"For, since it hath pleased you to follow me to the wars, it were well that you should know how you may best serve me.

I doubt not, Terlake, that you will show yourself a worthy son of a valiant father; and you, Ford, of yours; and you, Edricson, that you are mindful of the old-time house from which all men know that you are sprung.

And first I would have you bear very steadfastly in mind that our setting forth is by no means for the purpose of gaining spoil or exacting ransom, though it may well happen that such may come to us also.

We go to France, and from thence I trust to Spain, in humble search of a field in which we may win advancement and perchance some small share of glory.

For this purpose I would have you know that it is not my wont to let any occasion pass where it is in any way possible that honor may be gained.