"Wilfrid, if we may believe his own testimony, is not only wiser and
better than any of the servants of the Atheling," said Brithric
scornfully, "but excels even the royal Atheling himself, in all the
exercises of princely skill."
"He has yet to prove his boast," replied the prince, coloring with
suppressed anger; "but give him his bow, Brithric," continued he, "that
we may all have the advantage of taking a lesson from so peerless an
archer."
"It is far from my wish presumptuously to compete with my lord,"
replied Wilfrid, calmly rejecting the bow.
"He has boasted that which he cannot perform," said Brithric, with an
insulting laugh.
"You are welcome to that opinion, Brithric, if it so please you," said
Wilfrid, turning about to quit the ground.
"Nay," cried the prince, "you go not till you have made good your
boast, young sir, by sending an arrow nearer to the mark than mine."
"Ay, royal Atheling," shouted the company, "compel the vaunter to show
us a sample of his skill."
"Rather, let my lord, the Atheling, try his own skill once more," said
Wilfrid; "he can hit the mark himself, if he will.
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