“The day is against England , my lord,” said Cedric, in a marked tone; “are you not tempted to take the lance?”

“I shall tilt tomorrow,” answered Athelstane, “in the melee; it is not worth while for me to arm myself today.”

Two things displeased Cedric in this speech. It contained the Norman word “melee,” (to express the general conflict,) and it evinced some indifference to the honour of the country; but it was spoken by Athelstane, whom he held in such profound respect, that he would not trust himself to canvass his motives or his foibles. Moreover, he had no time to make any remark, for Wamba thrust in his word, observing, “It was better, though scarce easier, to be the best man among a hundred, than the best man of two.”