But it is ever so ; last with the lance and first with tongue . Let it be reversed . '' And with a gesture that was not without a sort of dangerous nobility , he waved them off . The footmen climbed again to their seats behind the men-at-arms , and the whole party moved slowly away and disappeared in twenty different directions , under the cover of the forest . The day was by this time beginning to break , and the stars to fade . The first grey glimmer of dawn shone upon the countenances of the two young men , who now turned once more to face each other . `` Here , '' said the duke , `` ye have seen my vengeance , which is , like my blade , both sharp and ready . But I would not have you , for all Christendom , suppose me thankless . You that came to my aid with a good sword and a better courage -- unless that ye recoil from my misshapenness -- come to my heart . '' And so saying , the young leader held out his arms for an embrace . In the bottom of his heart Dick already entertained a great terror and some hatred for the man whom he had rescued ; but the invitation was so worded that it would not have been merely discourteous , but cruel , to refuse or hesitate ; and he hastened to comply . `` And now , my lord duke , '' he said , when he had regained his freedom , `` do I suppose aright ? Are ye my Lord Duke of Gloucester ? '' `` I am Richard of Gloucester , '' returned the other . `` And you -- how call they you ? '' Dick told him his name , and presented Lord Foxham 's signet , which the duke immediately recognised . `` Ye come too soon , '' he said ; `` but why should I complain ? Ye are like me , that was here at watch two hours before the day . But this is the first sally of mine arms ; upon this adventure , Master Shelton , shall I make or mar the quality of my renown . There lie mine enemies , under two old , skilled captains -- Risingham and Brackley -- well posted for strength , I do believe , but yet upon two sides without retreat , enclosed betwixt the sea , the harbour , and the river .
Methinks , XXXXX , here were a great blow to be stricken , an we could strike it silently and suddenly . ''
Brackley Foxham Risingham Shelton countenances footmen harbour men-at-arms misshapenness signet