The Follies of the King Read Online Free PDF Page A

him.
    Prompted by Gaveston, Edward had chosen Langton as a butt for his dislike.
    As treasurer Langton was always questioning young Edward’s expenditure, nor was he averse to complaining to his father about it. It was galling that the old King took the treasurer’s side rather than that of his son and complained Gaveston, treated the Prince as an erring schoolboy in the presence of the Bishop which made that old hypocrite more determined than ever to spoil his pleasures.
    It was Gaveston who pointed out that Reynolds could be of use to them.
    ‘That other Walter,’ as Gaveston called him. As treasurer of the wardrobe Walter Reynolds could contrive a little juggling over clothes which he was very willing to do. Indeed, Reynolds was very happy to put his scheming head together with that of Edward and his minion and laugh over ways of deceiving the King and Langton.
    It was only natural that when Edward and Gaveston were riding near Walter Langton’s lands they should break into a wood of his and hunt the deer. They had not been without success and had just brought down a fine buck when Langton’s gamekeepers had come upon them, surrounded them and in spite of Edward’s protests that he was the Prince of Wales, had taken them, in a most humiliating fashion, to their master as though they were common poachers.
    Moreover, even when he saw who the captives were, Langton had shown an equal lack of respect.
    ‘How dare you trespass on my land and steal my deer?’ he had demanded.
    Edward had replied haughtily, ‘These lands come to you through my father’s grace. I am his heir and therefore claim the right to go where I will.’
    Gaveston had nodded approvingly which gave Edward the courage he needed to stand up to the formidable old Bishop ‘You have not stepped into your father’s shoes yet!’ cried the Bishop, ‘and I pray God the time will be long before you do. Let us hope that when that time comes— and it could be a tragedy for the nation— you will have learned more sense.’
    Now this had been more than Edward could endure and he began abusing Langton in somewhat coarse terms which seemed more amusing because they were addressed to a bishop and Gaveston had been looking on, convulsed with laughter.
    ‘I can tell you this,’ the Bishop had replied, ‘the King will not endure your frivolous behaviour, your extravagant dalliance with companions who are no good to you―’
    Gaveston had smirked and mincing up to the Bishop had struck a mock pleading attitude which made Edward gasp with laughter.
    The Bishop had turned a shade paler as he had said, ‘I shall report this matter to the King.’
    ‘Pray do,’ Edward had replied, ‘and I shall report him the insolence of a subject towards the King’s son.’
    Langton had arrived first before the King. He had distraught and sorrowful and the King had been furious when he heard what had happened.
    He sent for his son and the lights of the dangerous Plantagenet temper had been visible in his eyes. Young Edward was the one person who aroused that more than any other. The King’s voice could be heard through the palace and the things he said were very uncomplimentary to his son.
    ‘How dare you go into the Bishop’s woods? How dare you hunt his deer?
    It’s a punishable offence. You know that.’
    ‘A King should hunt where he wishes,’ Edward had replied.
    ‘Remember this,’ thundered his father, ‘you are not yet a king. And I tell you there is considerable unease in this realm at the prospect of your becoming one. You will have to mend your ways or by God and all his angels, I will mend them for you.’
    ‘My lord, it is demeaning to our state―’
    ‘
It
is demeaning.
You
are demeaning. You and your evil counsellors.’
    Little darts of fear had entered Edward’s heart then. He had always been afraid when the King’s thoughts turned to Gaveston.
    He had become quieter, more humble. He had listened to his father’s tirade when he was told that