“Ay, and she shall awake to new and fuller life!” cried the ardent boy.  “What use in being born a prince if something cannot thus be done to restore what has been lost?  And why should princes stand idle when the world is all in arms?  Comrades, do ye long as I do to show the world that though we have not yet won our knighthood’s spurs, we are yet ready and willing to sally forth, even as did the knights of old, upon some quest of peril or adventure?  Why is it that I, who should by rights be one to show what may be done by a boy’s arm with a stout heart behind, am ever held back from peril and danger, have never seen fighting save in the tilt yard, or wound worse than what splintered spear may chance to inflict?  I burn to show the world what a band of youths can do who go forth alone on some errand of true chivalry.  Comrades, give me your ears.  Let me speak to you of the purpose in my heart.  This day has my father, in the hearing of all men, lamented the wane of chivalry, has spoken brave words of encouragement to those who will strive with him to let it be no hollow name amongst us.  Then who more fit than his own son to go forth now —­ at once, by stealth if need be —­ upon such a quest of peril and glory? nay, not for the glory —­ that may or may not be ours —­ but upon a mission of chivalrous service to the weak and helpless?  This thing I purpose to do myself, together with some few chosen comrades.  Brothers of Brocas, will ye go with me?”

“We will! we will!” cried the three brothers in a breath.

“We will!” echoed the twins of Gascony, forgetting all but their eager desire to share the peril and the glory of the Prince’s enterprise, whatever it might be.

Young Edward heard the sound of the strange voices, and turned a quick glance of inquiry upon the youths.  He saw that they wore the livery of Sir James Audley, who was a great favourite even then with the Prince.  The true kingly courtesy of the Plantagenets was ingrained in the nature of this princely boy, and he looked with a smile at the two eager faces before him.

“And who be ye, fair gentlemen?” he asked.  “Methinks the badge you wear is answer almost enough.  I know your good lord well, and love him well, and sure there be none of his esquires, be they never so young, who would disgrace their master by fleeing in an hour of peril.  Wherefore if ye would fain be of the band I seek to muster round me, I will bid you ready welcome.  I seek none that be above twenty years of age.

“Good John, you shall be the wise man of our party.  These lads have not lived many more years than I have myself, or I am much mistaken.”

“We are twin brothers,” said Gaston frankly, “and we are nigh upon sixteen.  We have been with Sir James a matter of two months.  We —­”

“They met him in the woods of Gascony,” cried Oliver, “and rescued him from the attacks of a pack of fierce wolves.  I trow they would bear themselves bravely be your quest what it may.”