Early next morning, Thursday 7 December, Aske sent the bellman about Pontefract to summon the commons to hear the result of the negotiations[72]. There were about three thousand in all, who gathered at the market cross, where Aske announced the terms that had been made. When they heard of the King’s most liberal and free pardon, all raised a shout of joy. Under the impression that the terms were ratified by acclamation, Aske set out for Doncaster again, accompanied by Lord Neville. As soon as they reached the town they went again to Norfolk, but while Aske was declaring the result of his mission a letter came from Lord Lumley, who was in command at Pontefract, to warn them that affairs there had changed for the worse. Now that they had had time to discuss the terms, the commons were not so well pleased with them, and the leaders of their own rank, such as Hallam and Pulleyn, who were always suspicious of the gentlemen, were encouraging them to give the alarm and raise all Yorkshire again, if they were not shown the King’s pardon under seal, and if the lords would not agree to the continuance of religious houses and promise that the parliament should be held at York. This news plunged the negotiations into confusion again. After some debate, Aske suggested that he should return to Pontefract and lay the proceedings before the commons once more. His offer was accepted. When he arrived at Pontefract his eloquence was effective and by night he had persuaded everyone that the terms were perfectly satisfactory[73]. To complete the work he sent back to Doncaster a request that Lancaster Herald would bring the King’s pardon. Norfolk wrote gleefully to Suffolk that all was going well at Pontefract[74]. The herald arrived with the pardon the same night[75]. Possibly he was accompanied by the three hundred lords and gentlemen, for next day, Friday 8 December, they all assembled on St Thomas’ Hill and heard the pardon read. Then the commons dispersed to their houses, and the gentlemen rode to Doncaster once more. When they again presented themselves before Norfolk, Aske gave an account of all that had happened, and Norfolk then proceeded to rehearse the King’s grievances, which in Henry’s opinion ought to have come first. Norfolk required to know how the King’s rents were to be collected, to which it was replied that they were ready for him. He also demanded the restoration of Edward Waters and his ship. The Pilgrims were prepared to redeliver everything that had been taken except the money, which had been divided among the captors. Several other small points were similarly adjusted. After this Aske knelt down and humbly besought the whole assembly that he should no longer hold the office or be called by the name of captain. When they had assented to this he tore off the badge of the Five Wounds which he was wearing, and all the other Pilgrims did the same, crying “We will all wear no badge nor sign but the badge of our sovereign lord.” Finally