Meanwhile he preached to them that they might forget their hunger. There were so many that all could not come anigh, but those others sang the catchwords and built fires on the heath; and some set off to Southwark to see if they might find food in that suburb.
And presently came riding three aldermen from London to bring a message from Mayor Walworth that the people should come no nigher London, in the name of the King and the city. But when they saw how many were gathered together, so that they might not be counted, and more coming in as it were up from the edges of the world, they were amazed and afraid. Nevertheless, two of them gave their message faithful and rode again to the city; but John Horn spake with Wat and the priest, and revealed to them that London for the most part was friendly, and the prentices all of their party,—and he bade them to come and take the city. Also he told them the name of the man should keep the Bridge next day, and he was friend to them and would let down the drawbridge whether or no Master Walworth gave leave.
“Nay, more,” quoth he: “I will even bring certain of you, three or four, into the city this very night, to tell the good citizens of London of all this cometh to pass.”
“Brother,” said Stephen to John Ball, “prythee let him take the maid into the city, and her father with her. This is no place for a maid at night on the heath. And l-let me also g-go in, that I may get speech of Richard and ad-advise him how to be friend to his people.”
But now was heard a great clatter and trample of hoofs,—and women shrieking, and the laughter of rude men,—and there came a coach close to the banner where John Ball stood,—the horses plunging in a fright, and a score of villeins clinging to their bridles; the coachman fast bound on his seat, a stalward Kentish man sitting in his lap.
“What 's here? Women?” cried Wat, and leapt to the coach door. “Have them out!—Let us see how these nobles will relish to have their daughters rough entreated.” He thrust his hand in, with, “Come out, mistress,—my daughter's debt is but half paid!”
“Goddes dignité!” said Stephen. “'T is the Queen-Mother!”
Wat dropped the lady's hand and stared in amaze, and Stephen thrust him aside.
“Madame, 't is Etienne Fitzwarine,” cried out one of the ladies, which was Godiyeva. “Now are we safe.”
And Etienne opened the coach door and got in to comfort them,—and all they were weeping.