32. The Barons of England still lived in their castles, on their own estates, in the midst of their vassals and serfs. Their castle-halls were crowded with knights, squires, pages, and military dependents, for it was their pride to have as many of such retainers as they could possibly maintain. The pages were boys of high rank, generally the younger sons of noblemen, whose profession was to be knight errantry. 33. Now, in order to obtain the honour of knighthood, they were obliged to serve some great baron, first as pages, then as esquires, for several years, and to be very obedient and respectful in their conduct, and do all that was required of them readily and cheerfully. 34. While pages, they had to wait upon their lords and his guests at dinner and supper, to carry messages, and perform little services for the ladies of the family; but they were themselves waited upon by the domestic slaves, and, when they had finished their day’s duties, were allowed to mix with the company. 35. They were taught to use the sword and lance, and to manage a horse skilfully, and were instructed in religious duties by the priests of their lord’s household. 36. When old enough, they were made esquires, and then their duties were to take care of the horses and armour, and to attend their lords on all occasions; which services he usually rewarded by making them knights, when they were free to go wherever they pleased; and you have already been told what their mode of life was afterwards. 37. The great people were very fond of hunting and hawking, and fighting at tournaments; but, perhaps, you do not know what a tournament was, so I will tell you. 38. There was a place built up, something like a large theatre, with galleries for the ladies and gentlemen, to sit and see the combats in the open space below, and this was called the lists. Then the gentlemen, who wished to exhibit their valour, used to come in armour, and fight with each other on horseback till one was conquered, when the victor received a prize from the greatest lady present. 39. When only two knights fought, it was called a tilt; but if there were several on each side, it was a tournament; and, although these combats were held for sport, the combatants were often dangerously wounded, and sometimes killed. 40. When John had signed Magna Charta, the Barons went home to their castles, to enjoy their usual pleasures; but the king had no intention of behaving any better than before, and secretly sent agents to Flanders, to raise troops of foreigners, promising that they should be allowed to plunder the estates of the Barons, if they would enlist in his service. 41. Thus he soon appeared at the head of an army, and went to war with the nobles, who, in revenge, did a very wrong and foolish thing, which was, to offer the crown to Louis, the son of the king of France.