You knights and men at arms go straight to your purpose with sword in hand.

We who are clerks win our access with a noiseless step and an indirect approach, but attain our object not less surely." "And I," said the knight, "who have trod to my revenge with a mailed foot, which made all echo around it, must now use such a slipper as thine--ha ?" "He who lacks strength," said the wily mediciner, "must attain his purpose by skill." "And tell me sincerely, mediciner, wherefore thou wouldst read me these devil's lessons?
Why wouldst thou thrust me faster or farther on to my vengeance than I may seem to thee ready to go of my own accord?
I am old in the ways of the world, man; and I know that such as thou do not drop words in vain, or thrust themselves upon the dangerous confidence of men like me save with the prospect of advancing some purpose of their own.
What interest hast thou in the road, whether peaceful or bloody, which I may pursue on these occurrents ?" "In plain dealing, sir knight, though it is what I seldom use," answered the leech, "my road to revenge is the same with yours." "With mine, man ?" said Ramorny, with a tone of scornful surprise.

"I thought it had been high beyond thy reach.

Thou aim at the same revenge with Ramorny ?" "Ay, truly," replied Dwining, "for the smithy churl under whose blow you have suffered has often done me despite and injury.

He has thwarted me in counsel and despised me in action.