The Prince of Wales had not forgotten the promise which he had six years before made to him, and had asked Sir Walter Manny to allow him to follow under his banner.
"You are taking my most trusty squire from me, Prince," the knight said; "for although I have many brave young fellows in my following, there is not one whom I value so much as Walter Somers.

It is but fair, however, that you should have him, since you told me when I first took him that he was to follow your banner when you were old enough to go to the wars.
You can rely upon him implicitly.

He cares not for the gaieties of which most young men of his age think so much.

He is ever ready for duty, and he possesses a wisdom and sagacity which will some day make him a great leader." Walter was sorry to leave his patron, but the step was of course a great advancement, and excited no little envy among his companions, for among the young esquires of the Prince of Wales were the sons of many of the noblest families of England.
Sir Walter presented him on leaving with a heavy purse.

"Your expenses will be large," he said, "among so many young gallants, and you must do credit to me as well as to yourself.