THE ORIGIN OF CHIVALRY.
When society first began to-form itself, rank and authority became necessary to subdue the wild and impetuous passions which raged unbridled in the savage bosom of man. Oppression and vassalage first appeared in the form of feudal government; each family looked up to its head, as each kingdom does now to its sovereign; his will was absolute, and his power unbounded in his castle and dominions
In this way the rights of man were partially secured; the vassal was bound to serve and succor his lord in the hour of danger, as it was that lord's only duty to support and protect his serf. But in those rude and barbarous ages, where was weak and helpless woman to find a shelter from the wild and lawless multitude? and what tribunal was there to which she could appeal if injured? When man was contending with man for superiority, or right, where could she fly for redress? could the feeble voice of woman be heard amid the uproar? No! but it arose, though in murmurs, to the ear of her Maker, and that very evil which menaced her destruction, proved her blessing.
In the dark ages of the world, woman held not that rank in society which a more enlightened age has allotted her; she was deemed merely the slave of man's tyrannical will, the tool of his pleasure,—too weak to defend herself, and too insignificant to claim the pro-
