——he that winketh when he should see
Al wilfully God let him never the.
Nay, quoth the Fox, but God give him mischance
That is so indiscreet of governance,
That jangleth when that he should hold his peace.
[194] Godwin's Life of Chaucer, Vol. I. p. 346.
[195] Derrick, wearied.
[196] Trumpeters, and other warlike musicians, long held some part of the character of heralds and of ancient minstrels. They were distinguished by collars and tabards, and often employed on messages, during which their persons were sacred.
[197] The joints of the armour were rivetted with nails after the warrior had put it on. Hence among the sounds of preparation for battle, Shakespeare enumerates that of
——The armourers accomplishing the knights,
With busy hammers closing rivets up.
[198] Personal attendants, as the name implies. They followed the knights in battle, and never quitted their side:
The Duke of York so dread,
The eager vaward led,
With the main Harry sped,
Among his henchmen.
Drayton's Ballad of Agincourt.
This office was long retained by the Highland chiefs, and usually conferred on a foster brother. Before a battle, the Frenchmen carried, as in the text, the arms of the knight ready for use.
[199] Derrick, pleasures.