This young duke 's was indeed a gallant spirit , to ride foremost in the ranks of war ; but after the battle , in the days of peace and in the circle of his trusted friends , that mind , it was to be dreaded , would continue to bring forth the fruits of death . CHAPTER III -- THE BATTLE OF SHOREBY -LRB- Concluded -RRB- Dick , once more left to his own counsels , began to look about him . The arrow-shot had somewhat slackened . On all sides the enemy were falling back ; and the greater part of the market-place was now left empty , the snow here trampled into orange mud , there splashed with gore , scattered all over with dead men and horses , and bristling thick with feathered arrows . On his own side the loss had been cruel . The jaws of the little street and the ruins of the barricade were heaped with the dead and dying ; and out of the hundred men with whom he had begun the battle , there were not seventy left who could still stand to arms . At the same time , the day was passing . The first reinforcements might be looked for to arrive at any moment ; and the Lancastrians , already shaken by the result of their desperate but unsuccessful onslaught , were in an ill temper to support a fresh invader . There was a dial in the wall of one of the two flanking houses ; and this , in the frosty winter sunshine , indicated ten of the forenoon . Dick turned to the man who was at his elbow , a little insignificant archer , binding a cut in his arm . `` It was well fought , '' he said , `` and , by my sooth , they will not charge us twice . '' `` Sir , '' said the little archer , `` ye have fought right well for York , and better for yourself . Never hath man in so brief space prevailed so greatly on the duke 's affections . That he should have entrusted such a post to one he knew not is a marvel . But look to your head , Sir Richard ! If ye be vanquished -- ay , if ye give way one foot 's breadth -- axe or cord shall punish it ; and I am set if ye do aught doubtful , I will tell you honestly , here to stab you from behind . '' Dick looked at the little man in amaze . `` You ! '' he cried . `` And from behind ! ''
`` It is right so , '' returned the XXXXX ; `` and because I like not the affair I tell it you .
Dick Richard York archer arrow-shot first forenoon right sooth war