Tears of vexation started to his eyes, but he held them back, for he remembered that a brave and "gentil" knight does not cry.
Something that Robin struggles with is his role as a knight-in-training. For much of the story, he is under the impression that it is unknightly to cry or show emotion. This belief goes hand-in-hand with his feeling of being not good enough to fulfill his noble duty. By the end of the book, however, Robin is taught by his elders that it is okay to be exactly who he is: there is more than one way to be a knight.
"Always remember that," said the friar. "Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it."
Throughout the book, Brother Luke reminds Robin to look for the door in the wall. This phrase is used as a metaphor for how he should always have faith in the path set before him because there will eventually be an opportunity that takes him to his destination. Every wall will have this door if it is followed far enough, meaning that with patience and perseverance, any seeming obstacle can actually bring with it opportunities that could not have ever been imagined.
"Whether thou'lt walk soon I know not. This I know. We must teach thy hands to be skillful in many ways, and we must teach thy mind to go about whether thy legs will carry thee or not. For reading is another door in the wall, dost understand, my son?"
This is a scene where Robin expresses to Brother Luke that he feels he might be able to walk soon again, hoping to regain his health before his father returns from war. Robin is haunted by the concern of what his parents will think of his ailment. Brother Luke tells him not to focus on whether or not he will walk soon, as this can lead to false hope. Rather, he should work with the abilities that he does have, such as his mental and artistic skills. In this way, Brother Luke tries to show him that being a good person is not about one's physical ability.
"It is indeed a sort of pilgrimage," said Brother Luke, "for always we shall set forth for the honor of God and in the hope that young Robin will be even stronger at the end of our journey than he is now."
Here, the friar identifies their journey to Lindsay as a pilgrimage. On a traditional pilgrimage, it might be hoped that someone suffering from an illness might be healed, and there is indeed a great deal of recovery for Robin on the trip as he practices walking on crutches and even shows bravery at a crucial moment. The group also keeps their faith even while enduring physical hardship, which is another characteristic of pilgrimages. Each place they stop on their journey transforms into a sort of holy place, such as when they sleep outside and feel blessed to be in the care of Mother Nature.
This was a real adventure. Even though he might never be a knight in armor and go to battle to defend England, he would know what it was like to make his bed on God's earth, feel the prick of rain in his face, and instead of brocaded bed curtains, see dark clouds making a canopy over him.
Here, Robin is in the midst of his journey to Lindsay with Brother Luke and John-go-in-the-Wynd. It marks an exciting point in Robin's young life, as he is finally moving out of the confines of the monastery, where he has spent much time lying in bed, recovering from his ailment. Now he gets to join the castle of Sir Peter, and he is thrilled at the new adventure—even though it is not one that is stereotypically knight-like. He is so happy that he does not mind sleeping outdoors instead of in an inn, feeling appreciation for the earth that nurtures him.
"Peace?" said the host wonderingly. "Peace is what we all hope for. But we find it seldom."
On their journey, Robin, John-go-in-the-Wynd and Brother Luke stop at the Shepherd's Bush for food and ale and strike up a conversation with the host about the ongoing wars between the English and the Scots. While Robin assures him that the war will be over by Christmas, the host remains skeptical. He personifies the general pessimistic attitude of the population at this time. With all the chaos of the black plague and constant territorial battles, the possibility of real peace seems like a fantasy.
Sir Peter kept Robin's hand in his and spoke directly to him. "Each of us has his place in the world," he said. "If we cannot serve in one way, there is always another. If we do what we are able, a door always opens to something else."
Sir Peter reiterates to Robin a message that Brother Luke told him earlier: just because he is unable to fulfill the more physical aspects of his page boy duties, does not mean that he can not be of service. Sir Peter underscores that one must be a hero in one's own way and that there are always possibilities in life. He explains that Robin's destiny is already waiting for him and that he will find a way of becoming the person he is meant to be, no matter the circumstances.
But Robin was learning patience. He had found out that the harder it was to do something, the more comfortable he felt after he had done it.
Robin's patience is tried in many instances. Earlier in the story, he got frustrated easily after accidentally breaking his cross; by now, however, he has slowly learned the perseverance required to lead a life of nobility. Even when faced with something very difficult, such as swimming in cold water or constructing a harp, he attempts the challenge anyway and is usually glad that he put in the effort, building up his self-confidence in the process.
"'Tis but I, Robin...Robin—Crookshank, some call me."
Robin is being interrogated by a Welsh soldier after sneaking out of Sir Peter's castle disguised as a poor shepherd boy. When the Welshman asks him for his full name, he uses the nickname "Crookshank," the name given to him by one of the boys at the monastery. This is not only an example of Robin's quick wit: it also demonstrates the way he has come to accept himself over the course of the story. Earlier, Robin detested the idea of being called a nickname associated with his disabled legs; now, on the other hand, he has embraced the name and transformed it into something positive: a disguise against the enemy.
But it was such a relief to be cared for and to have the weight of his body taken from his aching armpits that he allowed John to carry him, and said not a word until he was laid upon the straw pallet.
After much exertion of willpower, Robin's body catches up to him and he feels grateful for the chance to be cared for by John. While on his heroic journey to save Sir Peter's castle, Robin had to make himself extremely selfless, pushing past his physical discomfort (such as when he waded through the cold river) for the greater good of his mission. Yet in this quote, we are reminded that, despite his excellent bravery and determination, Robin is still a young boy and requires a degree of nurturance and rest.
