e suspected for a Lollard,
and Abbot Bilson hath your name on his list of evil affected unto the
Church. If you can wend for a time unto some other country, I trow you
would find your safety in so doing. I beseech you burn this letter, or
it may do me a mischief.
"It hath come into my mind that Madge did name unto me your desire of
knighthood. If such be still your wish, I pray you make use of me in
this matter. Let me wit by the bearer of these your pleasure herein,
and if you desire to watch this even, I will meet you in Bostock Church
early on the morrow.
"I set out on my way to London to-morrow.
"Commend me in all lowly fashion to my good mother; and with God's
blessing and mine to the child, I rest, your loving friend, R. Marnell."
Richard read Lord Marnell's letter to Dame Lovell, and then at once put
it in the fire. He determined to accept the kind offer thus made to
him; and accordingly he sent word by the messenger that he would be
ready to meet Lord Marnell in Bostock Church, at any early hour on the
following morning.
Knighthood was then conferred in two ways. A knight-banneret was one
created on the field of battle. An ordinary knight was required to be
of good family and of a suitable age, and the accolade was given him
after a night's fasting and watching in some church. Other, but less
important ceremonies were also observed. This latter course was
necessarily the one chosen by Richard. At five o'clock on the following
morning, Lord Marnell met him in Bostock Church, and gave him the stroke
on the shoulder with the flat of his sword, which was required to make
its recipient a knight. [See Note 1.] Richard thanked Lord Marnell
fervently for his warning, and also for his kindness in offering him
knighthood; and told him that he had already resolved to go abroad,
before receiving his letter.
"I think you will do well," said he; "but I pray you, Sir Richard, to
lose no time, for spies be about in Marston even now."
Late that night, after an affectionate farewell to Dame Lovell and Friar
Andrew, and a warm kiss to little Geoffrey, who was fast asleep, Sir
Richard Pynson set out on his long and perilous journey. Dame Lovell
sent with him one of her own servants, a man who she knew would imperil
his own life sooner than that of Richard; and he returned to her in a
few days with the welcome tidings that he had seen Richard safely
embarked on a vessel for La Rochelle, with Master Carew's
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