His defence is wonderfully strong and, although I do not admit that he is superior to you with the point, he would be a formidable opponent to any of our best swordsmen in a melee.

If, as he says, he is more accustomed to use the edge than the point, I will myself try him tomorrow, if he will permit me.

I have always understood that the English are more used to strike than to thrust, and although in the duel the edge has little chance against the point, I own that it is altogether different in a melee on horseback; especially as the point cannot penetrate armour, while a stout blow, well delivered with a strong arm, can break it in.
"Are you skilled in the exercises of the ring, Monsieur Philip ?" "Not at all.

I have had no practise, whatever, in them.

Except in some of the great houses, the tourney has gone quite out of fashion in England; and though I can ride a horse across country, I know nothing whatever of knightly exercises.