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The chivalry were the lay elite,
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ranging in status from dukes at the top
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down to mere knights, esquires and gentlemen.
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All of these people were considered to be of "gentle" blood.
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Their duty was to defend the realm in time of war
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and to govern it justly in time of peace under the king.
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They should avoid the abuse of their power
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as governors or as landlords.
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They should protect and relieve the poor
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and the weak and serve the king well.
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Thirdly, there were those that Dudley called
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the 'commonalty' of the realm: the commonalty.