Fitz-Gwarine formed a resolution of leaving France, and returning to his own country: he accordingly embarked, and landed at Dover, with a full determination to see king John. For fear of discovery, Fulk exchanged clothes with a peasant: in this habit, attended by his brethren and other followers who had gone with him to France, and followed his fortunes home again, he repaired to Windsor forest, where he found the king hunting, and what was more advantageous to Fulk’s purpose, John happened to be alone. He asked Fulk whether he saw or could find any game? who answered, that if he would come with him, he should have game in abundance. John was led to Fulk’s brethren, and Fulk having the king in his power, menaced him severely for the treatment he (Fitz-Gwarine) had received from him; and obliged the captive king to grant to him the Castle of Whittington, which that monarch readily agreed to, for willingly would he sacrifice almost any thing to gain his liberty; several instances of which may be seen in English history. The poem of Fitz-Gwarine, thus describes the subject last treated of. “For woodman’s garb I chang’d my cloak, In Windsor’s wood of ancient oak We found a safe retreat; The king I knew there chas’d the deer, And with my faithful comrades there I conn’d a cunning feat. “One day the King alone appear’d, When scarce the distant horn was heard Our hiding place hard by; And as across my way he came, Know’st thou (quoth he) of any game? Aye—game enough, (quoth I). “Ride to yon briery dingle rough Trust me, I’ll rouse ye game enough, My bugle then I sounded, My comrades heard the blast I blew, Obey’d the signal that they knew, And soon the King surrounded. “Cow’d was the King with speechless fear, Yet stammer’d out, Who have we here? I flung my bonnet from my brow, Know’st thou (quoth I) Fitz-Gwarine now? I took a sword and o’er him swung it, Then at his feet contemptuous flung it, And turning to my comrade class, Open, (I cried,) and let him pass. Now go, Sir King, in freedom go, And copy courage from a foe. I’ll grant (he cried,) a pardon free, Fitz-Gwarine unto thine and thee, And I’ll restore to thee anon The franchise fair of Whittington.”