Well, it is always wise to meet good fortune half way.

But why do you come clad in full armour?
It is not the custom to wait thus upon the Empress at this hour when you are off duty." "I thought that I was on duty, Martina." "Then, as usual, you thought wrong.

Take off that armour; she says that the sight of it always makes her feel cold after supper.

I say take it off; or if you cannot, I will help you." So the mail was removed, leaving me clad in my plain blue tunic and hose.
"Would you have me come before the Empress thus ?" I asked.
By way of answer she clapped her hands and bade the eunuch who answered the signal to bring a certain robe.

He went, and presently reappeared with a wondrous garment of silk broidered with gold, such as nobles of high rank wore at festivals.