The White Company · Chapter
How the Yellow Cog Crossed the Bar of Gironde explained
The Yellow Cog faces a fierce storm as it approaches the Gironde estuary.
What happens
The Yellow Cog faces a fierce storm as it approaches the Gironde estuary. With a damaged hull and reduced crew, master Goodwin Hawtayne struggles to navigate. Sir Nigel Loring remains preoccupied with heraldic matters, while Sir Oliver Buttesthorn grumbles about the ship's motion. Alleyne Edricson, recovering from a blow, comes on deck and gazes at the coast of France with romantic longing. After a tense passage, Hawtayne recognizes the point of La Tremblade and skillfully pilots the cog through the dangerous channel of the Gironde bar, bringing the ship to safety.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Honor
Alleyne's vow to win his lady's love through valor and goodwill, and Sir Nigel's refusal to remove his armor despite the storm, exemplify chivalric ideals.
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
The archers gambling together in the forecastle and the knights standing together on the poop during the crisis show the bonds among the Company.
English National Identity
Alleyne's romantic view of France as the land of chivalry and knightly deeds reflects the English perspective during the Hundred Years' War.
Characters to notice
- Alleyne Edricson
Recovering from his injury, Alleyne comes on deck, gazes at the coast of France, and renews his vow to win his lady's love.
- Sir Nigel Loring
Remains preoccupied with heraldic matters concerning his uncle's coat of arms, dismissing the ship's peril as a small matter.
- Sir Oliver Buttesthorn
Complains about the ship's motion disrupting his meal and makes a vow to St. James of Compostella for safe passage.
- Goodwin Hawtayne
The master shipman is anxious about the storm and the hole in the ship, but successfully pilots the cog across the bar of Gironde.
- Samkin Aylward
Mentioned as one of the archers gambling in the forecastle, dismissive of the shipman's concerns.
- Hordle John
Mentioned as the great redheaded man gambling with the archers, shouting with a voice like the flap of a sail.
Key passages
“The land of France!—the very words sounded as the call of a bugle in the ears of the youth of England. The land where their fathers had bled, the home of chivalry and of knightly deeds, the country of gallant men, of courtly women, of princely buildings, of the wise, the polished and the sainted.”
Alleyne feels a surge of excitement at seeing France, viewing it as a land of adventure, honor, and noble traditions.
Reflects Alleyne's idealistic and chivalric perspective on France.
“I would rather that my Company should gather round me here on the poop, where we might abide together whatever God may be pleased to send.”
Sir Nigel prefers to face the storm with his men rather than remove his armor and prepare to swim.
Shows Sir Nigel's steadfastness and sense of duty to his company.
“Twice have we come scathless out of peril, and now for the third time I commend me to the blessed James of Compostella, to whom I vow—”
Sir Oliver begins another vow to St. James for safe passage, but Sir Nigel warns him against making promises he cannot keep.
Highlights Sir Oliver's superstitious piety and Sir Nigel's practical caution.