Candidates for knighthood were usually obliged to pass through a long
course of training under the care of some distinguished noble. The
candidate served first as a page, or attendant in the house; then, as
a squire or attendant, he followed his master to the wars. After
seven years in this capacity, he prepared himself for receiving the
honors of knighthood by spending several days in a church, engaged in
solemn religious rites, fasting, and prayer.
[1] Knighthood: Originally the knight was a youth or attendant.
Later, the word came to mean an armed horse soldier or cavalier who
had received his weapons and title in a solemn manner. As a rule,
only the wealthy and noble could afford the expense of a horse and
armor; for this reason chivalry, or knighthood, came to be closely
connected with the idea of aristocracy. In some cases soldiers were
made knights on the battlefield as a reward for valor.
The young man, in the presence of his friends and kindred, then made
oath to be loyal to the King, to defend religion, and to be the
champion of every lady in danger or distress. Next, a high-born dame
or great warrior buckled on his spurs, and girded the sword, which he
priest had blessed, to his side. This done, he knelt to the prince or
noble who was to perform the final ceremony. The prince struck him
lightly on the shoulder with the flat of the sword, saying: "In the
name of God, St. Michael,[2] and St. George [the patron saint of
England], I dub thee knight. Be brave, hardy, and loyal."
[2] St. Michael, as representative of the triumphant power of good
over evil.
Then the young cavalier leaped into the saddle and galloped up and
down, brandishing his weapon in token of strength and skill. In case
a knight proved false to his oaths, he was publicly degraded. His
spurs were taken from him, his shield was reversed, his armor broken
to pieces, and a sermon preached upon him in the neighboring church,
proclaiming him dead to the order.