They came to the gates a little before sunset, after they had passed
through much fair country; but nigh to the walls it was bare of trees
and thickets, whereas, said Clement, they had been cut down lest they
should serve as cover to strong-thieves or folk assailing the town.
The walls were strong and tall, and a great castle stood high up
on a hill, about which the town was builded; so that if the town were
taken there would yet be another town within it to be taken also.
But the town within, save for the said castle, was scarce so fairly
builded as the worst of the towns which Ralph had seen erst,
though there were a many houses therein.

Much people was gathered about the gate to see the merchants enter
with banners displayed; and Ralph deemed many of the folk fair,
such as were goodly clad; for many had but foul clouts to cover
their nakedness, and seemed needy and hunger-pinched. Withal there
were many warriors amongst the throng, and most of these bore
a token on their sleeves, to wit, a sword reddened with blood.
And Clement, speaking softly in Ralph's ear, did him to wit that this
was the token of the lord who had gotten the castle in those days,
and was tyrant of the town; and how that he had so many men-at-arms
ready to do his bidding that none in the town was safe from him
if he deemed it more for his pleasure and profit to rob or maim,
or torment or slay, than to suffer them to live peaceably.
"But with us chapmen," said Clement, "he will not meddle, lest there
be an end of chaffer in the town; and verily the market is good."

Thus they rode through the streets into the market place,
which was wide and great, and the best houses of the town
were therein, and so came to the hostel of the Merchants,