He
interrupted them. "It is easy for men in your situation to advise, but
it is difficult for one in mine to practise; wounded in body and mind,
it is natural that I should strive to avoid the extremes of shame and
punishment; I thank you for your kind offices, and beg I may be left
with my own servants."
"With them, and the surgeon, you shall," said Lord Graham; and they
both retired.
Sir Philip met them below. "My lords," said he, "I am desirous that my
Lord Fitz-Owen should be sent for, and that he may hear his brother's
confession; for I suspect that he may hereafter deny, what only the
fear of death has extorted from him; with your permission I am
determined to send messengers to-day."
They both expressed approbation, and Lord Clifford proposed to write to
him, saying, a letter from an impartial person will have the more
weight; I will send one of my principal domestics with your own. This
measure being resolved upon, Lord Clifford retired to write, and Sir
Philip to prepare his servants for instant departure. Edmund desired
leave to write to father Oswald, and John Wyatt was ordered to be the
bearer of his letter. When the Lord Clifford had finished his letter,
he read it to Sir Philip and his chosen friends, as follows:--
"RIGHT HON. MY GOOD LORD,-- I have taken upon me to acquaint your
Lordship, that there has been a solemn combat at arms between your
brother-in-law, the Lord Lovel, and Sir Philip Harclay, Knt.
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