The Duke of Milan was surprised to see such a young warrior, and asked him what brought him into the city.  The Good Knight, who was never put out by anything, replied, “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, “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.”

He spoke with so much confidence that Lodovico was much amused, and remarked that he should like to see the two armies face to face.  “And so indeed should I, my lord, if I were not a prisoner.”  “Really, if that is all,” replied the Duke, “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.”

The Good Knight bent his knee in thanks for this generous offer, and replied:  “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.”

“On my faith!” exclaimed the lord Lodovico, “you shall have what you ask for at once.”  Then he turned to the Seigneur Jean Bernardin who had taken him prisoner.  “Do you hear, captain, he is to have his horse, his arms, and all his accoutrements at once”

“My lord,” was the reply, “that is a very easy matter for all is at my lodging.”  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:  “My lord, I thank you for the great courtesy you have shown me.  May God repay you!”

The Good Knight spurred his horse, who pranced about in the most wonderful way, and then Bayard gave a small exhibition of his skill with the lance which amazed the bystanders and did not please the lord Lodovico overmuch, for he remarked:  “If all the French men-at-arms were like this one I should have a poor chance.”  However, he took gracious leave of the Good Knight, and sent him forth with a trumpeter in attendance to conduct him back to his garrison.