THE KING AND THE BONDMEN.

tenants -poured into the great hall, until the whole
space was filled, and a few of the villans had to
remain on the outside by the door, where they stood
watching what went on within.
 At the upper end of the hall, on the raised floor,
called the dais, was seated the Lord de Hedingham,
and by his side the Lady Edith, richly apparelled.
High over their heads hung a splendid banner of
crimson and gold, a pile of parchments lay on a table
at one side under the charge of the steward, and on
the other side stood Father Eustace, with Jocelin in
the rear, holding a book in his hand to be used in
the coming ceremony. It was a striking spectacle;
the lofty and the lowly met face to face, and the
vassals waited in silent expectation of what was to
follow. Many among them sorrowing that they
should have to renounce their right to liberty once
more, and promise faithful service with their lips,
which they refused in their hearts. It was a solemn
moment.
 While they thus stood waiting, the Lord de He-
dinglam rose and said, as he looked round on the
assembly:--" Ye are here to renew your oaths of
fealty to me, your lord and master, for the estate, with
all that lives and grows upon it, is mine. Ye owe me
service by the law of the land, and I look for faithful
service; and I know full well that many who now
stand before me marched up to London with the rebels,
and took part in their riotous doings."
 When the villans heard this, they looked at one
another in dismay, and began to tremble for the con-
sequences of their revolt. The lord, however, went
on:-" Ye have been misguided and led astray by evil
counsellers, some have lost their lives, and in other
ways many have been severely punished; in consider.