Their leader paused, then
gave an order. The men drew rein. He cantered forward.
"God give you joy, fair sir," said Richard, when the cavalier was near
him.
The new-comer raised his visor. "God give you eternal joy, my fair
cousin," he said, "and very soon. Now send away this woman before that
happens which must happen."
"Do you plan," said Richard, "to disfigure the stage of our quiet
pastorals with murder?"
"I design my own preservation," King Henry answered, "for while you
live my rule is insecure."
"I am sorry," Richard said, "that in part my blood is yours."
Twice he sounded his horn, and everywhere from rustling underwoods
arose the half-naked Welshmen. Said Richard: "You should read history
more carefully, Cousin Henry. You might have profited, as I have done,
by considering the trick which our grandfather, old Edward Longshanks,
played on the French King at Mezelais. As matters stand, your men are
one to ten. You are impotent. Now, now we balance our accounts! These
persons here will first deal with your followers.
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