Friday, May 27, 2011

W 35


35.  Charny asks:   Two knights find themselves together in a secure place, and they have lords who are at war with one another.   So words arise between them, for one says to the other that his lord's cause is a bad one, and the other responds to him that he lies evilly and that he will prove it with his body against his.   And over these words they make an oath and swear to each other to be at a certain day, place and hour to fight to the end of the hour.   And when it comes to the day, the one defending the quarrel of his master comes in the field on the named day, early in the morning, and sends an urgent request to the other that he would come forth to keep his oath to fight, just as he has promised.   The other answers that he will not come; once again the first knight sends word, and the other responds as before with no other reason, so that the knight who remains in the field from morning to evening returns with the other in great default.   And the next day the knight wishes for advice; can he claim the other to be defeated and as prisoner, since he did not come as he swore, and gave no legal excuse.  If this comes to be judged, what will be said about his captivity or otherwise by the law of arms?  

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