"Why, Sir, about two years ago, my lord, at his sons request, took him
into his own family, and gives him the same education as his own
children; the young lords doat upon him, especially Master William, who
is about his own age: It is supposed that he will attend the young
Lords when they go to the wars, which my Lord intends they shall by and
by."

"What you tell me," said Sir Philip, "increases every minute my respect
for your Lord;
he is an excellent father and master, he seeks out merit in obscurity;
he
distinguishes and rewards it, -- I honour him with all my heart."

In this manner they conversed together till they came within view of
the castle. In a field near the house they saw a company of youths,
with crossbows in their hands, shooting at a mark.

"There," said the servant, "are our young gentlemen at their exercises."

Sir Philip stopped his horse to observe them; he heard two or three of
them cry out, "Edmund is the victor! He wins the prize!"

"I must," said Sir Philip, "take a view of this Edmund."

He jumped off his horse, gave the bridle to the servant, and walked
into the field. The young gentlemen came up, and paid their respects to
him; he apologized for intruding upon their sports, and asked which was
the victor? Upon which the youth he spoke to beckoned to another, who
immediately advanced, and made his obeisance; As he drew near, Sir
Philip fixed his eyes upon him, with so much attention, that he seemed