Poems (Davidson)/The Origin of Chivalry
THE ORIGIN OF CHIVALRY.
When society first began to-form itself, rank and authority became necessary to subdue the wild and impetuous passions which raged unbridled in the savage bosom of man. Oppression and vassalage first appeared in the form of feudal government; each family looked up to its head, as each kingdom does now to its sovereign; his will was absolute, and his power unbounded in his castle and dominions
In this way the rights of man were partially secured; the vassal was bound to serve and succor his lord in the hour of danger, as it was that lord's only duty to support and protect his serf. But in those rude and barbarous ages, where was weak and helpless woman to find a shelter from the wild and lawless multitude? and what tribunal was there to which she could appeal if injured? When man was contending with man for superiority, or right, where could she fly for redress? could the feeble voice of woman be heard amid the uproar? No! but it arose, though in murmurs, to the ear of her Maker, and that very evil which menaced her destruction, proved her blessing.
In the dark ages of the world, woman held not that rank in society which a more enlightened age has allotted her; she was deemed merely the slave of man's tyrannical will, the tool of his pleasure,—too weak to defend herself, and too insignificant to claim the protection of the lords of the creation. As the sun of Religion arose upon the world, the dark clouds of contention arose with its light; arms were the arguments which were unanimously chosen to decide every controversy; the sword was the test of merit; and the hand which wielded it with the greatest dexterity was chosen to direct the community.
The youthful soldier, ardent and enthusiastic, was ever in. search of some object on which to display his valor; the fair sex at length caught and fixed his attention; tournaments and feats of arms were instituted to display his devotion to the cause of beauty and virtue in distress, and love and religion were blended; love became wildly romantic, religion was enthusiastically venerated; the name of woman was held sacred as that of religion; and both, as dear to the heart of every knight-errant as that of the idol, Honor! they were blended with each other; the passions held the reins, and religion, though contemplated with enthusiasm, was too often made to bow before the shrine of love and romance.
