number of naval adventurers, and squadrons were fitted out by his
vassals on the sea coasts of Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy. King
Edward had crossed over into Belgium, and after vast delays in
consequence of the slowness of the German allies, at last prepared to
enter France at the end of September, 1339. Such, my lad, is the story,
as far as I know, of the beginning of that war with France which is now
raging, and whose events you know as well as I do, seeing that they are
all of late occurrence. So far, although the English have had the best
of it, and have sorely mauled the French both in the north and south, we
have not gained any such advantages as would lead to a belief that there
is any likelihood of an early termination, or that King Edward will
succeed for a long time in winning back his inheritance of the throne of
France."

"There is no doubt that the war weighs heavily upon the people at large.
The taxes are doubled, and the drain of men is heavy. We armourers, of
course, have a busy time of it, and all trades which have to do with the
furnishing of an army flourish exceedingly. Moreover, men of mettle and
valour have an opportunity of showing what they are composed of, and
England rings with the tales of martial deeds. There are some, Walter,
who think that peace is the greatest of blessings, and in some ways,
lad, they are no doubt right; but there are many compensations in war.
It brings out the noble qualities; it raises men to think that valour
and fortitude and endurance and honour are qualities which are something
above the mere huckstering desire for getting money, and for ignoble
ease and comfort. Some day it may be that the world will change, and
that war may become a thing of the past; but to my mind, boy, I doubt
whether men will be any happier or better for it. The priests, no doubt,
would tell you otherwise; but then you see I am an armourer, and so
perhaps am hardly a fair judge on the matter, seeing that without wars
my craft would come to an end."

Walter remained in thought for some time. "It seems to me, Master
Geoffrey, that while wars may suit strong and courageous men, women
would rejoice were such things to be at an end."

"Women suffer most from wars, no doubt," Geoffrey said, "and yet do you
mark that they are more stirred by deeds of valour and chivalry than
are we men; that they are ever ready to bestow their love upon those
who have won honour and glory in war, even although