I wonder if we shouldn’t go back to the days of an enforced
chivalric code, legal duels
and kings.
You can’t make the case for democratic republics
anymore. They produce leaders Henry VIII look like a saint;
freedom of speech has become a license for slander, libel
and insult. Our women are shrews
harlots and demonic witches. The vast majority of
them could be reformed with a horse whip.
Blade weapons need to be great again.
Then the king looked upon the sword, and liked it passing well. "Whether liketh you better," said Merlin, "the sword or the scabbard?" "Me liketh better the sword," said King Arthur.—"Ye are more unwise," said Merlin; "for the scabbard is worth ten of the sword; for while ye have the scabbard upon you ye shall lose no blood, be ye never so sore wounded ; therefore keep well the scabbard always with you."
I don't have a quality sword as pictured. I do have a quality, traditionally made, Katana, so I guess it's run what ya brung...or a machete, everyone should have a few of those.
ReplyDeleteHonor, that would be nice to re-introduce to politics, encouraged with the potential for duels and/or public hangings, jess sayin.
A sword is a critical fashion accessory for a man, sadly cops and coworkers dislike when you wear one. HR didn't believe it was a religious obligation.
ReplyDeleteExile1981
And while you're admiring your new pig sticker, I'd encourage you to give some serious thought to sending Lancelot to the front lines. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteHere's another. You need an heir and a spare. Get busy with Guinevere and get with the program.
As for the personal duel of honor, the thing that kept the practice in place was the social ostracizing of anyone who refused to either fight or apologize. Granted, an apology could be refused, but generally wasn't. Swordplay commonly went to first blood, while pistols went to one shot. After one exchange an official would ask the offended party if they were satisfied, and they generally were. If not, and both parties were able to continue, the bell rang for round two.
If you believe various accounts of personal duels, many times the official formalities were dispensed with in favor of drawn swords and any nearby alley. The seconds often had at it as well, insults being insults. Medical science being what it was back then, if you got nicked your wound would likely get infected, either on its own or due to treatment from a medical doctor, and you'd die of blood poisoning. Run your opponent through the belly, and he might last three days in excruciating agony before expiring noisily.
Then we also had a certain amount of vengeance. You killed my best friend (who was behaving like an ass and agreed to fight) so I'm calling you out. Pistols for two, coffee for one.