Page:Life and transactions of Mrs Jane Shore (3).pdf/20

 20

LIFE OF RICHARD III.



IN 1483, never was there in any country an usurpation more flagrant, or more repugnant to every principle of justice and humanity, than that of Richard. His title was never acknowledged by any national assembly, scarcely even by the lowest of the populace; and the murder of the young and innocent princes, Edward, prince of Wales, and Richard, duke of York, could not but excite sentiments of detesfation in every bosom. Such was become the general sense of the people.-- The duke of Buckingham, disappointed in his expectations from Richard, was easily induced to espouse the cause of this party, and to endeavour the restoring of it to its ancient superiority. Morton, bishop of Ely, a zealous Lancastrian, whom the king had imprisoned, and had afterwards committed to the custody of Buckingham, encouraged these sentiments; and by his exhortations, the duke cast his eye towards the young earl of Richmond, as the person who could dethrone the usurper. Henry, earl of Richmond, (a descendant from the Houses of Lancaster and