But he held his ground, for their insolence made him angry, and, catching the bridle of one of the horses, threw it on its haunches so sharply that the knight who rode it rolled from his saddle into the mire, whereupon every one laughed.

In a moment he was on his feet again, and shouting: "Out of the road, jackanapes, dressed in your grandfather's mail, unless you would stop there in the stocks.

Do you know whose path you block ?" "That of his Grace," answered Hugh, "for whom I have a message that he will be glad to hear, and, popinjay, this for yourself; were it not for his presence it is you who should stop upon the road till you were carried thence." Now, noting this disturbance, the King spoke to the youth at his side, who came forward and said, in a pleasant, courteous voice, addressing Hugh: "Sir, why do you make trouble in these streets, and tumble the good Sir Ambrose Lacey from his horse with such scant ceremony ?" "Sir," answered Hugh, "because the good Sir Ambrose tried to ride his horse over me for no offence save that I would deliver a message to his Grace, which he will wish to hear." "This is scarcely a time for the giving of messages," replied the young man, "but what is your name, and who sends the message?
I am the Prince Edward," he added modestly, "so you may speak to me without fear." "My name is Hugh de Cressi, your Highness, and I am sent by the Reverend Father Sir Andrew Arnold, of Dunwich, and have followed his Grace from Westminster, whither I and my men rode first." Now, the Prince went to the King and spoke to him, and, returning presently, said: "My father says that he knows both the names you give well enough and holds them dear.

He bids that you and your people should follow him to the castle, where you will be entertained, with your horses.

Sir Ambrose," he added, "the King desires that you should forget your choler, since he saw what passed, and deems that this young stranger did well to check your horse.