after a weak, unhappy reign of nineteen years, six months, and fifteen days. Immediately the commissioners returned to London with the regalia, the accession of Edward the Third was proclaimed by heralds in the customary form. In compliance with the unanimous resolution of parliament, who declared that Edward the Second had voluntarily abdicated, the coronation of the young King was solemnized at Westminster, on the first of February, 1327, with great Ìiomp, in the presence of most of the pre atcs and nobles ; and during the whole ceremony the hypocritical Isabella affected to weep for the misfortunes of her husband, whose deposition she had so heartlessly brought about. Previous to the coronation the foreign troops were handsomely paid for their services, and sent home. Sir John de Hainault, however, with many other Flemings, remained to witness the august ceremony, after which Edward the Third, by Isabella's advice, settled a life annuity of four hundred marks on Sir John, presented him and his companions with many rich presents, and on their departure publicly complimented them on their prowess, and their fidelity to himself and his mother. It was now decided, that, incompliance with the law of the land, the King, who was only in his fourteenth year, must have guardians, and the state regents. Accordingly, the parliament met on the third of February, and appointed a council of regency, consisting of the primate, the Archbishop of York, the Bishops of Winchester, Worcester, and Hereford, Thomas of Brotherton, Earl Marshal, Edmund of Woodstock, Earl of Kent, and the Lords Wake, Ingram, Piercy,and Ross, besides the Earls of Lancaster, Lincoln, Leicester, and Derby, who were deputed to have the chief care of the King's person. Isabella did not object to these appointments ; but having the power, she usurped the government of tbe King and the realm to herself and her immediato partizans. By tbe sanction of parliament, she obtained twenty thousand pounds for the payment of her present debts, and a yearly income of the same enormous amount. Roger M ortimer she made her prime minister, and prevailed on the King to confer on him the larger portion of the forfeited estates of the Spencers, with the title of Earl of March ; her chief councillor was the crafty, astute Bishop of Hereford, while those members of the government who would not be controlled by her and her paramour, were gradually dismissed. CIIΑ Ρ Τ E E V, Bruce ravages the northern counties—Conflict between the English and the men of Hainaidt—Gloomy apprehensions of Isabella—Brutality of Edward the Second?* gaolers—His horrible death—Burial—Poem written by him—Disgraceful pacification with Scotland—Betrothment of the Princess Joanna with tlte Scottish heir—The Pari of Kent and others withdraw in disgust from the national council—Theytake up arms, but without success—The Earl of Kent deluded—He is condemned and decapitated—Isabella hated by the nation—Civil commotions—Roger Mortimer taken and hanged—Isabella confined in Castle Rising—Edward visits her— Guards her name from obloquy—Her madness—Death—Burial—Tomb. HE first disturbance of the young King's reign came from Scotland. .Tempted by the state of affairs in England, the Scotch King, Bruce, broke the truce which he himself had concluded t with Edward the Second, and crossing the border with powerful forces, devastated the northern counties with fire and sword. The King and the Regents, after vainly endeavouring to avoid open hostilities, were compelled to take up arms. In compliance with the Queen s desire, Sir John de Hainault arrived about Whitsuntide, with a mercenary