"It was not without reason that he affected to make use of obscure
expressions, which left undetermined the foundation upon which he built
his pretended right. If he seemed to derive his title from Henry III.
rather than from Edward III., his grandfather, it was because there was
a rumour that Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, surnamed Crouch-back, was
eldest son of Henry III.; but by reason of his deformity Edward I., his
younger brother, was placed on the throne. According to this
supposition, the Duke would have made the ignorant believe he could
ground his title upon being son of Blanch of Lancaster, granddaughter
of Edmund Crouch-back, and heiress of that family. But as he was
sensible everybody could not be imposed upon by so gross a forgery, he
added certain expressions, intimating that he built his right also upon
the service he had just done the state. This is the meaning of the
claim, expressed in such obscure terms. As it was resolved to adjudge
the crown to the Duke, the Parliament took care not to examine his
claim too closely, but were very willing to suppose it uncontestable.
Thus, without any regard to the just rights of the Earl of March, it
was decreed that Henry should be proclaimed king, which was done that
very day," &c.
It would seem, however, that Henry was to a certain extent compelled to
make his claim to the crown in the form he did (Hales, _Hist. C. L._ c.
5.), notwithstanding his desire to do so as a conqueror. (Seld. _Tit. Hon._
l. 3.)