Almost in the same instant he was dragged from the saddle and his horse despatched . And then the full weight and impetus of the charge burst upon and scattered the defenders . The men-at-arms , surmounting their fallen comrades , and carried onward by the fury of their onslaught , dashed through Dick 's broken line and poured thundering up the lane beyond , as a stream bestrides and pours across a broken dam . Yet was the fight not over . Still , in the narrow jaws of the entrance , Dick and a few survivors plied their bills like woodmen ; and already , across the width of the passage , there had been formed a second , a higher , and a more effectual rampart of fallen men and disembowelled horses , lashing in the agonies of death . Baffled by this fresh obstacle , the remainder of the cavalry fell back ; and as , at the sight of this movement , the flight of arrows redoubled from the casements of the houses , their retreat had , for a moment , almost degenerated into flight . Almost at the same time , those who had crossed the barricade and charged farther up the street , being met before the door of the Chequers by the formidable hunchback and the whole reserve of the Yorkists , began to come scattering backward , in the excess of disarray and terror . Dick and his fellows faced about , fresh men poured out of the houses ; a cruel blast of arrows met the fugitives full in the face , while Gloucester was already riding down their rear ; in the inside of a minute and a half there was no living Lancastrian in the street . Then , and not till then , did Dick hold up his reeking blade and give the word to cheer . Meanwhile Gloucester dismounted from his horse and came forward to inspect the post . His face was as pale as linen ; but his eyes shone in his head like some strange jewel , and his voice , when he spoke , was hoarse and broken with the exultation of battle and success . He looked at the rampart , which neither friend nor foe could now approach without precaution , so fiercely did the horses struggle in the throes of death , and at the sight of that great carnage he smiled upon one side . `` Despatch these horses , '' he said ; `` they keep you from your vantage . Richard Shelton , '' he added , `` ye have pleased me . Kneel . '' The Lancastrians had already resumed their archery , and the shafts fell thick in the mouth of the street ; but the duke , minding them not at all , deliberately drew his sword and dubbed Richard a knight upon the spot . `` And now , Sir Richard , '' he continued , `` if that ye see Lord Risingham , send me an express upon the instant . Were it your last man , let me hear of it incontinently . I had rather venture the post than lose my stroke at him . For mark me , all of ye , '' he added , raising his voice , `` if Earl Risingham fall by another hand than mine , I shall count this victory a defeat . ''
`` My lord duke , '' XXXXX one of his attendants , `` is your grace not weary of exposing his dear life unneedfully ?
Baffled came crossed disembowelled faced pleased resumed said scattered send