punished by
a counter-raid; but now that Glendower has declared himself sovereign
of Wales, and that everything points to the fact that the men of his
nation are all ready to support him, it is a matter that touches his
majesty very closely; and I doubt not that, as soon as he has finished
this war with the Scots, he will march hither, at the head of his army.

"However, I shall send out a summons to the tenants of all my nephew's
estates, in Herefordshire, and order them to hold themselves in
readiness, should Glendower venture to invade us. But I think not that
he will do so. He knows that these counties bristle with castles, in
which the people could find refuge; and that, if he undertook to
besiege them, he would speedily lose the best part of his army.

"None of his people have experience of war, and to besiege a strong
place needs machines of all kinds, and of these Glendower has none, nor
is it likely that he can construct them. Besides, while marching out he
would be exposed to an attack, by the garrisons of these castles
sallying out in his rear. Therefore, I think not that he will be
foolish enough to undertake any great enterprises; though he may make
raids, and carry off booty and cattle, as he has now done.

"Moreover, I cannot keep the vassals in the field longer than their
feudal obligations compel them to stay, unless I pay and feed them;
which might be done readily enough, for two or three months. But the
war may last for years, and I must reserve my means, and strength, till
they are urgently needed.

"Lord Grey will doubtless be of my opinion, but is sure to do what he
can to capture Glendower; as he will consider him, not only as an enemy
of the king, but as a personal foe. However, powerful as he is, I think
not that he will venture, alone, to lead an army into the Welsh hills;
until he receives assistance from the king."

Two days later, news came that the king, as soon as he heard of
Glendower's proclamation, had sent orders to Lord Grey and Lord Talbot,
to punish him.

"They will reach Chester, two days hence," Sir Edmund said. "After the
raid they made here, I would gladly take some small share in punishing
this rebel.

"You, Sir John Burgon, have had a full share of honour, by your defeat
of him, the other day; therefore, I will send Sir William Bastow.

"Do you, Sir William, take thirty of the best mounted men of the
garrison, together with Lord Percy's troop, and ride to Chester. I w