The vigil is an optional preparation to elevation to knighthood. As a further option it may include at some appropriate and convenient time an invocation. The Crescent Principal Herald or another senior herald should give this.
I have come to address you, concerning certain aspects of knighthood and chivalry. It is often said that knighthood is an honor. It is surely that -- but more, it is a responsibility, a responsibility which you take upon yourselves, not in gladness, but with sobriety and sincerity. The oath you will soon swear will bind you in fealty to Crown and Kingdom, a fealty to be renewed with each reign; and it is meet and right to understand well what you are about to promise.
To accept the status of knighthood is not to accept honors, but to undertake the burdens that such status brings. As a knight, you must undertake to continue in your individual roles of living by the Code of Chivalry. This code is your rule and guide in your conduct with others in the noble company of knights, as well as the general plan of your conduct with all other worthy people: to deal with them justly and fairly, regardless of station, to be gracious and courteous to all, to be an example to whom others can look.
The responsibility of knighthood translates into service, each Knight performing to the best of his ability and then -- and then -- to that point of performance where sacrifice is made. A knight must want to do good works for humanity, must be willing to do them, and will do them more frequently and more extensively than his friends who are not knights.
To accept knighthood is to accept these responsibilities. I pray you keep these words in your heart as you prepare for your new status.
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