'Curdie, go and bind securely the six, that we lose not their guards.

Can you find me a horse, think you, Sir Bronzebeard?
Alas! they told me my white charger was dead.' 'I will go and fright the varletry with my presence, and secure, I trust, a horse for Your Majesty, and one for myself.' 'And look you, brother!' said the king; 'bring one for my miner boy too, and a sober old charger for the princess, for she too must go to the battle, and conquer with us.' 'Pardon me, sire,' said Curdie; 'a miner can fight best on foot.

I might smite my horse dead under me with a missed blow.

And besides that, I must be near to my beasts.' 'As you will,' said the king.

'Three horses then, Sir Bronzebeard.' The colonel departed, doubting sorely in his heart how to accoutre and lead from the barrack stables three horses, in the teeth of his revolted regiment.
In the hall he met the housemaid.
'Can you lead a horse ?' he asked.
'Yes, sir.' 'Are you willing to die for the king ?' 'Yes, sir.' 'Can you do as you are bid ?' 'I can keep on trying, sir.' 'Come then.