But a settlement on solid earth has its influences.

They were chivalrous knights bannerets, and leaders in the tented field, paying and taking fair ransom for captures; and they were good landlords, good masters blithely followed to the wars.

Sing an old battle of Normandy, Picardy, Gascony, and you celebrate deeds of theirs.

At home they were vexatious neighbours to a town of burghers claiming privileges: nor was it unreasonable that the Earl should flout the pretensions of the town to read things for themselves, documents, titleships, rights, and the rest.
As well might the flat plain boast of seeing as far as the pillar.

Earl and town fought the fight of Barons and Commons in epitome.