noon
Close and anxious was the consultation then held . Each of the several detachments reported alike of the sullen indifference of the population , which each had sought to excite in favour of Edward . Light riders -LSB- Hall -RSB- were despatched in various directions , still further to sound the neighbourhood . All returned ere noon , some bruised and maltreated by the stones and staves of the rustics , and not a voice had been heard to echo the cry , `` Long live King Edward ! '' The profound sagacity of Gloucester 's guileful counsel was then unanimously recognized . Richard despatched a secret letter to Clarence ; and it was resolved immediately to proceed to York , and to publish everywhere along the road that the fugitive had returned but to claim his private heritage , and remonstrate with the parliament which had awarded the duchy of York to Clarence , his younger brother . `` Such a power , '' saith the Chronicle , `` hath justice ever among men , that all , moved by mercy or compassion , began either to favour or not to resist him . ''