Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 5.djvu/66

46 had been an evident dread of the humour which might be shown by the Lower House; and measures had been taken to secure assistance there which might be depended upon. Meantime Northumberland's friends gave out that, on the trial, and since the trial, he had exerted himself in Somerset's interests with unparalleled generosity. The execution was delayed perhaps to give colour to the story, and it was reported first that the King had granted a free pardon; next it was said that a pardon had been offered, but that the Duke, counting on his own or his friends' power, would not accept it, and had flung back the generous overtures of the council with scorn and insolence. The death of his brother was brought back against him with ingenious misrepresentation. His arrogance, it was pretended, could no longer be endured, and, should he escape punishment, he would throw the whole realm into confusion to revenge himself.