Oration Delivered at the Annual Commencement of the Citadel Academy April 1859
Title
Oration Delivered at the Annual Commencement of the Citadel Academy April 1859
Subject
Description
In this address, Law presents his thoughts on the origins of chivalry from historic and religious contexts.
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Publisher
The Citadel Archives and Museum
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Rights
Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.
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application/pdf
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1221
Coverage
Charleston, S.C.
Audience
Text
[Page 1]
“Chivalry” An Oration by Thomas H. Law Delivered at the Annual Commencement of the Citadel Academy April 1859.
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[Blank page.]
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“Chivalry” Circumstances are the grand instruments in the hands of an over-ruling Providence for swaying the destinies of the Universe. In the eyes of Omniscience, they are direct and well known agents, but in the [illegible] led vision of humanity, the undisguised implements of mere chance. So important, however, are their effects, that after the most trivial in human eyes, marks “ an [illegible] on the sands of time”, which shall never be effaced, and whose influence shall wield the fate of generations yet unborn. Man, “the noblest work of Divine creation” in all his moral grandeur, intellectual sublimity, and physical beauty, is but the monument of confluent circumstances. Nations have had their origin in the concourse of peculiar circumstances, and by circumstances their career was stamped for glory
[Page 4]
[Blank page.]
[Page 5]
and renown, or infancy and pain. But most striking are their effects on the human mind, that “harp of a thousand strings” whose delicate chords vibrate to the touch of every gentle breeze. Of this, magnificent examples are afforded us in the masterly exhibitions of the fine arts, by Raffaele [sic] and Michel Angelo [sic], and in the renowned poetry of Chaucer, Shakespeare and Milton. Most beautifully is the same principle exemplified, in the formation and progress of that remarkable institution of the Middle Ages, known as “Chivalry” Being in its true sense, but a development of certain feelings of the human mind , it would be absurd to contend that circumstances, however great they may have been, could ever have created the germ from which it sprung. But their province was, like that of the circumstances of the soil and climate in the vegetable kingdom, to operate upon the innate qualities im-
[Page 6]
[Blank page.]
[Page 7]
planted by the hand of the Creator and thus, by an increasing influence from one generation to another, to bring forth prominently those elements which constituted the spirit of Chivalry. In seeking the origin of the circumstances which tended directly to develop this spirit and bring it to the condition in which it appeared in the middle ages, we seem to be led back to the history of the ancient Scandinavians. In their mythology, which must have tended greatly to cultivate in the minds of those who dwelt under its influences, the spirit which it breathed the principal [sic] object seems to have been to create a brave and war like people. Taught to expect the bliss of Valhalla, the abode of the valiant who fell in martial glory, they were incited to valorous deeds even at the peril of life. Subsequently when the Normans poured down in swarms upon Great Britain, France and Spain,
[Page 8]
[Blank page.]
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they exhibit Chivalry in its embryo state. Fearless and irresistible in conflict, and cruel to their foes, they observed the most stringent rules among themselves, and held woman [sic] in the highest esteem, deeming no act too great to be performed in her behalf. This spirit, modified and expanded by the powerful influence of the chivalrous romances which soon after pervaded the land, so rapidly spread throughout that portion of Europe, that it found a home in almost every breast. But the Crusades *gave
[Written on side of page.]
*afforded
[Main page.]
the last great circumstances which gave the “finishing touch” to chivalry. The Christian religion which had then begun to prevail, softened and elevated by its genial and purifying influences, the superstitious notions and barbarous penances which had before characterized the Chivalric spirit. In the strength of its sanctions, guided, as he was, by fanaticism, the Knight found a most powerful incentive to the perfor-
[Page 10]
[Blank page.]
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mance of gallant deeds. By it also, woman, as has ever been a [illegible] consequence of its supremacy, was raised to her proper sphere, and her patient influence rendered subservient to the same end. While the grand object of rescuing Jerusalem, from the polluting dominion and sacrilegious rites of a false and degrading religion, (and as a consequence of the resulting wars, the protection and presentation of sick and wounded *prisoners,
[Written on the side of the page.]
*pilgrims
[Main page.]
and of destitute and defenceless [sic] women and children,) afforded a strong, additional motive. All these together appealed to the strongest sympathies of the human heart, and the most powerful motives of religious duty. Then it was that Chivalry became indeed a profession - that the proudest name which could be borne was that of the Knight, that the most welcome guest and the most honored companion was he who wore the insignia of his Order. He it was who graced
[Page 12]
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the halls of pride and fashion, who bore the proudest escutcheon of the field and of the fire side, upon whose brow was entwined the laurel wreath of admiration and love. This true spirit of Chivalry as it then appeared combined a daring courage, an elevated pride of character, a sacred devotion to duty, a high respect and admiration for woman, and a profound reverence for God, in whose service the Knight was enlisted, and whose sanctions he claimed for all his actions. An institution in whose spirit was concentrated the full development of all these powerful principles of the human mind, could scarcely be otherwise than wonderful in its effects. That indomitable courage which supported the Knight rendered him fearless and invincible in the discharge of whatever task he regarded as his duty. Nor did he quietly await an opportunity for displaying his valor, - restless for adventure, impelled
[Page 14]
[Blank page.]
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by an insatiable desire for glory, and feeling it to be his mission to succorer the weak and protect the defenceless [sic], he roved abroad throughout the land, and while he became a terror to evil-doers, he offered comfort and consolation to the distressed. The chivalric character, as beautifully expressed by Sydney, consisted of “high thoughts, seated in a heart of courtesy”. The exalted feeling of personal regard which ever glowed in the bosom of all the true Knight, elevated him above the low practices and mean devices which characterized that day. Himself of noble birth, bred under the influences of the most refined society and taught from youth to regard Honor as the watch word of his career, he disdained the degrading associations of the age. And though the code of honor which was then upheld may meet severe condemnation for its [illegible] and unreasonable requirements, it finds an apology in the
[Page 16]
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occasion. Extremes must be met by extremes to prevent the predominance of either, - a most powerful antidote was needed to encounter and stay the strong tide of moral corruption, which was sweeping over the masses. And however we may lament the transmission to the present day of some of the barbarous practices, which then originated, they served a noble end in elevating the turn of public opinion and promoting the purity of society - in [illegible] that high toned standard of personal duty and rights, of which we ourselves reap the benefit. Devotion and self sacrifice in the human heart, are terms of almost synonymous import - the one necessarily includes the other. The husband who forgets not self in the sacrifice service of her whom he has promised “to love, cherish and protect”, disgraces the relation which he has assumed. The statesman whose only end and aim in the service of his coun
[Page 18]
[Blank page.]
[Page 19]
try, is personal aggrandizement, breathes not the spirit of a patriot. The Christian who *fluctuates
[Written on the side of the page.]
*flinches
[Main page.]
at every trial and temptation - who makes his religion but a means of self enlargement and gratification, is unworthy the name of Him who was “a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief”. So the novice when he was invested with “the weapons sacred to knighthood”, entered upon the duties of his profession, under the most holy vows and pledges. Labor, hardships and personal deprivations were to him as his daily food, and served as nourishment to his devotion and an honor to the name which he bore. With “Love and Devotion” as his principle of action, “E’en when the battles roar was deep, With dauntless heart he hewed his way Mid splint’ring lance and falchion sweep, And still was heard his [illegible] lay, My life, it is my country’s right, My heart is in my lady’s bower, For love to die, for fame to fight,
[Page 20]
[Blank page.]
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Becomes the valiant Troubador” But simple devotion to his order and to the performance of heroic deeds, was not the only cord, (was not) which bound the knight to his profession “The power of grace the magic of a name”, formed a tenderer link whose powerful influences appealed to the deepest feelings of the human heart. Reared in the society of woman, taught to consider it his most sacred duty to honor & protect her, about whose name clustered the most hallowed associations of childhood, and the memory of youthful joys; and regarding her as “the ideal of beauty, gentleness, and love, each knight by bosom was inflamed with a desire to serve to her, to perform great deeds at her bidding, to worship her as a protecting divinity or saint, or to die fighting under her colors”. This feeling operated with all the strength of prolonged tutorage and concentrated affections. And this at once gave Chivalry a prevailing influence in social
[Page 22]
[Blank page.]
[Page 23]
life which chiefly contributed to civilize and soften the rough and revolting manners of the age. But a more powerful incentive still lay behind all these. The knight went forth as the champion of religion, the sanction of whose Author he claimed, and whose reward he expected. The power exerted by an approving conscience and a sense of Divine justification, can be rightly estimated only when we conceive of the unnumbered years of eternity and the infinite bliss of Heaven. Under the influence of this principle, martyrs have met the formalities of the scaffold and the stake with joyful hearts. This enabled them, where the rabid flames were crisping their very limbs, to break forth in songs of praise. It was this which drew from Luther, when warned not to enter Worms, the sentiment, “Were there as many devils in Worms as there are roof-tiles, I would on!” But whether or not it was ever the portion of the knight to
[Page 24]
[Blank page.]
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receive the reward which he anticipated, it is not for us to say. Sufficient for our purpose, which involves only temporal considerations, is that he confidently expected it. Misguided, as he doubtless was, by the fanatacism [sic] and corrupted religion of the day, he committed with an approving conscience, deeds which would be revolting to the most inhuman sense of our times. The principle, however, was good, and needed only the enlightenment of reason and the proper understanding of religious sanctions which the Reformation soon after produced to commend it to the most upright. Chivalry, then, the true spirit of which we have endeavored to delineate, presented the mightiest phalanx of operative principles which the human soul is capable of affording. And though it did not long exist [sic] as a distinct institution, calculated, as it was, to attract the admiration of man, and excite him to its invita
[Page 26]
[Blank page.]
[Page 27]
tion, it exerted a most potent influence in purifying and elevating the degraded manners and customs of the day, in dispelling the moral darkness which had so long enshrouded mankind, and in starting on its course the mighty tide of human progress which soon succeeded, and in which Chivalry itself, was swallowed up. Deprived by the Reformation of the unholy sanction under which it had a operated, its spirit being diffused throughout the mass of civilized men, - and in a word, its end being accomplished, - its mission was completed and only its influences remained to be transmitted to future generations. But the spirit, having its foundation in the human soul, can never be extinct while man retains his nature. It is none other than this spirit, modified by different circumstances, which actuates the true soldier on the field of battle, the true statesman in the halls of legislation, the true citizen in the
[Page 28]
[Blank page.]
[Page 29]
mark of business. Chivalry does still exist - not encased in knightly armour, marked by superstitious symbols, but living in the hearts of our people; - and it needs only a call for its exercise, to be exhibited in all its virgin strength and beauty. If any dispute the assertion we point you to but a recent period in the history of our own cherished city. In the time of that dreadful scourge which came upon her, when the wrath of an avenging God seemed to ever hang, like a thick cloud, her very precincts, when the moans and sighs of the dying, and the cries and lamentations of the bereaved, rang from house to house, from street to street what nobler, what truer band of Knights would you desire than that of the “[illegible words]”. Day after day and night after night they trod, with hurried footsteps, the desolate streets, seeking the home of the needy and administering to the wants of the dying. No flashing helmet decked their brows, no glittering armor shielded their wearied frames
[Page 30]
[Blank page.]
[Page 31]
no fiery charger bore them on their missions of charity. Supported by the strongest emotions of moral bravery, and impelled by the purest feelings of love and duty, they nobly discharged their arduous task. And would you be pointed to an individual knight, seek him who but four summers ago, when in quest of recreation and enjoyment received a summons from afflicted heard the cry of afflicted Norfolk. See him as he forsakes anticipated pleasure and enters fearlessly upon his gloomy mission; behold him as amidst the most dismal and heart rending [illegible] he zealously performs his offices of love and kindness. Here is true moral courage, here is spotless magnanimity, here is exalted devotion. All honor to you, people of Charleston, that you have cherished so noble a son, that you have conferred upon him the highest dignity of your City, and that you have now entwined upon his brow the civic wreath - a nobler [illegible] met than ever Templar [more]!
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“Chivalry” An Oration by Thomas H. Law Delivered at the Annual Commencement of the Citadel Academy April 1859.
[Page 2]
[Blank page.]
[Page 3]
“Chivalry” Circumstances are the grand instruments in the hands of an over-ruling Providence for swaying the destinies of the Universe. In the eyes of Omniscience, they are direct and well known agents, but in the [illegible] led vision of humanity, the undisguised implements of mere chance. So important, however, are their effects, that after the most trivial in human eyes, marks “ an [illegible] on the sands of time”, which shall never be effaced, and whose influence shall wield the fate of generations yet unborn. Man, “the noblest work of Divine creation” in all his moral grandeur, intellectual sublimity, and physical beauty, is but the monument of confluent circumstances. Nations have had their origin in the concourse of peculiar circumstances, and by circumstances their career was stamped for glory
[Page 4]
[Blank page.]
[Page 5]
and renown, or infancy and pain. But most striking are their effects on the human mind, that “harp of a thousand strings” whose delicate chords vibrate to the touch of every gentle breeze. Of this, magnificent examples are afforded us in the masterly exhibitions of the fine arts, by Raffaele [sic] and Michel Angelo [sic], and in the renowned poetry of Chaucer, Shakespeare and Milton. Most beautifully is the same principle exemplified, in the formation and progress of that remarkable institution of the Middle Ages, known as “Chivalry” Being in its true sense, but a development of certain feelings of the human mind , it would be absurd to contend that circumstances, however great they may have been, could ever have created the germ from which it sprung. But their province was, like that of the circumstances of the soil and climate in the vegetable kingdom, to operate upon the innate qualities im-
[Page 6]
[Blank page.]
[Page 7]
planted by the hand of the Creator and thus, by an increasing influence from one generation to another, to bring forth prominently those elements which constituted the spirit of Chivalry. In seeking the origin of the circumstances which tended directly to develop this spirit and bring it to the condition in which it appeared in the middle ages, we seem to be led back to the history of the ancient Scandinavians. In their mythology, which must have tended greatly to cultivate in the minds of those who dwelt under its influences, the spirit which it breathed the principal [sic] object seems to have been to create a brave and war like people. Taught to expect the bliss of Valhalla, the abode of the valiant who fell in martial glory, they were incited to valorous deeds even at the peril of life. Subsequently when the Normans poured down in swarms upon Great Britain, France and Spain,
[Page 8]
[Blank page.]
[Page 9]
they exhibit Chivalry in its embryo state. Fearless and irresistible in conflict, and cruel to their foes, they observed the most stringent rules among themselves, and held woman [sic] in the highest esteem, deeming no act too great to be performed in her behalf. This spirit, modified and expanded by the powerful influence of the chivalrous romances which soon after pervaded the land, so rapidly spread throughout that portion of Europe, that it found a home in almost every breast. But the Crusades *gave
[Written on side of page.]
*afforded
[Main page.]
the last great circumstances which gave the “finishing touch” to chivalry. The Christian religion which had then begun to prevail, softened and elevated by its genial and purifying influences, the superstitious notions and barbarous penances which had before characterized the Chivalric spirit. In the strength of its sanctions, guided, as he was, by fanaticism, the Knight found a most powerful incentive to the perfor-
[Page 10]
[Blank page.]
[Page 11]
mance of gallant deeds. By it also, woman, as has ever been a [illegible] consequence of its supremacy, was raised to her proper sphere, and her patient influence rendered subservient to the same end. While the grand object of rescuing Jerusalem, from the polluting dominion and sacrilegious rites of a false and degrading religion, (and as a consequence of the resulting wars, the protection and presentation of sick and wounded *prisoners,
[Written on the side of the page.]
*pilgrims
[Main page.]
and of destitute and defenceless [sic] women and children,) afforded a strong, additional motive. All these together appealed to the strongest sympathies of the human heart, and the most powerful motives of religious duty. Then it was that Chivalry became indeed a profession - that the proudest name which could be borne was that of the Knight, that the most welcome guest and the most honored companion was he who wore the insignia of his Order. He it was who graced
[Page 12]
[Blank page.]
[Page 13]
the halls of pride and fashion, who bore the proudest escutcheon of the field and of the fire side, upon whose brow was entwined the laurel wreath of admiration and love. This true spirit of Chivalry as it then appeared combined a daring courage, an elevated pride of character, a sacred devotion to duty, a high respect and admiration for woman, and a profound reverence for God, in whose service the Knight was enlisted, and whose sanctions he claimed for all his actions. An institution in whose spirit was concentrated the full development of all these powerful principles of the human mind, could scarcely be otherwise than wonderful in its effects. That indomitable courage which supported the Knight rendered him fearless and invincible in the discharge of whatever task he regarded as his duty. Nor did he quietly await an opportunity for displaying his valor, - restless for adventure, impelled
[Page 14]
[Blank page.]
[Page 15]
by an insatiable desire for glory, and feeling it to be his mission to succorer the weak and protect the defenceless [sic], he roved abroad throughout the land, and while he became a terror to evil-doers, he offered comfort and consolation to the distressed. The chivalric character, as beautifully expressed by Sydney, consisted of “high thoughts, seated in a heart of courtesy”. The exalted feeling of personal regard which ever glowed in the bosom of all the true Knight, elevated him above the low practices and mean devices which characterized that day. Himself of noble birth, bred under the influences of the most refined society and taught from youth to regard Honor as the watch word of his career, he disdained the degrading associations of the age. And though the code of honor which was then upheld may meet severe condemnation for its [illegible] and unreasonable requirements, it finds an apology in the
[Page 16]
[Blank page.]
[Page 17]
occasion. Extremes must be met by extremes to prevent the predominance of either, - a most powerful antidote was needed to encounter and stay the strong tide of moral corruption, which was sweeping over the masses. And however we may lament the transmission to the present day of some of the barbarous practices, which then originated, they served a noble end in elevating the turn of public opinion and promoting the purity of society - in [illegible] that high toned standard of personal duty and rights, of which we ourselves reap the benefit. Devotion and self sacrifice in the human heart, are terms of almost synonymous import - the one necessarily includes the other. The husband who forgets not self in the sacrifice service of her whom he has promised “to love, cherish and protect”, disgraces the relation which he has assumed. The statesman whose only end and aim in the service of his coun
[Page 18]
[Blank page.]
[Page 19]
try, is personal aggrandizement, breathes not the spirit of a patriot. The Christian who *fluctuates
[Written on the side of the page.]
*flinches
[Main page.]
at every trial and temptation - who makes his religion but a means of self enlargement and gratification, is unworthy the name of Him who was “a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief”. So the novice when he was invested with “the weapons sacred to knighthood”, entered upon the duties of his profession, under the most holy vows and pledges. Labor, hardships and personal deprivations were to him as his daily food, and served as nourishment to his devotion and an honor to the name which he bore. With “Love and Devotion” as his principle of action, “E’en when the battles roar was deep, With dauntless heart he hewed his way Mid splint’ring lance and falchion sweep, And still was heard his [illegible] lay, My life, it is my country’s right, My heart is in my lady’s bower, For love to die, for fame to fight,
[Page 20]
[Blank page.]
[Page 21]
Becomes the valiant Troubador” But simple devotion to his order and to the performance of heroic deeds, was not the only cord, (was not) which bound the knight to his profession “The power of grace the magic of a name”, formed a tenderer link whose powerful influences appealed to the deepest feelings of the human heart. Reared in the society of woman, taught to consider it his most sacred duty to honor & protect her, about whose name clustered the most hallowed associations of childhood, and the memory of youthful joys; and regarding her as “the ideal of beauty, gentleness, and love, each knight by bosom was inflamed with a desire to serve to her, to perform great deeds at her bidding, to worship her as a protecting divinity or saint, or to die fighting under her colors”. This feeling operated with all the strength of prolonged tutorage and concentrated affections. And this at once gave Chivalry a prevailing influence in social
[Page 22]
[Blank page.]
[Page 23]
life which chiefly contributed to civilize and soften the rough and revolting manners of the age. But a more powerful incentive still lay behind all these. The knight went forth as the champion of religion, the sanction of whose Author he claimed, and whose reward he expected. The power exerted by an approving conscience and a sense of Divine justification, can be rightly estimated only when we conceive of the unnumbered years of eternity and the infinite bliss of Heaven. Under the influence of this principle, martyrs have met the formalities of the scaffold and the stake with joyful hearts. This enabled them, where the rabid flames were crisping their very limbs, to break forth in songs of praise. It was this which drew from Luther, when warned not to enter Worms, the sentiment, “Were there as many devils in Worms as there are roof-tiles, I would on!” But whether or not it was ever the portion of the knight to
[Page 24]
[Blank page.]
[Page 25]
receive the reward which he anticipated, it is not for us to say. Sufficient for our purpose, which involves only temporal considerations, is that he confidently expected it. Misguided, as he doubtless was, by the fanatacism [sic] and corrupted religion of the day, he committed with an approving conscience, deeds which would be revolting to the most inhuman sense of our times. The principle, however, was good, and needed only the enlightenment of reason and the proper understanding of religious sanctions which the Reformation soon after produced to commend it to the most upright. Chivalry, then, the true spirit of which we have endeavored to delineate, presented the mightiest phalanx of operative principles which the human soul is capable of affording. And though it did not long exist [sic] as a distinct institution, calculated, as it was, to attract the admiration of man, and excite him to its invita
[Page 26]
[Blank page.]
[Page 27]
tion, it exerted a most potent influence in purifying and elevating the degraded manners and customs of the day, in dispelling the moral darkness which had so long enshrouded mankind, and in starting on its course the mighty tide of human progress which soon succeeded, and in which Chivalry itself, was swallowed up. Deprived by the Reformation of the unholy sanction under which it had a operated, its spirit being diffused throughout the mass of civilized men, - and in a word, its end being accomplished, - its mission was completed and only its influences remained to be transmitted to future generations. But the spirit, having its foundation in the human soul, can never be extinct while man retains his nature. It is none other than this spirit, modified by different circumstances, which actuates the true soldier on the field of battle, the true statesman in the halls of legislation, the true citizen in the
[Page 28]
[Blank page.]
[Page 29]
mark of business. Chivalry does still exist - not encased in knightly armour, marked by superstitious symbols, but living in the hearts of our people; - and it needs only a call for its exercise, to be exhibited in all its virgin strength and beauty. If any dispute the assertion we point you to but a recent period in the history of our own cherished city. In the time of that dreadful scourge which came upon her, when the wrath of an avenging God seemed to ever hang, like a thick cloud, her very precincts, when the moans and sighs of the dying, and the cries and lamentations of the bereaved, rang from house to house, from street to street what nobler, what truer band of Knights would you desire than that of the “[illegible words]”. Day after day and night after night they trod, with hurried footsteps, the desolate streets, seeking the home of the needy and administering to the wants of the dying. No flashing helmet decked their brows, no glittering armor shielded their wearied frames
[Page 30]
[Blank page.]
[Page 31]
no fiery charger bore them on their missions of charity. Supported by the strongest emotions of moral bravery, and impelled by the purest feelings of love and duty, they nobly discharged their arduous task. And would you be pointed to an individual knight, seek him who but four summers ago, when in quest of recreation and enjoyment received a summons from afflicted heard the cry of afflicted Norfolk. See him as he forsakes anticipated pleasure and enters fearlessly upon his gloomy mission; behold him as amidst the most dismal and heart rending [illegible] he zealously performs his offices of love and kindness. Here is true moral courage, here is spotless magnanimity, here is exalted devotion. All honor to you, people of Charleston, that you have cherished so noble a son, that you have conferred upon him the highest dignity of your City, and that you have now entwined upon his brow the civic wreath - a nobler [illegible] met than ever Templar [more]!
[Page 32]
[Blank page.]
[Page 33]
[Blank page.]
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[Blank page.]
Collection
Citation
Law, Thomas Hart, 1838-1923, “Oration Delivered at the Annual Commencement of the Citadel Academy April 1859,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed April 25, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1221.