Socman

Now he was himself Socman of Minstead, the head of an old stock, and the lord of an estate which, if reduced from its former size, was still ample to preserve the dignity of his family.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

This he did partly because your mother was dead, and partly because your elder brother, now Socman of Minstead, had already given sign of that fierce and rude nature which would make him no fit companion for you.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

Some day, perchance, in joust or in tourney, knight may wish to wear my colors, and then I shall tell him that if he does indeed crave my favor there is wrong unredressed, and the wronger the Socman of Minstead.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

I, the Socman, am shorn of my lands that you may snivel Latin and eat bread for which you never did hand's turn.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

Above all, the owner of the soil could still hold his head high as the veritable Socman of Minstead -- that is, as holding the land in free socage, with no feudal superior, and answerable to no man lower than the king.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

When I rose there was the Socman himself by my side, with the news that I was on his land, but with so many courteous words besides, and such gallant bearing, that he prevailed upon me to come to his house for shelter, there to wait until the page return.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

The Lady Loring hath asked me to set down in writing what hath befallen at Twynham, and all that concerns the death of thy ill neighbor the Socman of Minstead.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

"The Socman of Minstead hath earned an evil name over the country side," he said.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

"Dog!" cried the furious Socman, "there is no man in the south who can saw as much."

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902

Well, well, for your sake I will forgive the Socman and take vengeance on none but on my own wilful self who must needs run into danger's path.

The White Company Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930 1902