The award, however, was entirely in favor of the crown. The new form of government was already giving way, and both parties might have and ought to have submitted to the sentence. Henry had had a severe lesson, and might not offend again; the baronage had had their chance, and had been found wanting both in unity of aim and in administrative power. Neither party, however, acquiesced in the admonition, and each of course laid on the other the blame of disregarding a judgment by which both had sworn to stand. At first the war was continued on the Welsh marches principally; Edward’s forces assisting Mortimer, and Montfort continuing to support Llewelyn, the Prince of Wales, his opponent. But when the king returned from France, as he did in February, the struggle became general. [Sidenote: Military successes of the king and of Simon de Montfort. ] The responsibility of this rests unquestionably with Simon de Montfort; how far he was justified by the greatness of the necessity, is another question. He had the sympathy of the Londoners, which was probably shared by the burghers of the great towns, that of the clergy, except those who were led by the Pope entirely, of the universities, and of the great body of the people. The barons by themselves would have treated with the king; they would probably have thrown over Earl Simon, if only they could have got rid of the foreigners, and had England for the English. On March 31, however, whilst negotiations were proceeding, the Londoners broke into riot against the king, and he in his anger put an end to the consultation. The war began favorably for the king; Northampton was taken, Nottingham opened her gates, and Tutbury, the castle of the Ferrers, surrendered to Edward. Earl Simon had his successes too, and captured Warwick. Both parties then turned southwards. Earl Simon besieged Rochester, the king marched to relieve it. Henry also took Tunbridge, the Earl of Gloucester’s castle, for the young Earl of Gloucester was now on the barons’ side; then he collected his forces at Lewes, where he arrived in the first week of May. [Sidenote: Battle of Lewes. Victory of the Barons. ]