The King is portrayed as
effeminate, capricious and licentious, in contrast with the Earl, shown as a distinguished warrior and politician, great
patriot and affectionate father. Other historical figures that appear frequently in the text are the
Duke of Clarence, the
Duke of Gloucester (the future
King Richard III),
Marquess of Montagu, and
Lord Hastings.
Romance and
science in the Middle Ages are the secondary themes of the novel. They are explored through Sibyll, a beautiful young maiden, and her old father, Adam Warner. Sibyll, who is in love with
Lord Hastings, is inseparable from her father throughout the story. Adam is a
hypomanic natural philosopher working for many years to complete his invention, a mechanical device that is supposed to carry out the functions of a modern
steam engine. Persecuted, mistrusted, and misunderstood, he is forced to work as a royal
alchemist. The novel ends tragically with the defeat and death of Warwick at the
Battle of Barnet (1471). == External links ==