168 Bunting at J 



and yet in haste. He spoke as one who had business of 

 moment to communicate, and which admitted of no 

 delay, but his look and voice sufficed to check the 

 eagerness of those who sought to know whence, and why, 

 he came. He told the king, when admitted to his 

 presence, that he had travelled both far and fast ; that 

 the Norman abbot of St. Peter's at Gloucester had sent 

 to inform his majesty how greatly he was troubled on 

 his account, for that one of his monks had dreamed a 

 dream which foreboded a sudden and awful death to 

 him. " To horse ! " hastily exclaimed the king, " Walter 

 de Poix, do you think that I am one of those fools who 

 give up their pleasure, or their business, for such matters ? 

 the man is a true monk, he dreameth for the sake of 

 money ; give him an hundred pence, and bid him dream 

 of better fortune to our person." 



Forth went the hunting train, and while some rode one 

 way, some another, according to the manner adopted 

 in the chase, Sir Walter de Tyrrel, the king's especial 

 favourite, remained with him, and their dogs hunted 

 together. They had good sport, and none thought of 

 returning, although the sun was sinking in the west and 

 the shadows of the forest-trees began to lengthen on the 

 grass, at which time an hart came bounding by, between 

 the king and his companion, who stood concealed in a 

 thicket. The king drew his bow, but the string broke, 

 and the arrow took no effect ; the hart being startled at 

 the sound, paused in his speed, and looked on all sides, 

 as if doubtful which way to turn. The king, meanwhile 



