The Flores Historiarum ( mistakenly attributed to Matthew of Westminster ) recalls Statement that the Britons were still in possession of Exeter in 632 , when it was bravely defended Defending against Penda of Mercia until relieved by Cadwallon , who engaged Participation and defeated Hostile_encounter the Mercians with great slaughter .

Its lines emphasise the valour of the cavalry in bravely carrying out Action their orders , regardless of the nearly inevitable outcome .