I love a stanch man; and though Grey has
taken, as I consider, the wrong side, he stands to it faithfully. I
offered him freedom, without ransom, if he would promise neutrality,
and that, when I had put down all other opposition, he would hold his
Welsh lands from me; but he refused, and said that he would rather
remain in chains, all his life, than be false to his vows to Henry.
"That was good, and I would that all Welshmen were as faithful. They
take the oath to me one week, and make their peace with Henry the next.
Nay, some, to please him, would go so far as to try to assassinate me.
Two such plots have there been this year, and it was only that I wore a
good mail shirt under my garments, that my life was saved from a bow
shot, and from one who professed to be my warm friend, and who had
taken bread with me, half an hour before.
"It is destiny, Sir Oswald. The powers watch over me, and keep me from
harm; and these will, I know, protect me to the end, against the stroke
of English foes, or of Welsh traitors."
After supper was over, Glendower led Oswald to his private chamber.
"Now, Sir Oswald, you can speak freely. I have placed a guard outside
the door, and there is no fear of interruption.
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