Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/369

 CAERNARVON CASTLE. 26:3 cannot conceal the inferences deducible from Edward's general treatment of his vanquished enemies, or help think- ing that his disposition was naturally harsh and severe. His treatment of the first Prince of Wales justifies this view of his character, and shows that the nearest ties of kindred had no security against smarting under royal displeasure. For the king having heard that his son, who had already attained his twenty-first year, had had some angry words with the Bishop of Chester, he became so enraged, that he forbade him or any of his suite from entering his house at Midhurst, where the Court then resided, and issued an order to the Exchequer that it should neither provide sustenance for the youthful prince, nor for any of his followers. The afflicted son poured out his sorrow to the Earl of Lincoln in one of those interesting epistles which have recently been discovered, and said that he awaited his father's pleasure, and was determined to follow him at a distance, until his anger was appeased, and he had become reinstated in that good will and affection, which he so earnestly desired. These letters of the first Prince of Wales, amounting to nearly 700, are perhaps the most remarkable epistolary compositions that are connected with the history of a prince of any country. They are highly illustrative of the personal character of Edward IL, and place it before us in a much more favourable light than it has generally been regarded, since several of them evince his readiness of disposition to assist those who stood in need of his interference and bounty. Nor are they less remarkable for the illustration they afford of his private life and habits. His letter to the Abbot of Shrewsbury shows this in the following way. Richard, the prince's rhymer, was very anxious to learn the minstrelsy of the Crwtli, and Edward, having heard that the abbot had a good fiddler in his monastery, he besought the mitred ecclesiastic to direct this skilful practitioner to teach the royal servant, and that the abbot would provide for his support until he became an accomplished performer. In like manner, when the prince had sent a present to Louis, Count d'Evreux, of a grey trotting palfrey, with some Welsh harriers who could well discover a hare if they found it sleeping, and of running dogs who could swiftly pursue it, he told him that if he should want anything else from Wales he would send it, or attend to his wishes if he desired some