< previous page page_113 next page >

Page 113
was possessed of devils. Never have I seen such a family. Never! Scarcely could the young ones bear arms when they turned to rend their father."
"They are all born rulers," Simon replied, "and not one can endure that another of them should rule alsono, that is not really true of Richard. He would be content for John to rule what is John's, but he will not give up a tittle of what is his. Richard is not evil."
William put an arm across his chest, which was still very painful. "Evil? I do not even believe that little devil John is evil. They all have such a lust for power that all else pales beside it. I have watched them, the living and the dead, each one reaching so desperately for power that they slip into dishonor."
It was true. Simon had seen it too, but this was no new facet of Henry Plantagenet's wild brood. William and he had spent their lives balancing between the opposing demands of their lords, trying to remain loyal and keep their own oaths and honors unspotted. The only thing new was William's bitterness. Simon cleared his throat.
"You know, William, that I do not wish to pry into your concerns, butbut I have seen that you are troubled. If there is something"
"Nothing. Do you think I would hesitate to ask you? No man can help. The matter is in the hands of the King Oh, hell and damnation take policies and treaties." William bit his lip, took a deeper breath, and rubbed his chest impatiently.
Simon waited. William looked at the blank wall with great interest.
"You know," he said, elaborately casual, "that King Henry was hard put to bind men fast in the last years. He doubted everyone, even those he knew he should not doubt."
"I know," Simon said drily.
"Yes, well, you came to cuffs with him. I, thank God, had no need to contest his will. Truly, he asked

 
< previous page page_113 next page >