Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 5.djvu/359

 AND COSTUME, FROM ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. 263 chambris, and chaunge hem, and alle these gownis and hodis the sergaunt of the kyngis Chaundre schalle have for his fee. And then alle the newe made knyghtis may doo what them likis, for alle is done and endid." It does not appear requisite to repeat here the observations on early usages in regard to creation of knights by bathing, as set forth by Selden, Dugdale, Anstis, and other learned writers on this subject ; that ancient custom, symbolical, doubtless, of the purity of life and conversation, and accounted, in accordance with the true spirit of chivalry, to be the cha- racteristic and chief ornament of knightly condition, was not limited originally to any Order or country. In regard, however, to the document before us, and cer- tain details relating to costume or other curious points, Avhich the MS. in the possession of Lord Hastings tends especially to illustrate, a few notes may prove acce})tab]e. It is interest- ing to compare documents of this description with the original narratives of the life and actions of certain worthies of chroni- cle or romance. The internal evidence of authenticity, derived from such comparison, is singularly calculated to arouse fresh interest in researches of this nature ; the dry document throws a light of truth upon the pages of ancient story, and from these mouldering vestiges we may yet regain the knowledge of the life and spirit of those who have been before us. In the ordinance under consideration many passages occur, closely corresponding with the circumstantial details of life and manners, presented by the metrical tales and chronicles of medieval times. For instance, in the very commencement the S([uire is presented to us engaged in servile functions, led by the sewer to the kitchen, and required to convey the dishes into the hall. The reason of this observance is not stated in our document, but the copy edited by Anstis clearly ex- presses it to have been done, " for to take leave of servyce of Squyeys." This service was not merely in consideration of the Royal presence, it was part of the customary education of young men of condition in those times ; they were nourished in' gentle courtesy in the households of distinguished persons towards whom they were required to render services, which, it might be supposed, should properly have been discharged by menials. How strikingly does this recall the interesting pictures of manners preserved in such lively narratives as