CHAPTER 20: The Percys' Discontent.
During the time that had elapsed, between his receiving the news of Mortimer's capture by Glendower, and the battle of Homildon Hill, Percy had written several times to the king, with reference to his taking the same steps to ransom Mortimer that he had taken on behalf of Lord Grey.
The king, however, answered very coldly; and one of his letters more than hinted that he believed that Mortimer had voluntarily placed himself in Glendower's hands, and that an agreement existed between them.

Not only was Hotspur furious at such an accusation, but the earl, himself, was deeply angered.
"'Tis past all belief," Hotspur said, "that such a charge should be made.

Had Mortimer wished to join Glendower, he could have gone to him, not as a prisoner, but at the head of three thousand good fighting men.
Why should he have thrown away the lives of twelve hundred of his own vassals, and those of his nephew?
Nay, more, had Mortimer intended treachery, he might have marched and fallen on the rear of the king's army, entangled among the Welsh mountains and forests, while Glendower fell upon him from in front.

'Tis a lie, and bears its mark on its face; 'tis but an excuse for refusing to ransom Mortimer, who he hopes will be kept a prisoner for years, and whose estates he will thus be able to appropriate.

'Tis an insult not only to Mortimer but to us, to whom he owes his crown.
"But let him beware! Those who built up, can pull down." The knights standing round put their hands on their sword hilts, significantly.