The young men of Baron Fitz-Owen’s house were recommended particularly to the Regent’s notice.  Master Robert was knighted, with several other young men of family, who distinguished themselves by their spirit and activity upon every occasion.  The youth were daily employed in warlike exercises, and frequent actions; and made their first essay in arms in such a manner as to bring into notice all that deserved it.  Various arts were used by Edmund’s enemies to expose him to danger; but all their contrivances recoiled upon themselves, and brought increase of honour upon Edmund’s head; he distinguished himself upon so many occasions, that Sir Robert himself began to pay him more than ordinary regard, to the infinite mortification of his kinsmen and relations.  They laid many schemes against him, but none took effect.

[From this place the characters in the manuscript are effaced by time and damp.  Here and there some sentences are legible, but not sufficient to pursue the thread of the story.  Mention is made of several actions in which the young men were engaged—­ that Edmund distinguished himself by intrepidity in action; by gentleness, humanity and modesty in the cessations —­ that he attracted the notice of every person of observation, and also that he received personal commendation from the Regent.

The following incidents are clear enough to be transcribed; but the beginning of the next succeeding pages is obliterated.  However, we may guess at the beginning by what remains.]

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As soon as the cabal met in Sir Robert’s tent, Mr. Wenlock thus began:—­ “You see, my friends, that every attempt we make to humble this upstart, turns into applause, and serves only to raise his pride still higher.  Something must be done, or his praise will go home before us, at our own expence; and we shall seem only soils to set off his glories.  Any thing would I give to the man who should execute our vengeance upon him.”

“Stop there, cousin Wenlock,” said Sir Robert; “though I think Edmund proud and vain-glorious, and would join in any scheme to humble him, and make him know himself, I will not suffer any man to use such base methods to effect it.  Edmund is brave; and it is beneath an Englishman to revenge himself by unworthy means; if any such are used, I will be the first man to bring the guilty to justice; and if I hear another word to this purpose, I will inform my brother William, who will acquaint Edmund with your mean intentions.”  Upon this the cabal drew back, and Mr. Wenlock protested that he meant no more than to mortify his pride, and make him know his proper station.  Soon after Sir Robert withdrew, and they resumed their deliberations.

Then spoke Thomas Hewson:  “There is a party to be sent out to-morrow night, to intercept a convoy of provisions for the relief of Rouen; I will provoke Mr. Edmund to make one of this party, and when he is engaged in the action, I and my companions will draw off, and leave him to the enemy, who I trust will so handle him, that you shall no more be troubled with him.”