And so, by reason of the hard winter, and the slackness of the King, and the false truce, we fought no more, at that season, but went, trailing after the Court, from castle to castle.
Many feasts were held, and much honour was done to the Maid, as by gifts of coat armour, and the ennobling of all her kith and kin, but these things she regarded not, nor did she ever bear on her shield the sword supporting the crown, between the lilies of France.
If these were ill days for the Maid, I shame to confess that they were merry days with me.

There are worse places than a king's court, when a man is young, and light of heart, full of hope, and with money in his purse.

I looked that we should take the field again in the spring; and having gained some gold, and even some good words, as one not backward where sword-strokes were going, I know not what dreams I had of high renown, ay, and the Constable's staff to end withal.

For many a poor Scot has come to great place in France and Germany, who began with no better fortune than a mind to put his body in peril.

Moreover, the winning of Elliot herself for my wife seemed now a thing almost within my reach.