Mr.Launcelot took his father's hand and kissed it, while the tears ran down his cheeks; and Sir Everhard embraced his son with great tenderness, crying, 'My dear boy! God be praised for having given you such a feeling heart.' My father himself was moved, thof a practitioner of the law, and consequently used to distresses .-- He declared, that he had given no directions to distrain; and that the bailiff must have done it by his own authority.--'If that be the case,' said the young squire, 'let the inhuman rascal be turned out of our service.' "Well, gemmen, all the children were immediately clothed and fed, and the poor widow had well-nigh run distracted with joy.

The old knight, being of a humane temper himself, was pleased to see such proofs of his son's generosity.

He was not angry at his spending his money, but at squandering away his time among the dregs of the people.

For you must know, he not only made matches, portioned poor maidens, and set up young couples that came together without money; but he mingled in every rustic diversion, and bore away the prize in every contest.

He excelled every swain of that district in feats of strength and activity; in leaping, running, wrestling, cricket, cudgel-playing, and pitching the bar; and was confessed to be, out of sight, the best dancer at all wakes and holidays.