Richard II. pawned the jewels of the crown, sold the furniture of the palace, went from place to place in the fashion of one soliciting alms, and was deposed partially because he extorted large sums which he never repaid. The reign of Henry V., brilliant as it was, would have proved yet more so, had an authorized mode of raising supplies been then organized. Although he took from all quarters, sold his jewels, and borrowed on the security of his crown, he was often compelled to stop in a career of the most splendid success for lack of money. Edward IV. was called the handsomest tax-gatherer in his kingdom; and when he kissed a widow because she gave more than he expected, it is said she doubled the amount, in expectation of a second kiss. Henry VII. adopted all modes and methods; and, having levied a benevolence, made a large claim on those who lived frugally, because they must have saved by their frugality; while, if they lived splendidly, they were dealt with as opulent. It must, however, be recorded of this monarch, that he lent money, without interest, to many merchants whose capital was not sufficient for their commercial operations. When the eighth Henry attempted to raise a forced loan of unusual amount, with unusual rigor, the people said, if they were treated thus, “England was bond, and not free.” The county of Suffolk rose in arms; and had not even this man’s stubborn spirit quailed before it, the resistance would have changed into rebellion. No sooner had the monarch exhausted all Parliamentary supplies, than he carried out, on a grand scale, the robberies he had often achieved on a small one, by seizing the accumulated property of the monastic classes. In 1522, he required a general loan of ten per cent. upon all property from £20 to £300, and a higher rate on larger sums. By courtesy, it was termed a loan; but when, seven years afterwards, a subservient Parliament acquitted him of all obligation to pay it, a harsher name was recorded in the minds, than the tongues of the people dared to express.