In this study we examine the actions of a Knight or Man at Arms on his/her conduct in the Deeds of Arms. We read the following passages:
"It is then a great shame when a good career is held back by excessive spending, for it is better to give an account of how one has been on one's own without a retinue, to take part in armed combats along with other people, and to tell of one's exploits, when God has by his grace granted them, than to say that one lives in such great state and that one has spent too much and has not been able to stay until the right moment."
"But it so happens that few learn of their exploits but are only aware of the fact that they have been there, which is in itself a fine thing; for the more one sees great deeds, the more one should learn what is involved and should talk and take advice at the places where feats of arms are performed or where one is engaged in other activities."
"And they know well how to do it skillfully and cleverly; and because they are so intent on plunder, it often happens that on entry into a town won by force, those who are so greedy for plunder dash hither and thither and find themselves separated from those of their companions who have no thought for gain but only for completing their military undertaking..... It can also happen in relation to such people who are very eager for booty that when there is action on the battlefield, there are a number of men who pay more attention to taking prisoners, and other profit, and when they have seized them and other winnings, they are more anxious to safeguard their captives and their booty than to help bring the battle to a good conclusion. And it may well be that a battle can be lost in this way. And we ought instead to be wary of the booty which results in the loss of honor, life, and possessions."
These quotes while in context speak of the conduct of the Knight in both the battlefield and the tourney, speaks a great deal to the ethical conduct of the warrior in the tournament as well and modern deeds of arms. One can even argue that this can also apply to the soldier to a degree.
In the first quote; we see the author makes a great caution against excessive spending. When taking this into application, especially within purchasing HEMA equipment and weapon trainers and registering for HEMA events and tournaments one can easily be tempted to spend in the excessive. The motive can vary from "I want to get the cool looking sword" or "I want to get as much experience in tournament fighting" or "got to have the best equipment so I can look cooler than everyone else." However, one must ask themselves this question: "Is this what you want or what you need?" The difference between the need and the want is a question of practical budgeting and finding out which equipment or trainer works best for the individual. From personal experience I too faced this temptation. My solution to this was finding out from calculating budget prices what I can afford to purchase, measuring myself to find what equipment fits me best and which weapon trainer works well for me (see my post "HEMA on a Budget" for further details). The point is this, never spend on anything to make your image puffed with egoism. Rather spend on what you need to benefit your practice and training without depriving yourself of your livelihood.
In the second quote, the author speaks on those who have participated in deeds of arms but don't get any attention s a result, in fact the heading from the original text says "Sacrifices made by Men at Arms whose Deeds remain unknown." With the given context, this advice speaks on those who don't get the recognition for their participation in a deed of arms or tournament. How should one go about it? The answer is this: ask yourself this question "Are you looking for recognition? Are you seeking opportunities to refine your prowess? Or are you seeking to participate in the tournament without seeking to recognized as you practicing humility?" This speaks of one's purpose in their participation.
In the third quote, the author speaks against greed in the context of the aftermath of a battle. However, this speaks also flows from the previous quote as it speaks to the purpose and reason for participation. In this case it is a warning against egoism fueled by greed. Often in tournaments there are often individuals or one who is set on winning the prize and will do anything (even if it means a violation of tournaments rules/boundaries) to achieve the prize. The warrior is one who seeks to refine himself and sees the participation and refinement of prowess as the "prize" of their participating in the tournament. One must ask these questions: "Is the prize worth it? What benefit do i derive from a medal or a cash prize or a prize item?" "Is it worth my breaking the rules to get to a prize I want to win and in the end only loose face and dignity?" The warrior never seeks prizes, but rather perfection of self in action.
One can ask at this point, "How should one conduct themselves in a tournament or deed of arms?" The author gives us the answer in the following passages:
"It is embodied in those who, from their own nature and instinct, as soon as they begin to reach the age of understanding, and with their understanding they like to hear and listen to men of prowess talk of military deeds....as they increase in years, so they increase in prowess and in skill in the art of arms....And they themselves, through their great zeal and determination, learn the true way to practice the military arts until they, on every occasion, know how to strive toward the most honorable course of action, whether in relation to deeds of 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."
In summation, the warrior who takes everything (training, tournaments, events, deeds of arms, life situations) as lessons or opportunities for self refinement will be benefited from the results of his/her being bettered by others and setting the example of personal excellence in prowess or conduct.
Remember this Brave Knight, your actions show who you are, choose wisely and learn everything.
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