But a little after sunset they sundered, and some fared home; but
many of them abode in the tents and tilted wains, because the morrow
was the first day of the Spring Market: and already were some of the
Westland chapmen come; yea, two of them were with the bystanders in
the meadow; and more were looked for ere the night was far spent.
CHAPTER XXXII. THE MEN OF SHADOWY VALE COME TO THE SPRING MARKET AT
BURGSTEAD
On the morrow betimes in the morning the Westland chapmen, who were
now all come, went out from the House of the Face, where they were
ever wont to be lodged, and set up their booths adown the street
betwixt gate and bridge. Gay was the show; for the booths were
tilted over with painted cloths, and the merchants themselves were
clad in long gowns of fine cloth; scarlet, and blue, and white, and
green, and black, with broidered welts of gold and silver; and their
knaves were gaily attired in short coats of divers hues, with silver
rings about their arms, and short swords girt to their sides. People
began to gather about these chapmen at once when they fell to opening
their bales and their packs, and unloading their wains.
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