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mances, which were originally sung at festivals, accompa- 

 nied by musical instruments, and recounted the exploits 

 of preceding warriors; or fabulous legends of giants, en- 

 chanters, spectres and fairies. From this state of chaos, 

 into which the feudal system had degenerated, a new light 

 seemed to expand itself, and illuminate all Europe. Among 

 other monsters, to which the feudal system gave birth, 

 was the universal prevalence of the judicial combats; when 

 the appeal to the sword superseded all expedients, and 

 the person accused for treason, rape or murder, threw down 

 his gauntlet, and defied his accuser to mortal combat. In 

 those days, Avhen wickedness and impiety had arrived at 

 the highest pitch, it was proposed, that the valour aad 

 generosity of individuals should form a supplement to the 

 weakness of law. Combinations were then formed, to pro- 

 tect ecclesiastics, virgins, widows and orphans, and for 

 redress of injuries in general- All the young men of fa- 

 mily entered into these societies: hence, when it came to 

 be patronized by the sovei-eigns of Europe, as well as the 

 church, the order of chivalry arose. Towards the close of 

 the eleventh century, Gregory VII. formed the idea of 

 uniting all Christians against Mahometanism. It was then 

 the wild and romantic enterprises of the Crusaders arose 

 from chivalry. The early romances were the records of the 

 adventures, arts, education, habits and manners of think- 

 ing, appropriate to chivalry. The troubadours and minstrels 

 flourished in the ages of chivalry. In that age, admired 

 poetical productions, or brilliant warlike exploits, were the 



only 



