He bears himself well, and is like to be a stout fighter, when he comes to his full strength.

Indeed, as the son of John Forster of Yardhope, and as your nephew, good Alwyn, he could scarce be otherwise; although I have not heard that either his father, or you, ever showed any disposition for letters." "No indeed, Sir Henry; nor have we, as far as I have ever seen, been any the worse for our lack of knowledge on that head.

But with the lad here, it is different.

Under your good patronage he may well hope to attain, by good conduct and valour, a promotion where book learning may be of use to him; and therefore, when he expressed a desire to learn, I did my best to favour his design." "And you did well, Alwyn.

And since he has gained so much, in so short a time, it were a pity he should not follow it up; and he shall, if it likes him, so long as he is in this castle, have two hours every morning in which he can visit the fighting monk, until he can read and write freely.
"Now, young sir, the question is, how can we best employ you?
You are too old for a lady's bower, but not old enough, yet, for an esquire." "Nor could I aspire to such a position, my lord, until I have proved myself worthy of it.