chivalry tournaments modesty archery
jousts avenge obedience sponsors
When Pope Urban II called the council of Clermont, and so many men of
all ranks stitched upon their shoulders the cross of red silk, the Age
of Chivalry in Europe had already begun. The word “chivalry” is from a
French word which means rider of a horse. So, when we speak of the Age of
Chivalry, we picture to ourselves knights riding their horses and engaging
in real or mock battles.
The mock battles were called jousts or tournaments, and they were the
chief amusement of the time. Noble lords and beautiful ladies were present
and watched the contest from raised seats as we now watch ball games. The
real battles had many causes. Sometimes one prince would quarrel with a
neighboring prince and settle the dispute by war. Sometimes a body of
knights would go forth to avenge a wrong.
[Illustration: A KNIGHT OF THE CRUSADES]
Sometimes a king would call upon his knights to go with him to conquer
some neighboring country. The knights were therefore always ready for war.
Every boy, if he were the son of a noble, at about the age of seven was
sent to the castle or court of some prince or king, as a page.
Here he was taught modesty and obedience, hunting, riding, archery, and
the hurling of the lance.
When he had become skillful in these he might bear the shield of his
master. He was then a squire. He must know no fear, and must not boast of
his own deeds. He must defend the weak and be ever courteous to ladies. At
feasts he must carve the meats and wait upon the guests.
When he reached the age of twenty-one, the squire might be made a knight.
This was often a very pretty ceremony. The squire would come before his
lord and a great party of nobles, dressed in armor, except the helmet,
sword, and spurs.
Several nobles would offer themselves as sponsors, declaring that they
were sure he would prove himself noble and brave. Then the squire was
struck lightly on the shoulders with the sword of his master. At the same
time his master repeated these words, “I dub thee knight in the name of
God and St. Michael; be faithful, bold, and fortunate.” The knight then
went forth to do some deed by which to “win his spurs.”
Sometimes, before being knighted, the young squire was left in the chapel
of the castle all night. Here he guarded his armor, and by devout and
continuous prayer invoked the blessing of God upon himself and whatever
cause he should undertake.
Urged by the preaching of Peter the Hermit and the encouragement of Pope
Urban, the knights of Western Europe took up the cause of the crusades.
Soon after the departure of Peter with his untrained host of followers, a
gallant army, led by two famous knights, Godfrey of Bouillon and Tancred,
an Italian knight, began its march to the Holy Land.
Peter at last succeeded in joining them with the few men who were left
with him, and together they advanced to Jerusalem.