The oath of a knight

1. I shall fortify and defend the true Christian
   Religion, and Christ's holy evangel, now
   presently preached within this realm to the
   utmost of my power.
   
2. I shall be loyal and true to my sovereign Lord
   the King's Majesty, to all orders of chivalry,
   and to the notable Office of Arms.
   
3. I shall fortify and defend justice at my power,
   and that without favour or fead.
   
4. I shall never flee from my sovereign Lord the
   King's Majesty, nor from his highness's
   lieutenants in time of mellay or battle.
   
5. I shall defend my native realm from all alieners
   and strangers.
   
6. I shall defend the just action and quarrel of all
   ladies of honour, of all true and friendless
   widows, of orphans, and of maidens of good fame.
   
7. I shall do diligence wheresoever I hear there are
   any murderers, traitors, and masterful reavers,
   that oppress the King's lieges, and poor people,
   to bring them to the law at my power.
   
8. I shall maintain and uphold the noble estate of
   chivalry, with horse, harness, and other knightly
   abuliments, and shall help and succour them of
   the same order at my power, if they have need.
   
9. I shall enquire and seek to have the knowledge
   and understanding of all these articles and
   points contained in the book of chivalry
   

All these I promise to observe, keep, and fulfil, I
oblesse me. So help me, my God, by my own hand. So help
me God.