William of Malmesbury was a Benedictine monk from Wiltshire who preferred to remain as librarian and chronicler at Malmesbury Abbey rather than take higher office. This account of a bumptious Scottish king being brought to heel gives an indication of the manners and politics of the times.
Moreover, although, as is said, [Edgar] was puny of stature and form yet the favour of nature had planted so great strength in his small body that he readily challenged to combat whomsoever he knew to be presumptuous; fearing this chiefly, that he should be feared in such sport.
Indeed it is reported that once in a feast, where the sarcasm of fools usually displays itself more openly, Kenneth, king of the Scots, said jestingly that it seemed strange that so many provinces were subject to so insignificant a manikin. And this was taken up perversely by a jester, and afterwards cast in Edgar’s face at a formal banquet.
But he, concealing the matter from his followers, summoned Kenneth as if to consult him about a great secret; and taking him far aside into a wood gave him one of two swords which he carried with him. ‘And now,’ said he, ‘thou mayest try thy strength, since we are alone. For now I shall have caused it to appear which should rightly be subject to the other. Thou also, shrink not from disputing the matter with me. For it is base that a king should be witty at the feast, and unready in conflict.’
[Kenneth] was confused, and dared utter no word: he fell at the feet of his lord king, and besought pardon for his innocent jest; and immediately obtained it.