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HENRY IV.

Born 1367. Began to Reign Oct. 1, 1399. Died March 20, 1413. Reigned 13 Years.

On the deposition of Richard, the Duke of Lancater ascended the throne, under the title of Henry IV. During his reign, which was but short, he performed few deeds worthy of praise; and he soon found the seat of a usurper to be a bed of thorns. One conspiracy was succeeded by another. But while the king toiled to restore his lost character, his son, the Prince of Wales, by his notorious and illegal deeds seemed inclined on reviving the indignation of the people. On one occasion he struck Sir William Gascoigne in court: the worthy magistrate with becoming dignity, committed the prince to prison. Henry did not long survive this affair, but died at Westminster, of leprosy. In his countenance, he was severe, his temper of mind harsh, and discontented; but was brave, firm, and acute.

Eminent men in this reign :-Geoffrey Chaucer: Chief Justice Gascoigne: Henry Percy, surnamed Hotspur ; Sir Richard Whittington, Lord Mayor of London.