constructed of the finest steel, and the
armourer had bestowed special care upon its manufacture, as the young
knight's father had long been one of his best customers. Early that
morning Geoffrey had brought it to his room and had told him to wear it
instead of that lent by the city.

"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 real warfare, while
you and your following are new to it. Therefore, in order to place the
defence on fair terms with the assault, I have ordered that both sides
shall be equal in numbers."

"If your liege will permit me," Walter said bowing, "I would fain take
the assault. Methinks that, with my followin