I’ve been impressed with Guthfrith ever since I met him as the Baron of Ruantallan. Beyond being a wonderful steward for his people he has always been a skilled fencer giving back to the community. There was some back and forth on this one if it would be an etheral award or wait (as this was July 2021). Eventually it was ok’d as an etheral award. The Signet asked if I could do one day turn on the words so it could be read into court. Always up for a challenge I accepted.
Based on Githfrith personal I looked to english 15th century sources and quickly settled on DiGrassi, His True Arte of Defense as as inspiration. This is what I came up with.
If worthy men generally were not apt to contemplation and searching out of things: Or if desire had not bestowed upon them the grace, to be able to lift up their minde from the earth, and by searching to finde out the causes thereof, and to imparte to those who are willing to take any paines therein: it would come to passe, that the one parte of men, as Lordes and Masters, should beare rule, and the othe parte as vyle slaves, wrapped in perpetuall darknesse, should suffer and lead a life unworthie of the condition of man.
One such worthy man is Guthfrith Yrlingson, known far and wide for his skill with the blade, comportment on the field, generosity with his time, and the sharing of all he has learned.
Therefore do we Consuls Tindal and Alberic bade Guthfrith to take up the collar, badge and mantle and enjoy without predejuice all rights, honors and privlages of the Order of Defense.
In witnesse to theise present we have settled our seale of Arms with our ensign manuell.
Done this AS 56 in our Graceful and Deadly Eastern Lands.
Words by Matthias Grunwald