Whether it be true or not, we cannot say; but it seems strange that such honor should have been bestowed upon one so young.

In birth indeed he might aspire to the rank, since his father, Sir Walter, was a brave knight, and the mother, Dame Editha, was of good Saxon blood, and descended from those who held Evesham before the arrival of the Normans." Cnut's first impulse was to stride forward and to tear down the proclamation.

But the remembrance of his solemn determination not in future to act rashly came across him, and he decided to take no steps until he had reported the facts to his master, and taken his counsel thereon.
Cuthbert received the news with much indignation.
"There is naught that I should like better," he said, "than to try my strength against that of this false traitor.

But although I have proved my arm against the Saracens, I think not that it is yet strong enough to cope against a man who, whatsoever be his faults, is said to be a valiant knight.

But that would not deter me from attempting the task.