Twelve Rules of Courtly Love

12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt avoid avarice like the deadly pestilence and shalt embrace its opposite.

Thou shalt keep thyself chaste for the sake of her whom thou lovest. 12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt keep thyself chaste for the sake of her whom thou lovest.

12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt not knowingly strive to break up a correct love affair that someone else is engaged in.

12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt not choose for thy love anyone whom a natural sense of shame forbids thee to marry.

Be mindful completely to avoid falsehood. 12 Codes of Courtly Love Be mindful completely to avoid falsehood.

Thou shalt not have many who know of thy love affair. 12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt not have many who know of thy love affair.

Thou shalt ever strive to ally thyself to the service of love. 12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt ever strive to ally thyself to the service of love.

In giving and receiving love’s solaces let modesty be ever-present. 12 Codes of Courtly Love In giving and receiving love’s solaces let modesty be ever-present.

Thou shalt speak no evil. 12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt speak no evil.

Thou shalt not be a revealer of love affairs. 12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt not be a revealer of love affairs.

Thou shalt be in all things polite and courteous. 12 Codes of Courtly Love Thou shalt be in all things polite and courteous.

12 Codes of Courtly Love In practicing the solaces of love thou shalt not exceed the desires of thy lover.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Justice: Seek always the path of ‘right,’ unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice must be tempered by humanity and mercy.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. Loyalty is never compromised.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Defense: The ideal knight was sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those you believe worthy of loyalty.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Faith: A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow.

Chivalric Virtues of the Knight Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit.