"If you as the garrison of Ploermel march upon the garrison of
Josselin, then it is very plain that we have broken the truce and
upon our heads be it. But if there be a private bickering betwixt
me, for example, and this young squire whose eyes show that he is
very eager for honor, and if thereafter others on each side join
in and fight upon the quarrel, it is in no sense war, but rather
our own private business which no king can alter."
"Indeed, Robert," said Bambro', "all that you say is very good
and fair."
Beaumanoir leaned forward toward Nigel, his brimming glass in his
hand. "Your name, squire?" said he.
"My name is Nigel Loring."
"I see that you are young and eager, so I choose you as I would
fain have been chosen when I was of your age."
"I thank you, fair sir," said Nigel. "It is great honor that one
so famous as yourself should condescend to do some small deed upon
me."
"But we must have cause for quarrel, Nigel. Now here I drink to
the ladies of Brittany, who of all ladies upon this earth are the
most fair and the most virtuous, so that the least worthy-amongst
them is far above the best of England. What say you to that,
young sir?"
Nigel dipped his finger in his glass and leaning over he placed
its wet impress on the Breton's hand. "This in your face!" said
he.
Beaumanoir swept off the red drop of moisture and smiled his
approval.
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