The Old English Baron | Page 8

touched my heart in his favour, is a strong resemblance he bears to
a certain dear friend I once had, and his manner resembles him as much
as his person; his qualities deserve that he should be placed in a higher
rank; I will adopt him for my son, and introduce him into the world as
my relation, if you will resign him to me; What say you?"
"Sir," said the Baron, "you have made a noble offer, and I am too much
the young man's friend to be a hindrance to his preferment. It is true
that I intended to provide for him in my own family; but I cannot do it
so effectually as by giving him to you, whose generous affection being
unlimited by other ties, may in time prefer him to a higher station as he
shall deserve it. I have only one condition to make; that the lad shall
have his option; for I would not oblige him to leave my service against
his inclination."
"You say well," replied Sir Philip; "nor would I take him upon other
terms."
"Agreed then," said the Baron; "let us send for Edmund hither."
A servant was sent to fetch him; he came immediately, and his Lord
thus bespoke him."
"Edmund, you owe eternal obligations to this gentleman, who,
perceiving in you a certain resemblance to a friend of his, and liking
your behaviour, has taken a great affection for you, insomuch that he
desires to receive you into his family: I cannot better provide for you
than by disposing of you to him; and, if you have no objection, you
shall return home with him when he goes from hence."
The countenance of Edmund underwent many alterations during this
proposal of his Lord; it expressed tenderness, gratitude, and sorrow, but
the last was predominant; he bowed respectfully to the Baron and Sir
Philip, and, after some hesitation, spoke as follows:--
"I feel very strongly the obligations I owe to this gentleman, for his
noble and generous offer; I cannot express the sense I have of his
goodness to me, a peasant boy, only known to him by my Lord's kind

and partial mention; this uncommon bounty claims my eternal gratitude.
To you, my honoured Lord, I owe every thing, even this gentleman's
good opinion; you distinguished me when nobody else did; and, next to
you, your sons are my best and dearest benefactors; they introduced me
to your notice. My heart is unalterably attached to this house and
family, and my utmost ambition is to spend my life in your service; but
if you have perceived any great and grievous faults in me, that make
you wish to put me out of your family, and if you have recommended
me to this gentleman in order to be rid of me, in that case I will submit
to your pleasure, as I would if you should sentence me to death."
During this speech the tears made themselves channels down Edmund's
cheeks; and his two noble auditors, catching the tender infection, wiped
their eyes at the conclusion.
"My dear child," said the Baron, "you overcome me by your tenderness
and gratitude! I know of no faults you have committed, that I should
wish to be rid of you. I thought to do you the best service by promoting
you to that of Sir Philip Harclay, who is both able and willing to
provide for you; but if you prefer my service to his, I will not part with
you."
Upon this Edmund kneeled to the Baron; he embraced his knees. "My
dear Lord! I am, and will be your servant, in preference to any man
living; I only ask your permission to live and die in your service."
"You see, Sir Philip," said the Baron, "how this boy engages the heart;
how can I part with him?"
"I cannot ask you any more," answered Sir Philip, "I see it is
impossible; but I esteem you both still higher than ever; the youth for
his gratitude, and your lordship for your noble mind and true generosity;
blessings attend you both!"
"Oh, sir," said Edmund, pressing the hand of Sir Philip, "do not think
me ungrateful to you; I will ever remember your goodness, and pray to
Heaven to reward it: the name of Sir Philip Harclay shall be engraven
upon my heart, next to my Lord and his family, for ever."
Sir Philip raised the youth and embraced him, saying, "If ever you want
a friend, remember me; and depend upon my protection, so long as you
continue to deserve it."
Edmund bowed low, and withdrew, with his eyes full of tears of
sensibility and gratitude. When he was gone, Sir Philip said, "I am

thinking, that though young Edmund wants not my