File:The dawn of American history in Europe (1912) (14577933487).jpg

Identifier: dawnofamericanhi00nida (find matches)
Title: The dawn of American history in Europe
Year: 1912 (1910s)
Authors: Nida, William Lewis
Subjects:
Publisher: New York, The Macmillan company
Contributing Library: The Library of Congress
Digitizing Sponsor: Sloan Foundation

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es if they showed skill and bravery,they were made squires younger than their fellows, and soevery page wished to show his bravery in any way he could. Becoming a Squire. — When about fourteen, the pagewent through a very solemn ceremony to become a squire.He stood before the altar and received from the hands ofthe priest a sword upon which the priest had pronounceda blessing. This consecrated sword the page promised towield on behalf of honor and of the church. Duties of a Squire. — As a squire his time was spent inhard training for knighthood. He put on heavy armor andpracticed leaping to the back of a horse, and walking orrunning long distances on foot. He turned somersaults,he struck blows with a battle-ax, or hurled spears and lances.Clad in full armor, he was expected, by placing both handson the saddle, to leap clean over his horse. It was a dutyof the squire to receive visiting nobles to his masterscourt. He must care for the stables, break in new chargers, CASTLE LIFE 151
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152 DAWN OF AMERICAN HISTORY IN EUROPE and assist his lord to mount his horse. Squires fastenedthe armor on their lord. If he were unhorsed in battle,they were at hand with a fresh horse and helped him toremount. If wounded, they tried to carry him from thefield before he was slain. They also had charge of allprisoners taken by the knights on the field of battle. The Spurs were Won. — After the squire had shownhimself honorable and brave and had won his spurs,he prepared to become a knight. He ate no food for days,he spent three nights in prayer, he appeared before the altarclad in pure white to see his sword consecrated. And thena day was fixed for the great ceremony. He again appearedbefore the altar on bended knee with the sword suspendedfrom his neck, for he had not yet the right to gird it to hisside. The bishop took the sword from its scabbard andgave it to the knight, saying, Receive this blade in thename of the Father and use it for your own defense and thatof Gods Holy Chur

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