The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1844-08-14
CEIIYALRY.

Some foolish historian hath said, that "the age
of chivalry has gono by" II is a sad mistake.
ChiyalrOus spirits have lived in every age since
creations dawn, and will live until heavens
last thunder shakes the world" During the eIev-
enth century of the Christian era, chiyalry had
spread itself all over Europe. Every person,
from the King on his throne to his poorest vii
lein; had the spirit Of chivalry infused into his
nerves. These chiyalrous persons called them
selves Knights, and were clad in suit of mail,
so that the arrows and javelins of their adversa-
lries could not penetrate them. These Knights
went TO the battle field, not because their own
castle had been invaded or their demesne spoil
ated, but each one had particular lady for
whom he fought, although, in fact the fair one
had never been wronged in the slightest man
lner
! Who has not read an account of the romantic
wars Of the Crusaders? Those wars were plan
ned, not because the Infdel Saladns had NAL
treated the Christians of Palestine, but merely
that bold Knights might return to their ladye
loves" and receive from their fair hands the VIC
tors wreath The first King Richard of En-
gland, generally known as "Richard Cuur de
Lion" and Philip King of France, distinguished
themselves on the sunny plains of Syria, and be-
sides being rewarded by the smiles of the fair
ones of England and France, had their names
recorded on the brightest pages of history, for
their Knightly valor. Sir Walter Scott, in
lvanhoe, and several others of his delightful
novels, has given graphic and gorgeous descrp.
tons of chvalry, Knight errantry, and tourna
ments; and a countryman of our own, n P viii.
lis, in his " "Pencillings by the Way" has alsc
I described the modern tournaments of Spain
France and Italy, in the felicitous and graceful
style for which he is celebrated.
At one time chivaIry was SO prevalent in
Spain, that it was common remark that every
other man you met was Knight! The exis
tence of this foolish spirit among the spaniards
was the only motive which induced the ceebra
ted Cervantes TO write that inimitable work O
fiction, " Don Quixote," which is decidedly the
best buresque on knlght-errantry hat was evel
written, and it had the effect of bringing 1t into
contempt and ridicule.
As we said at tae beginning of this article
the age of chivary has not gone by, Knight
errantry Of course still exists. Here, in Cadjz
, few days ago, we had magnificent display of
chivalry, sufficient certainly, to entitle the bolc
Knights who participated in it, to a place on the
broadost page of American history! Half do
zen young whg knights were each to have The
distinguished honor of assassnatng the Edto
of the Sentinel Like the Knights of old, they
bowed each before his ladye love, and swore they
would fight for and defend them to the last, ant
never lay down their arms, until they would be
crimsoned by our blood! g FTdus ct nudar,'
was inscribed upon their shields! Their sword.
were of the truest steel, their blndgeons of the
strongest ash! They marched forth to battle
Shades of Don Quixote, but they evinced bra
very! Their boldest strokes came from the
mouth, their deadliest weapons proved bags O.
wind! Sic transit gloria chipaly!