The notice and observation of strangers, and the affection of individuals, together with that inward consciousness that always attends superiour qualities, would sometimes kindle the flames of ambition in Edmund’s heart; but he checked them presently by reflecting upon his low birth and dependant station.  He was modest, yet intrepid; gentle and courteous to all; frank and unreserved to those that loved him, discreet and complaisant to those who hated him; generous and compassionate to the distresses of his fellow-creatures in general; humble, but not servile, to his patron and superiors.  Once, when he with a manly spirit justified himself against a malicious imputation, his young Lord, Robert, taxed him with pride and arrogance to his kinsmen.  Edmund denied the charge against him with equal spirit and modesty.  Master Robert answered him sharply, “How dare you contradict my cousins? do you mean to give them the lie?”

“Not in words, Sir,” said Edmund; “but I will behave so as that you shall not believe them.”

Master Robert haughtily bid him be silent and know himself, and not presume to contend with men so much his superiors in every respect.  These heart-burnings in some degree subsided by their preparations for going to France.  Master Robert was to be presented at court before his departure, and it was expected that he should be knighted.  The Baron designed Edmund to be his esquire; but this was frustrated by his old enemies, who persuaded Robert to make choice of one of his own domestics, called Thomas Hewson; him did they set up as a rival to Edmund, and he took every occasion to affront him.  All that Master Robert gained by this step was the contempt of those, who saw Edmund’s merit, and thought it want of discernment in him not to distinguish and reward it.  Edmund requested of his Lord that he might be Master William’s attendant; “and when,” said he, “my patron shall be knighted, as I make no doubt he will one day be, he has promised that I shall be his esquire.”  The Baron granted Edmund’s request; and, being freed from servitude to the rest, he was devoted to that of his beloved Master William, who treated him in public as his principal domestic, but in private as his chosen friend and brother.

The whole cabal of his enemies consulted together in what manner they should vent their resentment against him; and it was agreed that they should treat him with indifference and neglect, till they should arrive in France; and when there, they should contrive to render his courage suspected, and by putting him upon some desperate enterprize, rid themselves of him for ever.  About this time died the great Duke of Bedford, to the irreparable loss of the English nation.  He was succeeded by Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, as Regent of France, of which great part had revolted to Charles the Dauphin.  Frequent actions ensued.  Cities were lost and won; and continual occasions offered to exercise the courage, and abilities, of the youths of both nations.