Some of the bands
had approached to within five miles of the town; and they might, not
improbably, come in contact with fresh bands of the enemy, crossing the
hills near the source of the Severn. As soon as they had sallied from
the castle, and left the town behind them, Sir John halted his party.
"Now, men," he said, "there is one thing that you should
remember--these Welshmen are not to be despised. Doubtless you will be
able to ride over them, but do not think that, when you have done so,
you have defeated them. They will throw themselves down on the ground,
leap up as you pass over them, stab your horses from below, seize your
legs and try to drag you from your saddles, leap up on to the crupper
behind you, and stab you to the heart. This is what makes them so
dangerous a foe to horsemen, and at Crecy they did terrible execution
among the French chivalry.
"Therefore be careful, and wary. Spit all you see on the ground, with
your lances; and hold your swords ever in readiness, to strike them
down as they rise up beside you. Keep in as close order as you can, for
thus you will make it more difficult for them to rise from the ground,
as you pass over."
He then formed his troop into two lines.
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