De Aquila 's men had driven them all into the Great Hall . ' ` Was she pretty ? ' said Una . ` In all my long life I have never seen woman fit to strew rushes before my Lady Ælueva , ' the knight replied , quite simply and quietly . ` As I looked at her I thought I might save her and her house by a jest . ' `` Seeing that I came somewhat hastily and without warning , '' said I to De Aquila , `` I have no fault to find with the courtesy that these Saxons have shown me . '' But my voice shook . It is -- it was not good to jest with that little man . ` All were silent awhile , till De Aquila laughed . `` Look , men -- a miracle , '' said he . `` The fight is scarce sped , my father is not yet buried , and here we find our youngest knight already set down in his Manor , while his Saxons -- ye can see it in their fat faces -- have paid him homage and service ! By the Saints , '' he said , rubbing his nose , `` I never thought England would be so easy won ! Surely I can do no less than give the lad what he has taken . This Manor shall be thine , boy , '' he said , `` till I come again , or till thou art slain . Now , mount , men , and ride . We follow our Duke into Kent to make him King of England . '' ` He drew me with him to the door while they brought his horse -- a lean roan , taller than my Swallow here , but not so well girthed . ' `` Hark to me , '' he said , fretting with his great war-gloves . `` I have given thee this Manor , which is a Saxon hornets ' nest , and I think thou wilt be slain in a month -- as my father was slain . Yet if thou canst keep the roof on the hall , the thatch on the barn , and the plough in the furrow till I come back , thou shalt hold the Manor from me ; for the Duke has promised our Earl Mortain all the lands by Pevensey , and Mortain will give me of them what he would have given my father .
God knows if thou or I shall live till XXXXX is won ; but remember , boy , that here and now fighting is foolishness and '' -- he reached for the reins -- `` craft and cunning is all . '' '
Aquila England Hall Manor Mortain Una hornets month plough thatch