Edward's court. Shortly after Wulf's departure Beorn had also been
sent by the earl to his estates in Hampshire, and had been recalled
at the same time.

Beorn was far less strong and active than Wulf, having been very
weakly during the early years of his life, nor had he had the same
advantages of education, as he only became Harold's ward a year
after Wulf was installed as a page at Westminster. He was a youth
of good and generous disposition, and looked with feelings of
admiration upon the strength and skill in arms of the younger lad,
and especially at his power of reading.

"I can never be like you there, Wulf," he would say, "but I hope I
may some day grow as strong as you and as skilful in arms."

Beorn's stay in the country had done much for him, his thin tall
frame had filled out and there was a healthy colour on his cheek.
He had practised diligently at military exercises, and although he
found when, on the first day after Wulf's arrival in London, he
challenged him to a trial in arms, he was still very greatly his
inferior in skill and strength, he bade fair to become a gallant
fighter.

"It is a disappointment to me, Wulf," he said as he picked up the
battle-axe that had been struck from his hand and sent flying across
the hall by a sweeping blow of Wulf's weapon. "I have really worked
very hard, and I did think that I ought to have caught you up,
seeing that I am two years the elder. But you have gained more than
I have. I did as well as the other youths who were taught with me
by the house-carl Harold sent down with me, but I am sure I shall