untarnished the shield and escutcheon inherited from his ancestors, whose portraits upon the castle walls look down upon him and his deeds and judge him. By their self-sacrifice and faithful performance of duty they earned what all enjoy, and it would be criminally ungrateful were we to forsake the path of virtue they followed.” Such counsels as these still more deeply impressed the boys because the living examples of their truth were ever before them. They saw their father impartially awarding justice, protecting innocence, and rescuing the oppressed. When they gladly went with their mother to the homes of the needy and the abodes of the sick, and consoled them and distributed material comfort, the lessons of love and compassion were indelibly impressed upon their hearts. With like eagerness and faithfulness they devoted themselves to exercises for the strengthening of the body, for their father once said to them: “He who would do good must not merely know how to do it but also be able. While one should love peace, he should also be ready for war, for not every one is peaceful.” The boys devoted themselves with the utmost zeal to the use of arms and practised a certain number of hours a day under their father’s or some trusted attendant’s supervision. They ran, exercised on the bars, stretched their limbs, and strengthened themselves by severe tests. They travelled the woods in light clothing, paying no heed to storms, or winds, or the heat of the sun. They cooled themselves in a forest brook, hardened themselves for the fatiguing exercise of the day, and returned home refreshed and invigorated. Then they practised hurling the light javelin at a mark, until they could use the heavy spear without straining themselves. They wielded the battle-axe, mace, club, and broadsword, as if they were giving the finishing blow to an adversary on the field. How delighted they were when they were allowed to mount the war-horse and practise the actual manœuvres of battle! They were strong and agile, hardened against the effects of weather, capable of great endurance, afraid of no dangers, strong in body and soul, and qualified for the performance of knightly duty.