Surely each of us will have worshipfully won worship, if we chance
to come through."
"You say truth, Thomas," said Knolles, bracing his girdle. "For
my own part I have no joy in such encounters when there is warfare
to be carried out, for it standeth not aright that a man should
think of his own pleasure and advancement rather than of the
King's cause and the weal of the army. But in times of truce I
can think of no better way in which a day may be profitably spent.
Why so silent, Nigel?"
"Indeed, fair sir, I was looking toward Josselin, which lies as I
understand beyond those woods. I see no sign of this debonair
gentleman and of his following. It would be indeed grievous pity
if any cause came to hold them back."
Hugh Calverly laughed at the words. "You need have no fear, young
sir," said he. "Such a spirit lies in Robert de Beaumanoir that
if he must come alone he would ride against us none the less. I
warrant that if he were on a bed of death he would be borne here
and die on the green field."
"You say truly, Hugh," said Bambro'. "I know him and those who
ride behind him. Thirty stouter men or more skilled in arms are
not to be found in Christendom. It is in my mind that come what
may there will be much honor for all of us this day. Ever in my
head I have a rhyme which the wife of a Welsh archer gave me when
I crossed her hand with a golden bracelet after the intaking of
Bergerac.
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