The Knight骑士

In the Middle Ages in Europe, knight or warrior was the Cavalry (骑兵) who got formal military training, later turned into a title of honor used to indicate a social class. In the chaotic (混乱的) situation, kings and dukes needed armies to defend their lands. It was the lord’s job to serve his duty by being a knight―a professional soldier who fought on horseback.

骑士或称武士，是欧洲中世纪时，受过正规军事训练的骑兵，后来演变为一种荣誉称号，用于表示一种社会阶层。在纷乱局势中,国王或公爵贵族们需要军队、士兵来保护他们的领土。领主通过成为一个骑士――一个真正的士兵，来履行他的职责。

A knight had to have his own armour and a horse. Plate armour (盔甲) was the knight’s best defence against weapons. Some knights even had five horses: for war, hunting, jousting(骑马比武), travelling, and carrying baggage.

一个骑士必须有的装备就是属于他个人的盔甲及战马。盔甲是骑士的最好的防御武器。有些骑士甚至有5匹马：有的是打战骑的，有的是用来狩猎的，有的是比武的时候骑乘的，有的是旅行骑乘的，有的是驮运行李的。

In the ancient times, women could not be soldiers or knights. While only men could be knights, ladies were expected to defend their husbands’ castles. However, there were some special case. Some women became knights. Some even went to wars including nuns!For example, in 1429, Joan of Arc (圣女贞德)tried to save the French king by leading an army into battle.

在古代，女性是不能参军或者成为骑士的。当男性可以成为骑士的时候，女性需留在家保卫自己丈夫的城堡。然而，还是有一些特例的。有些女性成为了骑士。有些甚至参加了战争――包括修女！例如，在1429年，圣女贞德就试图率领军队投入战斗拯救法国国王。

Knights had their lands. However, not all knights had their own lands. Some lived in another lord’s castle as part of his garrison (守备部队). The lord paid for their costly armour.

骑士拥有他们自己的土地。但是，并不是所有的骑士都有自己的领土。有些骑士作为另一个领主的驻军生活在他的城堡里。领主供给他们装备。

In Japan, Japanese warriors were not knights, they were Samurais (武士). They lived by their own rules called bushido―the way of the warrior. Samurai were famous for their archery skills with bows which were 2m (6 ft) long. Samurai were the ruling class of Japan until the 19th century.

在日本，战士不被称为骑士，他们是武士。他们有自己的规章制度，那就是武士道――勇者之路。武士因他们的灵活运用2米（6英尺）长弓射箭技能而出名。日本武士作为统治阶级直到十九世纪才结束。

A knight employed staff who followed him into battle. They helped him mount and dismount his horse, and looked after the horses and weapons.

一个骑士雇佣自己的士兵，与他一起并肩战斗。这些士兵帮助骑士安装和卸载马匹，并且照顾马匹和武器。

There are eight virtues of knights, which are humility, honor, sacrifice, valor, compassion, spirituality, honesty and justice.

骑士的八种美德，分别是谦卑、荣誉、牺牲、英勇、怜悯、灵性、诚实和公正。

There is no doubt that a coward (胆小的) person can’t be a knight. A man without courage never pass the test for knight. As a knight, one of the requirements is valor (勇猛). What’s more, a knight must have an inclusive (包容性强的) heart. The knight is loyal to (忠于) the lord or the crown, but justice should be their standard of behavior. As a knight, honesty is also a necessary quality. Because the knight in the noble (贵族的) class is the lowest level in Europe. A good reputation will help them have good interpersonal relationship. As a knight, he should have a heart which is strong enough to carry on all the difficulties he will face.

毫无疑问，一个胆小的人是不能成为骑士的。一个没有勇气的人不能通过骑士测试。骑士必备的品德之一就是勇敢。除此之外，骑士必须有一颗博大包容的心。骑士虽然效忠于领主或王室，但正义才应该是他们行为的准则。作为一个骑士，诚实也是必须的品质。因为在欧洲，骑士其实是贵族阶层里面最下层的阶级。良好的声誉将帮助他们建立良好的人际关系。此外，作为骑士，他还需要有一颗强大到足以面对所有困难的心。

When they become knights, they have their declarations:

I will be brave against the strong. 我将勇敢地面对强敌。

I will fight all who do wrong. 我将毫无保留地对抗罪人。

I will fight for those who cannot fight. 我将为不能战斗者而战。

I will help those who call me for help. 我将帮助那些需要我帮助的人。

I will harm no woman. 我将不伤害妇孺。

I will help my brother knight. 我将帮助我的骑士兄弟。

I will be true to my friends. 我将忠实地对待朋友。

I will be faithful in love. 我将真诚地对待爱情。