"But I fear it will get injured," Walter had urged. "I shall not spare
myself, you know, Geoffrey, and the blows will be hard ones.

"The more need for good armour, Walter. These city suits are made for show
rather than use. You may be sure that young Pembroke and his band will
fight their hardest rather than suffer defeat at the hands of those whom
they consider a band of city varlets."

Before issuing from the tent where he and his companions had put on their
mail Walter carefully fastened in the front of his helmet a tiny gold
bracelet. Upon taking their places before the pavilion the king ordered the
two leaders to advance, and addressed them and the multitude in the
following words:

"Brave leaders, and you, my people, I have contrived the pastime today that
I may show you on a mimic scale the deeds which my brave soldiers are
called upon to perform in France. It is more specially suited for the
combatants of today, since one party have had but small opportunity of
acquiring skill on horseback. Moreover, I wish to teach the lesson that
fighting on foot is as honourable as fighting on horseback, for it has now
been proved, and sometimes to our cost, in Scotland, that footmen can
repulse even the bravest chivalry. Today each party will fight his best.
Remember that, even in the heat of conflict, matters must not be carried to
an extreme. Those cut off from their friends will be accounted prisoners,
as will those who, being overpowered, throw down their arms. Any wounded on
either side will not be accounted as prisoners, but may retire with honour
from the field. You," he said, looking at Walter, "as the conqueror of
yesterday, have the choice of either the attack or defence; but I should
advise you to take the latter, seeing it is easier to defend a fortress
than to assault it. Many of your opponents have already gained credit in