Now 't was foresters from the Weald, threescore and more. Anon, the men that had seen the siege and the taking of Rochester Castle came in; and these went about from one to other of the bands, telling their tale, leaping in air and shouting as they were mad. Villeins and free labourers of Sussex by score and by hundred came.
“John Ball hath rungen our bell!” they said; “John Ball hath rungen our bell!”
“H-how shall these men be fed?” Stephen asked John Ball.
“London shall”—John Ball began, but he looked on Stephen and stayed his speech; and quoth he presently: “So 't is thou?”
For, albeit Stephen had donned his tabard and coarse hosen, his hair, which was of a pale brown colour like to the King's, was curled very daintily; and he had a girdle, the which peasants might not wear, and a short sword therein and a dagger.
“Yea, 't is I, Stephen Fitzwarine,” he said. “W-Will Langland shall speak for me that I be ever true man.”
“He saith soth,” Will answered; “'t is a very gentleman and our brother.”
“Yea,” affirmed Wat, who was come up. “Were all the King's servants like to this one, our daughters”—But then he broke forth into cursing and crying out upon God and Christ Jesus very blasphemously, that Calote wept to hear. Long Will went aside with him to speak comfort, and John Ball turned again to Stephen.
“Art thou even now of the household of the King? 'T is very well. We have sent a message to the King to pray him that he come hither to speak with us concerning this Rising and a remedy. Do thou go up and be seen o' the river shore when he cometh; haply he 'll come the more willingly an he see a friend.”
“Let the maid go with me,” said Stephen. “She hath a token from Richard; her word also will he trust.”