“Item, in order that this my intention of performing these deeds of arms in the manner before specified may be more fully declared, I have fixed my seal to these presents, and signed them with my own hand, this 8th day of March, in the year 1442.
“Item, all noble foreigners shall have sure and loyal pass-ports from my aforesaid sovereign lord, or in his absence from his marshal.”
On such occasions a proclamation was made against outsiders giving signals to any combatant.
The following documents occur among the Harleian MSS.:—
Le Declaracon du Pas a l’Arbre D’Or.
i.e. How the Lady L’Isle sent her Knight with a Rich Tree of Gold, for him to Sett near Brughes, and there to Challenge the Nobles of the Duke of Burgundies Court both to the Justs, ＆ to the Tourney: the Articles whereof do follow. Dated July ... A.D. 68, i.e. 1468.
Petition ＆ Articles of the Justs-Royall to be held at Westminster, by 4 Gentlemen Challenging all comers (upon the Creation of Henry second Sonne to King Henry VII).
To Run 6 Courses with Speares.
To Tourney 18 Strokes with Swords.
Petition of 4 Gentlemen to K. Henry VII to be received into His Royal Army purposed for Fraunce; but first that he would Authorise their Challenge of all Comers to the Tilt, in any Realme or Place where the King shall be, for one year ＆ a day longer.
Challenge of 6 Noble Persons to hold a Justs-Royall ＆ Tourney at Westminster, for the Pleasure of the King, The Queene, and the Princess the Kings Eldest Daughter, where the 6 Challengers and Six Answerers shall together Run against each other with Spears on Horseback; and after the Course Passed, to fight with Swords till the King Commaund them to Cease.