548 ANTIQUITIES 



has been noticed by all the writers of English history 

 for his bold disposition and disaffected spirit, in that 

 he not only figured during the successful rebellion of 

 Leicester, but kept up the war after the defeat and 

 death of that baron, intrenching himself in the woods of 

 Hampshire, towards the town of Farnham. After the 

 battle of Evesham, in which Mountfort fell, in the year 

 1265, Gurdon might not think it safe to return to his 

 house for fear of a surprise; but cautiously fortified 

 himself amidst the forests and woodlands with which 

 he was so well acquainted. Prince Edward, desirous 

 of putting an end to the troubles which had so long 

 harassed the kingdom, pursued the arch-rebel into his 

 fastnesses; attacked his camp; leaped over the in- 

 trenchments ; and, singling out Gurdon, ran him down, 

 wounded him, and took him prisoner 1 . 



There is not perhaps in all history a more remarkable 

 instance of command of temper, and magnanimity, than 

 this before us: that a young prince, in the moment of 

 victory, when he had the fell adversary of the crown 

 and royal family at his mercy, should be able to with- 

 hold his hand from that vengeance which the vanquished 

 so well deserved. A cowardly disposition would have 

 been blinded by resentment: but this gallant heir- 

 apparent saw at once a method of converting a most 

 desperate foe into a lasting friend. He raised the fallen 

 veteran from the ground, he pardoned him, he admitted 

 him into his confidence, and introduced him to the queen, 

 then lying at Guildford, that very evening 1 . This un- 

 merited and unexpected lenity melted the heart of the 

 rugged Gurdon at once ; he became in an instant a loyal 

 and useful subject, trusted and employed in matters of 

 moment by Edward when king, and confided in till the 

 day of his death. 



1 M. Paris, p. 075, and Triveti Annales. 



