It consisted of some two hundred men-at-arms led by six knights, and of one hundred bowmen dressed in Lincoln green, with quilted jerkins to keep out the arrows of the enemy.
All the country from around gathered to see the start.

Dame Editha was there, and by her side stood the earl's little daughter.

The earl himself was in armor, and beside him rode Cuthbert in the gay attire of a page.
Just at that moment, however, his face did not agree with his costume, for although he strove his best to look bright and smiling, it was a hard task to prevent the tears from filling his eyes at his departure from his mother.

The good lady cried unrestrainedly, and Margaret joined in her tears.

The people who had gathered round cheered lustily; the trumpets blew a gay fanfaronade, and the squire threw to the wind the earl's colors.
It was no mere pleasure trip on which they were starting, for all knew that, of the preceding Crusades, not one in ten of those who had gone so gladly forth had ever returned.
It must not be supposed that the whole of those present were animated by any strong religious feeling.