The Ten Commandments of the Code of Chivalry

From Chivalry, by Leon Gautier

I. Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt observe all its directions.

II. Thou shalt defend the Church.

III. Thou shalt repect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.

IV. Thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast born.

V. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.

VI. Thou shalt make war against the Infidel without cessation, and without mercy.

VII. Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.

VIII. Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word.

IX. Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone.

X. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.

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Now, I certainly have a problem with number VI on a number of levels. "Making war on the infidel" is right out of the jihadist playbook, and mercy is a necessary value for followers of Christ. In any case, an explanatory footnote would seem merited.

But in general, this code promotes courage, charity, and justice in society.

Long live the knight in shining armor! (And the spirit of Mercy!)

More on Chivalry here: (http://www.astro.umd.edu/%7Emarshall/chivalry.html)