Page:History of Wat Tyler and Jack Straw.pdf/14

                              (  14  ) sequel.-—Tyler persisting in his in support- able arrogance he demanded the King’s dagger of the Squire who held it; which being by the King’s order delivered to him he then presumed to command the Squire to give him the sword also ; but the young spark bravely said, A King’s sword could not become a knave’s hand ; and he would not deliver it him ---At this Tyler offering to approach the page, the Lord Mayor of London, who only waited for an occasson to hazard his life in surprising so proud a traitor, snatch- ed the King’s dagger out of the sheath in Tyler’s hand, and sheathed the same in his body ; whereupon Philpot salut- ed him with his sword; and he dropped down dead.

This sudden and unexpected action at first dismayed the King, but being assured of present succour from the citizens, he took courage and being surrounded by his nobles he gave defiance to the headless rout, which wanted neither will nor power to revenge their captain's death but each one expecting when the other should begin, they staid looking upon one another until the news was brought