The Queen stood with her left hand on the hilt of the great
sword, and she made the sign of the cross with her right. Gilbert also
crossed himself, and so did the Lady Anne, and she knelt at the Queen's
left, for it was a very solemn rite. Then Eleanor spoke.
"Gilbert Warde, inasmuch as you are about to receive the holy order of
knighthood at my hands without preparation, consider first whether you
are in any mortal sin, lest that be an impediment."
"On the honour of my word, I have no mortal sin upon my soul," answered
Gilbert.
"Make, then, the promises of knighthood. Promise before
Almighty God that you will lead an honest and a clean life."
"I will so live, God helping me."
"Promise that to the best of your strength you will defend the
Christian faith against unbelievers, and that you will suffer death,
and a cruel death, but not deny the Lord Jesus Christ."
"I will be faithful to death, so God help me."
"Promise that you will honour women, and protect them, and shield the
weak, and at all times be merciful to the poor, preferring before
yourself all those who are in trouble and need."
"I will, by God's grace."
"Promise that you will be true and allegiant to your liege sovereign."
"I promise that I will be true and allegiant to my liege Queen and
Lady, Maud of England, and to her son and Prince, Henry Plantagenet,
and thereof your Grace is witness."
"And between my hands, as your liege sovereign's proxy, lay your
hands."
Gilbert held out his joined hands to the Queen, and she took them
between her palms, while Anne of Auch held the great sword, still
kneeling.
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