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Page 208
"I am sure it is still true, but you must know that I am not the first of his advisers. Still, I am sure he does not wish to break his oath of fealty. And you must see this to be true. He has not used the catapults or-ballistas or mangonels against the king's army and he has refused to ride out to attack, even after he saw that your men had been used too hard."
Geoffrey sighed with relief. "Good. That is very good. I hope that Henry is now willing to listen to reason, and I do not believe Winchester will oppose a truce. He is enough of a soldier himself to see that our situation is growing worse, not better. If a desirable arrangement can be devised, would Richard receive a delegation? I am afraid it will have to contain Winchester, but the Bishop of Saint David's and the Bishop of London will be there also, as will I."
"I am sure he will receive you, but whether he would agree with you as to what is desirable is a different matter. I think he is eager to make peace, but he has not changed his principles."
"I know that. I wish, however, to avoid making matters worse while I am trying to mend them. If Henry and Richard can come to terms before any real damage is done, it would be much better for everyone. It is possible to forget an injury, of course, but it is always better when there is nothing to forget."
Simon frowned. "Yes, but I fear things have already gone so far. . . . Do you really think the king, and more especially Winchester, will deal faithfully? However, you are right, I suppose. It is necessary to try. What do you want me to do?"
"Only to tell Richard what we have said to each other, and, of course, if he should have changed his mind to let me know as soon as possible. If we talk Henry around and Richard will not even receive us, that would be very bad."
"I do not think it," Simon assured him, "but if the

 
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