Chapter Wilford to William of W by Brewer's Readers Handbook

William, a serving-lad at Arnheim Castle.—Sir W. Scott: Anne of Geierstein (time, Edward IV.).

William (Lord), master of Erlingford. His elder brother, at death, committed to his charge Edmund the rightful heir, a mere child; but William cast the child into the Severn, and seized the inheritance. One anniversary, the Severn, having overflowed its banks, surrounded the castle; a boat came by, and lord William entered it. The boatman thought he heard the voice of a child—nay, he felt sure he saw a child in the water, and bade lord William stretch out his hand to take it in. Lord William seized the child’s hand, and the boat was drawn under water. Lord William was drowned, but no one heard his piercing cry of agony.—Southey: Lord William (a ballad, 1804).