The man, whose ridicule could not have been disarmed by the candour of this temperate reply, must have had a heart very differently made from that of Colonel Wilson; and as for Edward he immediately found his voice, and was liberal of his thanks for the instruction he had received. I shall hardly expect, he said, to do more for my pupil, than to make him acquainted with some of the best and purest classics, so as to form his taste, and qualify him to take his part in those circles, in which he ought to be found: But if he should contract a passion for literature, I shall bear in mind what you have been inculcating, and hope it will be my good fortune to find his understanding stored with such defences, as no false reasoning shall be likely to undermine. This object will be ever nearest to my heart, and as I am sure I have an excellent disposition to work upon, I trust your grandson will grow up, if God gives him life, to be an honour to his name and nation. I am satisfied, said De Lancaster, and have not another word to offer. That is lucky, quoth Philip, as his father walked out of the room; for I am yet in time to take my ride. This was overheard by Colonel Wilson, and provoked him to say to Philip--If you are going to take your usual ride to the Abbey, I hope you will recollect by the way your obligations to a father, the matter of whose discourse may have seemed tedious to you, but whose motive being zeal for the welfare of your son, ought to be held in honour and respect. CHAPTER VI. _Mr. De Lancaster proposes to revive certain ancient Modes of curing Diseases._ A project had been conceived by Mr. De Lancaster for calling together an assembly of the chief neighbouring minstrels on Saint Cecilia’s day, in which he had the double purpose of patronizing that ancient British instrument, which he had so much at heart, and at the same time paying a side-way compliment to his daughter, named after that harmonious saint. Great preparations were now going forward for celebrating that musical festival (which was a kind of revival of the ancient eisteddfods) with becoming splendour. Invitations had been circulated to all the neighbouring gentry; notices were dispersed over the country for assembling the most celebrated harpers, and David Williams was warmly engaged in making daily libations of metheglin to propitiate his muse for that grand occasion. The castle hall in the mean time resounded with the hammers of the workmen, employed in erecting a stage for the minstrels, and in fitting up seats and benches for the company. The banners were overhauled, taken down and cleaned, and a great display of these and warlike weapons was disposed in groups and trophies under the direction of Colonel Wilson. Cecilia’s province was to superintend supplies, and adapt the several entertainments to the several degrees of guests, to whom they were allotted.