He is Buckinghams get,for he has the Bohun
lip.
I am the guardian underGod of my peoples hopes of
Heaven.
Peter, ever since he had dragged the King ashore,
had had a mindempty of thought. At last he was in the Ramsden dingles, and there he
found only coldashes.
Get me to bed and supper, and I will repay
youwell.
Suddenly almost under their feet a spark of light
flew up, followedby the crackling of twigs.
He was awakened to sudden consciousnessby the sound
of a creaking pallet.
The second time he said, I may ride a bushel or two
lighter forthis. This is arough inn, but the entertainment might be
worse.
What enemy ofyour majestys have I the ill fortune
to recall? All wore livery or badges, and on one he recognised the
Talbotcolours.
There seemed to be a soundthere which was not the
stream.
I had heard that it had beenlong tenantless. Here
in England is the same strife in lesser degree. He slipped from under his blanket,
and rolled verysoftly a few feet to his left. Likewise my wits are somewhat dazed,
and I know not where I havebeen washen up. The sun caught their faces and Peter knew
them for enemies. That law I will give to England,though every shire be in flames
against me! As to the second law, the law of England, I am its most devout andhumble
servant.
Recollection slowly flooded back on the
King.
In a little he would be bumping westwardwith a
hundred stout fellows to guard him. But you must be guided by me, since I
haveplucked you from the water.
I had heard that it had beenlong
tenantless.
His order was for every man to cross, butonly half
a dozen succeeded. The man could only swimfeebly, and every second he dipped under
the rough tide. Your loans andbenevolences have bled it white. I have swornthat I
too shall be imperial, and England an empire.
Was that an answer from the dark eddy now
sweepingtowards the northern bank of Windrush?
It is not fair tojudge me by the canons of the
cloister. What know you of the true commonalty ofEngland?
So the word was passed to ride west for the Bourton
crossings. There is as much suffering as inthe days of the Black Death. Peter stood
up in the shallows andshouted.
Get you ready, sire,and we will taste what weather
the morning has brought us.
Peter set the lantern on the floor and dropped his
burden.
His small, sharp, watchful eyes showeda spirit that
would not bow to weariness. I am content to leave my ownjudging to the same wise
God.