"Good night, Hastings," interrupted Edward, abruptly, "my pillow in
this shall be my counsellor."

Whatever the purpose solitude and reflection might ripen in the king's
mind, he was saved from immediate decision by news, the next morning,
of fresh outbreaks. The commons had risen in Lincolnshire and the
county of Warwick; and Anthony Woodville wrote word that, if the king
would but show himself among the forces he had raised near Coventry,
all the gentry around would rise against the rebellious rabble.
Seizing advantage of these tidings, borne to him by his own couriers,
and eager to escape from the uncertain soldiery quartered at Olney,
Edward, without waiting to consult even with the earl, sprang to
horse, and his trumpets were the first signal of departure that he
deigned to any one.

This want of ceremony displeased the pride of Warwick; but he made no
complaint, and took his place by the king's side, when Edward said
shortly,--

"Dear cousin, this is a time that needs all our energies. I ride
towards Coventry, to give head and heart to the raw recruits I shall
find there; but I pray you and the archbishop to use all means, in
this immediate district, to raise fresh troops; for at your name armed
men spring up from pasture and glebe, dyke and hedge. Join what
troops you can collect in three days with mine at Coventry, and, ere
the sickle is in the harvest, England shall be at peace. God speed
you! Ho! there, gentlemen, away!--a franc etrier!"

Without pausing for reply,--for he wished to avoid all questioning,
lest Warwick might discover that it was to a Woodville that he was