Dear Frank,
I have just witnessed Sir Lancelot complete his ceremony to becoming a knight. I'm writing to you on Christmas night since squires are usually knighted during one of the feasts or holidays. The ceremony to becoming consists of many things. It starts with a ritual bath on the eve of the ceremony where the knight to be is dressed in white. Then, a prayer vigil would begin and continue through the all through the whole night with Lancelot's arms on the altar. Before the master of the ceremony dubbed Lancelot on his shoulders with a sword, he swore an oath while kneeling. In this oath, Lancelot said "he would always defend a lady. He would speak only the truth. He would be loyal to his lord. He would be devoted to the church. He would be charitable and defend the poor and helpless. He would be brave. When on a quest, he would remove his armor and arms only while sleeping. He would never avoid dangerous paths out of fear. He would be on time for any engagement of arms, like a battle or tournament. Upon returning to his home or lord's court from an adventure, he would always tell of his escapades. If taken prisoner, he would give up his arms and horse to his opponent and not fight the opponent again without the opponent's consent. He would fight only one-on-one against an opponent." After that, the knight dressed in armor, received his sword, mounted his horse and participated in some games to demonstrate his skills.
Your lad,
Matt
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