A modernized translation of the Poem of the Pell derived from Knyghthode and Bataile authored by John Neele (circa 1450). Its been called: 'one of the most brilliant military poems of the fifteenth century.' (Sacralising Warfare in "Knyghthode and Bataile", Woodbridge 2012, p. 14). The poem itself is a paraphrase of the Flavius Vegetius Renatus' treatise on warfare De re militari (circa. 390).
I intend to follow Vegetius in the study of physical training. I ask those who find a fault in my approach to kindly correct it for the better, or advise me wisely. I'll be ready to improve my service and progress further. May the good angel guide us on this journey.
The first thing to learn is a knight's pace, which is used for both travel and battle. It's a great danger if they delay in learning it because those who say, "Our enemy will attack our camp suddenly and catch us off guard." It's of great advantage to be able to travel twenty thousand paces in just five hours; they can travel that distance without going too fast.
They can easily go four thousand more at a quicker pace, but if they go faster, it's considered running. Running is also a good exercise, useful for striking first in battle and seizing a position our footmen aim for, getting there first. It's essential for scouting, moving swiftly, and being agile in various situations.
Running is also very useful in hunting, and being able to leap over a ditch is a valuable skill. Running, leaping, and lying low on the ground as if a powerful man has gone mad can make the enemy lose their courage without any bloodshed. Because someone who can run and leap skillfully can easily outmaneuver their opponent and keep their side safe.
Learning to swim is important in the right season. Bridges aren't always readily available when there's a flood, and knowing how to swim can help avoid obstacles and pursue an enemy. After rain, rivers can become dangerous, so it's beneficial for everyone in the army, including knights, squires, footmen, cooks, and even the servants and pages, to learn how to swim.
The discipline and training for combat included having a post or stake set up at a man's height, as described by the old and wise. A bachelor or a young knight would first be taught to stand and learn how to fight. They would be given a double-weight fan to use as their shield and a double-weight wooden mace to wield in combat.
Both the double-weight fan and mace, representing the weight of a shield and sword in combat, are used for training both swordsmen and knights. They say that no one can be successful in battle, whether on the battlefield or in individual combat, unless they have first practiced extensively with the stake. This is the wisdom passed down by experienced warriors of old.
Each individual should have their stake or post firmly fixed, and just as if they were facing their mortal enemy in war, they should use their strength and weapon to fight vigorously, preventing their opponent from escaping. Approach them cautiously with shield and sword so that you are close and ready to strike, but be careful not to be the one to blame for your own death.
Interfere with his head, aim for his face, strike at his throat, target his chest, or attack his side with powerful, knightly blows, just like Saint George. Leap at your enemy and see if he dares to stand his ground. If he refuses to flee, wound him and make those wounds severe. Sever his hand, leg, thigh, or arms. Remember, it's the Turk; there's no harm in killing him.
It's better to thrust than to strike in combat. Those who strike are often deceived. Swords cannot easily penetrate steel and bones; the entrails are protected by them. But with a thrust, you can quickly defeat your foe. Two inches of a well-placed thrust can do more harm than a cut or edge, even if it wounds severely.
In a cut, your right arm and side are exposed, but in a thrust, both your side and arm are protected. By the time you're ready to fight, the thrust can reach his heart or another vulnerable area. A thrust is always painful. Therefore, it's better to thrust than to cut. However, the key is to choose the right technique for the right time and place.
These double-weight fan and mace are designed to be heavy. When a young knight trains with such heavy equipment and then switches to lighter armor, like a shield and a properly sized sword, it boosts his confidence and increases his strength. He feels unburdened and eager to continue his training, filled with a sense of readiness.
Furthermore, the doctor's role is to teach and train in the use of weapons and tactics. A skilled man-at-arms used to receive double wages if he proved himself worthy in front of his prince, sometimes even eight or nine times the regular pay. The knight who couldn't fight as skillfully as he did had to content himself with wheat and barley.
A nation is highly commendable when it has a strong presence of knights and armies, for with them present, nothing goes wrong. However, when they are absent, everything falls into chaos. Whether a nation is rich in gems, gold, or silk doesn't matter; it's the mighty men in arms who instill fear with the threat of death and harm.
Cato the Wise says that when people make mistakes in other matters, they can often be corrected. But in warfare, there's no room for correction. Once the crime is committed, any chance for grace or forgiveness is gone. The offender is either immediately slain or put to flight, and from that point on, they are considered less valuable than those who forced them to flee.
Now, return to your teachings, Inwit! The educated knight, skilled with sword and shield, should also be trained in artillery. Take a dart heavier than necessary, guide the knight's hand, and teach him how to aim it. Have him throw it at the stake as if it were his enemy, so that it strikes and lands directly on target.
Here, the doctor of arms pays close attention to ensure that the knight handles this dart powerfully, shaking it mightily before launching it directly and forcefully towards the stake. Whether it hits hard or comes close, this practice will awaken strength in the arms and increase the skill in throwing and striking. Warriors thus trained will ultimately bring about peace through their prowess.
But the young squires, a third or fourth part of them, are trained to shoot with longbows and arrows. Here, they learn both doctrine and art. They practice drawing the strings of strong bows and deftly handling the equipment. They firmly hold the bow with their left arm, draw with their right, and aim, shoot, and strike down their targets skillfully.
Focus your heart and eyes on that stake or post, shoot near or directly at it. If you happen to be on horseback, raise the large bows upwards. Aim for the face, chest, back, or side of your target, and force your opponent to flee or fall if they stay. Practice this exercise daily, both on foot and on horseback, as advised by the wise elders.
The usefulness of archery is evident and needs no further explanation here. Caton wrote about it in his books on the discipline of chivalry, and Claudius, who spent many years at war, spoke highly of it. Even Scipio Africanus, a renowned general, often confounded his enemies with archers.
Also, make use of the skill of casting stones with a sling or by hand. Sometimes, when no other projectiles are available, a multitude of powerful stone throws can overwhelm even those armored in steel. Stones often break bones and cause injuries. Stones are readily available, and slings are not burdensome to carry, making this a useful skill to have.
In rocky terrain or when defending a mountain, hill, town, or tower, every knight and anyone else can use stone projectiles. Stones can serve as a backup when other forms of ammunition are exhausted. You can either save them for later or use them as needed, adapting your approach based on the situation.
The barbulys, also known as plumbatys, are lead pellets that can be set in the shield. It was considered a valuable skill to be able to shoot and launch these pellets effectively in ancient times. Archers using them could drive their enemies to flee or even kill them. This technique was commended by Diocletian and his co-emperor Maximian.
All knights and warriors should be skilled in swiftly mounting and dismounting from their horses, whether on the right or left side, as the situation requires. This exercise should be practiced both unarmed and armed, and it's especially valuable in tumultuous battlefield conditions.
Carrying a weight of 60 pounds, while maintaining the pace of a knight, wearing armor and carrying a sword and spear, might seem challenging. However, with regular practice over time, even a difficult task like this becomes easier. Young men will find solace in mastering such exercises.
Train each knight in the use of their armor as it is worn in the present day. Ensure that every piece of armor fits securely and allows for quick entry and exit. Keep it clean and polished as if it were gold or a precious gem. A knight who takes good care of their armor is confident and ready for battle.
Learning to guard and watch over an army is both beneficial and essential. It is necessary to govern an army securely within a camp or stronghold, allowing them to rest safely day and night without mishap. Neglecting to maintain vigilant watch can lead to significant troubles, whether too late or too soon. Isn't this a proven fact?