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.
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