heraldryofyorkmi01custuoft

INTRODUCTION. 45
" To him that discourteously entreateth either maid or widow against
" their will, or to such an one as flyeth from his Sovereign's banner until
" such time as he have done some valiant exploit worthy to be noted by
" the Heralds, upon whose true report
it
may please the Sovereign to
" "
restore him to his former bearing an escutcheon reversed, sanguine
(crimson), was placed on his shield.
" To him that overmuch boasteth himself of his martial acts," a
dexter point parted {i.e. a corner of his shield was cut off). "If a man has
" performed any praiseworthy action," adds the old Herald, " the self-deed
" will sufficiently commend him, though he hold his peace."
If a soldier demean himself, not while in fight, the Judge Martial may
" cause his escutcheon to be pierced. If the dastard dares not come so
" near the enemy to bear the strokes on his shield, he must be content to
" take this piercing of some of his own side in arms."
The base of the shield was effaced with a curved line " unto him that
" killeth his prisonner (humbly submitting himself) with his own hands,"
and with a straight line " to him that telleth lies or other false tales to his
" Sovereign
;
for if light ears incline to light lips, harm ensueth."
To the immoral man was adjudged a gusset on the dexter side of
" If he be faulty
the shield ;
to the intemperate one on the sinister side.
" in both, he shall bear both."
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