His stupidity was past comprehension.
"Defend yourself," said John, drawing his sword.
"Now he will surely know the truth," thought Dorothy, but she said: "I am much younger than you, and am not so large and strong.

I am unskilled in the use of a sword, and therefore am I no match for Sir John Manners than whom, I have heard, there is no better swordsman, stronger arm, nor braver heart in England." "You flatter me, my friend," returned John, forced into a good humor against his will; "but you must leave.

He who cannot defend himself must yield; it is the law of nature and of men." John advanced toward Dorothy, who retreated stepping backward, holding her arm over her face.
"I am ready to yield if you wish.

In fact, I am eager to yield--more eager than you can know," she cried.
"It is well," answered John, putting his sword in sheath.
"But," continued Dorothy, "I will not go away." "Then you must fight," said John.
"I tell you again I am willing, nay, eager to yield to you, but I also tell you I cannot fight in the way you would have me.

In other ways perhaps I can fight quite as well as anybody.