This, too, he well knew, was of the will of the king, to stir the loyalty of his lieges at home and to content them concerning the taxes he yet must levy.
But on rode Richard to the castle gateway, and therein were many noble women.
"I see her!" he thought. "Is she not beautiful in her long white robe and with the pearls in her white hair?"
Down sprang the young knight, as if he had had never a wound, but ere his feet were on the earth his mother's arms were around him.
"I have thee again!" she exclaimed. "Thou art like thy father, O my son!"
She was silent then, and her eyes were closed, but her lips moved a little. If it were a prayer of thanks, its words were heard only by Him who is above.
The Countess of Warwick came next, and many that were Nevilles or Beauchamps, or of kindred houses, and they led him on into the castle.
"Mother," he said, "it is almost like a dream!"
"Thou wilt rest thee here," she said, after he told under what duty he was bound. "I can not let thee go at once."