"Such is the case, Sire," replied Oswald.
Once again Geoffrey was called before his sovereign, while the men-at-arms and archers were formed up in a double line twenty paces from where the King and his retinue were standing.
"Geoffrey Lysle, squire to that right worthy knight, Sir Thomas Carberry," began the King, "it hath been our pleasure to receive from the hand of thy master no slight account of thy deeds and thy devotion to duty in times past. Moreover, under divers circumstances, we ourselves have witnessed thy courage on the field of battle.
"Concerning this latter we are judging by the outward appearance, which, as we know to our cost, is apt to be deceptive. E'en the sweetest flower may harbour a vile worm gnawing at its stalk unperceived; a brave coat of mail may conceal a craven heart, a closed visor a face graven with treachery. Yet, on the other hand, Sir Thomas hath had ample opportunities to study thee at the festive board, in the camp, and in the hour of peril. Courage alone counteth for little; yet, when consorting with loyalty, truthfulness, and humanity, 'tis a fitting quality for a knight.
"Thou hast found thyself in petty disgrace ere now, young squire, yet for this we must make due allowance withal. By our Lady, we can call to mind divers misdeeds committed in our youth, the which our enemies have thought fit to make much of. Hence we can lightly pass over thy transgressions and reward thy good and gallant deeds in the past." Then turning to Sir Gilbert the King asked for his sword.
"Kneel, young sir."
With bowed head and overflowing heart Geoffrey sank on his knee. The long-hoped-for guerdon was his.
"Arise, Sir Geoffrey Lysle!" exclaimed the King in a ringing voice, bringing the blade lightly down upon the young warrior's shoulder.
Amid loud shouts of delight and redoubled cries of "Long live the King!" Geoffrey arose, and, with more words of good cheer and advice, Henry re-mounted his charger, and accompanied by his suite resumed his way to the camp.