He was cunning at fence--thy worshipful father--but I was ever a bad scholar; and my dull arm, to this day, hopes more from its strength than its craft." "I have heard it said, noble earl, that the stoutest hand can scarcely lift your battle-axe." "Fables! romaunt!" answered the earl, smiling; "there it lies,--go and lift it." Marmaduke went to the table, and, though with some difficulty, raised and swung this formidable weapon.
"By my halidame, well swung, cousin mine! Its use depends not on the strength, but the practice.

Why, look you now, there is the boy Richard of Gloucester, who comes not up to thy shoulder, and by dint of custom each day can wield mace or axe with as much ease as a jester doth his lathesword.

Ah, trust me, Marmaduke, the York House is a princely one; and if we must have a king, we barons, by stout Saint George, let no meaner race ever furnish our lieges.

But to thyself, Marmaduke--what are thy views and thy wishes ?" "To be one of thy following, noble Warwick." "I thank and accept thee, young Nevile; but thou hast heard that I am about to leave England, and in the mean time thy youth would run danger without a guide." The earl paused a moment, and resumed: "My brother of Montagu showed thee cold countenance; but a word from me will win thee his grace and favour.

What sayest thou, wilt thou be one of his gentlemen?
If so, I will tell thee the qualities a man must have,--a discreet tongue, a quick eye, the last fashion in hood and shoe-bobbins, a perfect seat on thy horse, a light touch for the gittern, a voice for a love-song, and--" "I have none of these save the horsemanship, gracious my lord; and if thou wilt not receive me thyself, I will not burden my Lord of Montagu and Northumberland." "Hot and quick! No! John of Montagu would not suit thee, nor thou him.
But how to provide for thee till my return I know not." "Dare I not hope, then, to make one of your embassage, noble earl ?" Warwick bent his brows, and looked at him in surprise.