Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/332

 thereof was of little account before such a man as was Sir Godrick, for though he were well enough in a fray, if the sword were put into his hand and the horse were between his knees, yet was he feather-headed, stubborn in wrong, and hard-hearted. Said Sir Alwyn, that save the said King was in all things according with the best men of the City, as the Porte and the Masters of the Great Crafts, he was undone. Then he said again: Yea, and there is talk also how that the Small Crafts have in their hearts to rise against both Porte and King, and certes if they may have Sir Godrick on their side, which is not wholly unlike, they will perchance come to their above; and then again is the King's cake but dough. Said Sir Mark, and smiled withal: One thing we have to our comfort, that there may not lightly be found two Sir Godricks, and though his men be fell fighters, there where he is only shall his luck prevail to the full. Yea, said the houselord; but I can see in the eye of my mind another well-nigh as good as he, if he might but hit upon him. Yea and one who should be even better than his double, filling up what little lacks there may be in him; one who should cheer the heart of his host as much even as the captain, and yet should be liker to the men themselves, and a part of them in all wise.

Said Sir Mark: Even so much as this I said a day or two ago. Yet scarce is such an one found by seeking. Sooth is that, said Sir Alwyn, but such-like haps drift toward the lucky.