Then there were several combats with quarterstaff and broadsword between men who had served among the contingents sent by the city to aid the king in his wars.

Some good sword-play was shown and many stout blows exchanged, two or three men were badly hurt, and the king and all present were mightily pleased with the stoutness with which they fought.
The apprentices then came forward to compete for the prizes for sword-play.

They wore light iron caps and shirts of thickly quilted leather, and fought with blunted swords, for the city fathers deemed wisely that with these weapons they could equally show their skill, and that with sharpened swords not only would severe wounds be given, but bad blood would be created between the apprentices of the various wards.
Each ward sent its champion to the contest, and as these fought in pairs, loud was the shouting which rose from their comrades at each blow given or warded, and even the older citizens joined sometimes in the shouting and took a warm interest in the champions of their respective wards.
The iron caps had stout cheek-pieces which defended the sides of the face and neck, for even a blunted sword can deliver a terrible blow if it fall upon the naked flesh.

It took a long time to get through the combats; the pairs were drawn by lot, and fought until the king decided which was the superior.

Some were speedily beaten, at other times the contests were long and severe.