"Think of the oath that you have taken, and of the course that lies open to you when the time comes.
When King Richard is prepared to start, then will you be called upon to fulfill your vows.

It may be that all who have sworn may not be called upon to go.

It needs that the land here should be tilled, it needs that there should be protectors for the women and children, it needs that this England of ours should flourish, and we cannot give all her sons, however willing they might be to take the cross.

But the willingness which you will, I am sure, show to go if needs be, and to redeem your vows, will be sufficient.

Some must go and some must stay; these are matters to be decided hereafter; for the time let us separate; you will hear when the hour for action arrives." A fortnight later the Earl of Evesham, who had been on a long journey to London, returned with full authority to raise and organize a force as his contingent to the holy wars.
All was now bustle and activity in the castle.