It is one of the tricks of fashion, of which plain men like myself know but little; and though I have often made inquiries, I have found no one who could instruct you.

However, these delicacies are rather for courtly displays than for the rough work of war; though it must be owned that, in single combat between two swordsmen, he who has the most perfect control over his horse, and can make the animal wheel or turn, press upon his opponent, or give way by a mere touch of his leg or hand, possesses a considerable advantage over the man who is unversed in such matters.

I hope you will not feel the want of it, and at any rate, it has not been my fault that you have had no opportunity of acquiring the art.
"The tendency is more and more to fight on foot.

The duel has taken the place of the combat in the lists, and the pikeman counts for as much in the winning of a battle as the mounted man.

You taught us that at Cressy and Agincourt; but we have been slow to learn the lesson, which was brought home to you in your battles with the Scots, and in your own civil struggles.