although they may gain successes at first, it always ends in the
harrying of their lands, and the burning of their castles and villages.
They have been quiet for some years. But they are always like a swarm
of bees. They will work, quietly enough, till they take offence at
something; then they will pour out in a fury, attacking all they come
across, and caring nothing about death, so that they can but prick an
enemy with their stings. Maybe it is the report that the king is
engaging in another Scotch war, and they think that it is a good time
to gather spoil from their neighbours. They used to be mightily given
to warring among themselves, but of late I have heard but little of
this.

"It is a hundred years, now, since they were really troublesome, and
rose under Morgan ap Madoc; and Edward the Second had himself to reduce
them to submission, and build strong castles at Conway, Beaumaris, and
other places. There have been one or two partial risings, since then,
but nothing of much consequence. It may well be that the present
generation, who have not themselves felt the power of English arms, may
have decided to make another stroke for independence; and if so, it
will need more than Mortimer's force, or that of the other border
barons, to bring them to reason; and as for our little detachment, it
will be but a drop in the ocean. However, it may be that this is a mere
quarrel, between Mortimer and some of his neighbours.

"I have heard somewhat of the Welshman Owen Glendower, who lives in
those parts. He has a grievance against Lord Grey of Ruthyn; who, as he
says, unjustly seized a small estate of his. I know that he petitioned
Parliament for redress, but that his petition was lately refused."

"'Tis strange that such a man should have known enough of English law
to have made a petition to our parliament."

"Yes; but he is no common man. He went to England and studied at our
universities, and even lived in the inns of court, and learned the laws
of this country. Then, strangely enough, he became an esquire in the
household of King Richard, and did good service to him; and when the
court was broken up, on Richard being dethroned, he went away to his
estate in Wales. Since then I have not heard of him, save as to this
dispute with Lord Grey and his petition to Parliament thereon; but men
who were at Richard's court have told me that he was a courteous
gentleman, of excellent parts and, it was said, of much learning."