XXII: How the Bowmen Held Wassail at the Rose de Guienne explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Camaraderie and Brotherhood

  The archers gather at the Rose de Guienne to drink, sing, and share stories, reinforcing their bonds as comrades in arms.

• War and Violence

  Aylward's vivid account of the Battle of Poitiers and his plundering highlights the brutality and spoils of war.

• Social Mobility and Class

  Aylward's accumulation of wealth through plunder and his plans for a future home illustrate how common soldiers could rise in status through war.

Characters to notice

• Alleyne Edricson

  Present at the tavern, listening to Aylward's tales and discussing the beauty of a painting versus a girl.

• Samkin Aylward

  The central storyteller, recounting his exploits at Poitiers and his plunder of a featherbed.

• Hordle John

  Among the leading archers at the gathering, grumbling that knights should not have all the sport.

• Black Simon of Norwich

  Present as a leading archer, modestly defers to Aylward's tale of Poitiers.

• Goodwin Hawtayne

  The master-shipman, joins the archers for a last rouse before leaving his cog.

• Walter Ford of Botley

  Accompanies Alleyne to the tavern, initially mistaken about Alleyne's focus on a girl.

• Sir Nigel Loring

  Mentioned as one of the five English knights chosen for the tournament, and as sleeping with Lord Chandos.

• Sir John Chandos

  Mentioned as having taken up the challenge for the tournament and as marshal of the lists.

Key passages

• “It is an old bowyer's rede that the second feather of a fenny goose is better than the pinion of a tame one.”

  A seasoned archer's saying holds that a lesser-quality wild goose feather is superior to a high-quality domesticated one.

  Aylward's companion uses this proverb to justify the rough but rewarding life of a free archer over a settled one.

• “Mon Dieu! there are some folk who have no fear of Domesday in them, and no sign of grace in their souls, forever clutching and clawing at another man's chattels.”

  Aylward laments that some people have no conscience and constantly steal from others.

  He reflects on losing his gold chain and jasper bracelets to a thief.

• “I have a score of one hundred and nineteen pounds of wax against the holy Andrew, and, as he was a very just man, I doubt not that I shall have full weigh and measure when I have most need of it.”

  Aylward has promised Saint Andrew 119 pounds of wax in thanks, trusting the saint will repay him when needed.

  He explains his pious act after selling his spoils from Poitiers.