In various routes, according to the different quarters
from which they came, and in groups of various numbers,
the spectators were seen retiring over the plain.
By far the most numerous part streamed towards the
town of Ashby, where many of the distinguished persons
were lodged in the castle, and where others found
accommodation in the town itself. Among these
were most of the knights who had already appeared
in the tournament, or who proposed to fight there
the ensuing day, and who, as they rode slowly along,
talking over the events of the day, were greeted with
loud shouts by the populace. The same acclamations
were bestowed upon Prince John, although he was indebted
for them rather to the splendour of his appearance
and train, than to the popularity of his character.
A more sincere and more general, as well as a better-merited
acclamation, attended the victor of the day, until,
anxious to withdraw himself from popular notice, he
accepted the accommodation of one of those pavilions
pitched at the extremities of the lists, the use of
which was courteously tendered him by the marshals
of the field. On his retiring to his tent, many
who had lingered in the lists, to look upon and form
conjectures concerning him, also dispersed.
The signs and sounds of a tumultuous concourse of
men lately crowded together in one place, and agitated
by the same passing events, were now exchanged for
the distant hum of voices of different groups retreating
in all directions, and these speedily died away in
silence. No other sounds were heard save the voices
of the menials who stripped the galleries of their
cushions and tapestry, in order to put them in safety
for the night, and wrangled among themselves for the
half-used bottles of wine and relics of the refreshment
which had been served round to the spectators.
Beyond the precincts of the lists more than one forge
was erected; and these now began to glimmer through
the twilight, announcing the toil of the armourers,
which was to continue through the whole night, in
order to repair or alter the suits of armour to be
used again on the morrow.
A strong guard of men-at-arms, renewed at intervals,
from two hours to two hours, surrounded the lists,
and kept watch during the night.
CHAPTER X
Thus, like the sad presaging raven, that tolls
The sick man’s passport in her hollow beak,
And in the shadow of the silent night
Doth shake contagion from her sable wings;
Vex’d and tormented, runs poor Barrabas,
With fatal curses towards these Christians.
Jew of Malta
