evoted to sports on the moor; and, on
one occasion, John Forster sent messengers down to Yardhope, and other
villages on the Coquet, and to the holds of his neighbours; inviting
them to come to a gathering, at which there would be prizes for riding,
wrestling, running, shooting, and feats of arms on horseback and foot,
and at which all comers would be entertained.

The result was a gathering such as had not taken place, in that part of
the country, for years. Over a thousand people assembled, comprising
women as well as men. The sports began early, and the various events
were all eagerly contested. Ralph Gray won the horse race, a horse
which he had brought from the south being far superior, in speed, to
any of the smaller border horses; although, had the trial been for
endurance, it would have had but small chance with them. The shooting
was close, one of Percy Hope's men winning at last. The quarterstaff
prize was awarded to Long Hackett, one of John Forster's retainers. At
wrestling Roger bore off the palm. Some of his opponents were, in the
opinion of lookers on, more skilled at the sport; but his weight and
strength more than counterbalanced this, and one after another tried,
in vain, to throw him to the ground; succumbing, themselves, as soon as
he put out his strength, and theirs began to be exhausted; when,
drawing them up to him with irresistible strength, he laid them quietly
on the ground.

Oswald himself carried off the palm in a mile foot race.

At one o'clock the sports were concluded. While they had been going on,
a score of men were attending to the great joints roasting over
bonfires, six bullocks having been slaughtered the day before. Ducks,
geese, and chickens innumerable were also cooking; while, for the table
in the hold, at which the principal guests sat down, were trout, game,
and venison pasties. Here wine was provided, while outside a long row
of barrels of beer were broached, for the commonalty.

Dinner over, there was singing and dancing. Alwyn had engaged, and sent
from Alnwick, a score of musicians. These were divided into five
parties, stationed at some little distance apart, and round these the
younger portion of the gathering soon grouped themselves; while the
elders listened to border lays sung by wandering minstrels. The days
were shortening fast and, as many of those present had twenty miles to
ride, by six o'clock the amusements came to an end, and the gathering
scattered in all