May 13, 2003

Baden-Powell wrote:

In days of old days the knights were the real Scouts and their rules were very much like the Scout Law which we have now.

The Knights considered their honour their most sacred possession.

They would not do a dishonourable thing, such as telling a lie or stealing.  They would rather die than do it.  They were always ready to fight and to be killed in upholding their king, or their religion, or their honour.

Each Knight had a small following of a squire and some men-at-arms, just as our Patrol Leader has his Second (or Assistant) and four or five Scouts.

The Code of the Knights:

You Scouts cannot do better than to follow the example of the Knights.

Baden-Powell, Robert.  Scouting for Boys, 35th edition, 5th printing, 1999.

Knights were honor bound to do a good deed for someone each day just as you have pledged on your honor to do a Good Turn daily.  Baden-Powell wrote, "If ever you have forgotten to do your Good Turn, you must do two the next day.  Remember that by your Scout Promise you are on your honour to do it."  As you travel home this evening, ask yourself, "Have I upheld my honor?  Have I kept it bright and untarnished?"  If the answer is not an decisive and emphatic, "Yes!," then—like the knights of old—resolve to redress this situation, reclaim, and uphold your honor.

Good night, gentlemen.