The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Maid Marian by Thomas Love Peacock: with these fruits of good living, brought forth by one of the meek who
had inherited the earth, displayed itself in a general ferment, of which
Prince John took advantage to make the experiment of getting possession
of his brother's crown in his absence. He began by calling at Reading
a council of barons, whose aspect induced the holy bishop to disguise himself
(some say as an old woman, which, in the twelfth century, perhaps might
have been a disguise for a bishop), and make his escape beyond sea.
Prince John followed up his advantage by obtaining possession of several
strong posts, and among others of the castle of Nottingham.
While John was conducting his operations at Nottingham, he rode
at times past the castle of Arlingford. He stopped on one occasion
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