“By my hilt! I have seen the thick body of him before to-day. Yet I cannot call to mind where it could have been. At Nogent belike, or was it at Auray? Mark me, lads, this man will prove to be one of the best lances of France, and there are no better in the world.”
“It is but child's play, this poking game,” said John. “I would fain try my hand at it, for, by the black rood! I think that it might be amended.”
“What then would you do, John?” asked several.
“There are many things which might be done,” said the forester thoughtfully. “Methinks that I would begin by breaking my spear.”
“So they all strive to do.”
“Nay, but not upon another man's shield. I would break it over my own knee.”
“And what the better for that, old beef and bones?” asked Black Simon.
“So I would turn what is but a lady's bodkin of a weapon into a very handsome club.”
“And then, John?”
“Then I would take the other's spear into my arm or my leg, or where it pleased him best to put it, and I would dash out his brains with my club.”