As to archery, he need not go far to learn it, since your apprentice, Will Parker, last year won the prize as the best marksman in the city bounds.

Trust me, if his tastes lie that way we will between us turn him out a rare man-at-arms.

But I must stand gossiping no longer; the rumours that we are likely ere long to have war with France, have rarely bettered my trade.

Since the wars in Scotland men's arms have rusted somewhat, and my two men are hard at work mending armour and fitting swords to hilts, and forging pike-heads.
You see I am a citizen though I dwell outside the bounds, because house rent is cheaper and I get my charcoal without paying the city dues.

So I can work somewhat lower than those in the walls, and I have good custom from many in Kent, who know that my arms are of as good temper as those turned out by any craftsman in the city." Giles Fletcher's anticipations as to the result of his guest's illness turned out to be well founded.