University of Virginia Library

previous section The Works of Thomas Love Peacock
next section
The children of Edward stood up in the fray,
But, touched by cruel Richard, they vanished away;
Who, knowing none loved him, resolved all should fear him,
And therefore knocked every one down who was near him.
Till him in his turn Harry Richmond assailed,
And at once, on his downfall, good order prevailed;
330

And Richmond uplifted, to prove the strife ended,
A wreath where the white and red roses were blended.
 

Edward V. and his brother, the Duke of York, died while children, supposed to have been murdered in the Tower by order of their uncle Richard.

Richard III., a cruel and sanguinary tyrant.

Conquered in the battle of Bosworth by Henry of Richmond, afterwards Henry VII.

Being himself of the house of Lancaster, married Elizabeth, sister of Edward V., who was of the house of York; thus uniting the two houses, and ending the civil wars.

previous section The Works of Thomas Love Peacock
next section