The White Company · Chapter
XXVIII: How the Comrades Came Over the Marches of France explained
Sir Nigel and his company, accompanied by Bertrand du Guesclin and his wife Lady Tiphaine, travel through Auvergne.
What happens
Sir Nigel and his company, accompanied by Bertrand du Guesclin and his wife Lady Tiphaine, travel through Auvergne. They stop at an inn where Lady Tiphaine captivates the Englishmen with her talk of chivalry and honor. After a brief altercation involving Aylward and Hordle John with a boastful French champion, the party proceeds to the Castle of Villefranche, where Sir Nigel and Du Guesclin exchange compliments and cross swords in a friendly bout.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Honor
Lady Tiphaine's discourse on valor, virtue, loyalty, and fame, and Sir Nigel's devotion to his wife's honor, highlight the theme of chivalric ideals.
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
The friendly interaction between Sir Nigel and Du Guesclin, and the shared journey, emphasize bonds across national lines.
War and Violence
The prank on the French champion and the sword fight between Sir Nigel and Du Guesclin reflect the underlying martial context.
Characters to notice
- Sir Nigel Loring
Engages in conversation with Du Guesclin and Lady Tiphaine, expresses his devotion to his wife, and later crosses swords with Du Guesclin.
- Alleyne Edricson
Observes the scene at the inn, witnesses Aylward and John's prank, and later reflects on Lady Tiphaine's words.
- Samkin Aylward
Plays a prank on a boastful French champion with Hordle John, hanging him on a hook.
- Hordle John
Assists Aylward in the prank, lifting the champion onto a hook.
- Sir Bertrand du Guesclin
Travels with the English party, hosts them at the inn, and later engages in a friendly sword fight with Sir Nigel.
- Tiphaine du Guesclin
Captivates the Englishmen with her discourse on chivalry and honor; known for her reputed mystical abilities.
- Walter Ford of Botley
Rides with the party, observes the scene, and calls Alleyne to rejoin the group.
Key passages
“By the sainted Ives! it is time that we spoke of what we are to do this night, for I cannot think that in this wayside auberge there are fit quarters for an honorable company.”
Du Guesclin suggests they find better lodging for the night, as the inn is not suitable for such a distinguished group.
Du Guesclin's practical concern for proper accommodations.
“It is easy, lady, for a man to ride forth in the light of day, and do his devoir when all men have eyes for him. But in a woman's heart there is a strength and truth which asks no praise, and can but be known to him whose treasure it is.”
Sir Nigel contrasts public knightly deeds with the private, unacknowledged virtue of a woman.
Sir Nigel's tribute to his wife's inner strength.
“By the Virgin! when he learns that you have come to draw away these rascals he will be very blithe to look upon your face.”
Du Guesclin assures Sir Nigel that the Seneschal will welcome him upon learning his purpose to recruit the free companies.
Du Guesclin's confidence in the Seneschal's reaction.
“I have longed for it, I have dreamed of it, and now I can scarce bring my mind to understand that this great honor hath indeed been mine.”
Sir Nigel expresses his awe at having crossed swords with Du Guesclin, whom he regards as the bravest knight in France.
Sir Nigel's admiration for Du Guesclin's prowess.
