"And ye are good lads and loving sons, though less duteous in manner
than I could wish. But look you, you may not ever be with her, and
when ye are absent in camp or court, or contracting a wedlock of your
own, would you leave her to her lonesome life in your solitary
castle?"
Friedel's unselfishness might have been startled, but Ebbo boldly
answered, "All mine is hers. No joy to me but shall be a joy to her.
We can make her happier than could any stranger. Is it not so,
Friedel?"
"It is," said Friedel, thoughtfully.
"Ah, rash bloods, promising beyond what ye can keep. Nature will be
too strong for you. Love your mother as ye may, what will she be to
you when a bride comes in your way? Fling not away in wrath, Sir
Baron; it was so with your parents both before you; and what said the
law of the good God at the first marriage? How can you withstand the
nature He has given?"
"Belike I may wed," said Ebbo, bluntly; "but if it be not for my
mother's happiness, call me man-sworn knight."
"Not so," good-humouredly answered Gottfried, "but boy-sworn paladin,
who talks of he knows not what.
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