I know that this Glendower is a
supporter of King Richard, of whom there are many tales current; some
saying that he escaped from Pomfret, and is still alive, though I doubt
not that the report that he died there is true. We know that there is,
in Scotland, a man whom it pleases Albany to put forward as Richard;
but this, methinks, is but a device to trouble our king. Whether this
Glendower believes in this man, or not, I know not; but certain it is
that he would embrace any opportunity to prove his hostility to Henry,
whom he professes to regard as a usurper. Whether it is on account of
his holding such opinions, and foolishly giving expression to them,
that Lord Grey thought fit to seize his estates I know not; nor,
indeed, do I care. Now, however, that the man has taken up arms, and by
force has dispossessed Lord Grey, the matter touches all of us who are
responsible for the keeping of peace in the Welsh marches.
"Were it only a quarrel between Lord Grey and this man, it would matter
but little; but, from all I hear, he exercises a strange influence over
his countrymen, who deem that he has mysterious powers, and can call up
spirits to aid him. For myself, I have never known an instance where
necromancy or spirits have availed, in any way, against stout arms and
good armour; but such is not, assuredly, the opinion of the unlearned,
either in this country or in Wales.
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