Another thing is, that
in these Border conflicts each man is accustomed to keep his eye on his
neighbour; and, if he sees him hard pressed, to give him aid. Therefore
it is not surprising that, while the men slew many of the Welsh, they
themselves escaped with but a few cuts from blows and hatchets."
"But you yourself were unhorsed, Sir William tells me, and were in
great peril. How did that come about?"
"Both my unhorsing, sir, and my rescue, were the result of what I just
said, our habit of keeping an eye on our neighbours. A Welshman was on
the point of attacking Captain Alwyn, when he was engaged with two
others in front. I struck the man down but, as I did so, a Welshman
sprang on to my horse, behind, and pinned my arms to my side; while
four others rushed at me."
He then related how he had thrown himself and his assailant off his
horse, and had been saved by Roger.
"It was a good device, and quickly carried into effect," Earl Talbot
said; "though it was well that the man-at-arms next to you was watching
you, just as you had watched his captain; else it must have gone hard
with you. It is evident that, if you continue as you have begun, you
will turn out a right valiant knight.
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