ABSTRACT
Affairs at home during Henry's long absence in France had run very evenly, under the regency of Bedford, till late in 1419, when Gloucester came over to take his place. Only on his death-bed did Henry repent of his harsh action, and ordered her release and the restoration of her dower. Henry dared not ask Parliament for money, though his revenue was insufficient for ordinary current expenses, and his debts, as well as those of his father, were still unpaid. Hitherto Henry's military operations had extended little beyond the borders of Normandy, but it began to dawn upon him that he could not hope to win France by the slow if sure methods which had secured the Duchy. Henry was beginning to understand that he had undertaken a task beyond his resources. Plans, diplomacy, even the indomitable optimism of the King were of no avail. His days were numbered.
