He was a close observer, and not without that genius for intrigue, which in rude ages passes for the talent of a statesman.

And yet in that thorough knowledge of the habits and tastes of the great mass, which gives wisdom to a ruler, he was far inferior to the earl.

In common with his brother, he was gifted with the majesty of mien which imposes on the eye; and his port and countenance were such as became the prodigal expense of velvet, minever, gold, and jewels, by which the gorgeous magnates of the day communicated to their appearance the arrogant splendour of their power.
"Young gentleman," said the earl, after eying with some attention the comely archer, "I am pleased that you bear the name of Nevile.

Vouchsafe to inform me to what scion of our House we are this day indebted for the credit with which you have upborne its cognizance ?" "I fear," answered the youth, with a slight but not ungraceful hesitation, "that my lord of Montagu and Northumberland will hardly forgive the presumption with which I have intruded upon this assembly a name borne by nobles so illustrious, especially if it belong to those less fortunate branches of his family which have taken a different side from himself in the late unhappy commotions.

My father was Sir Guy Nevile, of Arsdale, in Westmoreland." Lord Montagu's lip lost its gracious smile; he glanced quickly at the courtiers round him, and said gravely, "I grieve to hear it.