How Sir Nigel Hawked at an Eagle explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Chivalry and Honor

  Sir Nigel and his knights seek 'honorable advancement' through a daring raid, emphasizing the chivalric pursuit of glory and renown.

• Camaraderie and Brotherhood

  The leaders take counsel together, and the archers share food and jest, highlighting the bonds among the company.

• War and Violence

  The chapter is centered on a military raid, with descriptions of combat, capture, and the chaos of battle.

Characters to notice

• Alleyne Edricson

  Accompanies Sir Nigel as his squire, leading a spare horse and participating in the raid.

• Sir Nigel Loring

  Leads the company, devises the plan to wait until evening, and personally rides into the Spanish camp disguised as a Spaniard to capture a royal figure.

• Hordle John

  Seizes Don Diego Alvarez by the foot, drags him from the saddle, and later carries the senseless royal body from the tent.

• Samkin Aylward

  Rides with Sir Nigel as one of the two trusty archers in the raid.

• Sir William Felton

  Argues for immediate action, then agrees to lead the outfall upon the camp as instructed by Sir Nigel.

• Sir Oliver Buttesthorn

  Supports riding down upon the camp, noting the savory smell of cooking.

• Sir Simon Burley

  Counsels caution, questioning the wisdom of attacking a large army, but ultimately defers to Sir Nigel's plan.

• Don Diego Alvarez

  A Spanish cavalier captured by the English while hawking; his horse and armor are used by Sir Nigel for the disguise.

Key passages

• “Throw off your jacks and headpieces, least their eyes catch the shine, and tether the horses among the rocks.”

  Remove your armor and helmets so the enemy doesn't see the glint, and tie up the horses among the rocks.

  Sir Nigel orders the company to conceal themselves from the Spanish camp.

• “I have a plan by which we may attempt some small deed upon them, and yet, by the help of God, may be able to draw off again”

  I have a plan to attack them in a limited way and still be able to retreat safely.

  Sir Nigel proposes waiting until evening to raid the camp with a safe withdrawal.

• “How many cows wilt buy my mother, if I set thee free?”

  How many cows will you give my mother if I let you go?

  Hordle John taunts the captured Don Diego Alvarez with a ransom joke.

• “I have come for the king; and, by Saint Paul! he must back with us or I must bide here.”

  I have come to capture the king; either he comes with us or I stay here.

  Sir Nigel declares his intent to seize the Spanish king from the royal tent.