30.3. 3. The Origin of Vassalage.
Csar says
[4]
that, "The Germans
neglected agriculture; that the greatest part of them lived upon milk,
cheese and flesh; that no one had lands or boundaries of his own; that
the princes and magistrates of each nation allotted what portion of land
they pleased to individuals, and obliged them the year following to
remove to some other part." Tacitus says
[5]
that, "Each prince had a
multitude of men, who were attached to his service, and followed him
wherever he went." This author gives them a name in his language in
accordance with their state, which is that of companions.
[6]
They had a strong emulation to obtain the prince's esteem; and the princes had the
same emulation to distinguish themselves in the bravery and number of
their companions. "Their dignity and power," continues Tacitus,
"consist in being constantly surrounded by a multitude of young and
chosen people; this they reckon their ornament in peace, this their
defence and support in war. Their name becomes famous at home, and among
neighbouring nations, when they excel all others in the number and
courage of their companions: they receive presents and embassies from
all parts. Reputation frequently decides the fate of war. In battle it
is infamy in the prince to be surpassed in courage; it is infamy in the
companions not to follow the brave example of their prince; it is an
eternal disgrace to survive him. To defend him is their most sacred
engagement. If a city be at peace, the princes go to those who are at
war; and it is thus they retain a great number of friends. To these they
give the war horse and the terrible javelin. Their pay consists in
coarse but plentiful repasts. The prince supports his liberality merely
by war and plunder. You might more easily persuade them to attack an
enemy and to expose themselves to the dangers of war, than to cultivate
the land, or to attend to the cares of husbandry; they refuse to acquire
by sweat what they can purchase with blood."
Thus, among the Germans, there were vassals, but no fiefs; they had
no fiefs, because the princes had no lands to give; or rather their
fiefs consisted in horses trained for war, in arms, and feasting. There
were vassals, because there were trusty men who being bound by their
word engaged to follow the prince to the field, and did very nearly the
same service as was afterwards performed for the fiefs.
Footnotes
[4]
"De Bello Gall.," book vi. 21; Tacitus, De Moribus Germanorum, 31.
[5]
"De Moribus Germanorum," 13.
