ANST - Belts and their meaning..

[Dennis and/or Dory Grace]

Salut Cozyns,

Lyonel aisai.

Steafan mac Thamhais writes:

>Much has been said regarding the relationship between a Knight and his/her
>squire, and I am thankful for this exchange, as I've learned much from
reading
>your words.
>
>I'm curious to hear how those Peers of the other circles, and especially
those
>who are Knights as well as Pelicans or Laurels, would respond to the topic.

Well, as  Knight and a Pelican, I feel qualified to respond, but I know
some of my sisters and brothers in the Pelican circle do not share my
views.  I view the Pelican circle as another order of knighthood--not
subordinant, not secondary, just *other*.   From a period perspective, I
see no other possible way to view the order.  As an order of knighthood, I
expect the same qualities from a would-be Pelican that I expect from a
would-be knight.  As I noted earlier today, I consider that list to include
(as a minimum): 

"honesty, courage, loyalty, a sense of honor, prowess, largess, courtoisie
(yes, 'courtesy' but also 'courtliness') and what our anglais cozyns call
'fredom.'  Fredom is, I think, the hardest attribute to master; it's
something like Viscount Galen's %noblesse oblige%:  a continuous
demonstration of one's nobility of character accomplished without tiresome,
hollow egotism--a nobility that enriches those around the gentle in question."

The only difference for a would-be Pelican is that her or his prowess is of
an administrative/organizational variety.  

Where some of my brother and sister Pelicans appear to disagree with me on
this is in the matter of fredom.  I believe a peer should look and sound
and--yes, I know this is somewhat mystical and vague--resonate.  I don't
believe in invisible peers.  I've known many folks over the years who've
made a habit of working hard, and we've all benefited from the labor of
such folks.  Some of these hard workers are just workaholics--driven people
who feel unimportant or bored if they don't have something to do.  Some of
the hard workers are peers.  I believe there is a major difference between
these two classes.

Incidentally, this is all conjectural on my part.  I've not yet taken any
protege's.  

lo vostre por vos servir
Sir Lyonel Oliver Grace
_____________________________
Dennis Grace
University of Texas at Austin
English Department
Recovering Medievalist
mailto:amazing at mail.utexas.edu

Micel yfel deth se unwritere.
                           AElfric of York
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