The White Company
Alleyne listened to, until the dark keep of Twynham towered above them
in the gloaming, and they saw the red sun lying athwart the rippling
Avon. No need to speak of the glad hearts at Twynham Castle that night,
nor of the rich offerings from out that Moorish cargo which found their
way to the chapel of Father Christopher.
Sir Nigel Loring lived for many years, full of honor and laden with
every blessing. He rode no more to the wars, but he found his way to
every jousting within thirty miles; and the Hampshire youth treasured
it as the highest honor when a word of praise fell from him as to their
management of their horses, or their breaking of their lances. So he
lived and so he died, the most revered and the happiest man in all his
native shire.
For Sir Alleyne Edricson and for his beautiful bride the future had also
naught but what was good. Twice he fought in France, and came back each
time laden with honors. A high place at court was given to him, and
he spent many years at Windsor under the second Richard and the fourth
Henry--where he received the honor of the Garter, and won the name of
being a brave soldier, a true-hearted gentleman, and a great lover and
patron of every art and science which refines or ennobles life.
As to John, he took unto himself a village maid, and settled in
Lyndhurst, where his five thousand crowns made him the richest franklin
for many miles around. For many years he drank his ale every night at
the “Pied Merlin,” which was now kept by his friend Aylward, who had
wedded the good widow to whom he had committed his plunder. The strong
men and the bowmen of the country round used to drop in there of an
evening to wrestle a fall with John or to shoot a round with Aylward;
but, though a silver shilling was to be the prize of the victory, it has
never been reported that any man earned much money in that fashion.
So they lived, these men, in their own lusty, cheery fashion--rude and
rough, but honest, kindly and true. Let us thank God if we have outgrown
their vices. Let us pray to God that we may ever hold their virtues. The
sky may darken, and the clouds may gather, and again the day may come
when Britain may have sore need of her children, on whatever shore of
the sea they be found. Shall they not muster at her call?