There were no distinct ranks, no organized corps.

The knights followed the greater barons, the retainers the knights; the greater barons followed the king.

Such an army could not be risked in an assault of this kind.

The venture was not ordered, nor was it discouraged; to discourage, indeed, all attempts would have been bad policy; it was upon the courage and bravery of his knights that the king depended, and upon that alone rested his hopes of victory.
The great baron whose standard they followed would have sent them assistance if he had deemed it necessary.

The king, unless on the day of battle, would not trouble about such a detail.