The express , it appeared , had brought great news . A battle was impending . Sir Daniel had sent for every man that could draw a bow or carry a bill to go post-haste to Kettley , under pain of his severe displeasure ; but for whom they were to fight , or of where the battle was expected , Dick knew nothing . Sir Oliver would come shortly himself , and Bennet Hatch was arming at that moment , for he it was who should lead the party . `` It is the ruin of this kind land , '' a woman said . `` If the barons live at war , ploughfolk must eat roots . '' `` Nay , '' said Dick , `` every man that follows shall have sixpence a day , and archers twelve . '' `` If they live , '' returned the woman , `` that may very well be ; but how if they die , my master ? '' `` They can not better die than for their natural lord , '' said Dick . `` No natural lord of mine , '' said the man in the smock . `` I followed the Walsinghams ; so we all did down Brierly way , till two years ago , come Candlemas . And now I must side with Brackley ! It was the law that did it ; call ye that natural ? But now , what with Sir Daniel and what with Sir Oliver -- that knows more of law than honesty -- I have no natural lord but poor King Harry the Sixt , God bless him ! -- the poor innocent that can not tell his right hand from his left . '' `` Ye speak with an ill tongue , friend , '' answered Dick , `` to miscall your good master and my lord the king in the same libel . But King Harry -- praised be the saints ! -- has come again into his right mind , and will have all things peaceably ordained . And as for Sir Daniel , y ' are very brave behind his back . But I will be no tale-bearer ; and let that suffice . ''
`` I say no harm of you , Master Richard , '' XXXXX the peasant .
appeared bless brought carry eat express fight let returned speak