Such, my lad, is the story, as far as I know, of the beginning of that war with France which is now raging, and whose events you know as well as I do, seeing that they are all of late occurrence.

So far, although the English have had the best of it, and have sorely mauled the French both in the north and south, we have not gained any such advantages as would lead to a belief that there is any likelihood of an early termination, or that King Edward will succeed for a long time in winning back his inheritance of the throne of France." "There is no doubt that the war weighs heavily upon the people at large.
The taxes are doubled, and the drain of men is heavy.

We armourers, of course, have a busy time of it, and all trades which have to do with the furnishing of an army flourish exceedingly.

Moreover, men of mettle and valour have an opportunity of showing what they are composed of, and England rings with the tales of martial deeds.

There are some, Walter, who think that peace is the greatest of blessings, and in some ways, lad, they are no doubt right; but there are many compensations in war.
It brings out the noble qualities; it raises men to think that valour and fortitude and endurance and honour are qualities which are something above the mere huckstering desire for getting money, and for ignoble ease and comfort.