but no doubt needs money
sorely. He can draw no revenue from his estates in Denbigh, and those
in South Wales cannot suffice for the expenses of feeding the body of
men, always under arms. Doubtless he will ask for a great sum, and 'tis
like that he will get it. Grey is a favourite of the king, and the
latter will doubtless aid him, for he needs his services to hold Flint
and Denbighshire against the Welsh.

"Moreover, methinks that the king would, for another reason, make every
effort to buy Lord Grey's freedom; for it is no secret that he has no
great love for Mortimer; for although he holds the young Earl of March
a prisoner, at Windsor, he cannot forget that the lad is the rightful
heir to the throne, and that the friends of Richard would place him
there, had they the opportunity. Mortimer is the boy's uncle and, not
only from his own estates, but as guardian of the young earl's wide
possessions in Hereford and in Shropshire, is a very powerful noble.

"The king has no real reason for doubting him, for I know that Mortimer
has no thought of supporting the Earl of March's claim to the throne;
having held, with the rest of the kingdom, that Henry, who is wise and
politic, is a far fitter ruler than the lad could be. Doubtless, Henry
is well aware of this, but he sees that when the young earl grows to
manhood he might become dangerous; and might supplant him, as he
supplanted Richard. Thus, then, I have no doubt the king will use every
effort to obtain the release of Lord Grey, in order that he may act as
a counterpoise, in the Welsh marches, to the influence of Mortimer.

"However, that is not now the question. It is evident, by this daring
deed of Glendower, that he will be busy this year; and the success of
his first attempt will assuredly add to his following. Therefore, as
the Scots are, at present, quiet, I would that you ride again to
Ludlow, and sojourn there a while.

"Sir Edmund sends me but scant news, and I would fain know more closely
how matters are going there, and how great this insurrection is like to
grow. It may well be that the Scots, seeing how powerful Glendower is
becoming, will enter into agreement with him, that while he invades the
west country, they shall pour across the border with all their forces;
in which case we should be hard pressed, for the king's power in the
south might be fully engaged against the Welsh, and we should have to
battle with the whole strength of Scotland, alone. T