Like an earlier Robin Hood, the valiant Wake
made the greenwood his home and the Normans his prey, covering nine
shires in his bold excursions, which extended as far as the distant town
of Warwick. The Abbey of Peterborough, with its Norman abbot, was an
object of his special detestation, and more than once Turold and his
monks were put to flight, while the abbey yielded up a share of its
treasures to the bold assailants.
How long Hereward and his men dwelt in the greenwood we are not able to
say. They defied there the utmost efforts of their foes, and King
William, whose admiration for his defiant enemy had not decreased,
despairing of reducing him by force, made him overtures of peace.
Hereward was ready for them. He saw clearly by this time that the Norman
yoke was fastened too firmly on England's neck to be thrown off. He had
fought as long as fighting was of use. Surrender only remained. A day
came at length in which he rode from the forest with forty stout
warriors at his back, made his way to the royal seat of Winchester, and
knocked at the city gates, bidding the guards to carry the news to the
conqueror that Hereward the Wake had come.
William gladly received him. He knew the value of a valiant soul, and
was thereafter a warm friend of Hereward, who, on his part, remained as
loyal and true to the king as he had been strong and earnest against
him.
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