will be a penny the poorer; but if, on the other hand, such deeds as those
you speak of were committed, you would set the nobles throughout the land
against you, you would defeat your own good objects, and would in the end
bring destruction upon yourselves; so that instead of bettering your
position you would be worse than before."

"And do you doubt," the man exclaimed, with a scowling brow, "that the
commons of England could, if they wished, sweep away these accursed nobles
and their followers?"

"Were the commons of England united, well armed, and disciplined, they
could doubtless do so," Edgar replied, quietly. "I know not whether you
are united, but certainly you are neither armed nor disciplined. We saw
how little an undisciplined mass, even if well armed, can do against
trained troops, when a few thousands of English soldiers defeated nigh
twenty times their number at Poictiers. And I say that against a force of
steel-clad knights and men-at-arms any number of men, however brave, if
armed as these are, could make no stand. It would not be a battle--it
would be a slaughter; therefore, while wishing you well, and admitting the
full justice of your demands, I would say that it were best for your own
sakes, and for the sakes of those who love you, that you should conduct
yourselves peaceably, so as to show all men that no harm can arise from
granting you the charter you ask for, and in giving you all the rights and
privileges of free men."

There was a murmur of approval from many of those standing round. The
Tyler, who had made a step forward, looked back angrily and would have
spoken, but the man next to him whispered something in his ear. Without
saying more he walked on, while Edgar touched his horse with his heel and
proceeded on his way.