It would be wisest to avoid entering it, lest the rustics set them upon our track.
Let us skirt it and push on for Bruton, where we may spare time for bite and sup.' 'Alas, alas! for our dinners!' cried Reuben ruefully.

'I have fallen away until my body rattles about, inside this shell of armour, like a pea in a pod.

However, lads, it is all for the Protestant faith.' 'One more good stretch to Bruton, and we may rest in peace,' said Saxon.
'It is ill dining when a dragoon may be served up as a grace after meat.
Our horses are still fresh, and we should be there in little over an hour.' We pushed on our way accordingly, passing at a safe distance from Mere, which is the village where the second Charles did conceal himself after the battle of Worcester.

The road beyond was much crowded by peasants, who were making their way out of Somersetshire, and by farmers' waggons, which were taking loads of food to the West, ready to turn a few guineas either from the King's men or from the rebels.

We questioned many as to the news from the war, but though we were now on the outskirts of the disturbed country, we could gain no clear account of how matters stood, save that all agreed that the rising was on the increase.