Every one who knew him called him their old father. Thefe things are worthy of king Richard's confideratbn, and may make him repent, if any thing can, at his leifure, that he has not more prudendy governed/ Such convertirions did many of the nobles and citizens of London hold with the earl of Derby, Who was pleafcd with their afFeftion, and received them kindly. He did not, however," negleft any preparations for his combat, but lent to every one of his friends throughout England, to entreat their company at the appointed day and place; King Richard, notwithftanding he had fuffered this challenge and appeal to arms to be made in his prefence, was uncertain how to aft, and whe* ther to allow the combat to take place or not* And, although he was the king of England the mofl feared of any who had worn the crown, he was guarded day and night by two thoufand ar-chers, who were regularly paid weekly, and had confidence only in his brother the earl of Hunt-ingdon, and the earls of Salifbury and Rutland, his coufin, who were highly in his favour. He paid no regard to others, except a few of the knights of his chamber, who were his advifers. When the day for the combat was approaching, and the two lords had made their preparations, waiting only for the king's commands, king Ri-chard's fecret advifers afked, c Sire, what is your intention refpeding this combat between* your two coufins, the earl of Derby and the earl marfhal ? Will you permit them to proceed ?' • Yes/ re-E t phed 51