You may tell them that a third of their number must be in readiness tonight, and must ride hither by morning.

The others must, on an alarm being given, gather in strong houses, selected by themselves as the most defensible in their district, with their wives and families, so as to repel any attack the Welsh may make; leaving behind them the boys and old men, to drive out their flocks and herds, either towards the nearest castle, or to Hereford or Shrewsbury, as may be nearest to them." When the knights had left, messengers were sent out to all the owners of castles in Radnor, Hereford, and Shropshire; bidding them assemble, in four days' time, at Ludlow.

On the day of the meeting, nearly three hundred tenants and vassals presented themselves.

To them Sir Edmund, having first inspected them and their arms, explained the situation.
Then, each man was asked how many he could bring into the field, in accordance with the terms of his holding, and it was found the total amounted to nigh eight hundred men.
"I know not when the affair is likely to begin; and will, therefore, call only for a quarter of your force.

Send your sons and unmarried men.