The king being brought to his wits end, aswell with those things which
the lords had charged him with, as otherwise with the sight of that
great multitude of people, seemed greatlie amazed. Wherevpon the lords,
vnder condition that the next daie he should come to Westminster to
heare more of their minds, and to conclude further for the behoofe of
the common-wealth of the realme, began to take leaue of him, meaning
so to depart: but the king desired them to tarrie all night with him
and the quéene. The duke thinking to make all sure, made excuse that he
durst not be absent from all those folks, which they had brought with
them, for feare that some disorder might arise, either in the armie,
or in the citie; yet at the kings instance, the earles of Notingham
and Derbie taried there all night. The king before his going to bed,
was quite turned concerning his determination and promise made to go
the next daie to Westminster, through such whispering tales as was put
into his eares, by some that were about him, telling him that it stood
neither with his safetie, nor honour, so lightlie to agree to depart
from the tower, vnto such place as the lords had thus appointed him, to
serue more for their purpose than for suertie of his person.
[Sidenote: The K. is cōpelled to condescend to the lords request.]
When the lords therefore vnderstood that he would not keepe promise
with them, they were greatlie offended, insomuch as they sent him
flat word, that if he would not come |793| (according to promise)
they would suerlie choose another king, that would and ought to obeie
the faithfull counsell of his lords. The king with this message being
touched to quicke, to satisfie their minds, and to auoid further
perill, remooued the next morning vnto Westminster, where the lords
comming before his presence, after a little other talke, they declared
vnto him, that aswell in respect of his owne honour, as the commoditie
& wealth of his kingdome, it was behouefull, that such traitors, and
most wicked & slanderous persons, as were nothing profitable, but
hurtfull to him and his louing subiects, should be remooued out of
his court; and that other that both could and would serue him more
honorablie and faithfullie were placed in their roomes. The king,
although sore against his mind, when he saw how the lords were bent,
and that he wanted power to withstand their pleasures, condescended to
doo what they would haue him.
[Sidenote: Certeine persons put out of the court.