A Clerk of Oxford, and His Adventures in the Barons' WarEverett-Green, Evelyn
History
A Clerk of Oxford, and His Adventures in the Barons' War
Everett-Green, Evelyn
Great Britain -- History -- Barons' War, 1263-1267 -- Juvenile fiction
Nevertheless the news which reached the camp as to the terms suggested
by the Barons showed that these were characterized by great moderation.
"The Mise of Lewes," as it was called, provided that all foreigners
should be excluded from office, though aliens should have free entry
into the country for trading and private purposes. The royal revenues
were to be managed with greater economy, and the abuse of church
patronage to be checked. Other disputed matters were to be referred to
arbitrators--some French and some English nobles.
For the rest, a general amnesty was to be declared, and a release of
prisoners on both sides effected. The King and the Prince, and a few of
their next of kin, would remain hostages in the hands of the Barons; but
all men of lesser account might return to their own homes.
Indeed, it was the Earl's great desire that peace should be restored to
the troubled kingdom, and that the ravages of the recent campaign should
be forgotten.
Jack came bursting into the tent where Leofric lay, his face alight with
excitement.
"Hast heard the news? The Earl has made a proclamation throughout the
camp ordering all the clerks and students of Oxford to return to their
studies. As a token that he means what he says, his own son is to head a
party of returning students. Amalric has said that he will take me in
his train, and has sent me to see if thou canst likewise travel. On the
morrow Lord Henry sets out along the coast in charge of his cousin, the
Prince, who is to be taken for security to Dover Castle. Lord Amalric
desires to travel a part of the way with them, and then turn northward
and pass through London, which is said to be full of rejoicing and
triumph. They say the Earl and the King will go thither in company
shortly. I trow it will be a gallant spectacle, and I would be there to
see. Hugh will go with us, and Gilbert likewise, and others who have
followed the fortunes of the Earl's son. Prithee, say that thou wilt
also be of our party!"
Leofric eagerly declared himself quite fit for the saddle. None of his
wounds was severe, as he had said; and he was much restored by those few
days of rest in the hospital tent. He would greatly have regretted the
necessity to remain behind when his comrades moved onwards, and he at
once left his bed and proceeded to array himself, and to walk forth
leaning on Jack's sturdy arm.
The camp was in all the commotion of breaking up. Numbers of men had
already been dismissed to their own homes. Hugh came up to his friends
with a beaming face.
"Right glad shall I be to see Oxford again!" he said, "and to resume the
peaceful life of study there. Battles and camps are well enough in
their way, and against a foreign foe would I serve most willingly. But
it is ill work drawing the sword upon a brother Englishman. Let me
rather meet him in disputation and strife of well-sharpened argument,
than in the bloody field of battle!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account