Lastly, stung by the taunts that were heaped upon them, Sir Pierre de la Roche gave Hugh's message--that if they lifted hand against his love or his House he would kill them like ravening wolves, "which I think he certainly will do, for none can conquer him and his henchman," he added shortly.
Then Sir John's rage flared up again like fire when fresh fuel is thrown on ashes.

He cursed Hugh and Grey Dick; he cursed his daughter; he even cursed Acour and asked for the second time how it came about that he who had brought all this trouble on him was given the evil name of traitor.
"I know not," answered Sir Edmund fiercely, and laying his hand upon his sword, "but this I know, that you or any man will do well not to repeat it if you value life." "Do you threaten me ?" asked Sir John.

"Because, if so, you will do well to begone out of this house of shame and woe lest you be borne out feet first.

Nay, nay, I forgot," he added slowly, clasping his head in his hands, "you are my daughter's affianced, are you not, and will give her high place and many famous titles, and her son shall be called Clavering, that the old name may not die but be great in England, in France, and in Italy.

You must bide to marry her, lest that cuckoo, Hugh de Cressi, that cuckoo with the sharp bill, should creep into my nest.
I'll not be worsted by a stripling clad in merchant's cloth who slew my only son.