text: seven virtues in european knight's code of conduct?   there was not an authentic medieval code of chivalry as such - it was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of chivalrous conduct - qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women. the medieval code of chivalry was understood by all but a code of chivalry was documented in 'the song of roland' in the early medieval period of william the conqueror. the 'song of roland' describes the 8th century knights and battles of the emperor charlemagne and has been described as charlemagne's code of chivalry. the idea of the code of chivalry were emphasised by the oaths that were sworn in knighthood ceremonies. these sacred oaths were combined with the ideals of chivalry and with strict rules of etiquette and conduct. the idea and ideals of a medieval code of chivalry was publicised in the poems, ballads, writings and literary works of medieval authors. the myths of arthurian legends featuring king arthur, camelot and the knights of the round table further strengthen the idea of a medieval code of chivalry. the arthurian legend revolves around the code of chivalry followed by the knights of the round table - honour, honesty, valour and loyalty.  the song of roland - charlemagne's code of chivalry a code of chivalry was documented in 'the song of roland' in the early 11th century medieval period of william the conqueror. the 'song of roland' describes the 8th century knights and battles of the emperor charlemagne and has been described as charlemagne's code of chivalry. the duties of a knight were described as follows:  to fear god and maintain his church to serve the liege lord in valour and faith to protect the weak and defenceless to give succour to widows and orphans to refrain from the wanton giving of offence to live by honour and for glory to despise pecuniary reward to fight for the welfare of all to obey those placed in authority to guard the honour of fellow knights to eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit to keep faith at all times to speak the truth to persevere to the end in any enterprise begun to respect the honour of women never to refuse a challenge from an equal never to turn the back upon a foe.  medieval code of chivalry - the rules of courtly love the following rules of courtly love were written by the 12th century frenchman, andreas capellanus. these 31 rules describe the pure romance of love but also describe love for another man's wife. this 'courtly love' is illustrated in the fictional story of sir lancelot and queen guinevere. but these rules of courtly love led to the downfall and execution of queen anne boleyn, the wife of king henry viii - who lived his entire life putting in to practise the 'rules of courtly love'.  i. marriage is no real excuse for not loving. ii. he who is not jealous cannot love. iii. no one can be bound by a double love. iv. it is well known that love is always increasing or decreasing. v. that which a lover takes against the will of his beloved has no relish. vi. boys do not love until they arrive at the age of maturity. vii. when one lover dies, a widowhood of two years is required of the survivor. viii. no one should be deprived of love without the very best of reasons. ix. no one can love unless he is impelled by the persuasion of love. x. love is always a stranger in the home of avarice. xi. it is not proper to love any woman whom one would be ashamed to seek to marry. xii. a true lover does not desire to embrace in love anyone except his beloved. xiii. when made public love rarely endures. xiv. the easy attainment of love makes it of little value; difficulty of attainment makes it prized. xv. every lover regularly turns pale in the presence of his beloved. xvi. when a lover suddenly catches sight of his beloved, his heart palpitates. xvii. a new love puts to flight an old one. xviii. good char