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 , Shelton , here were a great blow to be stricken , an we could strike it silently and suddenly . '' `` I do think so , indeed , '' cried Dick , warming . `` Have ye my Lord Foxham 's notes ? '' inquired the duke . And then , Dick , having explained how he was without them for the moment , made himself bold to offer information every jot as good , of his own knowledge . `` And for mine own part , my lord duke , '' he added , `` an ye had men enough , I would fall on even at this present . For , look ye , at the peep of day the watches of the night are over ; but by day they keep neither watch nor ward -- only scour the outskirts with horsemen . Now , then , when the night watch is already unarmed , and the rest are at their morning cup -- now were the time to break them . '' `` How many do ye count ? '' asked Gloucester . `` They number not two thousand , '' Dick replied . `` I have seven hundred in the woods behind us , '' said the duke ; `` seven hundred follow from Kettley , and will be here anon ; behind these , and further , are four hundred more ; and my Lord Foxham hath five hundred half a day from here , at Holywood . Shall we attend their coming , or fall on ? '' `` My lord , '' said Dick , `` when ye hanged these five poor rogues ye did decide the question . Churls although they were , in these uneasy , times they will be lacked and looked for , and the alarm be given . Therefore , my lord , if ye do count upon the advantage of a surprise , ye have not , in my poor opinion , one whole hour in front of you . '' `` I do think so indeed , '' returned Crookback . `` Well , before an hour , ye shall be in the thick o n't , winning spurs . A swift man to Holywood , carrying Lord Foxham 's signet ; another along the road to speed my laggards !
Nay , XXXXX , by the rood , it may be done ! ''
Brackley Crookback Dick Foxham Holywood Kettley Shelton day fall hour