ABSTRACT
Conspicuous ancestry or great services rendered by their fathers can win the rank of chief for youths in their teens. They are attached to other chiefs who are more mature and approved, nor is it any shame to be seen thus in the ranks of companions. This war-band has even its different grades, as decided by the leader; there is great rivalry among the companions for the first place by the chief, and among the chiefs for the most numerous and courageous companions. Dignity and power alike consist in being always surrounded by a corps of chosen youths, giving honour in peace-time and security in war. Even the war-cries of the Normans on the one side and the barbarians on the other were drowned by the clash of arms and the groans of the dying. Thus for some time the fight was waged with the utmost vigour on both sides.
