The Normans; told chiefly in relation to their conquest of EnglandJewett, Sarah Orne
History
The Normans; told chiefly in relation to their conquest of England
Jewett, Sarah Orne
Great Britain -- History -- Norman period, 1066-1154; Normans
That in tourney or other sportive contests, they would never use the
point of their swords.
That being taken prisoner in a tourney, they would be bound on their
faith and honor to perform in every point the conditions of capture,
besides being bound to give up to the victors their arms and horses,
if it seemed good to take them, being also disabled from fighting in
war or elsewhere without their victor's leave.
That they would keep faith inviolably with all the [Pg163] world, and
especially with their comrades, upholding their honor and advantage
wholly in their absence.
That they would love and honor one another, and aid and succor one
another whenever occasion offered.
That having made vow or promise to go on any quest or adventure, they
would never put off their arms save for the night's rest.
That in pursuit of their quest or adventure, they would not shun bad
and perilous passes, nor turn aside from the straight road for fear of
encountering powerful knights, or monsters, or wild beasts, or other
hindrance, such as the body and courage of a single man might tackle.
That they would never take wage or pay from any foreign prince.
That in command of troops or men-at-arms, they would live in the
utmost possible order and discipline, and especially in their own
country, where they would never suffer any harm or violence to be done.
That if they were bound to escort dame or damsel, they would serve,
protect, and save her from all danger and insult, or die in the
attempt.
That they would never offer violence to any dame or damsel, though
they had won her by deeds of arms.
That being challenged to equal combat, they would not refuse without
wound, sickness, or other reasonable hindrance.
That, having undertaken to carry out any enterprise, they would devote
to it night and day, unless they were called away for the service of
their king and country. [Pg164]
That, if they made a vow to acquire any honor, they would not draw
back without having attained it or its equivalent.
That they would be faithful keepers of their word and pledged faith,
and that, having become prisoners in fair warfare, they would pay to
the uttermost the promised ransom, or return to prison at the day and
hour agreed upon, on pain of being proclaimed infamous and perjured.
That, on returning to the court of their sovereign, they would render
a true account of their adventures, even though they had sometimes
been worsted, to the king and the registrar of the order, on pain of
being deprived of the order of knighthood.
That, above all things, they would be faithful, courteous, and humble,
and would never be wanting to their word for any harm or loss that
might accrue to them."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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