"Then we have only to find some one who has no use for a suit of
armor and will give it to you. Yet I trust that you will think
better of it and let me, since that good lady proves that I am
your kinsman, fit you for the wars."

"I thank you, noble sir, and if I should turn to anyone it would
indeed be to you; but there are other ways which I would try
first. But I pray you, good Sir John, to tell me of some of your
noble spear-runnings against the French, for the whole land rings
with the tale of your deeds and I have heard that in one morning
three champions have fallen before your lance. Was it not so?"

"That it was indeed so these scars upon my body will prove; but
these were the follies of my youth."

"How can you call them follies? Are they not the means by which
honorable advancement may be gained and one's lady exalted?"

"It is right that you should think so, Nigel. At your age a man
should have a hot head and a high heart. I also had both and
fought for my lady's glove or for my vow or for the love of
fighting. But as one grows older and commands men one has other
things to think of. One thinks less of one's own honor and more
of the safety of the army. It is not your own spear, your own
sword, your own arm, which will turn the tide of fight; but a cool
head may save a stricken field. He who knows when his horsemen
should charge and when they should fight on foot, he who can mix
his archers with his men-at-arms in such a fashion that each can
support the other, he who can hold up his reserve and pour it into
the battle when it may turn the tide, he who has a quick eye for