"And you will not tell who his sire was?"
"If I would not tell your dread lord, I am not likely to tell thee."
"Because I have a guess: a mere suspicion."
"'Thoughts are free;' it will soon be shown whether it be more."
"Which wouldst thou soonest be in thy heart, boy, English or Norman?"
"English," said the boy firmly.
"Thou preferrest then the deer to the lion?"
"I prefer to be the oppressed rather than the oppressor."
"Well, well, each man to his taste, but I would sooner be the wolf who eats, than the sheep which is eaten; of the two sensations I prefer the former. Now dost thou see that proud tower soaring into the skies down the brook? it is the keep of Wallingford Castle. Stronger hold is not in the Midlands."
"I have been there before," said old Sexwulf.