"Have a care, my Lord Cobham," whispered the merchant, plucking at the knight's sleeve. "Affront not the Church. Already 'tis said that my Lord Archbishop hath applied to proceed against thee. Do not, I pray thee, give thine enemies more cause for offence."
"I have no quarrel with the Church, but with the Church's flagrant offences, Master Pearce. As for my lord the Archbishop, let him do his worst. The King, a grandson of John of Gaunt, will see to it that justice to the Lollards be done. Moreover, I have the honour of being a friend of Harry Monmouth. Shall he, as King, think fit to abandon me to mine enemies, then God's will be done. I am not the first to suffer for truth's sake.
"And now, friends," he continued, addressing the crowd once more, "I trust that this slight bickering hath been to your souls' advantage. Try to use the wits that have been given you for your advancement; be not led by the nose by such as ye have just seen. Here is the lamp that guideth your way, though I must fain admit 'tis at present but a feeble glimmer." And he touched the Book that was hanging from his belt.
"Soon," he continued, "the day will come when all men shall hear the Word in the vulgar tongue, and to that set purpose hath Wycliffe laboured and his followers are toiling still."
Thereupon the Lollard proceeded to read a chapter from the English translation of the Bible, and for the first time his listeners heard it read in a simple and familiar language.
This done, my Lord Cobham went on his way, gravely returning the lads' salutation as they, too, proceeded on their journey.
"This meeting hath opened my eyes," observed Oswald. "E'en though I saw yon friar in the rubbish heap I little thought his purpose was to trick his listeners."
"Yet though I felt admiration for the knight, I cannot believe that his doctrine is wholly right," replied Geoffrey. "Methinks it savours of rebellion."
"Mark well, he said not a word against the Church."
"That I noticed. Yet it is to be hoped that the friar is but one of a few black sheep. Father Hilarius is not of that style."