that there are sorcerers who can command the powers of the air and bring
terrible misfortunes down on those that oppose them.'

"'I do not believe that there are men who possess such powers,' I said.
'There are knaves who may pretend to have such powers, but it is only to
gain money from the credulous. In all my reading I have never come upon a
single instance of any man who has really exercised such powers, nor do I
believe that such powers exist. Men have at all times believed in
portents, and even a Roman army would turn back were it on the march
against an enemy, if a hare ran across the road they were following; I say
not that there may not be something in such portents, though even of this
I have doubts. Still, like dreams, they may be sent to warn us, but
assuredly man has naught to do with their occurrence, and I would, were I
not a peaceful man, draw my sword as readily against the most famous
enchanter as against any other man of the same strength and skill, with
his weapon.'

"I could see that the good knight was shocked at the light way in which I
spoke of magicians; and, indeed, the power of superstition over men,
otherwise sensible, is wonderful. However, he took his leave without
saying more than that he and the men-at-arms would be ready if I sent for
them."




CHAPTER III

WAT TYLER