6

HISTORY OF THE

solemnly ratified on each part, and all obstacles to the execution of the treatyseemed to be effectually removed. While the negotiation was depending, theKing sent a message to the Earl, requiring, that his son, who had not yetbeen initiated into any Military degree, should, at the approaching Pentecost,come honourably attended to Rouen; that he might there receive his Armsin form 15 with other young gentlemen of the same age, and by that meansparticipate in the Royal festivities. The King found no difficulty on occasionof this demand; a just and reasonable request is easily granted. Geoffrey,by the command of his father, upon the prospect of being made son-in-lawto a King, attended by five Lords and a numerous company of Knights cameto Rouen. The King, that he might the better discover his temper andcapacity, proposed several questions to him, and conferred with him after afree and familiar manner; the whole day was spent in joy and triumph. Earlythe next morning a Bath was prepared, according to the ceremonial whenany person is to receive Knighthood; then, after Bathing, he put on a linenshirt; over that a vestment embroidered with gold, and upon it a mantle ofpurple or scarlet, with a pair of silken stockings, and slippers on whose outsidegolden lions were worked. The King’s son-in-law being thus splendidlyhabited, a horse of the finest shape was prepared, and a coat of mail made ofdouble rings, and of such a temper as rendered it impenetrable to any lance;his boots for his legs were likewise of mail duplicated in the like manner, andhis spurs were made of gold; his shield, charged with golden lions, hung uponhis neck; upon his head he wore a helmet adorned and enriched with manyprecious stones, which was also tempered in such a manner, that no sword, orother instrument of war, had force sufficient to pierce it, and then was put intohis hand a lance of ash, armed at the point with iron of Poictiers. In the closeof the ceremonial, they delivered to him a sword which had long been in theKing’s armory, in embellishing which, one Galen, the most famous engraver ofthat time, had discovered great art, and used much industry. Our youngKnight being thus armed, as a good presage of his future gallantry, mounted hishorse with great agility. To conclude, that day being peculiarly dedicated tothe honour of his Knighthood, and to uninterrupted mirth, martial exercises,and decorations of feasts, and dress, were the whole business and entertainment

14 “ That is, the dignity of Knighthood.”—Anstis.