midday
The Englishmen gathered a few oxen and sheep from the pastures of each , but Knolles had no mind to break his strength upon stone walls , and so he went upon his way . Once at St. Meen they passed a great nunnery , girt with a high gray lichened wall , an oasis of peace in this desert of war , the black-robed nuns basking in the sun or working in the gardens , with the strong gentle hand of Holy Church shielding them ever from evil . The archers doffed caps to them as they passed , for the boldest and roughest dared not cross that line guarded by the dire ban and blight which was the one only force in the whole steel-ridden earth which could stand betwixt the weakling and the spoiler . The little army halted at St. Meen and cooked its midday meal . It had gathered into its ranks again and was about to start , when Knolles drew Nigel to one side . `` Nigel , '' said he , `` it seems to me that I have seldom set eyes upon a horse which hath more power and promise of speed than this great beast of thine . '' `` It is indeed a noble steed , fair sir , '' said Nigel .