The king was, at the moment, three miles distant from London, at one of his palaces on the Thames, and greatly astonished when told what was going forward in London. He instantly sent for the lieutenant of the tower, who lost no time in obeying this order; and, after having heard a true account of what had been done by the mob, he commanded him to bring the marquis of Suffolk in safety to him, without delay, or that his own life should answer for it. The lieutenant found means of delivering the marquis of Suffolk without the knowledge of the mayor or people, and of carrying him to the king's presence. After a short conversation, the king made the marquis mount his horse and fly toward the northern part of his kingdom, where he might find convenient means for passing over to France. He was, however, met by some of the duke of Somerset's men, who cut off his head, and sent it, with the body, to London. In the mean time, the king summoned the mayor and townsmen of London before him. They were much discontented that he had set the marquis at liberty, and insisted that those of his council who had advised his deliverance should be given up to them, which was done for fear of enraging the populace still more, who instantly had them beheaded. Thus for some time were the citizens appeased[147]. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 147: I copy from Fabian what he says of this business. 'A.D. 1449.--Thomas Chalton, mayor.--And continuing the said parliament, the duke of Suffolk was arrested and sent as a prisoner (to content some minds) unto the tower, where he was kept at his pleasure a month, and after delivered at large,--the which discontented many men's minds; for to him was laid the charge of the delivery of Anjou and Maine, and the death of the noble prince Humphrey duke of Glocester,' &c. &c.--For further particulars, see the Chronicles of Fabian, Hollingshed, &c. I suspect that Monstrelet has made a mistake of the bishop of Glocester being killed, for the murder of duke Humphrey of Glocester, which took place before. Suffolk was put to death by some pirates, and not by the duke of Somerset's men.] [A.D. 1449.] CHAP. LXXV. THREE MALEFACTORS, TWO MEN AND ONE WOMAN, ARE CONDEMNED TO DEATH BY THE COURT OF PARLIAMENT AT PARIS. On the 18th day of April in this year, three malefactors, two men and one woman, were condemned to be hanged. Two high gallows of wood were consequently erected, that the punishment for such evil deeds, as they had committed, might be exhibited to the public. They had confessed themselves guilty of thrusting out the eyes of a child of two years old, whom they had in wardship, of putting it to death by running thorns into its body, which was most cruel, and of being great thieves.