For a few moments joy prevailed at the thought of so happy a meeting; but this feeling soon gave place to anxiety and dread.

Closer examination showed that though the standards were those of the Earl's son the soldiers who carried them were not Simon's but Prince Edward's followers.

In a moment all was clear: the younger Simon had been defeated, perhaps slain, and de Montfort must fight single-handed or yield his cause ingloriously.

Retreat over the bridge by which the army had entered the town was useless, for soon it became known that Roger Mortimer was following the route the barons had taken the day before, and would soon be on their rear.

With the river on both sides of them, and both ways blocked by enemies, two alternatives alone presented themselves, to fight or to yield.