Gaultier's renown was immense all through the Peninsula; he was held to be one of the most gallant knights of the time.

Francis's heart bounded with joy; it seemed to him that at the side of such a hero he should soon cover himself with glory.

His departure was decided upon, and he gave himself up, without reserve, to his joy.
He made his preparations with ostentatious prodigality.

His equipment, of a princely luxury, soon became the universal subject of conversation.
It was all the more talked about because the chief of the expedition, ruined perhaps by the revolution of 1202 or by the expenses of a long captivity, was constrained to order things much more modestly.[5] But with Francis kindliness was much stronger than love of display.

He gave his sumptuous clothing to a poor knight.