[13] Knyghton. Chron. col. 2615.
[14] Stow’s Chronicle.
——“these gallant yeomen,
England’s peculiar and appropriate sons,
Known in no other land. Each boasts his hearth
And field as free as the best lord his barony,
Owing subjection to no human vassalage,
Save to their king and law. Hence are they resolute,
Leading the van on every day of battle,
As men who know the blessings they defend.
Hence are they frank and generous in peace,
As men who have their portion in its plenty.
No other kingdom shows such worth and happiness
Veil’d in such low estate.”—
Halidon Hill, act ii. sc. 2.
[16] This national characteristic is alluded to in Latimer’s sermons, folio 69:—a work not of very good promise for such matters.
[17] Hair cut short.
[18] Chaucer, Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, line 101, &c. &c.
[19] Froissart, c. 131.
[20] Froissart, c. 163.
[21] Ibid. cc. 168. 174.