Now let us bestow upon him the prize that he has so well earned." Walter bent on one knee, and the queen handed to him a sword of the best Spanish steel, which was the prize given by the city to the victor.

The king handed him a heavy purse of gold pieces, saying: "This may aid in purchasing your freedom." Walter bowed deeply and murmured some words of thanks, and was then led off by the marshal.

After this many of the young nobles of the court jousted on horseback, ran at the ring, and performed other feats of knightly exercise to the great pleasure of the multitude.

The marshal on leading Walter away said to him, "You will be captain of the city band tomorrow, and I must therefore tell you what the king purports.

He has prepared a surprise for the citizens, and the present show will be different to anything ever before seen in London.