I am rejoiced at the thought that at last I shall be able to reward those who have ventured and suffered so much in the cause of Lancaster." "My hope is, madam, that this enterprise will be the final one,--that, once successful, our dear land will be no longer deluged with blood, and that never again shall I be forced to draw my sword against my countrymen." "'Tis a good and pious wish, Sir Thomas, and heartily do I join in it.
My married life has been one long round of trouble, and none more than I have cause to wish for peace." "There is the more hope for it, madam, that these wars have greatly diminished the number of powerful barons.

It is they who are the authors of this struggle; their rivalries and their ambitions are the ruin of England.

Save for their retainers there would be no armies to place in the field; the mass of people stand aloof altogether, desiring only to live in peace and quiet.

'Tis the same here in France; 'tis the powerful vassals of the king that are ever causing trouble." "'Tis so indeed, Sir Thomas.

But without his feudal lords how could a king place an army in the field, when his dominions were threatened by a powerful neighbour ?" "Then it would be the people's business to fight, madam, and I doubt not that they would do so in defence of their hearths and homes.