In the mid-1150s Emperor Frederick I conducted a military campaign to subdue much of northern Italy. He laid siege to one of the wealthy cities. In this city was a young nobleman known to be boastful and full of himself. The young man gathered his arms and armor and rushed out the gate to fight.
As he did this, he yelled at the other young men to hurry up and suggested that their “slow pace indicated that they were afraid to fight.” He boasted that he would go and confront the enemy himself.
He raced along with his horse the miles toward the enemy. While riding, he encountered some fellow soldiers who had been wounded and were retreating. After seeing them, he slowed the horse's pace considerably.
A few moments later, he could hear the noise of the battle and saw it from afar the fighting. At this, he brought his horse to a complete stop.
People afterward asked him why he did not participate in the battle after so much talk. He responded that he did not feel so stout or courageous when he wore the armor. The weight of the armor prevented him from engaging.
We can all talk the talk, but the armor is heavy when you get out there to do it.