"'Tis past all belief," Hotspur said, "that such a charge should be made. Had Mortimer wished to join Glendower, he could have gone to him, not as a prisoner, but at the head of three thousand good fighting men. Why should he have thrown away the lives of twelve hundred of his own vassals3, and those of his nephew? Nay4, more, had Mortimer intended treachery, he might have marched and fallen on the rear of the king's army, entangled5 among the Welsh mountains and forests, while Glendower fell upon him from in front. 'Tis a lie, and bears its mark on its face; 'tis but an excuse for refusing to ransom Mortimer, who he hopes will be kept a prisoner for years, and whose estates he will thus be able to appropriate. 'Tis an insult not only to Mortimer but to us, to whom he owes his crown.
"But let him beware! Those who built up, can pull down."
The knights7 standing8 round put their hands on their sword hilts, significantly. The king was, to the followers9 of great barons10, a person of but small consequence in comparison with their lord; and they would draw their swords, at the latter's order, as willingly against a king as against a foreign foe11. That it was their duty to do so was so fully12 recognized that, in the troubles between the king and his nobles, while the latter were, if defeated, executed for treason, their vassals were permitted to return home unmolested; and it was not until the battle of Barnet that Edward, enraged13 at the humiliation14 that he had suffered, when he had been obliged to fly to France, gave orders that no quarter was to be shown to Warwick's vassals and retainers.
Northumberland and Hotspur were still smarting under this treatment of Mortimer when, eight days after the battle, the messenger they had despatched to the king, in Wales, with the report of their great victory, and the capture of Douglas and other important nobles, returned with an order from the king that these prisoners were not to be ransomed15.
This order was received with passionate16 indignation by the earl and Hotspur. Although not altogether contrary to the usages of the age, since similar orders had, more than once been, issued by Edward the Third; the ransom of prisoners taken in battle was regarded as one of the most important sources of revenue, and as the means of defraying the expenses that nobles and knights were put to in aiding, with their vassals, the king in his wars. Occasionally, however, in the case of prisoners of importance, monarchs17 deemed it necessary, for political reasons, to forbid the ransom of prisoners.
The Scottish nobles were as indignant as the Percys. They had regarded it as a matter of course that they would be shortly liberated19. Their ransom, however heavy, would be soon forthcoming; for it was one of the conditions on which land was held that, in case of the lord being taken prisoner, each of his tenants20 must contribute largely, in proportion to his holding, towards the payment of his ransom.
The order of the king clearly meant that they were to be taken to London and held there as hostages, perhaps for years; and so not only to ensure England against another invasion, but to further any designs of conquest that the king might entertain. With three of the great earls of Scotland--one of them the son of the Regent--and Douglas, the military leader of the Scots, in his hands; and with the Earl of Dunbar as his ally, Scotland would be practically at his mercy.
An important meeting was held at Alnwick, at which the Scottish nobles, the Earl of Northumberland, and Hotspur were alone present, and here matters of vital interest to the kingdom were arranged.
For six months things remained in the same state. The king's fourth expedition into Wales had effected no more than the preceding. Glendower was still virtually master of Wales. Cardiff had been burned by him, with its numerous priories and convents, with the exception of that of the Franciscans; the castle of Penmarc, and the town and castle of Abergavenny had been burned, and other strong places captured.
The Percys remained, during this time, sullen21 and inactive; although somewhat mollified by the thanks voted them by Parliament. The king, as a reward for their services, bestowed22 upon them the estates of Douglas. This, however, they treated with scorn, for as well might he have presented to them the city of Naples or Paris; since, unless all Scotland was conquered, they could not come into peaceful mastership of the Douglas estates. Nor, indeed, could the king have intended it in earnest; for he was far too politic18 to think of adding so great an increase of territory to the estates of the Percys, who had already shown their power by placing him on the throne, and who might some day take back what they had given him, by declaring in favour of the Earl of March.
One day in February, 1403, Oswald was summoned from Stoubes to Alnwick and, on his arrival there, was requested to go to the earl's chamber24. Such a summons was extremely unusual. Hotspur had his own estates, and his own retinue25 and following; and was, jointly26 with his father, warden27 of the marches; and though he dwelt, generally, with him at Alnwick, he had his own portion of the castle. Thus it was seldom that the earl had any communication with Hotspur's knights.
Hastening to obey, Oswald found Hotspur with his father.
"I have a mission for you, Sir Oswald," Hotspur said, "on the part of the earl and myself. You know that, for a long time, there has been a disputation between my father and the Earl of Westmoreland, respecting the Scottish prisoners. The earl sent a small force to fight under me at Homildon, but it was a mere28 handful; and on the strength of this he advanced a claim to a considerable share of the ransoms29 of the prisoners; or, since they could not be ransomed, to the custody30 of the persons of the Earls of Moray and Angus. The king has now, contrary to all reason, inflicted31 upon us the indignity32 of appointing four commissioners33, two of whom are but knights and the other two men of no consequence, to inquire into the question between my father and my uncle, the Earl of Westmoreland.
"Does he think that two of his earls are going to submit themselves to so gross an indignity?--we, who are as much masters in the north of England as he is in the south--and even that he owes to us. I have ridden over and seen Westmoreland, who is as indignant as we are, and we at once arranged the little matter in which we are at variance34, and agreed upon common measures.
"But this is not all. Seeing that the king absolutely refused to do to Mortimer the same service that he did to Lord Grey, whose ransom he has now paid--and who, by the way, has married Glendower's daughter, Jane--Mortimer's vassals, with some aid from ourselves, have raised the money required to free Mortimer. Now the king has interfered35, and has given orders that such ransom shall not be paid. 'Tis evident that he determines to drive us to extremities36.
"I tell you these things, in order that you may see how intolerable the condition of affairs has become. My father and myself believe that it is the judgment37 of heaven upon us, for having helped to dethrone King Richard, the lawful38 sovereign of this country, and to place this usurper39 on the throne. Even had Richard's conduct rendered his deposition40 necessary, we did wrong in passing over the lawful heir, the young Earl of March. 'Tis true he was but a child, at that time; but he is older now, and we feel shame that he should be kept as a prisoner, by Henry. Had not the king perjured41 himself, we should not have been led into this error; for, before we assisted him, he swore a great oath that he had no intention of gaining the throne, but only to regain42 his own dukedom of Lancaster. It was on that ground that we lent him our aid; and now, forsooth, this perjured usurper treats us, who made him, as dirt under his feet!
"We are resolved to suffer it no longer; and since we may not ransom Mortimer, we will secure his freedom in other ways, and for this you may give us your aid."
"Assuredly, Sir Henry, and my Lord Earl," Oswald, who was deeply indignant at the unworthy treatment of his lords, replied hotly. "My life is at your service."
"I expected nothing else," Hotspur said, warmly. "The matter stands thus. Owen Glendower was a warm partisan43 of King Richard, and was one of the few who remained faithful to the end; thereby44 incurring45 the deep hostility46 of Henry, and of his adherent47 Lord Grey. It was for this his lands were unjustly seized, for this that Henry's parliament refused to accede48 to his complaints, and so drove him to take up arms. Thus, then, in an enterprise against Henry, Glendower is our natural ally; and we intend to propose to him that alliance, undertaking49 that, if he will give us aid, his claim to the crown of Wales shall be acknowledged, and that he shall govern his country without interference from England.
"There is none who could carry out this negotiation50 so well as yourself, since you can, by virtue51 of that ring he gave you, pass unarmed to him; while any other knight6 would be assuredly slain52. You will bear a letter, signed by the earl and myself, offering him our friendship and alliance, on those terms; and explain to him, more fully, the manner in which we have been driven to throw off Henry's authority. You can tell him that we shall proclaim the Earl of March lawful king; and if he agrees to join in our project, which would be clearly both to his liking53 and advantage, it would be as well that he should, as soon as we move, which may not be for some time yet, release Sir Edmund Mortimer; who, as the boy's uncle, will assuredly raise his vassals on his behalf, now that Henry has shown such animosity against him."
"I will gladly undertake the mission, my lord; and all the more gladly, since it may lead to the liberation of Sir Edmund Mortimer, who treated me with the greatest kindness and condescension54, during my stay at Ludlow."
"Prepare to start tomorrow, then," the earl said. "The letter shall be ready for you tonight; and beyond what my son has told you, you can tell Glendower that we have good hopes of large help from Scotland; with whom, it is said, he is already in alliance."
The next morning Oswald started, taking no one but Roger with him. He had, the evening before, told his squire55 only that he was starting on a journey; promising56 to tell him more, as they rode. Accordingly, when well away from Alnwick, he beckoned57 to Roger to bring up his horse alongside of him.
"Where think you that we are going, Roger? I will give you fifty guesses, and would warrant that you would not come at the truth."
"It matters nothing to me, master; so that I ride with you, I am content."
"You know, Roger, how grievously the king has treated the Percys; how he has prevented their taking ransom for their prisoners, and has refused to ransom Sir Edmund Mortimer; how he, in bitter jest, offered the earl the estates of Douglas; and how he has put upon them the indignity of sending four men, of no import, to decide upon their difference with Westmoreland?"
"Ay, ay, Sir Oswald, everyone knows this, and not a few have wondered that the Percys have suffered these things, in quietness."
"A fresh thing has happened, Roger. The tenants of Mortimer, with aid from the earl and Hotspur, have raised the sum that Glendower demanded as ransom; and now the king has laid on them his order, that this money is not to be paid."
"By our Lady," Roger exclaimed wrathfully, "this is too much! Sir Edmund is a noble gentleman, and that the king should refuse to allow his friends to ransom him passes all bounds."
"So the earl and Hotspur consider," Oswald said, "and, ere long, you will see that they will hoist58 the banner of the young Earl of March, and proclaim him King of England."
"'Tis good," Roger exclaimed, slapping his hand on his leg. "To me it matters nought59 who is King of England, but I always held that it was hard that King Richard should be deposed60, and murdered, by one who was not even his lawful successor. I am not one to question the conduct of my lord, but I always thought that the Percys were wrong in bringing this usurper over."
"They feel that themselves, Roger, and consider the ingratitude61 of the king to be a punishment upon them, for having aided him to the throne."
"But what has this to do with your journey, master?"
"It has much to do with it, Roger, seeing that I am on my way to Glendower, to offer him alliance with the Percys."
"A good step!" Roger exclaimed. "We know that these Welsh can fight."
"Moreover, Roger, it may bring about the freeing of Mortimer; for the evil feeling the king has shown against him will surely drive him to raise all his vassals, and those of the young earl, in Herefordshire and elsewhere; and thus the Percys will gain two powerful allies, Glendower and Mortimer; and as they advance from the north, the Welsh and Mortimer will join them from the west. When victory is gained, there will be peace on the Welsh marches. Owen will be recognized for what he is, the King of Wales; and doubtless he will then suffer the English to live quietly there, just as the Welsh have lived quietly in England.
"Then, too, all the western counties will see that it is their interest to side with Mortimer and Glendower. Four times, during the last three years, have they been called out, and forced to leave their homes to follow the king into Wales; and as often have had to return, leaving behind them many of their number. They will see that, if Glendower is acknowledged King of Wales, this hard and grievous service will no longer be required of them."
"That is so, Sir Oswald, and in truth I like the project well. It matters not a straw to me who is king; but if a king treats my lords scurvily62, I am ready to shout 'Down with him!' and to do my best to put another up in his place; though, indeed, 'tis a salve to my conscience to know that the man I am fighting against is a usurper, and one who has set himself up in the place of the lawful king."
"My conscience in no way pricks63 me, Roger. I fight at my lord's order, against his foes64. That is the duty I have sworn to. As between him and the king, 'tis a matter for him alone. At the same time, I am glad that the business is likely to end in the rescue of a knight who has been very kind to me. Between Henry and the young Earl of March I have no opinion; but it seems to me that, since Henry ascended65 to the throne by might, and by the popular voice, he has no cause to complain, if he is put out of it by the same means."
"But, should the war go against the Percys, master?"
"That, again, is a matter for the earl and Hotspur. They know what force they and the Earl of Westmoreland can put in the field. They know that Glendower can aid with ten thousand Welshmen, and that Mortimer can raise three or four thousand men from his vassals. They should know what help they can count on from Scotland; and doubtless, during the last six months, have made themselves acquainted with the general feeling respecting the king. It is upon them that the risk chiefly falls. We knights and men-at-arms may fall in the field of battle; but that is a risk that we know we have to face, when we take to the calling of arms. If our cause is lost, and we escape from the battlefield, we have but to depart to our holds or our villages, and we shall hear nought more of the affair; while our lords, if taken, would lose their heads. It will be a grief for us to lose masters we love, and to have to pay our quittance with money or service to a new lord; but beyond that, we risk nought save our lives in battle. Therefore I trouble myself, in no way, as to the matter between the Percys and the king, which I take it in no way concerns me; and am content to do my duty, and to render my service, as I have sworn to do."
"It is well, Sir Oswald," Roger said, after a long pause, "that Glendower gave us those rings; for from all accounts he and his Welshmen are more furious than ever, and there would be small chance of our ever reaching him, without them. The chain did its work, last time. 'Tis not every Welshman who would stop to examine it before striking, and few who could read the inscription66, if they did so; while 'tis like that most of them are well acquainted with Glendower's signet."
"That is so; but nevertheless, Roger, it will be better, when we have once crossed the border, that you should ride behind me with a white flag displayed; as a token that we come, not for war, but on a peaceful mission. 'Tis probable, at any rate, that any band of Welshmen who may meet us will, in that case, before attacking, stop to inquire on what errand we come."
They rode fast, for the earl had said that he needed to have the news of Glendower's decision, before proceeding67 further in the matter, and in four days arrived on the border. At Shrewsbury Oswald inquired, carelessly, of the host of the inn where he put up, where Glendower was now thought to be; as he intended to journey south to Hereford, and would fain know whether there was any risk of falling in with bands of the marauders.
"Methinks, Sir Knight, that you may travel without uneasiness; seeing that the country between this and Hereford has been so harassed68, by them, that there is nought to tempt69 them to cross the border, save with so large a force that they can invade Gloucester or Worcestershire. Men say, moreover, that Glendower is, at present, in Cardiganshire. There are still a few Welsh inhabitants here. They declare that they are loyal to the king, and love not their wild countrymen. Whether it is so, or not, I cannot say; but they certainly manage to keep up communications with the Welsh. This may be for a treacherous70 purpose, or it may be as they say; that, knowing that they and all belonging to them would be slain, should Glendower capture the town; they, for their own safety, try to learn his intentions and movements, in order to warn us, should a surprise be intended."
Starting early the next morning, Oswald crossed into Montgomeryshire, by a road through Worktree Forest, so as to avoid both Ludlow and Welshpool; and kept along by a country track, near the border of Radnor, so passing south of Llanidloes. As soon as they had left Radnorshire, Roger fastened to his spear a white cloth they had brought from Shrewsbury; then they continued their journey west.
It was not until they had crossed the Wye, here an insignificant71 stream, that they came upon a native of the country. They were following a track, between two rough hills covered with brushwood, when a man, evidently of the better class, stepped out before them.
"Sir Knight," he said in English, "'tis a strange sight to see an Englishman, with one esquire, travelling alone by so wild and lonely a road as this; and strange, indeed, that he should bear a flag of truce72; for were you here on your king's business, you would surely be attended with a braver show. I had notice, two hours ago, brought by one who had seen you cross the Wye; and in the bushes round lie fifty men who, did I raise my hand, would let fly their arrows against you. But if you have reason for your coming this way, assuredly we should not hinder you."
Oswald held out his hand.
"This signet ring, sir, was given me by Glendower, who said that any Welshman to whom I might show it would act as my guide and escort to him. I come on an important mission, not from the king, but from one from whom Glendower may be glad to hear; therefore I pray you take me to him, or at least send a party of your men; for I might, peradventure, fall in with some who would shoot before they questioned."
"'Tis assuredly the prince's signet," the man said, after carefully examining it, "and right gladly will I escort you to him. He is, at present, at Aberystwith."
"Thanks for your courtesy, sir. To whom am I speaking?"
"My name is Howel ap Ryddyn. You passed my abode73, which cannot be seen from the road; and I would, were you not pressed for time, gladly entertain you; but if we push forward, we may reach Aberystwith before nightfall, and I make no question that would better suit your wishes."
"Thanks, sir. My business is somewhat urgent, and I shall be glad to meet the prince, as soon as possible. Indeed, I should not be sorry to reach a spot where we can sup and sleep, seeing that we have twice slept in the woods, since we left Shrewsbury."
The man called out an order, in Welsh. Four men at once issued from the bushes, and under their guidance the horsemen soon reached Aberystwith.
"I had scarce expected this pleasure, Sir Oswald," Glendower said warmly, as the young knight entered. "To what good fortune do I owe your visit?
"But no, 'tis but poor hospitality questioning thus, when it will be time enough to talk of such things, later."
"And 'tis a matter that is best discussed in private," Oswald replied, in an undertone.
"And how have you fared since we parted?"
"Since I saw you, over a year ago, the time has passed quietly, save for the battle with the Scots; where, although we beat them, there was no credit gained by the knights and men-at-arms; seeing that the archers74, alone, did the fighting."
"So I heard. On our side, we have been busy ever since."
"And successful, too, as I have heard."
"Yes, fortune has been in our favour. Lord Grey's ransom has been of much use to us and, having married my daughter Jane, he can no longer be considered a foe. Yet, to do him justice, he would not promise even to stand neutral; though, unless under special orders from the king, he will not draw his sword again. I love a stanch75 man; and though Grey has taken, as I consider, the wrong side, he stands to it faithfully. I offered him freedom, without ransom, if he would promise neutrality, and that, when I had put down all other opposition76, he would hold his Welsh lands from me; but he refused, and said that he would rather remain in chains, all his life, than be false to his vows77 to Henry.
"That was good, and I would that all Welshmen were as faithful. They take the oath to me one week, and make their peace with Henry the next. Nay, some, to please him, would go so far as to try to assassinate78 me. Two such plots have there been this year, and it was only that I wore a good mail shirt under my garments, that my life was saved from a bow shot, and from one who professed79 to be my warm friend, and who had taken bread with me, half an hour before.
"It is destiny, Sir Oswald. The powers watch over me, and keep me from harm; and these will, I know, protect me to the end, against the stroke of English foes, or of Welsh traitors80."
After supper was over, Glendower led Oswald to his private chamber.
"Now, Sir Oswald, you can speak freely. I have placed a guard outside the door, and there is no fear of interruption. Do you come on your own account, or from another?"
"I come from the Earl of Northumberland, and his son Sir Henry Percy; and am charged, in the first place, to deliver this letter to you; and then to give you such further intelligence, as to the matter, as it may be needful for you to know."
"From the Percys!" Glendower said, in surprise, as he cut the silk that held the roll together.
His countenance81 expressed great surprise, as he read the contents.
"There is no snare82 in this?" he said suddenly, after reading it through two or three times, and looking sharply at Oswald. "'Tis not from the Percys, who, more than any other, assisted the usurper to the throne, that I should have looked for such an offer."
"I should be the last to bring such a letter to you, Glendower, were there aught behind what is written. The earl and Hotspur spoke83 of the matter at length to me. They regret, now, the part they took in enthroning Henry; at whose hands they have now received such indignities84 that they are resolved, if it may be, to undo85 their work, and to place the lawful king, the young Earl of March, on the throne."
He then related the various complaints that the Percys had against the king, and told Glendower that the matter had been brought to a head by Henry's refusal to allow them to pay the ransom that had been collected for Sir Edmund Mortimer.
"Whom have they with them?" Glendower asked, after listening in silence.
"They have the Earl of Westmoreland, who, like themselves, is greatly offended at the appointment of four commissioners, men of no standing or position, to judge between two of the great barons of England; blood relations, too, whose difference is on a matter of but small importance. No other name was mentioned before me, but the earl stated that he looked for much assistance from Scotland."
"Ay, ay! As they hold in their hands Douglas, and the Regent's son, Moray, and Angus, they may well make terms with Scotland. Yes, it is a very great plot, and since I can get no ransom for Mortimer, and he can raise some three or four thousand men, he would be of more value to us free than as a prisoner."
"It is not only that," Oswald said. "The fact that he, as young March's uncle, should head his following and raise his banner, will show that the Percys and you are not using young March's name as a mere pretext86 for taking up arms. If Mortimer, the head of his house during his minority, and guardian87 of his estates, were with them, men would see that 'tis really a struggle to place the lawful king on the throne; and many would join who, did they think it was but an affair between the Percys, of whom they know but little in the south, and you, whom they have been taught to consider a rebel, would stand aloof88."
"'Tis well thought of, and the project pleases me. Even without such allies, I may hold my mountains and continue my warfare89, but there could be neither peace nor prosperity for years; but with the overthrow90 of the usurper, and my acknowledgment as King of Wales, and of the entire independence of the country, from the Dee to the Severn, the freedom of my country might be permanently91 secured.
"But I will give no certain answer, tonight. 'Tis a matter to be turned over in my mind, as it seems to me that I may gain much good by the alliance; and that, even if the Percys fail in their enterprise, I can be no worse off than I am, at present."
"I accept Percy's offer," he said. "I have thought it over in every way; even putting aside the benefits, to my country and myself, I would enter upon it; were it but for the satisfaction of seeing the usurper, and murderer of my dear master, King Richard, have the same measure meted93 out to him that he gave to his sovereign. Tonight I will write an answer to the Percys, for you to bear to them. Tomorrow morning I will ride, with you, to the stronghold where Mortimer is at present held in durance; and if he consents to join us, I will give him his freedom, without ransom."
They started the next morning, early; and at noon arrived at a strong house, lying in the heart of the hills.
"It were best that you should see him first, Sir Oswald, and explain the matter to him. After that, I will meet him with you."
Great was the astonishment94 of Sir Edmund, when Oswald was ushered95 into the little room in which he was confined. It was some ten feet square, furnished with a pallet, chair, and small table. The window was very strongly barred, and Oswald observed, with pain, that his ten months' imprisonment96 had told very heavily upon Mortimer.
"Why, Oswald! Ah! I see I should say Sir Oswald. What brings you here? Some good news, I trust. Has my ransom been collected?"
"It has been collected, Sir Edmund," Oswald said, as they shook hands, "but the king, who refused altogether to pay your ransom, as he did Lord Grey's, has forbidden the money, raised partly by your tenants and partly by the tenants of your nephew, to be handed over. 'Tis clear that he views you as an enemy; and has, indeed, ventured to declare his belief that your capture by Glendower was a thing arranged, beforehand."
"He lies!" Sir Edmund exclaimed angrily. "We fought stoutly97 and, had it not been for the treachery of the Welsh bowmen, should have won the day.
"Then how stands the matter, Sir Oswald, and how is it that you are here?"
Oswald then related the purport98 of his mission, and gave Mortimer some messages with which Hotspur had charged him, on the evening before he started.
"Assuredly I will join," Sir Edmund exclaimed, when Oswald brought his story to a conclusion. "Have I not suffered enough by keeping a force on foot, by having my lands harried99 and my vassals slain, in order to support Henry's claims to the kingdom of Wales, only to be suspected of treachery? Had I intended to join Glendower, I should have done so a year before; and with my force and his, we could have kept Henry at bay. Why should I have kept up the pretext of loyalty100, when there was nought to have prevented my joining Glendower? Why should I have fought him, at the cost of the lives of some twelve hundred of my men, when I could have marched them into his camp, as friends? Why should I suffer nine months of close imprisonment, at the hands of an ally?
"Henry lied, and knew that he lied, when he brought such a charge against me. He wished to be able to work his will on the young earl, and maybe to murder him as he murdered Richard, without there being one powerful enough to lift his voice to condemn101 the murder. All is at an end between us, and henceforth I am his open enemy, as he is mine; and would be heart and soul with the Percys in the overthrow of Henry, even if my nephew were not concerned, and did the earl purpose, himself, to grasp the crown."
"Glendower is below, Sir Edmund, and will himself speak to you; but he thought that it were best that I should first open the matter to you."
A quarter of an hour later the keeper of the hold came up, and said that the prince bade Sir Edmund to descend102 and speak with him. As they entered the room where Glendower was waiting, the latter glanced at Oswald, inquiringly.
"The matter is settled," the latter said. "Sir Edmund will join us, with heart and hand."
"I am indeed glad to hear it, Sir Oswald.
"Sir Edmund Mortimer," he went on, courteously103, "hitherto we have regarded each other as enemies; henceforth we are friends, and you are my guest and not my prisoner. I have thought it over, and methinks that you must tarry here, till we have certain news of the day on which the Percys will set on foot their enterprise. It would not be safe for you to return to your estates, until you are in a position to call your vassals to arms at once; for the king, were he to hear that you were at Ludlow, might call on the lieutenants104 of the western counties, and the owners of all the castles, to attack you at once. Therefore, until it is time to strike, it were best that you should remain with me.
"I do not propose that you should accompany me on my expeditions, for to do so might do harm across the border. I will, therefore, assign you a suitable house at Aberystwith, with such attendance and furnishing as are due to a guest of your quality.
"The prospect105 seems to be a fair one. The northern lords, aided by the Scots, should by themselves be a match for any gathering106 Henry could collect at short notice; and, joined by my forces and yours, should surely be able to overthrow all opposition."
"So it appears to me," Sir Edmund said. "'Tis indeed a powerful confederation and, if all goes well, ought to leave no option to the usurper but to die in battle, or to fly to France."
"Will you return with us to Aberystwith, Sir Oswald?" Glendower presently asked the young knight.
"I will ride straight for England, with your permission," Oswald said. "I am already thirty miles on my way, and the Percys urged me to return as soon as possible."
"So be it. As soon as we have dined, an officer and four horsemen will be in readiness to ride with you, as an escort."
A week later Oswald reached Alnwick. He was the bearer of letters from Glendower and Mortimer, and was able to report the complete success of his mission. As a mark of his satisfaction, the earl ordered a deed of gift to be made to him, of a large strip of land extending over the hills between Stoubes and Yardhope.
"Some day," he said, as he handed the document to him, "you will be master of Yardhope, and by thus joining that feu to that of Stoubes, you will have an estate that will make you a power in the upper glades107 of Reddesdale and Coquetdale; and will support the dignity of a knight banneret, which I now bestow23 upon you, and also appoint you a deputy warden of the marches, with power of life and death over all marauders, reivers, and outlaws108. I have long felt that it would be well that there should be one who, in case of necessity, could raise a hundred spears; and so prevent bodies of marauders, from the other side of the border, making sudden irruptions into the dales; and from what I have heard of you, from Sir Henry, I am sure that you will carry out the charge most worthily109."
The new acquisition would not very largely increase Oswald's revenues, for the greater portion of the grant was hill and moor110. Nevertheless, there were a good many houses and small villages scattered111 in the dales, and it was these that raised the tract112 of land to the value of a knight's feu.
In point of position, however, it was a large addition. As a knight banneret, with the castle of Stoubes at one end of his holding, and the hold of Yardhope at the other, he would occupy an important position on the border; and could raise at least a hundred spears among his tenants, in addition to the men-at-arms of the two strongholds.
Three days later Hotspur released the whole of his Scottish prisoners; and sent them, under escort, to the border. The Percys now began, in earnest, their preparations for war. For greater convenience Hotspur went down to Morpeth, while the earl betook himself to Berwick-on-Tweed, where he could confer more easily with his Scottish allies; who, on their part, were carrying out the condition on which they had been released without ransom; namely, that they would join their forces to those of the Percys.
Oswald made another journey to Wales, this time by ship from Carlisle to Aberystwith, and there acquainted Glendower and Mortimer with the preparations that had been made, assuring them that the rising would take place at the end of May. He also asked Glendower to raise as large an army as possible, without delay; and Sir Edmund Mortimer to betake himself at once to Hereford, there to raise his banner and summon his vassals, and those of the Earl of March, to join him--the king having, on his return from his last expedition, entered Ludlow, seized Mortimer's plate and other property, and appointed to the governorship of Ludlow a knight on whose devotion he could rely.
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1
ransom
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| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
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accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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vassals
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| n.奴仆( vassal的名词复数 )；（封建时代）诸侯；从属者；下属 | |
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nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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entangled
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| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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8
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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barons
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| 男爵( baron的名词复数 )； 巨头； 大王； 大亨 | |
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11
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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12
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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15
ransomed
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| 付赎金救人，赎金( ransom的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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monarchs
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| 君主，帝王( monarch的名词复数 ) | |
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18
politic
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| adj.有智虑的；精明的；v.从政 | |
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liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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tenants
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| n.房客( tenant的名词复数 )；佃户；占用者；占有者 | |
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21
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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22
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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24
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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25
retinue
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| n.侍从；随员 | |
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26
jointly
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| ad.联合地，共同地 | |
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warden
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| n.监察员，监狱长，看守人，监护人 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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ransoms
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| 付赎金救人，赎金( ransom的名词复数 ) | |
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30
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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31
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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32
indignity
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| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
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commissioners
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| n.专员( commissioner的名词复数 )；长官；委员；政府部门的长官 | |
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34
variance
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| n.矛盾，不同 | |
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interfered
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| v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 )；调停；妨碍；干涉 | |
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36
extremities
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| n.端点( extremity的名词复数 )；尽头；手和足；极窘迫的境地 | |
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37
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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38
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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39
usurper
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| n. 篡夺者, 僭取者 | |
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40
deposition
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| n.免职，罢官；作证；沉淀；沉淀物 | |
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41
perjured
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| adj.伪证的，犯伪证罪的v.发假誓，作伪证( perjure的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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43
partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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44
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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45
incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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46
hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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47
adherent
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| n.信徒，追随者，拥护者 | |
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48
accede
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| v.应允，同意 | |
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49
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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50
negotiation
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| n.谈判，协商 | |
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51
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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52
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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53
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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54
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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55
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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56
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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57
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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58
hoist
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| n.升高，起重机，推动；v.升起，升高，举起 | |
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59
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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60
deposed
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| v.罢免( depose的过去式和过去分词 )；（在法庭上）宣誓作证 | |
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61
ingratitude
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| n.忘恩负义 | |
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62
scurvily
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| 下流地，粗鄙地，无礼地 | |
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63
pricks
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| 刺痛( prick的名词复数 )； 刺孔； 刺痕； 植物的刺 | |
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64
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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65
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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66
inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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68
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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69
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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70
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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71
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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72
truce
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| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
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73
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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74
archers
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| n.弓箭手，射箭运动员( archer的名词复数 ) | |
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75
stanch
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| v.止住（血等）；adj.坚固的；坚定的 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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77
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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78
assassinate
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| vt.暗杀，行刺，中伤 | |
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professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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80
traitors
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| 卖国贼( traitor的名词复数 )； 叛徒； 背叛者； 背信弃义的人 | |
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81
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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82
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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83
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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84
indignities
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| n.侮辱，轻蔑( indignity的名词复数 ) | |
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85
undo
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| vt.解开，松开；取消，撤销 | |
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86
pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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87
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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88
aloof
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| adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的 | |
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89
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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90
overthrow
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| v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆 | |
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91
permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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92
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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93
meted
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| v.（对某人）施以，给予（处罚等）( mete的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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94
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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95
ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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96
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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97
stoutly
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| adv.牢固地，粗壮的 | |
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98
purport
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| n.意义，要旨，大要；v.意味著，做为...要旨，要领是... | |
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99
harried
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| v.使苦恼( harry的过去式和过去分词 )；不断烦扰；一再袭击；侵扰 | |
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100
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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101
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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102
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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103
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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104
lieutenants
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| n.陆军中尉( lieutenant的名词复数 )；副职官员；空军；仅低于…官阶的官员 | |
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105
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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106
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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107
glades
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| n.林中空地( glade的名词复数 ) | |
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108
outlaws
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| 歹徒，亡命之徒( outlaw的名词复数 )； 逃犯 | |
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109
worthily
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| 重要地，可敬地，正当地 | |
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110
moor
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| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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111
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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112
tract
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| n.传单，小册子，大片(土地或森林) | |
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