The latter judge by merit, and
when they see that the lad has something in him, would take to him;
whereas were he with the pages there might be quarrels, and he might
fall into disgrace."
"I think that you are right, Alwyn. He might get a buffet or two, from
the esquires, but he will be none the worse for that; while with the
pages it might be bickering, and ill will. He shall take his chance
with the squires. Bring him to me at twelve o'clock, and I will myself
present him to them, with such words as may gain their goodwill, and
make the way as easy as may be for him."
Accordingly, at twelve o'clock, Oswald went to Hotspur's room, and was
taken by him to the hall where the esquires, six in number, had just
finished a meal. They varied in age from eighteen to forty. They all
rose, as their lord entered.
"I wish to present to you this young gentleman, my friends. He is the
son of John Forster of Yardhope, whose name is familiar to you all, as
one of the most valiant of the defenders of the border against the
Scottish incursions. None distinguished themselves more at the battle
of Otterburn, where he performed feats of prodigious valour, in his
endeavours to rescue me and my brother from the hands of the Scots.
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