But as you have no wise pledged yourself in the same fashion, and as their Majesties fell somewhat dull while waiting here, it is determined that the quarrel between me, and between you and the count's page, shall be settled by a fight between you in the presence of the kings." "Well, sir," Cuthbert said, "I am glad that it should be, seeing the varlet insulted me without cause, and purposely upset the cup over me." "What is he like ?" the earl asked.

"Dost think that you are a fair match ?" "I doubt not that we are fair match enough," Cuthbert said.

"As you know, sir, I have been well trained to arms of all kinds, both by my father and by the men-at-arms at the castle, and could hold my own against any of your men with light weapons, and have then no fear that this gawky loon, twenty years old though he seems to be, will bring disgrace upon me or discredit upon my nation." "If thou thinkest so," the earl said, "the matter can go on.

But had it been otherwise, I would have gone to the king and protested that the advantage of age was so great that it would be murder to place you in the list together." "There is," Cuthbert said, "at most no greater difference between us than between a strong man and a weak one, and these, in the ordeal of battle, have to meet in the lists.

Indeed I doubt if the difference is so great, for if he be a foot taller than I, methinks that round the shoulders I should have the advantage of him." "Send hither my armourer," the earl said; "we must choose a proper suit for you.