human
By my faith, my lord, I did not think I was coming in alone, but believed my companions were following me. They understood war better than I did, otherwise they would have been prisoners as I am.... Then Lovodico asked him how big was the French army, and he made answer,
gpt
As far as I know, my lord, there must be fourteen or fifteen hundred men-at-arms and sixteen or eighteen thousand men on foot; but they are all picked men, quite determined to win back the State of Milan for the King, our master. And it seems to me, my lord, that you would be much safer in Germany than you are here, for your men are not fit to fight us.
human
And so indeed should I, my lord, if I were not a prisoner.
gpt
Really, if that is all, replied the Duke,
human
I will at once set you free, and make it up to the captain who took you prisoner. But tell me, if you desire anything else I will give it to you.
gpt
My lord, I ask nothing else save that of your courtesy you will be good enough to return to me my horse and my arms which I brought into this town; and if you will send me to my garrison, which is twenty miles from here, you will thus render me a great service, for which I shall be grateful all my life; and saving my honour and the service of my King, I would do anything you command in return.
human
On my faith! exclaimed the lord Lodovico,
gpt
Then he turned to the Seigneur Jean Bernardin who had taken him prisoner.
human
Do you hear, captain, he is to have his horse, his arms, and all his accoutrements at once
gpt
My lord, was the reply,
human
So he sent two or three servants, who brought the horse, and the armour, which the Duke caused to be put on before him. This arming took place in the great courtyard, at least as far as the gallant prisoner was disarmed, and when Bayard was fully accoutred he sprang on his horse without touching the stirrup, and asked for his lance, which was given him--a steel-headed weapon about fourteen feet long, the shaft being of ash or sycamore with a little flag (pennoncelle) waving at the top. Then, raising his visor, he said to the Duke:
gpt
My lord, I thank you for the great courtesy you have shown me. May God repay you!
human
If all the French men-at-arms were like this one I should have a poor chance.
gpt
Hallo! Picquet, who has got you out of prison? Have you paid your ransoms' I was on the point of sending one of my trumpeters to pay it and fetch you back.
human
My lord, replied the Good Knight,
gpt
I thank you humbly for your good will; but the lord Lodovico set me free by his great courtesy.