History
The Desert’s Lethal Defenses
“Next morning, when they were on the point of setting out, the hot wind came down on them and stifled them all, so that not one survived to carry back the news to their lord.” […]
Horse
Human Affairs
The Way of the Mongol
“In case of need, they will ride a good ten days’ journey without provision and without making a fire, living only on the blood of their horses; for every rider pierces a vein of his horse and drinks the blood.” […]
History
Louis the Brawler King
“Thus, although it little befitted a king to do such a thing, he arranged a splendid bath for his foe all the way up to his helmet in that stream.” […]
Britons and Celts
Scandalous Stallions
“When the stallions were to leap the mares, they were to be brought before such a part of the house, where she had a vidette (a hole to peep out at) to look on them.” […]
Britons and Celts
The Well Fletched Arrows Flew at the Foe
“Then jolly that gentle giant out jousted another,
Cut a wide swath as he scythed down warriors,
Woefully wounding those who stood in his way.” […]
Britons and Celts
Gawain’s Fury
“Then Sir Gawain on his gray steed
Gripped a great spear and speedily spiked him;
Through the guts and gore his weapon glided
Till the sharpened steel sliced into his heart.” […]
Supernatural
A Bandit Robs a Monster
“Aiming a spear at him, he brought him down with the blow, stopped him, and bound him, while he could not make his escape. Then in the most dreadful words he threatened him with the worst, and demanded the sword and bracelets. ” […]
Britons and Celts
Dangerous at any Time
“Wallace unmov’d, the impetuous shock sustains,
And awful joy his gloomy brow serenes.
Straight rising to the blow, he aim’d a wound,
And brought his enemy stagg’ring to the ground.” […]
Humor
A Stupid Death for a Wicked Man
“His head was cut off, in the presence of all, by an obscure soldier of the adverse party.” […]
Human Affairs
…And Your Mother Smelled of Elderberries
“But he went to the mares all the more often, and all the more closely. One of the horses was pale in color. He found it the best of all the horses, and in springtime, everyone who saw the pale mare though that she must be pregnant.” […]