The Old English Baron | Page 7

you
favour me with your proper name, that I may know to whose courtesy I
am obliged?"
"My name is William Fitz-Owen; that gentleman is my eldest brother,
Master Robert; that other my kinsman, Master Richard Wenlock."
"Very well; I thank you, gentle Sir; I beg you not to stir another step,
your servant holds my horse."
"Farewell, Sir," said Master William; "I hope we shall have the
pleasure of meeting you at dinner."
The youths returned to their sports, and Sir Philip mounted his horse
and proceeded to the castle; he entered it with a deep sigh, and
melancholy recollections. The Baron received him with the utmost
respect and courtesy. He gave a brief account of the principal events
that had happened in the family of Lovel during his absence; he spoke
of the late Lord Lovel with respect, of the present with the affection of
a brother. Sir Philip, in return, gave a brief recital of his own
adventures abroad, and of the disagreeable circumstances he had met
with since his return home; he pathetically lamented the loss of all his
friends, not forgetting that of his faithful servant on the way; saying he
could be contented to give up the world, and retire to a religious house,
but that he was withheld by the consideration, that some who depended
entirely upon him, would want his presence and assistance; and, beside
that, he thought he might be of service to many others. The Baron
agreed with him in opinion, that a man was of much more service to the
world who continued in it, than one who retired from it, and gave his
fortune to the Church, whose servants did not always make the best use
of it. Sir Philip then turned the conversation, and congratulated the

Baron on his hopeful family; he praised their persons and address, and
warmly applauded the care he bestowed on their education. The Baron
listened with pleasure to the honest approbation of a worthy heart, and
enjoyed the true happiness of a parent.
Sir Philip then made further enquiry concerning Edmund, whose
appearance had struck him with an impression in his favour.
"That boy," said the Baron, "is the son of a cottager in this
neighbourhood; his uncommon merit, and gentleness of manners,
distinguish him from those of his own class; from his childhood he
attracted the notice and affection of all that knew him; he was beloved
everywhere but at his father's house, and there it should seem that his
merits were his crimes; for the peasant, his father, hated him, treated
him severely, and at length threatened to turn him out of doors; he used
to run here and there on errands for my people, and at length they
obliged me to take notice of him; my sons earnestly desired I would
take him into my family; I did so about two years ago, intending to
make him their servant; but his extraordinary genius and disposition
have obliged me to look upon him in a superior light; perhaps I may
incur the censure of many people, by giving him so many advantages,
and treating him as the companion of my children; his merit must
justify or condemn my partiality for him; however, I trust that I have
secured to my children a faithful servant of the upper kind, and a useful
friend to my family."
Sir Philip warmly applauded his generous host, and wished to be a
sharer in his bounty to that fine youth, whose appearance indicated all
the qualities that had endeared him to his companions.
At the hour of dinner the young men presented themselves before their
Lord, and his guest. Sir Philip addressed himself to Edmund; he asked
him many questions, and received modest and intelligent answers, and
he grew every minute more pleased with him. After dinner the youths
withdrew with their tutor to pursue their studies. Sir Philip sat for some
time wrapt up in meditation. After some minutes, the Baron asked him,
"If he might not be favoured with the fruits of his contemplations?"
"You shall, my Lord," answered he, "for you have a right to them. I
was thinking, that when many blessings are lost, we should cherish
those that remain, and even endeavour to replace the others. My Lord, I
have taken a strong liking to that youth whom you call Edmund

Twyford; I have neither children nor relations to claim my fortune, nor
share my affections; your Lordship has many demands upon your
generosity: I can provide for this promising youth without doing
injustice to any one; will you give him to me?"
"He is a fortunate boy," said the Baron, "to gain your favour so soon."
"My Lord," said the knight, "I will confess to you, that the first thing
that