strange parallels were found between the temporal and
spiritual warfare, which, save when knighthood was assumed with a
distinctly religious purpose, would seem almost profane.

Thus with the breastplate: "Stand--having on the breastplate of
righteousness."

And with the shield: "Take the shield of faith, wherewith thou
shalt be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

We will not follow the parallel farther: had all the customs of
chivalry been indeed performed in accordance with this high ideal,
how different the medieval world would have been.

Thus accoutred, but as yet without helmet, sword, or spurs, our
young friend was led to the castle chapel, between two (so-called)
godfathers--two sons of the Earl of Hereford--in solemn procession,
amidst the plaudits of the crowd. There the Earl of Leicester
awaited him, and Hubert's heart beat wildly with joy and
excitement, as he saw him in all his panoply, awaiting the ward
whom he had received ten years earlier as a little boy from the
hands of his father, then setting out for his eventful crusade.

The bishop was at the altar. The High Mass was then said; and after
the service the young knight, advancing to the sanctuary, received
from the good earl, whom he loved so dearly, as the flower of
English chivalry, the accolade or knightly embrace.

The Bishop of Hereford belted on the young knight's own sword,
which he took from the altar, and the spurs were fastened on by the
Lady Alicia, wife of Lord Walter of Hereford, and dame of the
castle.

Hubert then took the oath to be faithful to God, to the king, and
to the ladies, after which he was enjoined to war down the proud
and all who did wickedly, to spare the humble, to redress all
wrongs within his power, to succour the miserable, to avenge the
oppressed, to help the poor and fatherless unto their right, to do
this and that; in short, to do all that a good Christian warrior
ought to do.

Then he was led forth from the church, amidst the cheers and
acclamations of all the population of the district, with whom the
action which hastened his knighthood had won him popularity. Alms
to the poor, largesse to the harpers and minstrels: all had to be
given; and the reader may guess whose liberality supplied the
gifts.

Then--the banquet was spread in the castle hall.

Chapter 13: How Martin Gained His Desire.

While one of the two friends was thus hewing his way to knighthood
by deeds of "dering