"
"Why then, master, forward and fear not! Out amongst them; they be but
faint-hearted losels,[1] and for Adam Spencer, if he die not at your
foot, say he is a dastard."
[Footnote 1: lazy, worthless fellows.]
These words cheered up so the heart of young Rosader, that he thought
himself sufficient for them all, and therefore prepared weapons for
him and Adam Spencer, and were ready to entertain the sheriff; for no
sooner came Saladyne and he to the gates, but Rosader, unlooked for,
leaped out and assailed them, wounded many of them, and caused the
rest to give back, so that Adam and he broke through the prease[1] in
despite of them all, and took their way towards the forest of Arden.
This repulse so set the sheriff's heart on fire to revenge, that he
straight raised all the country, and made hue and cry after them. But
Rosader and Adam, knowing full well the secret ways that led through
the vineyards, stole away privily through the province of Bordeaux,
and escaped safe to the forest of Arden. Being come thither, they were
glad they had so good a harbor: but fortune, who is like the
chameleon, variable with every object, and constant in nothing but
inconstancy, thought to make them mirrors of her mutability, and
therefore still crossed them thus contrarily.
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