Page:The Queens of England.djvu/137

 MARGUERITE OF FRANCE. 115 had been holden for the preceding seven years, in order to be more within reach during the Scottish war. That nothing might be wanting to complete Edward's tri- umph, Wallace, the most formidable of all the leaders Scotland had opposed to him, was captured, sentenced, and executed, and his head and quarters distributed through the various parts of Scotland. In order to celebrate his victories, Edward now. prepared a magnificent tournament, which is said to have been the most splendid of those times. On this occasion Prince Edward was solemnly invested with the principality of Wales, and re- ceived the honor of knighthood. Many young nobles were also knighted on this occasion, and two of the king's granddaugh- ters betrothed. During the remainder of Edward's reign, Marguerite, who, strange to say, never was crowned, kept her court at West- minster, but the exhausted state of the exchequer prevented its being supported with any degree of splendor. In the year 1301, Marguerite gave birth to her second son, Edmund, afterwards created Earl of Kent by his half-brother, Edward the Second. Many are the instances recorded of this queen's using her influence with her husband to obtain forgiveness of debtors to the crown, and also of her excusing the payment of fines due to herself. It was by her intercession alone that Edward was induced to spare the life of Godfrey de Coigners, who had made the crown of gold for the coronation of Robert de Bruce, which, had been concealed till opportunity should arrive for its use. She saved the city of Winchester from the effects of the king's displeasure, and consequently was deservedly beloved there. In this city she gave birth to her third child, a daughter, called Eleanor after Edward's first queen. Marguerite's generosity and nobility of character were great, and so extensive were her charities that by far the greater portion of the large revenue apportioned to her was appropriated to the use of those who stood in need of assistance. In 1305, Blanche, Duchess of Austria, the beautiful sister of Queen Marguerite, died ; and prayers were commanded for her soul by King Edward, be- cause, as he said, "She was the dear sister of his beloved con- sort, Queen Marguerite." By this it may be inferred that Edward retained no malice toward Blanche, believing, no doubt, as was the general opinion, that the better sister of the two, if not the fairer, had fallen to his lot. But the peace which had seemed permanently established