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Page:MS V.b.104 015r.png
Of the mannor of Defiaunce &
Wager of Battell. ca 2
Let vs nowe consyder in what sorte a
gentleman ought to geve his pledge of combat
to an other, agreeinge wth the difference
wherevnto I saye that beinge by distannce of place removed
from his ennemye, and desirous to geve him token wherby to
pronounce him his ennemye wth deffyannce he muste be
called to wage his battell, by somme signe sente him from the
Challenger by the handes of somme officer of armes that
is the Herehaulte [herald], or Trumpett, who shall presente him a
Gauntlett or somme other parte of armour for pledge of
battaill, wch shalbe called, The blouddie gloue of battel.
And moste commonlye they vse to sende the Gauntlet as the
cheife parte of armoure, wthout wch commodiouslie a man
cannot handle his sworde, but ever remain fearefull in fighte
for defaulte of armour to defende his hande, to his greate
dysaduanntage and harme. So as he that dooth receave
such token of Challenge shalbe assuredly bounde to fighte
wth the challenger, and muste also chuse ye place, the wea:
pon and the iudge, and in case he had refuzed to accept the
saide gloue or gauntlet, the officer of armes that caried
the same is bounde to leave it in the presence of him to whom
it was offred, and in the same place where he maketh te chal:
lenge: But yf he accepteth it, alleadginge excuzes or other
doubtfull delaies, then the challenger shalbe at libertie, whe:
ther he lyste further to prosequute his challenge or not, for
that he fineth him selfe delaied at the defendors, who will not
directlie accept his offer. And thoughe this maye by lawe of
armes be donne, yet so to leave his demannde shalbe thoughte
rather slannderous then iuste: But yf the Challenger mea:
neth to stande to his former determinacion, he maye still
pursue his ennemye, till such time as by iuste cause or
reason he hathe refuzed his offer and defiannce And
yf wthout iuste cause he be succicientlie proved not to