The theater of honour and knight-hood. Or A compendious chronicle and historie of the whole Christian vvorld Containing the originall of all monarchies, kingdomes, and estates, with their emperours, kings, princes, and gouernours; their beginnings, continuance, and successions, to this present time. The first institution of armes, emblazons, kings, heralds, and pursuiuants of armes: with all the ancient and moderne military orders of knight-hood in euery kingdome. Of duelloes or single combates ... Likewise of ioustes, tourneyes, and tournaments, and orders belonging to them. Lastly of funerall pompe, for emperours, kings, princes, and meaner persons, with all the rites and ceremonies fitting for them. VVritten in French, by Andrew Fauine, Parisian: and aduocate in the High Court of Parliament. M.DC.XX.

A Famous Tourney or Tournament, perfourmed in Normandie, in the time of King Lewes the Younger, and in the Seauenth yeare of the said Kings Reigne. CHAP. VII.

FOulque, Count of Aniou, Touraine and Duke Maine and afterward King of Ierusalem, in regard of his Wife,* 1.1 who was Daughter to King Bauldwine, Second of the name (as we haue said in the Precedent Booke) maried his Eldest Sonne Geoffery, Sirnamed Plantagenet; to the daughter of the King of England, and Duke of Normandie, First of the name. This Princesse was named

Mahauld, or Maude, Sirnamed the Empresse: because before this Marriage with Plantagenet, she had bin Widdow to the Emperour Henry, Fift of the name. After the decease of Foulque in Ierusalem, Geoffrey caused a Tourney to be made, on the sandie shoare of Mount Saint Michael in Normandie, betweene the English and the Normans. At this Tournament was present on the Normans side the Count of Flan∣ders Thibault, Count of Blois, and the Count of Mortaigne Stephen, all of them being Nephewes to the King of England Henry, First of the name.

* 1.2The holders and maintainers of this Tourney, were the Normans against the Eng∣lish, who were farre fewer in number then the Normans: And this was the reason, that Count Geoffery, (with them that were his followers) tooke part with the wea∣ker side, I meane the English.

After the Tourney was begun, either side entred Pesle-mesle together. The whole Campe and the Lists resounded with the clattering of Armes, noyse of Trumpets, muttering of voyces, and neying of Horses. Yea, the Mount Saint Michael seemed to sparkle Fire, with the reuerberating and reflection of the Sunnes bright beames, transcending from an infinitie of Shields, Bouclers and Targets of the Assaylants and Defendants.* 1.3 The Tournement being well heat••d on both sides, the Ashtree-Laun∣ces flew in shiuers, and euery man being well warmed in their Armours: came to handy-strokes with their Swords, the keene edges whereof (at euery blow) made deepe entrance into their Armes and Shields. Some of them dismounting other of their opposites, when their Horses (escaping from them, and being disburdened of their Maisters) ran at free liberty about the field, hauing broken their Reines, and by no meanes were capable of staying.

Our braue Plantagenet, and Royall minded Geoffery, more furious then a Lyon, layd soundly vpon the Normans, without any dissembling, but in meere honest ear∣nest,* 1.4 and where he espied any of his followers to be distressed: thither he ran spee∣dily, dismounting many with his Launce, piercing quite through their bodies, and others feeling the slices of his Sword, were glad to leaue their rancks, falling downe on the ground without motion or life. So that the Normanes, making Retreat their best aduantage, were glad to get gon, and forsake the place.

Yet madly enraged, to be thus curstly handled, and by such an vnequall poore troupe: they challenged the English, to Combate at the vtmost extremity of life. Vpon the same spread abroad of this Tourney,* 1.5 and to be perfourmed in Normandie; among many other that resorted thither from the parts beyond the Seas, there came a Giant of immeasurable corpulence, or hugenesse of Body, and thought as strong as an other Sampson. Hee appointed himselfe to take part with the Normans, and they (securing themselues by such an vnexpected succour) set downe a setled resolu∣tion, to beare away the victory from their English enemies.

The Giant stood proudely brauing, on an high aduaunced Hillock without the Normans Camp, and with a dreadfull astonishing voyce, dared the English to Com∣bate against him: which much daunted and dismayed the small number of the Eng∣lish,* 1.6 and made them fully perswaded, that they were no way able, to contend against this huge Colossus and mountaine of flesh. But Count Geoffery perceiuing the Eng∣lishmens dismay, whom (before) hee beleeued to bee of inuincible courage: forth∣with mounted on his Horse, tooke his Launce, and offered himselfe singly to main∣taine the Combate. But the Giant, hauing a Launce that equalled a Weauers beame in bignesse, encountred the Count with such fury and Violence, as pierced quite thorow his Shield and Armour, so farre as to the effusion of Bloud. Yet sate the Count firme and vnshaken on his Horse, as a man no way to be dishartened, and welcommed the Giant with such a sound salutation; as made him measure his length on the Ground,* 1.7 so astonished with the fall, that the Count lightly leaping from his Horse, set his foote vpon him, and smote off his head: taking his Horse by the Bridle, to serue as a spoyle & Triumph of his victory, to the great disgrace of the Normans, thus bereft of the Conquest, whereof (before) they made full assurance.

This Tourney and Duello, is worthily described at large by Ioannes Monachus m••∣ioris Monasterij, in his First Booke, concerning the Life of the said Geoffery Plantage∣net, and in these words.

SVblimato Patre eius Fulcone in Hierosolymitanum Regem. Consul Gauffredus Armo∣rum exercitijs, & laudis adipiscendae operam dedit. Nonnullo tempore elapso in areno a Montis planicie à Britoni••us, & Normannis Torneamenti dies assignata est. Conueni∣unt ad Normannorum Partis subsidia Dominus Comes Flandrensis, Theobaudus Comes Blesensis, & cius frater Stephanus Mauritaniae Dominus. Hi tres Henrici Regis Anglorum erant Nepotes. Conuenit, & ipse Consul cum suis, corum multitudini numerum accres∣cens.

Stabant ex aduerso Britannorum acies armis quidem & animis strenuae, sed numero pauciores. Videns itaque Consul Andegauensis Gauffredus Brittannica cohortis imparem congressum, auulsus à multitudine, ad paucos se contulit, ipsis opem laturus: sit congressus, commiscentur acies, fit multus Armorum strepitus, sonant editui, turbae multiplicis varia vox intonat, dant Dextrales dissonos hinnitus, à Clypeis aureis Sole relucentibus, mons ipse Michaeliticus resplenduit. Animantur Viri ad certamen, franguntur hastae fraxincae, emutilantur enses, iam pede pes teritur, Vmbone repellitur Vmbo, euacuantur sellae, supinan∣tur Equites, Equi deiectis Sessoribus suis, ruptis habenis, hinniendo vagantur. Partis ad∣uersae singularis terror, Gauffredus Aduersarios impetit, huc, atque illuc discurrens suis subuenire satagit, Lanceà multos deijcit, Ense ictus ingeminans innumeros ••itâ expellit. Sequuntur Britones spem Victoriae Ducem praeuium, varia Mortium genera Aduersarijs inferentes. Instat A••degauensis Leone ferocior, instat phalanx Britannica iam de Victoriâ praesumens. Normanni siquidem immenso certamine fatigati, terga dantes fugam arripiunt, & multitudo à paucis confecta, ad Castra repedare compellitur. Normanni vero confusione inopinata deiecti, Singulare certamen Britonibus proponunt.

A transmarinis namque partibus Torneamenti famâ deducente, Miles Sansonicus gi∣gantae magnitudinis aduenerat. In cuius viribus, & audaciâ confidentes, de Victoria prae∣sumebant. De castris igitur Normannorum Hom•• ille humanitatis excedens metas progredi∣ens, stans in loco eminentiori, agminibus Britonum improperans, prouocat cos, vt Quilibet eorum Singulari congressu cum ipso decertaret.

Expalluit vultus Audientium, & Fortium robur emarcuit: Quippe verebantur singuli cum tantae enormitatis bellua Singulare inire Certamen. Intuens vero Gener Regis mag∣nanimos à natura Viros ad inusitationis inuitae Vocem, tanquam euerues, & eiulatos dis∣solui spiritu, & obiecti impatiens improperij, prosilijt in Equum, arma corripit, & spectan∣tibus vndequaque cateruis Singularem cum Giganteo Milite iniuit congressum. Fit altercatio dura, Vir etenim ille humanae virtutis modum excedens, Lanccam quasi liciato∣rium habens, Andegauensem impetit, & eius Scutum, & loricam, non sine sanguinis ef∣fusione perforat. Stat Andegauensis tanquam Equo radicatus immobilis, & Impetitorem suum Lancea transuerberans, deiecit, & deiecto desuper stans, Ense Caput abscidit. Equum vero Victi, Victrici manu deducens cum Normannorum ignominia, & suorum gloria Tro∣paeo potitus, gloriosus Victor abscedit.

Taken out of Joannes Monachus maioris Monasterii.

HIs Father Foulke being created King of Ierusalem, the Consull Geoffrey gaue him∣selfe to the exercise of Armes, and purchasing of renowne. In processe of time, there was a day of Torneament appointed by the Brittons and Normanes, vpon the Sandy plaine of the Mount. There met for the aide of the Norman party the Lord Earle of Flanders, Theobald, Earle of Bloys, and his brother Stephen Lord of Mortaigne; these three were Nephewes to Henry King of England. And the said Consull likewise came thither with his followers, augmenting the number of their Company. Right against them stood the English Army, valiant both in armes and courage, but fewer in number. Therefore the Con∣sull Geoffrie of Angiers considering the vnequall coping of the English partie; withdrew himselfe from the multitude, and ioyned himselfe with the lesser side, ready to giue them aide and assistance. The encounter is made, the Bands are ioyned together, great is the clattering of Armour, the Trumpets sound, the diuers noyses of the disordered Companies doe thunder in the ayre, the coupled Horses send forth confused neyings, the very Mount of Saint Michael did glitter with the golden Targets reflecting from the Sunne. The men are animated to the fight, their Ashen Speares are knapped in peeces, Swords are broken

in sunder, now one foote driues forward another, one Buckler repulseth another; Saddles are made empty, Horsemen cast on their backes, and the Horses (their Riders being dis∣mounted) doe runne about neying with broken raines. Geoffrey, the onely terrour of the aduerse part, setteth vpon his Aduersaries, and running hither and thither, is carefully imployed to bring succours to his Souldiers, casting many downe with his Launce, and dou∣bling blowes with his Sword, inforceth a great number to giue vp the Ghost. The Eng∣lish follow their Captaine, breaking way before them, being the very hope of their victory, giuing diuers kindes of death to their Aduersaries. Geoffrey of Angiers, more couragi∣ous then a Lyon. presseth vpon them, the Brittaine band rusheth after, presuming now of the victory. The Normans, tyred with the great conflict, turning their backes, betake themselues to flight, and the multitude, being wasted by a small number, were enforced to retyre to their Campe. But the Normans deiected with this vnlooked for confusion, pro∣pound to the English a single Combat.

There was come from the parts beyond the Seas a Sampson-like Souldiour, of a Gyant-like Stature, brought thither by the report of the Torneament, vpon whose strength and hardinesse they relying, did presume of the Victory. This man therefore (excee∣ding the ordenary condition of men) issuing out of the Norman Campe, stood in an eminent place, and vpbraiding the English troupes, challenged any one of them to cope with him in single Combat.

The countenances of all that heard him were pale, and the strength of the valiant men failed; for euery one feared to enter Combat hand to hand with a Monster of so great dis∣proportion. But the Kings Sonne in Law beholding those men, who were by nature coura∣gious, to be dishartned, euen as it were Cowards, and Recreants, at the hearing of such vn∣usuall speech, vttered in their despite; was moued in spirit, and not enduring this dis∣grace offered, mounted vpon his Horse, snatcheth his Armes, and entreth single fight with this Gyant-like Souldier, their troupes on euery side beholding them. The contention was rigorous. For that man, exceeding the measure of humaine strength, hauing a Speare as it were a Weauers Beame, assayleth Geoffrie of Angiers, and pierceth through his Shield, and Coate of Defence, not without effusion of bloud. Geoffrie stands immoue∣able, euen as it were fast rooted to his Horse, and striking his Assailant thorough with his Launce, bore him downe to the ground, and standing ouer him, smote off his head with his Sword. So hauing obtained the triumph, he led away in his victorious hand the Horse of the vanquished, and went thus away a glorious Conquerour, to the disgrace of the Normans, and the glory of his owne followers.

Thus you see what was written by this honest Monke, who deliuereth it in good tearmes,* 2.1 and liued vnder the Reigne of King Lewes, Seauenth of the name, called The Pious or Pittifull. And the same Authour informeth vs, that the same Count Geof∣frey, who was by his wife Maude the Empresse Duke of Normandie, and his descent Kings of England: tooke great delight to visite strange Prouinces and Countries, to be present in person at lousts and Tourneys.

In confinio Flandrensium, & in longe positis terris coepit Torneamenta perquirere, & laudis cupitae, & bene gestis rebus in dies emolumenta percipere.

He began to search after Torneaments in the frontiers of Flanders, and in other farre Countries, and (day by day) to receiue the benefit of desired honour by his noble ex∣ploites.

* 2.2By the narration of this learned Monke, you may vnderstand Gentlemen Readers, that these Iousts and Tournaments were neuer performed, without the losse and effusion of bloud, and some or other made but a sorrie reckoning, of being inuited to so costly a Feast, which extended oftentimes to the extremitie of life. Lanceâ multos deijcit, ense ictus ingeminans innumeros Vitâ expellit. Ouerthrew many with his Lance, and doubling blowes with his Sword, enforced a number to giue vp the Ghost.

And that they which tooke part with the Count of Aniou, were the deathsmen of a great number of Normans: onely through the spleene and mallice, which the one Nation bare euen to the other, whereon ensued the Challenges of Combat, to the extremity of life. And this gaue subiect and occasion to the Princes, the Counts of Flanders, of Blois, and of Mortaigne, to make their complaint to the King their Soueraigne Lord, Lewes Seauenth of the name, and Sirnamed the Pittifull; against

the said Count Geoffery of Aniou: that in pride and arrogancy, and because hee was Sonne in Law to the King of England Henry, First of the name,* 2.3 he ioyned himselfe in this Tourney on the Englishmens side, who were strangers, and in fauour of them, had ill entreated his vassayles and Subiects, with whose Bloud he had died Red the Lists of the same Tourney.

Vpon these Complaints, King Lewes the Seauenth tooke order for Iousts and Tourneyes, and by his Ordenance, set downe in the Register of the Court, in Iuly One thousand, one hundred, threescore and three, where it is expressely decreed: That the Barons may assist, and bee present at Iousts and Tourneys,* 2.4 which were held in the Kingdome: Only to see them, and to fit as Iudges. But if they were either Assaylants or defendants; then they should haue no other Armes then a Corslet and Helmet, a Shield without any bosse and pointe, a blunted Ashen Lance, and a Battle Axe in the same manner, without any head of Steele or of Iron.

King Phillip Augustus, Sonne and Successour to Lewes the Seauenth, confirmed the same Ordenance, forbidding any offensiue Armes in Iousts and Tourneys;* 2.5 or the Princes of the Sacred Lillies of France, should make themselues any Chiefe men or Commaunders in them, to auoyde and preuent all such perills, as formerly had happened in those Sports and Pastimes, and ordenarily chaunced in such great As∣semblyes. And it is recorded in the Court Registers, that the same Augustus, in the Moneth of May, the yeare of Grace One thousand, two hundred and nine, tooke Oath of the Lords Lewes, his eldest Sonne (who succeeded in the Kingdome after him, and was Eight of the name) and of Phillip of France, Count of Bologne,* 2.6 his youn∣gest Sonne) in feare of such perills: that (not without his leaue) they should goe to any Tourneys, in hope of any prize of Honour. But when such Triumphes were held, on after an other; They might goe to see them, and wearing no other Armes then as Knights, only with a Corslet and Helmet.

The Monke of Saint Denys in France, William de Nangis, in the Life of King Phillip the Hardy (Sonne and Successour to the King Saint Lewes) Third of the name, wri∣teth in his fiue and twentieth Chapter: That for welcomming to the Court the Prince of Salerne, Charles of Aniou, Sonne to the King of Sicilie Monsieur Charles of France, Duke of Aniou, Brother to the same King Saint Lewes; King Phillip the Hardy suffered a Tourney to be held, whereat was present one of the prime Princes of the Bloud, who thorow the weightinesse of his Armes,* 2.7 and great number of blowes re∣ceiued by the Battle-Axe, expired the fortune of his life. This happened in the yeare One thousand, two hundred, threescore and nineteene.

Mathew Paris, the Monke of Saint Albanes in England, writeth vnder the yeare, One thousand, one hundred, fourescore and foure ••e, that the King of England Richard, First of the name, appointed certaine places in his Kingdome,* 2.8 for the hold∣ing and perfourming of Iousts and Tournaments, that his Subiects might be made ready to Horsemanship, and fit for Armes, when occasions required.

Eodem Anno Rex Ricardus in Angliam transiens, statuit per loca certa Torneamenta fieri, hac fortasse inductus ratione, vt Milites Regni vtrinque concurrentes, vires suas, flexis in gyrum fraenis, experirentur: Vt si bellum aduersus Crucis inimicos, vel etiam si∣nitimos mouere decreuerit, agiliores ad praelium, & exercitatiores redderentur.

The same yeare King Richard passing ouer into England, appoynted Tornements to be held in certaine places, being induced thereunto (peraduenture) for this cause: that the Souldiers of the Realme by Iousting syde against syde, might proue their strengths, their raines turned into a carrire. That if he should decree, to make Warres against the enemies of the Crosse, or against the borderers: they might thereby be made more nimble, and better experienced for the warres.

And although these Iousts and Tourneys were performed without offensiue Armes, but only with rebated Lances, Canes and Reeds growing in Marishes, as I haue oftentimes seene in Spayne: yet notwithstanding, diuers occasions of disorder and confusion hath ensued thereby, and cost the carcking of some crownes, as wee vse by way of a Prouerbe in France, And heereupon the forenamed Monke Mat∣thew Paris recordeth, that the Kings of France & England, Phillip Augustus & Richard the First, reposing themselues some few dayes at Messina in Sicilie, before their fur∣ther

crossing ouer the Seas: A Ioust and Tourney was there held with Canes, be∣tweene the French and English, where some felt themselues a little too neere toucht and thence grew the beginning, of some grudge and discontentment betweene those two great Princes.

Hoc nimi••um inter praedictos Principes discordiae seminarium dignoscitur extitisse•• à scauoir le quel de ces deux Princes establiroit vn Roy de Hierusalem, le Roy fauo••i∣sant le Marquis de Montferrat, & le Roy d'Angleterre Guy de Luzignan, auquel il vend••l Isle de Cypre, comme nous auons dict) cuni tamen haec discordia primo apud Messanam Sicili••, primitiua, sed occulta puliulauerit, & postea per Cannarum Hastila∣dium infoelix suscepit paulatim incrementum.

This doubtlesse is knowne to be the first beginning of discord betweene the aforesaid Prin∣ces (as namely, which of these two Princes should establish a King of Ierusalem: King Phillip fauouring the Marquesse of Montferrat, and the King of England, Guye of Lusiguan, to whom he sold the Isle of Cyprus, as we haue elsewhere said) When as notwithstanding, this debate did first begin to bud at Messanna, a Citie of Sicilia, first in∣deede, yet scarce perceiued, and after (by little and little) tooke increase through that vn∣fortunate Tilting with those Cannes.

* 2.9The same Author, speaking of the Tourney which was performed by the French in the Citie of London, before the Sonne to King Phillip Augustus Monsieur Lewes of France, was receiued thereinto, and Crowned King of England, the yeare of Grace One thousand two hundred and sixteene, saith. That a number of English Knights were dismounted in the Field, and among other speciall men of marke or noate, was the Count Geoffrey de Mandeuile.

Eodem tempore exierunt ab Vrbe Londinensi Barones, cum Militibus qui de Regno Fran∣ciae nuper adu nerant, ad Equesirem Ludum, quod Hastiludium vel Torneamentum di∣citur, cum hastis tantum & lineis armatu••is) a Lances mornces, plastrons, & Gobe∣sons de toile bien picquee & cordelee, comme les Corps de cottes de femmes a l'Antique) Cumque Equos cursim agitantes, & semutuo cum Hastis ludendo percutientes (de faisoient au ••aussi••ce disent nos Anciend Romanciers) diem aliquantulum pro∣tr••xissent, quidam ex ••rancigenis, Hastam quam tenebat ludendo dirigens in Gaufridum de Mandeuille, Comitem ipsum letaliter vulnerauit. At idem Co••es Mortem su••m per••ussori, post dies paucos, in dolorem & querimoniam multor••m, moriens condo∣nauit.

The same time the Barons, with Knights who were lately come out of the Kingdome of France, went out of the Citie of London, to that Knightly sport, which is called running at Tilt or Tourney, onely with Speares, and Linnen furniture (with rebated Lances, and Quilted Armours, well plated and thickned all ouer, ••ike such bodies as women v∣sed to weare in Auncient times.) And when thus pricking forward their Horses, to run and strike at one another, by way of pastime with their Speares, they had spent some part of the da••e, a certaine Frenchman, leuelling the Speare which he held Iestingly against Geoffrie, Earle Mandeuill, gaue him a deadly wound. But the said Earle (after a few days) departing out of this life, to the great griefe and lamentation of many; did freely pardon the partie that wounded him.

* 2.10The principall care and prouidence, of such as met at these Iousts and Tourneys (which Mathew Paris calleth Hastiludia Mensae Rotundae, Exercises of the Round Table) was to sit well their Horses, to keepe themselues fast in their Saddles and Stirrops. For, if any man fell, and his Horse vpon him, at these encountrings with their Lan∣ces: lightly worse did befall him, before he could any way get forth of the Preasse. But others came to heauier fortune, their liues expyring in the place, being ••od and trampled on by others.

And yet neuerthelesse, it was the maine and principall charge of the Iudges, that they should forbid all Noble men,* 2.11 from bringing vp any nouell fashion or behaui∣our, exceeding the allowed and common rule: for containing themselues the more firmely in their Saddles, and keeping their Stirrops. Here you may reade the Sta∣tutes of the Tourneys.

Statutes made by Royall Authority, Concerning Iousts and Tourneys.

NEmo vt Equo firmius haereat, & maiore molimento co deturbetur, extraordinaria, & insolita adiumenta circumspiciat; ijsque fretus in certamen descendat; sed com∣muni modo Sellae Equestris, & Stapedum vsu contentus, per omnia, sit dexteritate ma∣gis sua, quam arte tutus.

Si quis contra haec fecerit, is Omnium incurràt Ordinum odium, & contemptum; Ar∣misque. & equo, cum phaleris & stratis eius mulctetur. The same

Ne quis vt E' quo haereat facilius, insolita & inusitata auxilia circumspiciat, sed Sella Equestri communi contentus sit, Stapedesque habeat ex more aptatos. Qui secus fecerit Equo, Armisque multetur.

Let no man (that he may sit more stedfastly on his Horse, and be dismounted with grea∣ter strength) seeke for extraordinary and vnusuall helps, and (relying vpon them) enter into Combate; but being content after the common custome, with the vse of an Horsemans Saddle and Stirrops; in all things let him defend himselfe, rather by dexterity then by subtilty.

Whosoeuer shall doe contrary to this, let him incurre the hatred and contempt of all the Orders, and be punished with losse of Armes, and Horse, with the Trappings and Furniture.

Let no man (that he may more easily keepe his Horse) search out for vnwonted and vnac∣customed helpes; but let him be content with a common Horsemans Saddle, and haue his Stirrops fitted to him according to the manner. Whosoeuer doth otherwise, let him be fined to the losse of Horse and Armour.

It was sufficient to haue a Saddle and Stirrops for the Genet or Horse,* 2.12 like to the Barbarian and Turkishe Horses. The Auncient Romaines had not any such vse of Saddle and Stirrops for their Horses, according as wee haue. For if wee would but peruse the Antiquities of Rome, with other noates of the Emperours, and Romaine Captaines for Horseback: we shall finde no vse of Saddles at all, neither any to bee put in practise, vntill the time of the Emperour Constantine, Sonne to Constantine the Great: about the yeare of Grace, Three hundred, forty and one, which we learne of the Greeke Historian Zonaras, who (throughout his whole Historie) maketh not any mention of a Saddle for a Horse; before such time as Constans, seeking to bereaue his Brother Constantine of the Empire: made head against his Army, and entring into the Squadron where himselfe was, cast him beside the Saddle of his Horse.* 2.13

Great Theodosius the Emperour, who began to reigne in the yeare of Grace Three hundred, fourescore and two, at the twelfth Booke of his Code, in the Law. Quoni∣am, de curs. Public. C. ruleth the prices or expences for Saddles and Petrelles be∣longing to Horses, rating them at a certaine summe: which if any man exceeded, his Saddle was broken in pieces and the Petrell, and surmounting the value of Threescore Pounds of Gold; were taken and confiscated to the Emperour.

The Poet telleth vs,* 2.14 that the First men which tamed the Horse (a generous Crea∣ture, and the Symbole of Warre) with Bitt and Bridle, were the Pelethronians, a Peo∣ple dwelling in Thessalie.

Frena Peletronij Lapitae, gyrosque debere Impositi Dorso, atque Equitem docuere sub Armis Insultare Solo, & gressus glomerare superbos.

But of Saddles and Stirrops, for contayning a man fast on horseback, there is no o∣ther mention made then of the Margarians. So saith Plinie in the Seauenth Booke and Fifty Six Chapter of his Naturall History. And they which interpret this verse of Horace. Ep. 14. Lib. 1.

Optat Ephippia Bos piger, aptat arare Caballus.

This word Ephippia is mistaken Grammatically, as to vnderstand therby a Saddle for the Horse; because the word (in the Greeke notion and meaning) implieth a man on Horseback, and not a Saddle.

It was reputed a common and triuiall thing, to deck or adorne a goodly Horse with a Pettrell (which the Emperour Theodosius baptized with the name of Auerta) of some Scarlet Cloth, wrought with Gold and Siluer, and Fringed with small Bels of the same brauerie, & about his eyes, the Bridle also beautified with Roses of Gold,

and Siluer, or Roundels made of the same mettall; as Mules fot pacing in the Streets are furnished, with flat Lingots of Brasse or Copper, for the seruice of Princes and great Lords: because the Poet sheweth their vse in his Seauenth Booke.

Ins••ratos Ostro Alipedes, pictisque tapetis Aurea pectoribus demissa monilia pendent.

And it was of those Pettrels and Harnesses for Horses, that the tearmes of the Law. Quoniam (before noated) were meant.

As for Stirrops, tearmed in Latine Stapedes, and Stapphiae; the auncient Romans had neuer any knowledge of them. And such among them in Rome, as were called Knights,* 2.15 Noblemen by extraction, and other beside, that made vse of Horse ser∣uice in actions of Warre: they neuer had any Stirrops, whereby to mount vpon their Beasts, but leapt vp lightly vpon their backes, without any helpe or other ad∣uantage.

Infrenant alij Currus, ac Corpora saltu Subijciunt in Equos, & strictis Ensibus adsunt.

So speaketh the Poet in his twelfth Booke: And at the same place, discoursing of Turnus, he saith

Poscit Equos, at que Arma simul, saltaque superbus Emicat.

The first and last Alphabet of Exercises, whereunto the Romaine Esquires were called,* 2.16 was to mount and leape vp lightly (both on the right and left side) of a Horse, made for the same purpose of Wood: which they vsed to doe before they were made Knights, as we learne by the Captaine Vegetius, in his Art Militarie. When they had made themselues apt & ready, for mounting and leaping vp in their Doublets; then they made a further practise thereof, being Armed at all points, accor∣ding as the courses of time should require, to gallop a liuing Horse with weapons in their hands, at all such aduantages as the enemy should assayle, in the fore, in the rere, on the right hand, or left. For to this purpose and effect, the Esquires and Mai∣sters of Managements (being named Decursores, as their Schollers were) made apt their Horses in this exercise, and men to backe and sit them.

Now, concerning such persons as were well stept into yeares, or else disaduanta∣ged by defect of health,* 2.17 who had neede of helde, and some meanes for mounting on Horsebacke, the Surueyars and Ouerseers for the High-wayes; had it as an especiall Article in their charge, in Pauing the Streetes and publique places; to set Stones vp on end, or to erect steps on either side the way, at the end of euery hundred paces, for the ease and aduantage of them as (by reason of their indisposition) could not mount on the Corde. An inuention found out (according to the saying of Plu∣tarch) by Caius Gracchus, onely to winne the good opinion of the People, and make himselfe the Torch or Firebrand of a League, furiously enraged against his Faction.

* 2.18For Shooing the feete of Horses, it is questionlesse an vndoubted maxime, that such men as could subiect and Maister the Beasts mouthes; would be as carefull and prouident for their feete, and haue them well Shod, vpon paine of being fellowes with him, ouer whom they ought to be Maisters, according to our auncient Pro∣uerbe. Be Maister of thy Horse (and of thy Wife by priority, priuiledge, and without comparison) Companion with thy Dogge, and Seruant to thy Hauke. So (for common people) their Horses were shod with Iron; but those belonging to Emperours, Prin∣ces and Queenes,* 2.19 with Gold and Siluer, according to their prodigalitie: As did Poppaea, the wife to the Monster in Nature Nero; according to the testimony of Xi∣philinus, and Plinie, in the three and thirtieth Booke, and eleauenth Chapter, of his at large described Naturall History. Hauing thus farre wandred out of the way, let vs returne againe to our Tourneys.

The same Mathew Paris (whose discourse we haue somewhat swerued from and broken, in regard of our Knight, to giue him a Cariere with his Horse) obserueth vn∣der the yeare One thousand two hundred forty and seauen, that about the Feast of Saint Martine,* 2.20 the King of England, Henry, third of the name, in fauour of his Bro∣ther by one and the same wombe, William of Lusignan Count of Valencia (whose

Armes are formerly obserued) newly created Knight by him: permitted Robert, Earle of Glocester, to celebrate a Tourney at Northampton, against the said Count Wil∣liam of Valencia, and his Associates, newly made Knights. But King Henry fearing, least some bad distribution of blowes, would happen to the Poicteuins, by the English; forbad the effecting and execution.

And the same Author reporteth, that in the year following, the same King Henry the Third, suffered a Tourney to be performed at Nebridge,* 2.21 where the Knight of Valen∣tia before named, would needes be seene in his best and manliest behauiour. But he was ouer-borne with blowes, and beaten to the ground, his Armour battered in pie∣ces, and loosing the most part of it: And was very well bumbasted, according to the Law of Iousts and Tourneys.

Willielmus vtribus imperfectus, quum impetus Militum durorum, & Martiorum susti∣nere non praeualeret, multa amisit postratus, Et egregie, vt introductiones militiae initia∣les addisceret, baculatus est.

William, being not perfect in strength, when he was not able to beare the stroakes of those sterne and warlike Assailants; being quite ouerthrowne, lost much, and was soundly basted, that he might learne the first introductions of Armes and Warfare. If then they would make no spare of a Prince, what thinke you should be done to others?

These new Knight Nouices, were thus well beaten with blowes,* 2.22 to make them remember the rules and maximes of Iousts and Tourneys. As for them of elder stan∣ding, and aunciently seene at such Exercises; if they sustained any spot or blemish in their renowne: they were dismounted from their Horses, and their Saddles set vpon the Railes or Barres, and there were they to ride, all the time as the Tourney lasted.

Si quis contra aestimationem suam, Officiumque fecisse conuictus fuerit, cum eo, non de laude, gloriaque, sed de Equo concurratur: eoque adempto, Ipse cum sella Equestri septis im∣ponatur, in eisque ad finem vsque decursionum ita perdurare cogatur.

If any shall be connicted of doing contrary to their estimation and dutie, let not any Ioust with him for honour, and renowne, but for his Horse: which being taken from him, let him be placed vpon the Railes in his Horsemans Saddle, and be inforced to sit there, euen to the end of the Tilting.

Now, because infinite other sinister accidents happened in Iousts and Tourneys, it being a place, which bad disposed persons made as a Rende-vous, there to reuenge their particular quarrels (howbeit in the first Oathe taken by the Iudges of the Field,* 2.23 of them that entred into such Assemblies, they should leaue without the Lists all spleene and rancour) and euen as boldly in such Military pastimes, as in Duelloes and Combats: These sports were also iustly prohibited and forbidden, as well by Decrees of Fathers of the Church, as Ordenances of our Most Christian Kings.

William de Nangis, a Monke of Saint Denys in France, obserueth in the Life of the King Saint Lewes, the three and fiftieth Chapter, that vnder the yeare of Grace One thousand two hundred and threescore: this good King (the Mirrour of Princes) caused a meeting to be made at the Citie of Paris, on the Sunday after E••ster day, of the Generall Estates of his Kingdome, composed of the Prelates and chiefe Ba∣rons thereof, concerning matters written to him by the Pope:* 2.24 That the Tartarres had intruded themselues into the Lands beyond the Seas, discomfiting the Sarra∣zins in a foughten Battaile, and conquered the Prouinces of Armenia, with the Ci∣ties of Antioch, Tripoly, Damas and Aleppo, threatning to besiedge the strong Citie of Acres, with the neighbouring Countries, and quite to expell the Christians out of the East.

Hereupon it was ordained, that throughout all the Kingdome, prayers and ge∣nerall Processions should be made, Blasphemers should be punished.* 2.25 And ••uery E∣state were to reforme their Feasts and Banquetings, as also the excesse and superflui∣tie vsed in their attire and garments: And Iousts and Tourneys were prohibited for the space of two whole yeares. All men being enioyned (during that time) to recreate themselues with no other exercises, then shooting in the Long-Bow and Crosse-Bow, or Tillar.

Inhibita etiam fuerunt vsque ad Biennium Torneamenta, & iniunctum est, quod non

luderetur alijs ludis, nisi quod Homines se exercerent in Arcubus, & Balistis.

Tourneaments also were inhibited for two yeares space: And it was enioyned, that none should play at any other sports, but that men should vse the exercise of Crosse-Bowes and Tillars.

* 2.26But now let vs see, what was ordained by our holy Mother the Church, in regard that Iousts and Tourneys were prosecuted with vnfortunate and Tragicall endings: as it happened at Paris, in the yeare of Grace, One thousand fiue hundred fiftie and nine.

WE forbid hereafter to keepe or hold, those detestable Fayres and Markets, which are called Tourneys, Exercises, wherein the Nobilitie are present in person at dayes appointed, to performe their ostentation of boldnesse, and vttermost meanes of strength, in all their best and richest brauery, assayling one another to their perill and danger, that men should loose both bodies and soules.* 2.27 It is therefore prouided, that if any man (in such As∣semblies) shall runne the fortune and ieoperdie of life: howsoeuer he may be penitent for it, and desire to be absolued; yet notwithstanding, he shall be depriued of buriall in hallowed ground, and places of Christian enterment.

The Popes Innocentius and Eugenius made this holy Ordenance, and it was re∣newed in the Eleauenth Generall Counsell of Laterane,* 2.28 held at Rome by Pope A∣lexander the Third, the foureteenth of the Calends of Aprill, in the yeare of Grace One thousand one hundred threescore and nineteene, in these very words:

Detestabiles illas Nundinas, vel Ferias, quas vulgo Torneamenta vocant, in quibus Mi∣lites, ex condicto, conuenire solent, & ad ostentationem virium suarum, & audaciae teme∣re congredi, Vnde Mortes Hominum, & Animarum pericula saepe proueniunt, fieri pro∣hibemus. Quod si quis eorum, Ibi mortuus fuerit, quamuis ei poscenti poenitentia non de∣negetur, Ecclesiastica tamen careat Sepultura.

We forbid those detestable Faires, and sporting dayes, which they commonly call Tourne∣ments to be kept, wherein Gallants (according to appointment made) are wont to meete, and skirmish desperately together, for the ostentation of their valour and hardinesse; from whence (many times) proceede both the death of men, and the danger of their soules. And if any of them shall dye there, although penance be not denied him, requiring it; yet he shall want Ecclesiasticall buriall.

* 2.29At the Generall Counsell of Vienna in Daulphine, Celebrated by Pope Clement, fift of the name, in the yeare of Grace, One thousand three hundred & twelue; Iousts and Tournaments were againe prohibited; and in the very same tearmes, as were obser∣ued in the former related Counsels.

Now you shall see one speciall Record, which I haue taken out of our great Chro∣nicle, and inserted here.

Enuiron la feste ••e Monsieur Sainct Denys, le Cardinal Nicolas deffendy tous les Tour∣noyemens, & tant les Tournoyans, comme les Souffrans, & Aydans, & mesmement les Princes qui en leurs Terres les souffroient il ietta graud Sentence contre Eux, & apres ce, sousmettoit leurs Terres à l'Interdict de l'Eglise. Mais apres ce, le Pape a la Requeste des Fils du Roy, & de plusieurs autres Nobles, dispenca auec Eux, parce qu'ils estoient nouuiaux Cheualiers (ils auoient este faicts Cheualiers par la Roy Philippes le Bel leur P••re en la grande Eglife de Paris, a la Feste de la Pentecoste, l'An Mille trois Cents & Treze, auecques les magnificences des Bourgeois, & Mestiers de Paris, descrites tout au long dans lesdictes Chroniques) pource que par trois Iours deuant Keresme, ils peussent ausdicts Ieux, iouer tant seulement, & non plus.

About the Feast of my Lord Saint Denys, the Cardinall Nicholas did prohibite and for∣bid all Tournaments, and as well the Tourneyers, as the Soueraignes and Ayders, and espe∣cially those Princes, in whose Lands they were permitted, by Interdiction of the Church. But after this, the Pope, at the request of the Kings Sonnes, and of many other Noble Gentlemen;* 2.30 dispenced with them, because they were newly knighted (They had bin made Knights by King Phillip le Bel their Father, in the great Church of Paris, at the Feast of Pentecoast, in the yeare One thousand three hundred and thirteene, with the magnificences of the Bourgesses and Tradesmen of Paris, described more at large in

the Chronicles.) Because that for three dayes space before Lent, they might then addict themselues to those sports and pastimes, but no longer.

We will content our selues, with so slender a flourish made vpon this discourse of Iousts and Tournaments, referring a further taske to be taken therein, by such as can bet••er enlarge the Argument, then we haue now done. We will therefore enter into another discourse.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Mariage of Geoffrey Plantagenet to Maude the Empresse.
• * 1.2

  A Tourney betweene the Engl••h and Normans.
• * 1.3

  Such accidents men of Armes are subiect to.
• * 1.4

  The Normans enforced to the retreat.
• * 1.5

  A Combate challenged at the vtmost ex∣tremity.
• * 1.6

  The English dismayed by the Giant.
• * 1.7

  The Giant slaine by Count Geoffery.
• * 2.1

  Count Geof∣frey Duke of Normandy.
• * 2.2

  Iousts and Tourneis with losse of life.
• * 2.3

  Complain•• made to the King against the Court.
• * 2.4

  The Kings Decree for Iousts and Tourneys
• * 2.5

  All offensiue Armes prohi∣bited in Iousts and Tourneys
• * 2.6

  The Kings charge to his Sonnes.
• * 2.7

  A Tourney permitted by King Phillip the Hardy.
• * 2.8

  Iousts and Tou••neys in England.
• * 2.9

  Such Coat•• were called lacks of the Linnen Ar∣mone.
• * 2.10

  Exercises of the Round Table.
• * 2.11

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 2.12

  The Romans had no Sad∣dles or Stir∣rops for their Horse.
• * 2.13

  Prices and rates ordered for Saddles for Horses not to be exceeded
• * 2.14

  The Lapithes, that first foūd the vse of Bits and Bridles.
• * 2.15

  Stirrops vn∣known to the auncient Ro∣mans.
• * 2.16

  The Exercises of the Roman Esquires.
• * 2.17

  For elder per∣sons and such as were of fee∣ble disposition.
• * 2.18

  For Shooing the feete of Horses.
• * 2.19

  Horses shod with Gold and Siluer.
• * 2.20

  A Tourney granted to be performed at Northampton.
• * 2.21

  Another Tour¦ney at Nebridg
• * 2.22

  Punishments both for new learners and others of more experience
• * 2.23

  Iousts and Tournements prohibited.
• * 2.24

  A meeting of the Kingdomes ••ates at Pa∣ris.
• * 2.25

  Punishment of S••earers and blasphe∣mers.
• * 2.26

  The King of France slaine in a Tourna∣ment.
• * 2.27

  Decree of the Church gainst Tournaments
• * 2.28

  The renewing of the former Ordenance.
• * 2.29

  The Counsell of Vienna in Daulphine.
• * 2.30

  Prohibition of Tou••neys and dispens••tion with them.