In the passage from Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up the Bodies," the author reflects on the decline of chivalry, suggesting that noble ideals are being overtaken by more contemporary values dominated by financial power. The imagery of moss growing in the tilt yard symbolizes the end of an era where honor and valor held significant value as these virtues fade into history.

The text contrasts the past's romanticized notions of bravery and gallantry with the present's focus on money and commerce. Here, the author notes the rise of bankers and moneylenders, depicting a world where financial dealings take precedence over noble pursuits, diminishing the roles of traditional powerholders like kings to mere attendants in a system governed by wealth.