Page:The Sundering Flood - Morris - 1898.djvu/110

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THE SUNDERING FLOOD

Now, said Stephen, what shall we do with this carcass, that was so fierce and fell this morning? Said Osberne: We shall lay him in earth here in his raiment as he fell, since he died in manly wise, though belike he has lived as a beast. But his sword I will give to thee in reward for thy trusty following both now and at other times.

So Stephen fetched mattock and pick, and dug a grave for that champion amiidwards of the hazel-garth, and there they laid him, and heaped up mould and stones over his grave; and to this day it is called Hardcastle's Howe there, or for short, and that the oftenest, Hardcastle. So they went all of them up to the house, and were merry and joyful.