"It will be time enough in another five years for you to go abroad; but, of
course, I do not wish you to remain all that time away from court. It is
never good to be forgotten; therefore, come up two or three times a year. I
trust that there will be no fresh wars or troubles to hinder your studies
or interfere with your life; but remember that there is always danger from
Normandy, therefore always keep on foot your force of housecarls; and if,
as I think, your estates can afford it, add to their number, so that if
trouble does come you will be able to again play a prominent part in it."
Wulf's contingent marched with the rest of the troops from the east as far
as Reading, and there struck off by the nearest road to Steyning. He and
Beorn accompanied Harold to London, and after staying there for a short
time, and taking part in the fetes with which the conquest of the Welsh was
celebrated, Wulf returned to Steyning and took up the life he had
previously led there. Before starting he asked Harold's advice as to
whether he should fortify Steyning after the manner of the Norman castles.
"By no means, Wulf. Such castles are useful only against quarrelsome
neighbours. Wars are decided by great battles, and if these are lost a
castle does but bring ruin upon its possessor, for it must sooner or later
be taken. The man who, when a cause is lost, returns quietly to his home
and goes about his usual work may escape unnoticed, while one who shuts
himself up in a castle is certain to suffer at last from the vengeance of
the conquerors.
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