Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/240

216 began to bitterly hate this younger brother, and to have hidden wishes for his ruin or death.

Orlando, for his part, was a youth of fire and spirit, who could not easily brook the neglect and and unconcealed disdain with which his brother treated him. He had, in spite of many rebuffs and discouragements, managed to acquire some learning and manly accomplishments. He talked well, rode well, was a little of a poet, and a tolerable musician, for which acquirements Oliver hated and envied him the more. So, when a public wrestling match and trial of skill was appointed, in which any one could take part against a famous wrestler of the Duke’s, Oliver was glad to hear that Orlando had offered himself in the contest, secretly hoping he might be injured, and perhaps die of his hurts.

The day for the wrestling-match came; and after many had received their death-throw from the arms of Charles, the Duke’s wrestler, Orlando appeared, to show his skill. So handsome was the youth, that all hearts were interested in his safety; and even the hard Duke sent his daughter and Rosalind to entreat that he would not enter the lists. Orlando would not withdraw, but made stronger by the sweet words of sympathy which he had heard from the royal ladies, wrestled with Charles, and gained an easy victory. But, just as he was about to receive