Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/440

426. The council, however, agreed that they could not make war upon such a subject; but that the king might secretly assist her with money. Charles, rather diffidently, told his sister the answer, with which she appeared satisfied; and a peace being concluded, seemed to have fulfilled the object of her journey. Yet she remained in France, where Mortimer had joined her; and her brother, displeased with her conduct, saw her but seldom, treated her coldly, spoke little to her, but did not send her back.

Edward demanded her haughtily—one sees not why. Isabella answered, that she would not return till the Spencers were banished for ever. From this time she had the English people on her side. The Spencers condemned her and her sons, as enemies of the state, and declared war against France, without considering that this was the way to make Charles the Fair openly take her part; but this prince, consulting honour more than they did prudence, constantly refused his assistance to a sister whom he judged unworthy of it, and contented himself with giving her an asylum. Neither the arms, nor the intrigues of England, being able to make him send her back, the pope at length enforced it. She was therefore commanded to leave the kingdom speedily, or be driven from it with disgrace. He did more; gained, they say, as well as his council, by the money of England, he forbade any Frenchman to accompany Isabella to England, or to embrace her quarrel.

It appeared that the charms of this princess had gained her many partisans, as well in France as England. The earl of Kent, the king's brother, was come to join her. Robert d'Artois, her cousin, had a tender friendship for her, and all the zeal of chivalry. He came