As for his blows, they fell upon air, for the lad was ever out of reach before the ripostes came.

In his own style of fighting, I would wager on him against any man-at-arms in the castle." "I am glad to hear it," Hotspur said.

"I shall feel the less scruple, in sending him on missions which are not without danger.

He will need training, to fit him for combat in the ranks.

No doubt he has had no opportunity for such teaching, and would go down before a heavy-armed man, with a lance, like a blade of grass before a millstone." "He thinks not, Sir Henry, at least not in a single combat, for by his accounts his horse is as nimble as himself; but of course, in charges he and his horse would be rolled over, as you say." "He thinks not?
Oh, well, we will try him! I have an hour to spare.
"Do you put on a suit of full armour, Sinclair, and we will ride out to the course beyond the castle.
"What will you put on, lad ?" "I will put on only breast piece and steel cap; but I only said I should have a chance against a lance, Sir Henry.