Part 39 (1/2)
_Meg's Fellow Servant pressed; her Usage of the Constable; and of her taking Press Money to go to Boulogne._
In those days were wars between England and France, and a hot press about London. The constables of Westminster pressed Meg's fellow servant, and she told them if they took him her mistress was undone.
All this could not persuade the constable, but Harry must go, on which she lent the constable a knock. Notice being given to the captain, he asked who struck him. ”Marry,” quoth Meg, ”I did, and if I did not love soldiers I'd serve you so too.” So, taking a cavalier from a man's hand, she performed the exercise with such dexterity that they wondered, whereupon she said--”Press no man, but give me press money and I will go myself.” At this they all laughed, and the captain gave her an angel, whereupon she went with him to Boulogne.
CHAPTER IX.
_Of her Beating the Frenchman off the Walls of Boulogne, for which gallant behaviour she is rewarded by the King with Eightpence per Day for Life._
King Henry, pa.s.sing the seas, took Boulogne. Hereupon the Dauphin with a great number of men surprised and retook it. Meg, being a laundress in the town, raised the best of the women; and, with a halberd in her hand, came to the walls, on which some of the French had entered, and threw scalding water and stones at them that she often obliged them to quit the town before the soldiers were up in arms. And at the sally she came out the foremost with her halberd in her hand to pursue the chase.
The report of this deed being come to the ears of the king, he allowed her for life eightpence a day.
CHAPTER X.
_Of her fighting and beating a Frenchman before Boulogne._
During this she observed one who in a bravado tossed his pike. She, seeing his pride, desired a drum to signify that a young soldier would have a push at pike with him. It was agreed on, and the place appointed life against life.
On the day the Frenchman came, and Meg met him, and without any salute fell to blows; and, after a long combat, she overcame him, and cut off his head. Then, pulling off her hat, her hair fell about her ears.
By this the Frenchman knew it was a woman, and the English giving a shout, she, by a drummer, sent the Dauphin his soldier's head, and said, ”An English woman sent it.”
The Dauphin much commended her, sending her a hundred crowns for her valour.
CHAPTER XI.
_Of her coming to England and being Married._
The wars in France being over, Meg came to Westminster and married a soldier, who, hearing of her exploits, took her into a room, and, making her strip to her petticoat, took one staff and gave her another, saying, ”As he had heard of her manhood, he was determined to try her.” But Meg held down her head, whereupon he gave her three or four blows, and she in submission fell down upon her knees desiring him to pardon her.
”For,” said she, ”whatever I do to others, it behoves me to be obedient to you; and it shall never be said, if I cudgel a knave that injures me, Long Meg is her husband's master; and therefore use me as you please.”
So they grew friends, and never quarrelled after.
CHAPTER XII.