I was going through one of my reference books and saw
these words. I think they are relevant to Public safety in general and law
enforcement in particular. They were written in the Fourteenth Century French
knight called Geoffroi de Charny. Geoffroi was a very interesting man. He
served in the Hundred Years war, dying at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356,
carrying the banner (the Oriflamme) of the French King Philippe VI. He had, at
one time, been captured by Edward III and held in London. Charny was an
advocate of chivalry and big in the tourney circuits. In fact, the passages
below were taken from his work, “The Book of Chivalry". His family owned the Shroud of Turin for a while.
One of his passions was passing on his knowledge. He wrote three books, taking information from another famous knight, Raymond Lull. His words below are from his book on Chivalry.
“Having considered all those different forms of the
practice of arms, it is now time to speak of the truest and most perfect form
which exists and is to be found in a number of men-at-arms…And they themselves,
through their great zeal and determination, learn the true way to practice the
military arts until they, on occasion, know how to strive toward the most
honorable course of action, whether in relation to deeds or arms or in relation
to other forms of behavior appropriate to their rank. Then they reflect on,
inform themselves, and inquire how to conduct themselves most honorably in all
circumstances. They do this quickly and gladly, without waiting for admonitions
or exhortations. Thus it seems that such
men have made a good reputation for themselves through their own efforts; in
this way they double the good to be found in them, when from their own instinct
and the will for good which God has given them, they know what is right and
spare neither themselves nor what they own in their effort to achieve it.”
From question 15, How the Highest Standards in Deeds of
Arms is Achieved
“I say therefore that one should honor the great lords
and those of middle rank in whom this prowess is to be found. Ah God! What an
honorable and weighty burden to bear! And he who bears I such a burden should
fear lest he let it fall, for with great effort and endurance, in fearful
danger and with great diligence, for a long time, stretching over a number of
years, he has devoted himself to bearing this responsibility on his shoulders,
and in one brief moment he may fall and lose everything, if God does not grant
him the wisdom and good judgment to know how to keep it safe. So it must seem
to everyone that such good people should strive with the upmost diligence to
ensure that they suffer no reproach against themselves not against the bounties
God has bestowed on them. And when men of such condition are in the company of
other people, they are held in higher regard than the rest…”
From question 19, The Heavy Responsibilities of men in
Rank and Prowess
The Book of Chivalry of Geoffroi de Charny: text,
context, and translation
By Richard W. Kaeuper and Elspeth Kennedy
1996 University of Pennsylvania
ISBN #0-8122-1579-6
Stay safe out there!
How amazing how the words of the past can still ring true. Great post Diana!
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