the condition of the common people, who are but villeins and serfs, is
well-nigh unbearable. Altogether the future seems to me to be dark. I
confess that, being a student, the storm when it bursts will affect me but
slightly, but as it is clear to me that this is not the life that you will
choose it may affect you greatly; for, however little you may wish it, if
civil strife comes, you, like everyone else, may be involved in it. In
such an event, Edgar, act as your conscience dictates. There is always
much to be said for both sides of any question, and it cannot but be so in
this. I wish to lay no stress on you in any way. You cannot make a good
monk out of a man who longs to be a man-at-arms, nor a warrior of a
weakling who longs for the shelter of a cloister.

"Let, however, each man strive to do his best in the line he has chosen
for himself. A good monk is as worthy of admiration as a good man-at-arms.
I would fain have seen you a great scholar, but as it is clear that this
is out of the question, seeing that your nature does not incline to study,
I would that you should become a brave knight. It was with that view when
I sent you to be instructed at the convent I also gave you an instructor
in arms, so that, whichever way your inclinations might finally point, you
should be properly fitted for it."

At fifteen all lessons were given up, Edgar having by that time learnt as
much as was considered necessary in those days. He continued his exercises
with his weapons, but without any strong idea that beyond defence against
personal attacks they would be of any use to him. The army was not in
those days a career. When the king had need of a force to fight in France
or to carry fire and sword into Scotland, the levies were called out, the
nobles and barons supplied their contingent, and archers and men-at-arms
were enrolled and paid by the king. The levies, however, were only liable
to service for a restricted time, and beyond their personal retainers the