The Old English Baron | Page 9

assistance at present,
he may hereafter stand in need of my friendship. I should not wonder if
such rare qualities as he possesses, should one day create envy, and
raise him enemies; in which case he might come to lose your favour,
without any fault of yours or his own."
"I am obliged to you for the warning," said the Baron, "I hope it will be
unnecessary; but if ever I part with Edmund, you shall have the refusal
of him."
"I thank your Lordship for all your civilities to me," said the knight; "I
leave my best wishes with you and your hopeful family, and I humbly
take my leave."
"Will you not stay one night in the castle?" returned my Lord; "you
shall be as welcome a guest as ever."
"I acknowledge your goodness and hospitality, but this house fills me
with melancholy recollections; I came hither with a heavy heart, and it
will not be lighter while I remain here. I shall always remember your
lordship with the highest respect and esteem; and I pray God to
preserve you, and increase your blessings!"
After some further ceremonies, Sir Philip departed, and returned to old
Wyatt's, ruminating on the vicissitude of human affairs, and thinking on
the changes he had seen.
At his return to Wyatt's cottage, he found the family assembled together.
He told them he would take another night's lodging there, which they
heard with great pleasure;-- for he had familiarised himself to them in
the last evening's conversation, insomuch that they began to enjoy his
company. He told Wyatt of the misfortune he had sustained by losing
his servant on the way, and wished he could get one to attend him
home in his place. Young John looked earnestly at his father, who
returned a look of approbation.
"I perceive one in this company," said he, "that would be proud to serve
your honour; but I fear he is not brought up well enough."
John coloured with impatience; he could not forbear speaking.
"Sir, I can answer for an honest heart, a willing mind, and a light pair of
heels; and though I am somewhat awkward, I shall be proud to learn, to
please my noble master, if he will but try me."
"You say well," said Sir Philip, "I have observed your qualifications,
and if you are desirous to serve me, I am equally pleased with you; if

your father has no objection I will take you."
"Objection, sir!" said the old man; "it will be my pride to prefer him to
such a noble gentleman; I will make no terms for him, but leave it to
your honour to do for him as he shall deserve."
"Very well," said Sir Philip, "you shall be no loser by that; I will charge
myself with the care of the young man."
The bargain was struck, and Sir Philip purchased a horse for John of
the old man. The next morning they set out; the knight left marks of his
bounty with the good couple, and departed, laden with their blessing
and prayers. He stopped at the place where his faithful servant was
buried, and caused masses to be said for the repose of his soul; then,
pursuing his way by easy journeys, arrived in safety at home. His
family rejoiced at his return; he settled his new servant in attendance
upon his person; he then looked round his neighbourhood for objects of
his charity; when he saw merit in distress, it was his delight to raise and
support it; he spent his time in the service of his Creator, and glorified
him in doing good to his creatures. He reflected frequently upon every
thing that had befallen him in his late journey to the west; and, at his
leisure, took down all the particulars in writing.

[Here follows an interval of four years, as by the manuscript; and this
omission seems intended by the writer. What follows is in a different
hand, and the character is more modern.]
. . . . . . .
ABOUT this time the prognostics of Sir Philip Harclay began to be
verified, that Edmund's good qualities might one day excite envy and
create him enemies. The sons and kinsmen of his patron began to seek
occasion to find fault with him, and to depreciate him with others. The
Baron's eldest son and heir, Master Robert, had several contests with
Master William, the second son, upon his account: This youth had a
warm affection for Edmund, and whenever his brother and kinsmen
treated him slightly, he supported him against their malicious
insinuations. Mr. Richard Wenlock, and Mr. John Markham, were the
sisters sons of the Lord Fitz-Owen; and there were several other more
distant relations, who, with them, secretly envied