William Morris

“ He is sick this morning, said Sir Degore, and may not rise; but if thou wouldst render the town and the castle unto him, it is all one, thou mayest make me serve thy turn; I know his mind full well. Sir Medard laughed: Nay, said he, we will wait for that till we may see the Baron himself. But tell me, Sir Knight, what is all this stir and hubbub in thine host this morning? Said Sir Degore, without tarrying the word one moment: There is a great aid and refreshment come to us out of the East Country, both of victual and men, and our folk be welcoming the men and sharing the victual. ”

“ Is it Sir Medard that standeth up there? Yea verily, said the Knight; and what art thou? art thou a leader of the host that sitteth about us? Said the other: I am Sir Degore, of whom thou wilt have heard; under my lord the Baron of Deepdale I am the leader of this host. And I have come to ask what thou wouldst of us. Said Sir Medard: I would see the Baron of Deepdale. ”

“ This then is my word and commandment, that ye give leave to all our folk-in-arms to depart each one to his own house, and to bear away with him his weapons and armour and three horses if he be of the knighthood, and one if he be of the sergeantry; but the others, archers and villeins, may take one horse between three to bear their baggage and ease them on the journey. But the flour and wheat and wine, and all the neat and sheep, ye shall leave behind; for the folk of this country-side and the good town have occasion for them. ”