for mounting the river
bank, that was impossible, by reason of the thickets which crowded down
to the water's edge. I had to tramp inland, through marsh and quagmire,
in which more than once I thought to end my days, till, after much
searching, I hit upon the road which led to the city. Before I entered
it the bells were clanging from a score of steeples, and many a hurrying
form, clad like myself, crossed my path.

As I gained the east bridge, there was no small tumult in progress. For
a handful of scholars, on their way to morning lecture, had fallen foul
of a handful of yeomen bound for the fields, and were stoutly disputing
the passage. When I appeared, I was claimed at once by the scholars as
one of them, and willy-nilly, had to throw in my lot with them. The
fight was a sharp one, for the yeomen had their sticks and shares and
sickles, and laid stoutly about, whereas the scholars were unarmed, all
except a few. At last, when two of our side had been pitched head first
over the bridge, our leaders seemed inclined to parley; but the
countrymen, puffed up with success, and calling to mind, perhaps, some
old grievance, called, "No quarter! To the river with them, everyone,"
and closed in.

Then the scholars had to fight for their lives; and I, forgetting I was
not really one of them, girt my gown about me, and, shouting to them to
follow me, charged the varlets. They were sorry then they had not ended
the matter sooner. Two or three of them went over the bridge to look
for our comrades beneath, others were soundly cudgelled with their own
sticks, while our fists slowly did the rest. All of a sudden up rode
two or three horsemen, at whose coming our men showed signs of panic,
while the townsmen cheered loudly and made a fresh stand. This vexed me
sorely, for I had supposed the battle at an end. Wherefore, I made for
the chief horseman, and, putting out all my strength, pulled him off his
horse. Scarcely had I done so when my comrades behind raised a shout of
"'Tis the Mayor!--'tis the Mayor! Fly!--fly!" and off they made,
dragging me with them. To think that I, a loyal London apprentice,
should have lived to assault a mayor! But there was no time for excuses
or reproaches. The citizens were at our heels shouting and threatening,
and as they followed, the whole town turned out in hue and cry. One by
one the gownsmen dodged like rabbits into their holes, leaving me, who
knew nothing of the city, almos