Front-de-Boeuf, whose character placed him often at feud with his enemies, had made considerable additions to the strength of his castle, by building towers upon the outward wall, so as to flank it at every angle.

The access, as usual in castles of the period, lay through an arched barbican, or outwork, which was terminated and defended by a small turret at each corner.
Cedric no sooner saw the turrets of Front-de-Boeuf's castle raise their grey and moss-grown battlements, glimmering in the morning sun above the wood by which they were surrounded, than he instantly augured more truly concerning the cause of his misfortune.
"I did injustice," he said, "to the thieves and outlaws of these woods, when I supposed such banditti to belong to their bands; I might as justly have confounded the foxes of these brakes with the ravening wolves of France.

Tell me, dogs--is it my life or my wealth that your master aims at?
Is it too much that two Saxons, myself and the noble Athelstane, should hold land in the country which was once the patrimony of our race ?--Put us then to death, and complete your tyranny by taking our lives, as you began with our liberties.

If the Saxon Cedric cannot rescue England, he is willing to die for her.

Tell your tyrannical master, I do only beseech him to dismiss the Lady Rowena in honour and safety.