In the tumult of war, and in the
administration of his high office, no doubt her gentle form would visit
his spirit, and, like the star of future promise, guide him on to his
achievements.
About the year 1390, when the return of Henry Duke of Lancaster from his
banishment, without leave of the king, had caused a sore dismay
throughout the land, Richard, harassed with the apprehension of danger,
appointed Sir John Stanley Lord Justice of Ireland for six years. He was
now able, in some measure, to confer a sufficient dignity on his
beloved, though not yet equal, in point of wealth, to the wishes of Sir
Thomas. But feeling desirous to know the state of her disposition
towards him, he set out in disguise for Lathom, where, as we have before
stated, he so far prevailed that she became Lady Stanley in spite of all
the opposition she had endured. Aware of the determination of her
father, he deemed her love a sufficient recompense, thus fully refuting
the insinuations that her dower had more charm for him than her person.
Returning to Ireland with his lady, they lived there happily for some
years.
When Henry of Lancaster was crowned by the title of Henry the Fourth,
Sir John being still Lord Justice of Ireland, and holding the government
there in favour of the deposed king, the new monarch, well knowing the
knight's power, together with his skill and experience, as well in the
senate as in the field, found means to attach him to the reigning
interest, and, as a mark of signal favour, granted to him and his heirs
for ever, by letters patent, many lands there named, lying in the
westerly part of the county of Chester.
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