Free Lances

mercenary soldiers of the Middle Ages. After the wars of the Crusades numerous bands of adventurous spirits were left without a regular occupation. For a century or two they gathered in bands of free lances, or free companions, as they sometimes called themselves, selling their services for plunder and hire to any that had occasion for them. The local feuds of northern Italy, in particular, gave opportunity to ply their trade. A hundred years before the discovery of America the free lances of France were so numerous and so powerful that they defeated the king's forces in open battle. They played an important part in the long, bloody wars between France and England. They were dissolute, roistering fellows; fighting was their trade. They rode well mounted and thoroughly armed, and were followed by large bands of adherents. One of these leaders made himself the Duke of Milan. They cared not at all for the justice of the cause in which they engaged. Whoever held out the greatest inducements of wine and plunder was certain of their services. As used in modern politics, a free lance is one who is more or less independent of party government. His motives may or may not be corrupt.