But let me see , first , what cattle ye have brought . Selden , a link here at the door ! '' And Sir Daniel strode forth into the village street , and , by the red glow of a torch , inspected his new troops . He was an unpopular neighbour and an unpopular master ; but as a leader in war he was well-beloved by those who rode behind his pennant . His dash , his proved courage , his forethought for the soldiers ' comfort , even his rough gibes , were all to the taste of the bold blades in jack and salet . `` Nay , by the rood ! '' he cried , `` what poor dogs are these ? Here be some as crooked as a bow , and some as lean as a spear . Friends , ye shall ride in the front of the battle ; I can spare you , friends . Mark me this old villain on the piebald ! A two-year mutton riding on a hog would look more soldierly ! Ha ! Clipsby , are ye there , old rat ? Y ' are a man I could lose with a good heart ; ye shall go in front of all , with a bull 's eye painted on your jack , to be the better butt for archery ; sirrah , ye shall show me the way . '' `` I will show you any way , Sir Daniel , but the way to change sides , '' returned Clipsby , sturdily . Sir Daniel laughed a guffaw . `` Why , well said ! '' he cried . `` Hast a shrewd tongue in thy mouth , go to ! I will forgive you for that merry word .
XXXXX , see them fed , both man and brute . ''
Clipsby Daniel Selden guffaw neighbour piebald salet sirrah two-year war