volume one

262 HISTORY OF THE CEL'SADES.
called tlie prior or abbot of the Yigeois, described very tolerably
the events of these wars in a large volume all written
in his maternal tongue, and in vidgar rhyme, in order that the
people might imderstand it tlie better. This poem, written
in verse, which was the fruit of the labour of twelve years, is
lost. Many other similar works have doubtless shared the
same fate ; but that which remains suffices to prove that
human intelligence began to expard at the commencement
of the twelfth century.
Before this period, the science of legislation, wliicli is the
first and most important of aD, had made but very little
progress. Some cities of Italy and the pro"s*inces near the
Pyrenees, where the Groths had encouraged the Eoman laws,
alone exhibited glimmerings of ciA^ilization. Among the
rules and ordinances that Gaston de Beam laid down before
his departure for the Holy Land, are to be found many points
and particulars which deserve to be preserv^ed by history,
because they exhibit the feeble beginnings of a legislation
which time and fortunate circumstances would perfect.
Peace, savs this legislator of the eleventh centurv, shall be
observed at all times towards clerJcs, monks, travellers, and
ladies and their suite.— If ani/ one takes refuge in the abode
of a lady, he shall enjoy security ofperson, on 'paying all loss
or consequent injury. Let the peasant live in peace ; let his
cattle and agricultural instruments be exempt from seizure.*
These benevolent dispositions were inspired by the spirit of
chivalry, which had made some progress in the wars against
the Saracens of Spain ; they were particularly the works of
the councils t which undertook to put a stop to private wars
* yTe have obtained these details from a manuscript history of Beam,
which has been kindly communicated to us by one of our most distinguished
magistrates, who consecrates his leisure to the cultivation of
letters. This history, remarkable for a wise erudition and sound criticism,
is likely to throw a great light upon the remote times of which we
speak.
f
All the ordinances of Gaston de Beam are to be found in the decrees
of the sjTiod or council held in the diocese of Elne, in Roussillon, the
16th of May, 1027. These dispositions had for object the Truce of God.
The council decreed that no unarmed clerk or monk should be attacked,
nor any man who was going to church or coming from it, or was walking
with women. At the council of Bourges in 1031, and in several others,
hese regulations were renewed ; labourers, their cattle and mills, were