She said unsteadily, "Saw
I never a fairer cage, lord."
But the Etheling's eager glance had travelled on; for the first time the sun
was shining out brightly in his face.
"The sight has more cheer than has wine," he said. "I cannot comprehend my
folly in wanting to leave it. To live one's own master on one's own land, that
is the only life!" He looked back at the yeomen with a sudden smile. "Noise!"
he ordered. "Cheer again! it expresses the state of my feelings. And let your
horn sound merrily, Kendred, that they may know we are coming."
Amid a joyous tumult, they swept over the terrace-like plain and broke ranks
around the old elm. Evidently it was the disbanding place, for the
yeomen-soldiers, one and all, came crowding around their leader to press his
hand and speak a parting word.
"You have fought with the sword of your tongue, chief!" ... "as worthy a
battle as when you strove against the Danes!" ... "The spirit of the old days
is not dead while you are alive, Oswald's son." ... "None now are born thereto
save you alone!" ... "Till that time when you send for us, my chief." ... "One
eye on our ploughs and one watching for your messenger." ... "God keep you in
safety, young lord!"
In the meadows beyond the stream, little shepherd boys had heard the horn and
were swarming, spider-like, over the hedges, sending up shrill shouts.
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