The Prince turned as pale as death, looked

first on the earth and then up to heaven, like a man who has received news of sentence of death having been passed upon him. Recovering from the first effects of his surprise, he took Waldemar Fitzurse and Bracy aside, and put the billet into their hands successively.

"This may be a false alarm, or a forged letter," said Bracy.

"It is France's own hand and seal," replied Prince John.

"It is time then," said Fitzurse, "to draw our party to a head, either at York, or some other centrical place. A few days later, and it will be indeed too late. Your highness must break short this present mummery."

"The yeomen and commons," said Bracy, "must not be dismissed discontented, for lack of their share in the sports."

"The day," said Waldemar, "is not yet very far spent—let the archers shoot a few rounds at the target, and the prize be adjudged. This will be an abundant fulfilment of the Prince's pro-