Those Smouldering Huts and Black Ruins, a Stern Pastime This

King edward's stern orders were to pillage and kill and spoil the country so that there should be left no sustenance for an enemy behind. I have told you how the cruel irish mercenaries and the loose soldiers of a baser sort accomplished the command. But as for keeps and castles, we stormed and sacked them as we went. And he alone was rogue and rascal who was last into the breach our wild kerns and escalades. Many a sight of cruel pillage did i see. And many a time watched the red flame bursting from the embrasures and windows of these fair baronial homes. And could not stay it. Long age s began to sap my fibre