With these I would ride up the narrow road,
and so turn to right and left, falling upon the archers behind the
hedge. It may be that the three hundred would suffer sorely, but
what are they among so great a host, if a road may be cleared for
their companions?"
"I would say a word to that, sire," cried the German Count of
Nassau, "I have come here with my comrades to venture our persons
in your quarrel; but we claim the right to fight in our own
fashion, and we would count it dishonor to dismount from our
steeds out of fear of the arrows of the English. Therefore, with
your permission, we will ride to the front, as the Duke of Athens
has advised, and so clear a path for the rest of you."
"This may not be!" cried the Lord Clermont angrily. "It would be
strange indeed if Frenchmen could not be found to clear a path for
the army of the King of France. One would think to hear you talk,
my Lord Count, that your hardihood was greater than our own, but
by our Lady of Rocamadour you will learn before nightfall that it
is not so. It is for me, who am a Marshal of France; to lead
these three hundred, since it is an honorable venture."
"And I claim the same right for the same reason," said Arnold of
Andreghen.
The German Count struck the table with his mailed fist. "Do what
you like!" said he. "But this only I can promise you, that
neither I nor any of my German riders will descend from our horses
so long as they are able to carry us, for in our country it is
only people of no consequence who fight upon their feet.
Pages:
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467