I and my brave fellows are idle, our swords rusting in their sheaths." "More shame to the brave fellows who do not keep their weapons bright.
Well, this is a long preamble to tell me that you have all been dismissed from the king's service.

Go on." The captain stared and scowled, but he could not fully meet the searching eyes which looked him down.
"Well," he said, rather blunderingly now, "knowing what I did of my old officer's state--" "`Old officer' is better, Captain Purlrose.

Go on, sir." "I said, here am I, a brave soldier, with a handful of stout followers, eager to do good, honest work; why should I not go and offer my sword to Sir Morton Darley?
He is sorely pressed." "Wrong," said Sir Morton.
"He would be glad of our help," continued the man, without heeding the interruption; "we could garrison his castle and help him to drive his enemy from the field.

Twelve of them, all well-tried soldiers, who can make him king of the country round.

That, sir, is why I have come, to confer a favour more than ask one.