The matter of largesse is large in my mind right now, so I wanted to post this. It is an article I originally wrote for a booklet handed out at the Michaelmas Passage of Arms, hosted by the Barony of Bjornsborg, Kingdom of Ansteorra, some time back in the late 1990's or 2000. It represents an earlier outlook on Chivalry overall, and the style is awkward to my 10-year-older self.., but, hey, I was who I was back then.
* * * * *
During a tournament you will see many notable, courageous, and virtuous acts. It is incumbent upon us all, spectators and combatants alike, to recognize those acts that represent the best parts of what we are trying to recreate. Medieval man divined five classic virtues inherent in chivalry. These were largesse (generosity), courtesy, loyalty, franchise, and prowess. Exemplars of each may be seen throughout the day, upon the field and off. We suggest the use of one of these very virtues, largesse, to recognize and laud virtuous behavior, and thus reinforce its place in our society. Non-combatants, especially, may bestow largess upon those whose acts have impressed them.
Largesse is most often manifest upon the field of combat as mercy. Offering an opponent the opportunity to yield, rather than insisting that the combat continue, is an example of generosity. Similarly, giving up an earned advantage, such as casting off a shield to match an opponent’s disadvantage, is quite laudable. The virtue courtesy is very important in such situations, as well. It is not enough to merely offer such generosity to an opponent, but it should be offered in ways not demeaning to the disadvantaged party.
Courtesy may also be much evident off the field. How combatants treat each other off the field, and out of the limelight, is an insight into their true character. More importantly, how they treat non-combatants (do they have time to offer greeting, carry another’s burden, or ask after a strangers day?) is the surest mark of their true courteousness. Of greatest importance, however, is how they treat the one for whose honor they are supposed to be fighting. More than mere courtesy, loyalty now comes into play.
Loyalty is perhaps the most difficult of the virtues to observe in others. It should motivate a combatant to excel in all things, not in his own name, but for the honor of that soul who inspires him. Far from refraining from those acts which might shame the one for whom he fights, a combatant should demonstrate that all the glory he earns is for his special someone, and not for himself.
Franchise is the manifestation of the rank, estate, and prerogatives of an individual. This is most clearly seen upon the field in the dress, weapons, and trappings of a combatant. Has the combatant taken the time to maintain his gear, repairing straps and rivets instead of encasing his thighs in duct tape…, again? Beautiful, proper, and period use of heraldry is the hallmark of franchise. While those of greater rank may fight in that same tired tabard, the young Lord who cunningly weaves his heraldry and persona into his display upon the field (or off!) should be rewarded for enriching the atmosphere for everyone.
Prowess is by far the most obvious virtue on the field. Whether demonstrated through feats of great skill, or through acts of great courage, unusual acts of prowess should be lauded. A relatively new combatant who defeats a Knight or Centurion would certainly be worthy of note, as would a combatant who stubbornly defends against several opponents (especially if he is victorious!).
A most appropriate way of recognizing a virtuous act is through one of those self-same virtues: largesse. By extending our own generosity to reward laudable behavior in others, we perpetuate the type of behavior upon which our society is founded. This generosity, often referred to as “giving largesse”, can take almost any form. At its most basic, it might be simply mentioning to a combatant that you were impressed with what he did, and why. This shows the combatant that folks do watch close enough to notice, and will almost certainly result in his continuing such acts in the future. Similarly, you might grant someone “word fame” by openly sharing with all in attendance that virtuous behavior to which you were witness. Recounting the act and celebrating the virtuous actor provides example to everyone that such virtuous behavior is rewarded. Gifts, tokens of appreciation and recognition, are also a tremendous way to reward virtuous acts.
However, largesse need not be granted in open court, or on the public tourney field. Often the more subdued and personal tokens are the most cherished. Extend the hospitality of your table or campfire to the new combatant and his consort. Those old knee cops gathering rust in your bag might be a generous gift to a new young fighter. Understated, but meaningful items are often very nice as well: a brooch you won in an earlier tournament; a wooden box given to you as largesse; the ring from your hand; a beaded necklace; a quill pen; a bundle of candles; a decorated tin; a flower; anything. Finally, when considering largesse, try to remember the one for whom the combatant fought. Too often the excitement of victory overshadows the one who inspired it. It is always appropriate to gift that silent inspiration with a token of appreciation.
No comments:
Post a Comment