Sir John Burgon, therefore, a valiant knight, who had
greatly distinguished himself against the French, was unanimously
chosen by his companions as leader of the whole party; while with him
rode Sir Philip Haverstone, and Sir William Bastow.
"This reminds one of one's doings at home, Oswald," his uncle said, as
he formed up his little troop. "I trust the Welsh will not retreat,
until we have had a taste of their quality; but I doubt much if they
will prove as formidable foes as the Scotch borderers."
For a considerable portion of the distance, the roads led through
forests, which at that time covered the greater part of the country.
Oswald, at the invitation of the knights, rode with them at the head of
the cavalcade. The way was beguiled by anecdotes, that had been passed
down from mouth to mouth, of the last Welsh war.
They reached Knighton by nine o'clock. The enemy had not, as yet, come
within sight of the town; but, throughout the night, the sky to the
west had been red with the flames of the burning villages and
homesteads.
The male inhabitants were all under arms. Many had already sent their
wives and children, in waggons, towards Ludlow; but, as the town had a
strong wall, the men were determined upon making a stout defence.
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