The White Company · Chapter
XVIII: How Sir Nigel Loring Put a Patch Upon His Eye explained
Sir Nigel Loring, upon landing in Bordeaux, binds a black patch over his left eye as a vow to honor his lady and to perform a deed in Spain.
What happens
Sir Nigel Loring, upon landing in Bordeaux, binds a black patch over his left eye as a vow to honor his lady and to perform a deed in Spain. He and Sir Oliver Buttesthorn, accompanied by their squires Alleyne Edricson, Ford, and John Norbury, ride through the city, marveling at its wealth and architecture. They proceed to the Abbey of St. Andrew to seek an audience with the Prince, where they are greeted by Sir William Felton and later embraced by the legendary Sir John Chandos.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Honor
Sir Nigel's vow to wear a patch over his eye until he performs a deed in Spain exemplifies chivalric devotion to his lady and personal honor.
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
The warm reunion between Sir Nigel and Sir John Chandos, and the banter between Sir Nigel and Sir Oliver, highlight the bonds among knights.
Clash of Worlds: Monastery vs. World
Alleyne, newly emerged from Beaulieu Abbey, is awed by the bustling, wealthy city of Bordeaux, contrasting his monastic upbringing with worldly splendor.
Characters to notice
- Sir Nigel Loring
Binds a patch over his left eye as a vow to honor his lady and perform a deed in Spain; rides through Bordeaux and is warmly greeted by Sir John Chandos.
- Sir Oliver Buttesthorn
Accompanies Sir Nigel, teasing him about the eye patch; later rides with him to the prince's audience.
- Alleyne Edricson
As a squire, observes the wonders of Bordeaux with Ford; is recognized by Sir William Felton as being of the old Hampshire strain.
- Walter Ford of Botley
Rides with Alleyne, pointing out the sights of Bordeaux and commenting on the local women.
- John Norbury
Squire to Sir Oliver, rides silently behind the knights, having been to those parts before.
- Samkin Aylward
Greets Alleyne upon arrival in Bordeaux, reminiscing about their journey and the Pied Merlin inn.
- Sir William Felton
Acts as marshal, admitting the party to the prince's presence and recognizing the shields of Loring and Buttesthorn.
- Sir John Chandos
The famed knight, scarred and one-eyed, warmly embraces Sir Nigel and welcomes him.
Key passages
“May the blessed George and the memory of my sweet ladylove raise high my heart! ... And as a token I vow that I will not take this patch from my eye until I have seen something of this country of Spain, and done such a small deed as it lies in me to do.”
Sir Nigel swears by Saint George and his lady that he will keep the patch over his eye until he has accomplished a worthy deed in Spain.
This vow underscores the chivalric theme of devotion to one's lady and the pursuit of honor.
“In truth, you take me back twenty years, Nigel. After Cadsand, I deem that the French thought that we were an army of the blind, for there was scarce a man who had not closed an eye for the greater love and honor of his lady.”
Sir Oliver recalls that after the Battle of Cadsand, many knights wore eye patches as a token of love, making the French think they were fighting a blind army.
This highlights the tradition of knights making personal sacrifices for their ladies.
“Ha, my little heart of gold! ... I heard that you were here and have been seeking you.”
Sir John Chandos joyfully greets Sir Nigel, calling him 'my little heart of gold' and expressing his eagerness to see him.
Shows the deep camaraderie and respect between the two knights.
