H. C. Bailey

“ Nay, man, she is a woman though she loves me not. She is a Queen in her heart and her lads are bred to be kings. And bold lads they are and noble and manhood comes on them now. It is time, God knows. I grow old and men think I grow weak. The barons lift their heads here and beyond the sea, and everywhere I cannot be. Do you know what I have in mind, old Bran? I will leave Henry here to be King in England for me, while I take the young ones over sea and school Normandy and Aquitaine. ”

“ Furnaces glowed and hammers clanged in finery and chafery, men toiled to and fro with baskets of charcoal, baskets of brown ore. "God is my life, you have thriven, Siward," the King turned to the ironmaster, "you have grown, and still you are mighty busy." ”

“ Bran said. "But if two men ride a horse one must ride behind, brother."
"And from behind a man may guide, brother Bran."
And then the young King came upon them, and the King talked policy and the young man took his schooling happily.... "So I leave you, my son. God watch between us. Here is one with you that knows my mind," he laid his hand on the justiciar's shoulder. "And you will find none wiser."
"I shall know how to honour him." The lad bowed and smiled.
"There stands my brother, like himself, 'twixt a wise man and a fool!" It was Richard's loud, jolly voice. ”