The True Knight

Stephen Hawes's The True Knight

Introduction

Stephen Hawes' poem "The True Knight" presents a profound meditation on the essence of chivalry and knighthood, challenging conventional notions of heroism and martial prowess. This seven-line poem, though brief, encapsulates a complex philosophical stance on the true nature of knightly virtue, offering a perspective that transcends the typical medieval glorification of warfare. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's intricate layers, exploring its literary devices, historical context, and enduring relevance to contemporary discussions of honor and moral responsibility.

Historical Context and the Chivalric Tradition

To fully appreciate Hawes' nuanced take on knighthood, we must first consider the historical and literary context in which he was writing. Stephen Hawes, a court poet during the reign of Henry VII, composed "The True Knight" at a time when the ideals of chivalry were undergoing significant transformation. The late 15th and early 16th centuries marked a period of transition from the medieval to the early modern era, during which the role and perception of knighthood were evolving.

The traditional chivalric code, as popularized in earlier medieval romances and chansons de geste, often emphasized martial prowess, courtly love, and unwavering loyalty to one's lord. However, Hawes' poem reflects a more humanistic and morally nuanced approach to knighthood, one that aligns with the emerging Renaissance values of his time. This shift in perspective is crucial to understanding the poem's subversive nature within the broader tradition of chivalric literature.

Poetic Structure and Form

"The True Knight" is composed in rhyme royal, a seven-line stanza form with a rhyme scheme of ABABBCC. This choice of form is significant, as rhyme royal was often associated with serious, contemplative subjects in English poetry. The structure lends a sense of gravitas to Hawes' words, reinforcing the weightiness of his message about the true nature of knighthood.

The poem's metrical pattern, iambic pentameter, creates a rhythmic solemnity that underscores the gravity of its theme. This regular meter, combined with the use of enjambment (particularly noticeable in the transition from the fourth to the fifth line), allows Hawes to develop his ideas fluidly across line breaks, creating a sense of continuity and logical progression in his argument.

Rhetorical Structure and Argumentation

Hawes constructs his argument with rhetorical precision, employing a structure that first negates a common misconception before asserting his own definition of true knighthood. The opening line, "FOR knighthood is not in the feats of warre," immediately challenges the reader's expectations, setting the stage for a reexamination of chivalric ideals.

The poet then elaborates on this negation in the second line, "As for to fight in quarrel right or wrong," further dismantling the notion that knighthood is solely defined by martial engagement, regardless of the cause. This critical stance toward indiscriminate warfare reflects a growing disillusionment with the destructive nature of conflict, perhaps influenced by the tumultuous events of the Wars of the Roses, which had only recently concluded.

Having established what knighthood is not, Hawes proceeds to define what it is, using the conjunction "But" to signal this shift. The subsequent lines delineate the true qualities of a knight: commitment to truth, strength of character, and a balance of justice and mercy. This positive definition culminates in the final couplet, which articulates the only just causes for which a knight should take up arms: truth and the common good.

Imagery and Diction

Hawes' choice of words is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on abstract virtues rather than concrete martial imagery. Terms like "truth," "justice," "mercy," and "common's sake" dominate the poem, creating a semantic field that prioritizes moral and ethical considerations over physical prowess or military glory.

The use of the verb "defarre" (to defer or put off) in the third line is particularly intriguing. By suggesting that truth cannot be deferred, Hawes implies an immediacy and urgency to the knight's moral obligations. This urgency contrasts with the more passive connotations of traditional chivalric virtues like patience or endurance.

Thematic Analysis

At its core, "The True Knight" presents a redefinition of heroism that prioritizes ethical discernment and social responsibility over blind loyalty or martial skill. Hawes argues for a knighthood grounded in moral philosophy rather than military might, a concept that resonates with humanist ideals of the early Renaissance.

The poem's emphasis on "truth" as a guiding principle for knightly action reflects a growing valorization of intellectual and moral virtues in the early modern period. This focus on truth-seeking aligns with the emerging scientific and philosophical inquiries of the time, suggesting a knight who is as much a moral philosopher as a warrior.

Moreover, the inclusion of "mercy" alongside justice in the knight's arsenal of virtues introduces a nuanced view of authority and governance. This balanced approach to power reflects evolving concepts of rulership and justice in the Tudor era, moving away from purely punitive models toward more rehabilitative and compassionate forms of governance.

The Concept of the Commons

Hawes' reference to "the common's sake" in the final line is particularly significant, as it introduces a proto-democratic element to the concept of knighthood. By suggesting that a knight should fight for the common good, Hawes extends the scope of chivalric responsibility beyond feudal obligations to encompass a broader social duty.

This notion of serving the commons represents a subtle but important shift in the conceptualization of knightly purpose. It moves away from the individualistic pursuit of honor or the narrow service to a single lord, towards a more collective and socially conscious ideal of heroism.

Conclusion

Stephen Hawes' "The True Knight" stands as a remarkable example of how poetic form can be used to challenge and redefine cultural ideals. Through its concise yet powerful verses, the poem offers a critique of simplistic notions of heroism and presents a more nuanced, ethically grounded concept of knighthood.

The enduring relevance of Hawes' message lies in its universal applicability. The virtues he ascribes to the true knight - commitment to truth, ethical discernment, balanced judgment, and service to the common good - remain pertinent ideals for leadership and civic responsibility in any era.

As we continue to grapple with questions of moral leadership and ethical action in our own time, "The True Knight" serves as a poignant reminder that true heroism lies not in unthinking bravery or blind obedience, but in the thoughtful application of moral principles for the betterment of society. In this light, Hawes' poem transcends its medieval context to speak to the ongoing human quest for ethical clarity and social justice.