Page:The child's pictorial history of England; (IA childspictorialh00corn).pdf/96

 when they had finished their day's duties, were allowed to mix with the company.

35. They were taught to use the sword and lance, and to manage a horse skilfully, and were instructed in religious duties by the priests of their lord's household.

36. When old enough, they were made esquires, and then their duties were to take care of the horses and armour, and to attend their lords on all occasions; which services he usually rewarded by making them knights, when they were free to go wherever they pleased; and you have already been told what their mode of life was afterwards.

37. The great people were very fond of hunting and hawking, and fighting at tournaments; but, perhaps, you do not know what a tournament was, so I will tell you.

38. There was a place built up, something like a large theatre, with galleries for the ladies and gentlemen, to sit and see the combats in the open space below, and this was called the lists. Then the gentlemen, who wished to exhibit their valour, used to come in armour, and fight with each other on horseback till one was conquered, when the victor received a prize from the greatest lady present.