All attempts to change the resolution of Maugis to carry out this plan failed, and he only hesitated when told that he should remain and watch over his children until they had passed the tender age. It was about this time that the sons of Aymon were apprised of the death of their aged father. The brothers desired Maugis to partition the property equally among them, but he nobly abandoned all to them, not even reserving Montaubon. Then for a long time he devoted his days to the education of his sons. He instructed them himself in all the forms and exercises of knighthood, placing continually before them a noble example to follow. He saw with pleasure that one day his children would fulfill all his hopes in force, in courage, and in honor. When this noble father felt certain his sons would equal him he took them apart one day and said to them: “You are no longer children. The time has come when you should be occupied with serious things. Your rank and your duty compels you to consecrate yourselves to your country. Go now to the court, find the Emperor Charlemagne, and pray him to accept you as his knights.” CHAPTER XVIII. When the sons of Maugis quitted their father the young men took the road for the court, where they duly arrived, and demanded to be presented to the emperor, as was usual at that period, for aspirants to the order of knighthood. The lord in waiting, who did not know them, was struck with their grace and air of nobility, and when they were ushered into the audience-chamber, where Charlemagne was seated on his throne among all his courtiers, the two young men fell on their knees, and kissed with emotion the hand he extended to them. “Who are you, my children?” said the emperor to them in a kind voice, “and why is it you show so much affection for me?” “Sire!” replied young Aymon, “we wish to be made knights for your sole service, and for your service only. We are deeply indebted to you for kindness in our youth, and if you will confer upon us the honor, we would, my brother and myself, consecrate to you our entire life.” “But who art thou?” asked the emperor, who did not recognize them. “No lord has conducted you to the palace. No peer has presented you. Nobody seems to know you.”