Oswald's esquire was on one side of
him, Roger on the other.
The waggons continued to move forward, for at this point the road was
better, running across a bare rock, and the horses were therefore able
to draw them along without any assistance. Sir Eustace therefore gave
the order for the escort to continue their way, marching on each side
of the train.
"We must fight our way through, men," he shouted; "every minute will
doubtless add to their numbers."
For a short time the arrows flew fast. But the Welsh bows were not to
be compared, in point of strength, with those used by the English
archers; and the arrows fell harmlessly upon the armour of the
men-at-arms, while on the other hand, the English archers shot so
strongly and truly that, after a short time, the Welsh bowmen fell
back. As they did so, however, a crowd of footmen poured out from the
forest; and, with loud shouts and yells, rushed forward.
"Halt the waggons!" Sir Eustace cried. "Keep good order, men, and we
shall soon drive this rabble off."
The archers had time but to send three flights of arrows among their
assailants, when these threw themselves upon the line. They were armed
with short axes, heavy clubs, and other rough weapons; and for a time,
the horsemen kept their order and beat them back; but as the horns
continued to sound, the Welsh swarmed down in such numbers that they
broke in between their mounted foes; some trying to tear them from
their saddles, while others crept beneath the horses and drove their
long knives into their stomachs, or tried to hamstring them with their
axes.
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