`` By the mass ! '' replied the other , `` it is well for you . '' And so saying , he turned towards one of his followers . `` Let me see , '' he continued , in the same sneering and cruel tones -- `` let me see a clean end of these brave gentlemen . Truss me them up . '' There were but five survivors of the attacking party . Archers seized them by the arms ; they were hurried to the borders of the wood , and each placed below a tree of suitable dimension ; the rope was adjusted ; an archer , carrying the end of it , hastily clambered overhead ; and before a minute was over , and without a word passing upon either hand , the five men were swinging by the neck . `` And now , '' cried the deformed leader , `` back to your posts , and when I summon you next , be readier to attend . '' `` My lord duke , '' said one man , `` beseech you , tarry not here alone . Keep but a handful of lances at your hand . '' `` Fellow , '' said the duke , `` I have forborne to chide you for your slowness . Cross me not , therefore . I trust my hand and arm , for all that I be crooked . Ye were backward when the trumpet sounded ; and ye are now too forward with your counsels . But it is ever so ; last with the lance and first with tongue . Let it be reversed . '' And with a gesture that was not without a sort of dangerous nobility , he waved them off . The footmen climbed again to their seats behind the men-at-arms , and the whole party moved slowly away and disappeared in twenty different directions , under the cover of the forest . The day was by this time beginning to break , and the stars to fade . The first grey glimmer of dawn shone upon the countenances of the two young men , who now turned once more to face each other .
`` Here , '' XXXXX the duke , `` ye have seen my vengeance , which is , like my blade , both sharp and ready .
brave counsels hurried passing placed said seized sounded summon tarry