a thousand crimes, which they had never committed, and, without scarcely the form of trial, were convicted and condemned. The most plausible of these accusations against them was, that of having debased the coin of the realm; for which offence two hundred and eighty Jews were hung at London in one year, and all their possessions confiscated. A law was shortly afterwards promulgated, with the consent of parliament, by which all the Jews then resident in England (to the amount, it is said, of fifteen thousand) were banished, and their effects of every description appropriated to the use of the crown. This rigorous and unjust measure was carried into execution, with the utmost severity, A. D. 1290.

A second war with Wales quickly succeeded the former, and was attended with, still more disastrous consequences. The advantage was indeed at first on the side of Lewellyn and his barons, who poured from their fastnesses on detachments of the English army, cut them in pieces, and made their commanders prisoners of war.