The White Company · Chapter
How Sir Nigel Took the Patch from His Eye explained
Sir Nigel removes his eye patch, declaring his vow fulfilled after defeating a Spanish knight.
What happens
Sir Nigel removes his eye patch, declaring his vow fulfilled after defeating a Spanish knight. News arrives of the Socman of Minstead's death and the siege of Twynham Castle. Alleyne confesses his love for Lady Maude to Sir Nigel, who reacts coldly. The English knights engage in a skirmish with Spanish forces, where Sir Nigel kills Sebastian Gomez in single combat.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Honor
Sir Nigel removes his eye patch after fulfilling his vow; knights engage in single combat with formal challenges.
War and Violence
The skirmish with Spanish forces, including the deaths of Felton and Gomez, highlights the brutality of battle.
Love and Courtship
Alleyne confesses his love for Lady Maude, leading to tension with Sir Nigel over social status.
Characters to notice
- Sir Nigel Loring
Removes his eye patch, declaring his vow fulfilled; receives news from England; reacts coldly to Alleyne's confession of love for Lady Maude; fights and kills Sebastian Gomez.
- Alleyne Edricson
Learns of his brother Edric the Socman's death; confesses his love for Lady Maude to Sir Nigel.
- Sir Oliver Buttesthorn
Suggests eating; cheers Sir Nigel's resolve; throws his mace in support.
- Samkin Aylward
Reports that arrows are running low.
- Sir Simon Burley
Urges retreat due to low arrows; shows consternation.
- Sir William Felton
Charges with Sir Nigel against the Spanish; kills a Spanish knight but is later slain.
- Edric the Socman
Reported dead, slain during the siege of Twynham Castle.
- Lady Maude Loring
Mentioned as safe after the siege; object of Alleyne's love.
Key passages
“I think, Nigel, that we should all acquit ourselves better had we our none-meat, for the sun is high in the heaven.”
Sir Oliver suggests they would fight better after eating, noting it is midday.
Sir Oliver's complaint about hunger before battle.
“By Saint Paul! I think that I am now clear of my vow, for this Spanish knight was a person from whom much honor might be won.”
Sir Nigel declares his vow fulfilled after defeating a worthy Spanish knight.
Sir Nigel removes his eye patch, signifying the end of his vow.
“My soul will retreat from my body first!”
Sir Nigel refuses to retreat, vowing to fight to the death.
Sir Nigel's defiant response to the suggestion of retreat.
“It is my brother—my poor unhappy brother! He is dead.”
Alleyne learns of his brother Edric's death and grieves.
Alleyne's reaction to the news from England.
“By St. Paul! Edricson, you aim high in this matter. Our blood is very old.”
Sir Nigel rebukes Alleyne for aspiring to marry Lady Maude, citing their ancient lineage.
Sir Nigel's cold response to Alleyne's confession of love.
