For the Faith

, more sweetly than ever, for we have improved in our methods, and our boys have been better taught since Master Radle

pastimes. He kept horses and dogs and falcons, and had several servants lodging in the town to look after these creatures, and to attend him when he sallied forth in search of sport. Moreover, he had recently introduced into Oxford the Italian game of "calcio" (of which more anon), and was one of the m

reading and discoursing with sundry students, who came to him for instruction more individual and particular than could be given in the schools in the earlier p

t, and now were talking of the joustings and merry makings of the approaching May Day,

rt of the daily service, and by such singing men or musically inclined students as were willing and able to help. Anthony Dalaber, who possessed an excellent voice, which he often emplo

itself, but in a lodging near at hand, and equally near to Magdalen College. Arthur Cole, foremost to discover talent and appreciate it, and attrac

that can be heard alone from such a height. I trow it will ring through the soft air like a silver trumpet. You will be ther

nd Freda added gaily, "Albeit ye begin the day somewhat early

for all there is to do. You will come to the sports in the meadows later, fair maide

im with smiling,

ur, fai

rel and flowers which are to be their reward who shall come off triumphant in the strife. No contest is so keenly contested as that which is watched

orts of quintain, on land and water, morris dancing, quarterstaff, archery, and such like, were all familiar enough. But calcio was somethi

ease, protected alike from the heat of the sun, or from falling showers, should any betide. It was plain that this spectacle was to be on a decidedly magnificent scale. Arthur Cole was sa

slightly later, and Hugh Fitzjames r

remarked the youth. "They are ever together now. Well, he might do wo

as thrown himself with such zest. Perhaps it is good for him to have other things than his books to think of. A sh

safer playing calcio with Cole than for ever studying the books h

ed Freda quickly;

what we will, and to judge for ourselves between man and man, even when Holy Church herself is in the question. God can be ill served in the church as well as the monarch on his throne. We are not counte

rom London in a perfect ferment. I trembled to think what he would do next. But as luck would have it, Cole got hold of him to take a vacant place in his own band for calcio, and since then he has been

oke Freda, with a certain quiet satisfaction and approval. "I think he never stop

f courage. But there are times when I fear he will be his own undoing. When he disputes in the schools he will often tread perilously near some 'pestilent heresy,' as the masters would deem it, or show by some of his arguments that he has a dangerous knowledge of

vely. "Yet truly I believe that were such misfortune to befall us, Anthony Dalaber wo

there straight. But if put in prison, and kept there long, separated from his friends and teachers, and subjected to argument and persuasion an

ve towards herself. She had given him no definite promise, but she felt that henceforth their lives must of necessity be more or less linked together

ringtide was on the world; May Day, with all its gay doings, was close

l fingers, Freda's in silver and Magdalen's in gold thread. They each had girdles of silver and gold cord respectively, and snowy headgear embroidered in lik

aid, as they sallied forth just as the east

ightly that their white leather embroidered shoes gathered no soil by the way. Then, just as the clock of Cardinal College boomed out the hour, a chorus of sweet, clear voic

t probably be brawling and disputes betwixt the two parties--"town and gown," as they were later dubbed. But the early morning hour seemed to impose peace upon all spirits, and there was no hooting or brawling or

thers, seemed to detach itself and float upwards in a flood of melody. All eyes were fixed aloft, all ears st

en at length the singers emerged from the little door at the base of the tower, ther

hen he was walking arm-in-arm with Master Clarke, who, catching sight

ked about five-and-twenty years old, was a tall and finely proportioned man, deep c

found herself walking towards home with Clarke, whilst the others followed as they chose, having been asked by Dr. Langton

a slight backward glance over her shoulder towar

l's house last year, and it was there that the great man heard him singing over his work, and had him brought before him. Finding that he had some learning, and was eager for more, he decided to appoint him as singing man at his own college here, and to let him continue his studie

ess Magdalen, for I know your heart is full of sympathy for us, who are seekers afte

e full of sympathy

s Son came as the Light of the world. He must desire all men to seek the Light. And if His church d

having heard what John Clarke spoke of him. He sat besid

n, but she was not so much attracted towards him as towards Clarke and those more thoughtful spirits. Still, she was not proof against the fascination of his courtly address, and she listened with int

ord, and considerable excitement prevailed as to what it wou

ooted it upon the green, and miracle plays were enacted by wandering troops of mummers. There were booths set up, where a sort of fair was held, and sweetmeats and drink dispensed. An ox was being roasted whole

the short pause for the midday repast, the students and masters and all interested in the spectacle hastened to the spot where the game of calcio w

and take their places on the centre seats, which had something of the aspect of a throne. They were very well known in Oxford, not for their beauty alone, but for their gentleness and charity, being always ready to succour the sick and affli

lamations of wonder and admiration arose at the picturesque magnificence of their dress. Arthur Cole had

or embroidered linen or any other costly and elastic material. Arthur Cole's own tunic (as captain of his side) was of cloth of gold; whilst that of Dalaber was of white and silver brocade, with silver lacings. The colours of the two sides were displayed in the calzone or silk tights, these bei

ight sunshine of the playing field; and soon all eyes were intently watching the evolutions of the game, which wa

mass seemed to sway and melt and break up into coloured spray, and join again and roll from side to side like a living creature; and its evolutions were followed with

struggle; but so gallant a stand had been made by the other, that Anthony Dal

st she lightly set the chaplet on his head, whence aft

ns," he said in a low, passionate whisper, and she felt a wave of hot b

e or brother; but now she felt that a change had come over their relations, and that he would not be satisfied with the sisterly affection of the past. Had she more to give him? She

to her. She thought of him almost constantly, yearned over him, desired above all things to see him rise to

was over, and the sisters were alone together in their bed chamber, taking off their finery and brushing out their long

ny loves y

e has told me so; but at the first I thought perhaps it was but a passing fancy--we have been so much together of late

not know it? Tell me that, for I too would fain know. Ther

my Magda? Verily, I have t

er sister's lips; her fac

d for all who please his eye. It may be one today a

n of thy choice

nd pastimes. But the men of books and earnest thought are devoted so oft to the church. And those who are left--one cannot tel

ll the things that were in their hearts, and prayed that they might be guided aright