To be a night
You who long for the knightly order
It is fitting you should lead a new life:
Devoutly keeping watch in prayer,
Fleeing from sin, pride, and villainy;
The Church defending,
The widow and orphan succouring.
Be bold and protect the people,
Be loyal and valiant, taking nothing from others.
Thus should a knight rule himself.
He should be humble of heart and always work
And follow deeds of Chivalry;
Be loyal in war and travel greatly;
He should frequent tourneys and joust for his lady love;
He must keep honour with all
So that he cannot be held to blame.
No cowardice should be found in his doings,
Above all, he should uphold the weak,
Thus should a knight rule himself. (Rudorff 165-66)
It is fitting you should lead a new life:
Devoutly keeping watch in prayer,
Fleeing from sin, pride, and villainy;
The Church defending,
The widow and orphan succouring.
Be bold and protect the people,
Be loyal and valiant, taking nothing from others.
Thus should a knight rule himself.
He should be humble of heart and always work
And follow deeds of Chivalry;
Be loyal in war and travel greatly;
He should frequent tourneys and joust for his lady love;
He must keep honour with all
So that he cannot be held to blame.
No cowardice should be found in his doings,
Above all, he should uphold the weak,
Thus should a knight rule himself. (Rudorff 165-66)