The king, however, answered very coldly; and one of his letters more
than hinted that he believed that Mortimer had voluntarily placed
himself in Glendower's hands, and that an agreement existed between
them. Not only was Hotspur furious at such an accusation, but the earl,
himself, was deeply angered.
"'Tis past all belief," Hotspur said, "that such a charge should be
made. Had Mortimer wished to join Glendower, he could have gone to him,
not as a prisoner, but at the head of three thousand good fighting men.
Why should he have thrown away the lives of twelve hundred of his own
vassals, and those of his nephew? Nay, more, had Mortimer intended
treachery, he might have marched and fallen on the rear of the king's
army, entangled among the Welsh mountains and forests, while Glendower
fell upon him from in front. 'Tis a lie, and bears its mark on its
face; 'tis but an excuse for refusing to ransom Mortimer, who he hopes
will be kept a prisoner for years, and whose estates he will thus be
able to appropriate. 'Tis an insult not only to Mortimer but to us, to
whom he owes his crown.
"But let him beware! Those who built up, can pull down."
The knights standing round put their hands on their sword hilts,
significantly.
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