he confessed The King gaue sentence he should bee drawne and hanged Anno. 1384. Regni Rich. 2. A Combat was fought betweene Sir Richard Wooduile and one other Knight borne in Spaine After the third blowe giuen the King staied the fight Anno 1441. Regni Henr. 6. A Combat was graunted vnto Iohn Viscount borne in Cipres and Thomas de la Marshe bastard sonne vnto Philip King of France in the raigne of King Edward the 3. at Westminster Certaine Combats for Triumph Honor and Loue of Ladies brought before the Kings of England CAP. 11. IN the former Chapter wee made mention of the Ceremonies appertaining to Combats for life as they were ancientlie vsed Nowe I thinke fit for the furniture of this worke brieflie to remember some speciall exercises of Armes brought before the Princes of this realme for Honor and loue of Ladies onlie and among the rest as actions most worthie memorie wee will touch certeine particular Combats or as they are commonlie called Triumphs Iusts and Turniaments performed before our present Soueraigne Queene Elizabeth a Prince of so great magnanimitie and wisedome as by imitation of her most noble and princelie vertues the Court of England both for Armes and learning hath in her raigne excelled all others Triumphs before King Edward the third IN the raigne of King Edward the third a royall Iust was holden at Lincoln by the Duke of Lancaster where were present certeine Ambassadors sent by the King of Spaine for the Ladie Ioane daughter to the King who should haue been married vnto that King of Spaine but meeting her on the way she died Anno. 1348. A Triumph was holden at Windsor before the same King Edward whereat was present Dauid King of Scots the Lord of Tankeruile and the Lord Charles Valloys who by the Kings license was permitted to runne and had the prize Anno. 1349. IN Smithfield were solemne Iusts in the same Kings raigne where was present a great part of the most valiant Knights of England and France Thether came also noble persons of other Nations as Spaniards Ciâ—riots and Armenians humblie desiring aide against the Pagans Anno 1361. A Triumph before King Edward the fourth IVsts were againe holden in Smithfield where Anthonie Wooduile Lord Scales did runne against the Bastard of Burgondie Anno. 1444. A Triumph before King Henrie the sixt ONe other notable action of Armes was persosonallie performed in Smithfield betweene a Knight of Spaine called Sir Francis le Aragonoys and Sir Iohn Astley Knight of the Garter For after the said Sir Francis had wonne the honor from all the men at Armes in France he came into England and made a generall Challenge but by the great valour of Sir Iohn Astley lost the same vnto him The memorie of which action remaineth with Master Garter principall King of Armes Triumphs before King Henrie the seuenth AT Richmont was holden a solemne Triumph which continued a whole moneth where Sir Iames Parker running against Hugh Váughan was hurt and died 1494. ONe other Triumph was in the same Kings dayes performed in the Tower of London Anno. 1502. Triumphes before King Henrie the eight BVt farre exceeding al these was that magnificent Iusts Turniments at the meeting of the two excellent Princes King Henrie the eight of England K. Frances the French King who choosing vnto them xiiij others did challenge to runne at the Tylt and fight at the Turney and Barrier with all commers The Chalengers were The King of England the King of France the Duke of Suffolke the Marquis Dorcet Sir William Kingston Sir Richard Iernegan Master Nicholas Carew and Master Anthonie Kneuet with their Assistants Sir Rowland Sir Giles Capell with these were so manie other French GeÌ„tlemen as made vp the number aforesaid For Defenders thether came Monsieur de Vandosme the Earle of Deuonshire and the Lord Edmond Howard euerie of theÌ„ bringing in a faire Band of Knights well armed This most noble Challenge of these two mightie Kings accompanied with xiiij other Knights of either Nation seuen they caused to bee proclaimed by Norrey King of Armes in England France Germanie Anno 12 Hen. 8. ONe other most memorable Challenge was made by the same King who in his owne royall person with William Earle of Deuonshire Sir Thomas Kneuet Edward Neuell Esquire answered all commers at Westminster The King called himselfe Cuer loyal the Lord William Bon voloir Sir Thomas Kneuet Vailliant desir and Edward Neuill Ioyous penser Defenders were The Lord Grey Sir William a Parr Robert Morton Richard Blont Thomas Cheyney Thomas Tyrrell Sir Rowland Christopher Willoughby the L. Howard Charles Brandon the Lord Marquis Henrie Guilford the Earle of Wiltshire Sir Thomas Bullin Thomas Lucie the Lord Leonard the Lord Iohn Iohn Melton Griffith Doon Edmond Howard Richard Tempest After this Challenge was ended the prize appointed for the Challengers partie was giuen vnto Cuer Loyall among the Defenders to Edmond Howard ANother solempne Challenge was proclaimed and performed by certaine English Knights vz. Sir Iohn Dudley Sir Thomas Seymour Sir Francis Poinings Sir George Carew Anthonie Kingston and Richard Cromwell Anno. 1540. Of like Actions in Armes sith her Maiesties Raigne these doo seeme most notable as appeareth by the memorialls of M. Clarentieux a Gentleman verie diligent in her Maiesties seruice and carefull to obserue things to the Honor of her Maiesties Court. ONE solempne Iust Turniment and fight at the Barrier was holden at Westminster wherein the Duke of Norfolke the Earle of Sussex the Earle of Warwicke the Earle of Leicester the Lord Scrope the Lord Darcie and the Lord Hunsdon were Challengers and with great honour answered all Commers The Defenders names are not extant A Royall Challenge was also there proclaimed before her Maiestie wherein were Challengers the Earle of Oxenford Charles Howard Sir Henrie Lee and Christopher Hatton The Defenders were The Lord Stafford the Lord Henrie Seymour Edward Harbart Sir George Carie Thomas Cicill Henrie Gray William Howard Sir Ierome Bowes Henrie Knowles Henrie Kneuet William Norris Richard Bulkelcy Thomas Kneuet William Knowles Rafe Lane George Delues Robert Colsel Lancelot Bostocke Brian Ansley Henrie Mackwilliams Thomas Bedingfield Thomas Moore William Worthington Richard Blunt Thomas Conyngesby Robert Alexander Roger Clopton This Triumph continued three daies The first at Tilt the second at Turney and the third at the Barriers On euerie of the Challengers her Maiestie bestowed a Prize for the receiuing whereof they were particularlie led armed by two Ladies vnto her presence Chamber The Prize at the Tilt on the Defenders partie was giuen vnto Henrie Grey At the Turney vnto the L. Henrie Seymor at the Barriers vnto Thomas Cicill Before them went Clarentieux king of armes in his rich coate of Armes This magnificent Combat was performed Anno 1571. AN honourable Challenge was likewise brought before her Maiestie by the Earle of Arundell calling himselfe Callophisus who with his Assistant Sir William Drewrie challenged all commers Anno 1580
THE BOOKE OF HONOR and Armes AT LONDON Printed by Richard Ihones dwelling at the signe of the Rose and Crowne neere Holburne Conduit 1590. THE BOOKE OF HONOR and Armes VVherein is discoursed the causes of Quarrell and the nature of Iniuries with their repulses Also the meanes of satisfaction and pacification with diuers other things necessarie to be knowne of all Gentlemen and others professing Armes and Honor. Fortes magnanimi sunt habendi non qui faciunt sed qui propulsant iniuriam TO THE RIGHT HOnorable Sir Christopher Hatton Knight of the most noble Order and Lord Chancellor of England Richard Ihones Printer wisheth long life with encrease of happinesse RIght Honorable the manifold testimonies of your loue both vnto Honor and Armes haue induced me to think the first sight of this small booke doth of right belong vnto your Lordship being by the due degrees of vertue ascended to that place which among others in this Realme is and long hath been reputed most honorable To your L. therefore I humblie dedicate the same as vnto him that by censure of our Soueraigne with the applause of people hath in hand the consideration of actions apperteining to equitie Honor and Iustice. The propertie of which vertue as Cicero saith is to foresee that no violence be offered but onlie by him that with iniurie is thereunto prouoked and that things common should bee commonlie vsed and priuate things priuatlie enioyed By which rule appeareth that vertue alloweth iust reuenge and admitteth the defence of propertie and right But for that your Lordship hath been as well an actor in Armes as a knower of what is due to Honor I omit to say more either of the one or the other beseeching your good Lordship to pardon my boldnesse and take in acceptable wise the entent of the Author who both by election and obligation acknowledgeth himself yours Your Lordships euer to commaund Richard Ihones To the Reader THE cause of all Quarrell is Iniurie and reproach but the matter of content is Iustice and Honor. For loue whereof we shun no care of minde losse of wealth nor aduenture of life Hereof proceedeth all disputation in Schooles pleading in lawe warre and all worldlie wrangling For who so is either in deede or opinion perswaded to haue truth and reason on his side doth not onlie constantlie beleeue that so it is but also being thereof denied holdeth himselfe iniured and consequently burthened True it is that the Christian lawe willeth men to be of so perfect patience as not onlie to indure iniurious words but also quietlie to suffer euerie force and violence Notwithstanding forsomuch as none or verie fewe men haue attained such perfection the lawes of all Nations for auoyding further inconueniences and the manifestation of truth haue among many other trials permitted that such questions as could not bee ciuilie prooued by confession witnesse or other circumstances should receiue iudgement by fight and Combat supposing that GOD who onelie knoweth the secret thoughts of all men would giue victorie to him that iustlie aduentured his life for truth Honor and Iustice Seeing then that al humaine lawes haue permitted the triall of Armes and that euerie iniurious action not repulsed is by common consent of all Martiall mindes holden a thing dishonorable infamous and reproachfull it cannot be but at some times and occasions such questions and quarrels shall arise as necessarilie must receiue triall by the Sword And Cicero saith that hee who repulseth not an iniurie being able offendeth no lesse than if he had abandoned his friends parents and countrie By these reasons appeareth that the triall by Armes is not onlie naturall but also necessarie and allowable Notwithstanding for that the vulgar sort and many right noble also be ignorant what are the true causes requiring triall of Armes and what words or deedes are of such qualitie as ought bee repulsed or reuenged I haue at the earnest requests and often desires of verie honorable friends by way of abreuiation reduced into this small volume all causes of Quarrell or Combat the nature of Iniuries and repulses the equalitie and disequalitie of men who may bee challenged and for what respects Challenges ought bee refused with many other things in matter of Honor and Armes worthie to be knowne and considered And albeit I am not ignorant that publique Combats are in this age either rarelie or neuer graunted yet for that as is before said no prouidence can preuent the questions and quarrels that daylie happen among Gentlemen and others professing Armes it shall not be amisse but rather behouefull that all men should be fullie informed what iniurie is and how to repulse it when to fight when to rest satisfied what is Honor and good reputation how it is gained and by what meanes the same is kept preserued which was the respect that the Earle Balthazar Castilio in his booke of the Courtier doth among other qualities requireable in a gentleman specially aduise he should bee skilfull in the knowing of Honor and causes of quarrell This booke doth not incite men to vnaduised fight or needles reuenge as some simple wit may surmize but enformeth the true meanes how to shunne all offences or being offended sheweth the order of reuenge and repulse according vnto Christian knowledge and due respect of Honor. And for that the dignitie of Knighthood apperteineth chieflie to Martiall merite I haue thought fit brieflie to touch the original thereof declaring how many Orders or degrees of Knights were in times past and of them how many yet extant We haue not in this worke medled with Armorie or blazing of Badges but chieflie touched matters offenciue to reputation and Honor whereof Combat or particular triall of Armes ought to ensue If ought els is looked for it may bee taken from the learned Tractant Fabrilia fabri FINIS The Contents of this worke diuided into fiue Bookes The first Booke WHat a Combat is and the originall thereof cap. 1. Of the order of challenging and defending cap. 2. For what cause the partie belied ought to challenge and of the nature of the Lie cap. 3. Of the nature and diuersitie of Lies cap. 4. Of Lies certeine cap. 5. Of Lies conditionall cap. 6. Of Lies generall cap. 7. Of Lies speciall cap. 8. Of vaine Lies cap. 9. Whether a man iniured in presence of a Prince it sufficeth of answer in presence of priuate Gentlemen cap. 10. Of the returne of Lies cap. 11. How vpon euerie Lie the triall of Armes is not necessarie cap. 12. Of the forme of a Cartel or letter of Defiance cap. 13. The second Booke OF Iniurie and Burden cap. 1. How shamefull and dishonorable it is to offer iniurie with aduantage and cowardlie cap. 2. That euerie Lie giuen ought not occasion Combat cap. 3. For what causes the Combat is to be granted cap. 4. How betweene Padrines no fight or quarrell ought be cap. 5. Of Armes both offenciue and defenciue cap. 6. Of the election
say with the Poet. Tota licet veteres exornent vndique cerae Atria nobilitas sola est atque vnica virtus Paulus aut Cossus aut Drusus moribus esto Hos ante effigies maiorum pone tuorum Praecedant ipsas illi te consule virgas Dic mihi Teucrorum proles animalia muta Quis generosa putet nisi fortia nempe volucrem Sic laudamus aequum facili cui plurima palma Feruet exultat rauco victoria circo Nobilis hic quocunque venit de gramine cuius Clara fuga ante alios primus in aequore puluis VVhether a quarrell betweene two Emperours may be decided by particular Combat CAP. 2. IT happened the Emperiall seate being voyd the Electors named vnto that dignitie two Princes not by general cōsent but by deuisiō of voyces the one partie chosing Alfonso king of Spaine the other Richard Duke of Cornwal brother to the King of England These Princes claiming the Empire the one challenged the other to trie the right by Combat wherevpon grewe a question whether persons of so high calling ought be admitted to fight in Combat Therevnto is said that forsomuch as the Empire in the beginning was gotten by Armes and vertue and that the execution of all iustice resteth in Armes it seemeth an Empire in that sort gained to be more honorable than if it were giuen by election Besides that in such triall the victorious enioyeth it by diuine iudgement And for example that Empires haue been so iudged we reade that the Romanes being in warre with the Albanois it was by consent of the one and the other people agreed that three brethren of the one partie called Horatij should fight with three of the enemies who were also brethren called Curiatij These men being brought together after long and doubtfull fight the victorie fell vnto the Romanes and the Albanois according vnto agreement willinglie yeelded their Countrie vnto the Romanes gouernment On the contrarie may be alleadged that forsomuch as the weldooing of the whole Empire consisteth vpon the life of the Emperour he ought not to fight in person But this is to bee vnderstood of an Emperour alreadie possessed and inuested for if the election be doubtfull then to auoyd a publique warre and effusion of bloud it seemeth verie reasonable that two Princes making claime ought be admitted to triall of Armes so long as no other title or interest appeareth VVhether a King may challenge an Emperour to Combat CAP. 3. THe auncient Emperours of Roome were of so great puissance and had vnder them so manie Monarchies and Kingdomes as well neere the chiefest part of the world was vnto them subiect and the Princes of those ages were reputed either Subiects Vassals or Tributaries vnto the Emperours In which respect it was thought vnfit that the Emperour should vouchsafe to fight with any King or Prince of what state or qualitie soeuer It appeareth also that the honor and respect borne towards them was excessiue because the ciuill lawe doth call the Emperour Lord of the world affirming he hath iurisdiction ouer Kings and all Princes yea there wanteth not of those that haue named him GOD vpon the earth and consequently reasonable that he should refuse to fight in Combat with any King or other Potentate On the contrarie side may be alleadged that the dignitie and title of Kings is more auncient than that of Emperours and that they haue the like soueraigntie ouer men For well we knowe that Aeneas Romulus Numa gouerned in Roome many and many yeares before that Iulius Caesar vsurped the title of Emperour Neuertheles Lancislao King of Hungarie challenging the Emperour was repulsed as vnworthie It happened also that another King contending with the Emperour for the Kingdome of Polonia the said King did challenge the Emperour to Combat as before that time Carlo Martello the sonne of Carlo the second had done for triall of the title of Hungarie which he claimed by discent from his mother The said King of Hungarie who was then possessed being of person puissant did condiscend to fight with Carlo Martello a young man of twentie yeares and vnexpert in Armes yet indeede rightfull heire These Princes resolued to make triall by Armes vppon a day certeine appoynted the King of England to be their Iudge and they to performe the fight in a certeine Iland of his which was done Carlo Martello became victorious and tooke from the Hungarian King his helmet which had a cheine hanging at the same which helmet Carlo Martello and all his successors vsed as a badge But for resolution of this matter thus wee conclude that Princes or Kings hauing dependance of the Empire may bee repulsed to fight with the Emperour but a King soueraigne acknowledging no Superiour and holding his Dominion of GOD and his owne sword onelie may challenge and fight with any Emperour Of the Equalitie and disequalitie of great Nobilitie and of the priuiledges due to all men professing Armes CAP. 4. A King vncrowned may lawfullie challenge a King crowned vnlesse the King vncrowned be vnlawfullie aspired or a Tyrant The number of Christian Kings are 14 of whom onelie foure were auncientlie crowned by the Pope that is the French King the King of England the King of Ierusalem and the King of Sisil All the other Kings were crowned by their owne Prelates Thus saith Paris An Earle being a Prince absolute and not subiect vnto the Empire or any other Potentate may refuse to fight with any person being a subiect notwithstanding hee hath the title of Prince Duke or Marquize Here is to bee noted that these titles of honor were at the first giuen in office as the title of Duke was proper vnto him that was a Generall of the Armie A Marquize was he vnto whom the confine or Marches of a Countrie or Kingdome was committed An Earle or Count was a Iudge or Commander in Peace and of them in the auncient Emperours seruice were diuers as the Countes Palantine were as stewards of the Emperours house of his Court or Stable euerie of them might challenge any Prince Duke or Marquize being a subiect because they are in respect of subiection reputed none other than Barons A Gentleman well borne and descended from Parentage of foure degrees may fight with any Earle or Baron in case of treason to his Prince or Countrie and also murther and infidelitie because they are besides their dignitie none other than Gentlemen and Gentilitie or Nobilitie is hereditarie and cannot bee taken away but Dignitie may But in other quarrells of lesse importance the Earle in respect of his dignitie may fight by Champion but in the cases aforesaid he shall fight in person vnlesse he bee aged lame or otherwise disabled A Capteine Generall of an Armie Emperiall or Royall may not be challenged by any Gentleman or Lord neither ought the Gouernour of any Citie Towne or Castle because no publique commandement may be abandoned for priuate respect The like is to be
Thomas Radcliffe Sir Edward Norris Anthonie Cooke Sir Iohn Packington George Giffard Richard Ward Euerard Digbie Sir Edward Denie Sir William Hatton Thomas Vauisor Henrie Nowell Sir Iohn Borrowe Sir George Carew Anthonie Mildmay Thomas Gerrard Edward Winter Sir Charles Blont William Gressam Iohn Wotton Iohn Parker Francis Darcie Robert Carie. Sir Edward Wingfield Iohn Chidley Sir Philip Butler Richard Skipwith Pecksall Brocas William Haruie Thomas Sidney Iarues Clifton Richard Acton MY meaning was here to haue inserted all the Speaches Emblemes Deuises Posies and other Complements vsed in all Challenges other publique exercises of Armes since her Maiesties Raigne but for want of obseruation or rather lacke of some sufficient man to haue set them presently downe those things cannot be recouered Henceforth that defect is like to bee supplied by the dextrous hand of Master W. Seagar now called Somerset one of her Maiesties-Herehaults a Gentleman both learned and languaged and therewith also by his own hand able to expresse in demonstration with great art and excellencie Whose minde is whollie bent to her Maiesties seruice and the honour of her Court The Ceremonies apperteining to the deliuerie of Prizes at Iusts and Turniments CAP. 12. AT anie publique Triumph before the King it seemeth the vse hath heretofore been that the Prizes of best desert should bee giuen by the hand of the Queene notwithstanding it were in the Kings presence but first a solempne proclamation to be made by the Herehaults to this effect O Yes O yes O yes Be it knowen to all men by these presents that by the authoritie of the most high most excellent and most puissant Prince H. by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland c. That of those which haue Iusted on the Challengers side A.B. hath deserued the Prize and to him let the same be giuen as due by the censure of the Queene with the assent of her Ladies Gentlewomen and all others of her Highnes Court heere present Likewise on the partie of Defenders C.D. hath Iusted well E.F. better but G.H. best of all vnto whome the Prize is iudged by the most mightie most excellent and vertuous Princesse with consent aforesaid This was the forme of deliuering the Prizes at the most noble and triumphant Iusts performed by King Henrie the eight and Francis the French King with their Nobilitie and Gentlemen of Armes at their interviewe in Picardie where the Proclamation in forme aforesaid was pronounced in English and French which by fauour of Master Garter I haue seene recorded IT seemeth in elder times the vse was that the Prince did giue a letter of attestation to such persons as wan anie Prize either in Combat for life or Honor for my selfe haue read such a one granted by a King of France vnto an Italian Gentl. in these words following wherevnto as it seemeth was added a great and honorable Ceremonie NO I Filippo per gratia di dio Re di Franza c. notifichiammo a tutti coloro a quali peruerranno queste nostre littere et che lo haranno a grado et in piacere e generalmente a Imperadori Re Duchi Marchesi Conti Principi Nobili Caualierie Gentilhuomini come hauendo noi celebrato le nostre feste a honore a laude a gloria di nostro Signor dio ad honore di tutti i Caualieri che sono venuti a combattere a tutto transito in questo honorato passo di armi vogliamo che siano riconosciuti coloro che si saranno valorosamente portati senza esser mai vinti pure vna volta poi che si debbe dar l'honore a chi merita ch'e senza menda Pero per queste ordoniammo commandiammo e sententiammo che a gloria a honore a laude a fama del egregio e virtuoso Caualiere N. esso sia publicato in tutti quatro i cantoni delle lizze sbarre da i Re d' armi Araldi Passauanti con trombette e sonatori con consitimento nostro delli giudici del campo rappresentanti la persona nostra per lo migliore di tutti i Caualieri de nostro regno Et commandiammo che sia posto sopra vn cauallo tutto bianco e che tutti coloro che vi si truoueranno cosi donne come huomini vengono con esso noi tutti a piedi e sia fatta processione generale e. N. vada sotto il baldacchino fino alla chiesa Appresso commandiammo ordoniammo che vscendo della chieâ—â— si vada per tutte le lizze sbarre e. N. ne prenda la possessione e per i Re d' Armi gli siano date tutte le chiaui delle dette lizze insegno di vittoria Et ancora commandiammo che siano celebrate feste che durino quindeci giorni a laude gloria del vittorioso N. E perche ciascuno conosca la real verità di questo fatto habbiamo segnata la presente carta con color vermiglio èsuggellata co'l nostro real suggillo Data nella nostra Citta di Parigi a 4. di Luglio c. The same in English PHilip by the grace of God King of France c. Be it knowen to all men vnto whom these letters shall come and to euerie other person that take delight or pleasure in Armes and generally to all Emperors Kings Dukes Marquises Earles Princes Barons other Gentlemen that wee haue celebrated a solempne Triumph to the honour praise and glorie of God and the commendation of such as did fight in this honourable action of Armes And being desirous that they who haue valorouslie performed their parts without receiuing blame or disgrace should be knowen to the end honour may be giuen to euerie one according to his merit Therefore we haue hereby ordeined commaunded and iudged for the euerlasting honour praise and glorie of the excellent and vertuous Gentleman N. his name shal be proclaimed in euerie of the foure corners of the Lists or place of Iusts by the King of Armes the Herehaults and Pursiuants with our allowance and by the censure of the Iudges of the field representing our person letting all men thereby to knowe that the said N. is the most excellent and most vertuous Gentleman of Armes in all our kingdome We moreouer commaund that he shall be mounted vpon a white horse and that euery person present aswell women as men shall with vs follow him in Procession on fâ—ote that the said N. shall ride vnder a Canopie vnto the Church Wee likewise ordaine and commaund that in returne from the Church we shall passe through the place of Iusts and there the said N. to take possession and the keyes of the said Lists to be deliuered him by the King of Armes in signe of victorie Lastly we commaund that the celebration of the feast shall continue the space of xv dayes to the commendation and glory of the victorious N. And in witnes of the very troth in
giue them in almes to the poore That in walking either in the Court or Citie his pace should not be swift or hastie vpon paine to bee reproued of his fellowe Knights and punished at the great Masters discretion That he should not speake any thing vnfit or offensiue to his fellowes in Armes vpon paine to aske him forgiuenes and to bee banished the Court for three moneths That he should not commence or enter suite of lawe against the daughter of any Knight vpon paine neuer to haue Ladie or Gentlewoman of the Court to his mistris or wife That if he happened to meete with any Ladie or Gentlewoman of the Court he should foorth with alight from his horse and offer her his seruice vpon paine to lose one moneths wages and the fauour of all Ladies That if any Ladie of Honor required seruice at his hand he refusing to doo it hauing power should be called for euer the discourteous Knight That he should not eate alone nor at any time feed vpon grosse meates That he should not enter quarrell with any of his fellowe Knights or if any such disagreement did happen that he nor any other Knight should make partie but by all good meanes seeke to reconcile them vpon paine to pay a marke towards the charge of the next Iusts That if any man not being of this Order should presume to weare the Band that then he should bee forced to fight with two Knights but vanquishing them should be also a Knight himselfe being vanquished should bee banished the Court and neuer to weare the Band. That if at any Iusts or Turnaments in the Court a Gentleman being not of the Order should winne the prize then the King was bound forthwith to make him a Knight of the Band. That if any Knight of the Band did offer to draw his sword against any of his fellowes for so dooing should absent himselfe two moneths and two other moneths weare but halfe his Band. And if a Knight did hurt his fellowe in Armes he should be imprisoned one halfe yeare and the next halfe yeare be banished the Court. That no Knight for any offence should bee punished or iudged before he were brought to the King and his pleasure signified That he should bee euer furnished to attend on the King whensoeuer he went to the warre and if any battell were striken then ought these Knights ioyntlie to giue the charge and if in any such seruice a Knight performed not his part he should lose one yeares pay and one other yeare weare but halfe the Band. That no Knight should be inforced to serue in any warre saue onlie against the Infidels Or attending on the King to any other warre to weare no Band and if he serued any other Prince in his warre he should lose the Band. That all the Knights should assemble three times a yeare to consult vpon matters perteining to the Order The assemblie was at such place as the King pleased to appoynt and there they awaited with their Horse and Armour the first meeting was in Aprill the second in September and the last in Christmas That all the Knights of this Order should fight at the Turney at the least twise euerie yeare Iust foure times a yeare play at the Canes sixe times a yeare and manage horses euerie weeke And who so failed to performe all or any of these Knightly exercises should attend on the King one moneth without a Sword and one other moneth without a Band. That if the King did come to any citie or towne that then the Knights within eight daies after should prepare a place for the Iusts and Turniaments they should also exercise all other warlike weapons and if any Knight were negligent in these things hee should bee confined to his lodging and weare but halfe the Band. That no Knight might remaine in Court without a Mistris with intent to marrie her and not dishonor her and whensoeuer she pleased to walke he was to attend on her on foote or horsebacke to doo her all honor and seruice That if any Iusts were holden within ten mile of the Court euerie Knight to bee there vnder paine to go without his Sword for one moneth and without his Band another moneth That if any of these Knights were married within twentie miles of the Court all the rest should accompanie him to the King to receiue a gift and from thence to the place of wedding to exercise feates of Armes there and euerie Knight to present the Bride with some gift That the first Sonday of euerie moneth all the Knights should shewe themselues armed before the King readie to performe any action of Armes at the Kings pleasure for the King would not haue them be onlie Knights in name but in deed also That in no Turniament there should bee more Knights than thirtie on one partie and so many on the other partie that no Sword should be brought into the place but such as were rabbated both of edge and poynt And that vpon the sound of Trompet the fight should begin and at the sound of the Clarions euerie man to cease from fight and retire vpon paine that who so failed should neuer more enter into that Combat and be banished the Court for one moneth That at euerie day of Iusts each Knight should passe foure Carieraes before foure Knights appoynted for Iudges they who brake no staues in those courses should pay the charge of the Iusts That if any Knight were sicke and in perrill of death all other his fellowe Knights should visite him and exhort him to godlines And if indeed he did dye to accompanie his corse to the graue Also to mourne in blacke one whole moneth and absent themselues from the exercise of Armes for the space of three moneths except the King should otherwise command That within two daies after such funerall all the Knights should assemble and present the Band of the dead Knight vnto the King making humble suite for some of his sonnes to succeed if any of them were meete praying it would please his Maiestie to be good to the mother that she might liue according to her honorable calling Knights of San Iago CAP. 13. NExt vnto the Knights aforesaid for honor and estimation are these Knights of S. Iames in Spaine by the Spaniards called Caualieri di San Iago The originall of which Order was this At such time as the Arabians had well neere conquered that Countrie the remainder of the Spanish people refusing to liue vnder the lawes of that barbarous Nation retired themselues vnto the mounteines of Asturia and there setled a gouernment After some yeares of their abode there certeine Gentlemen consulting together determined to make an assotiation and begin a warre vppon the Infidells These Gentlemen to the number of thirteene being all Barons and men of great qualitie agreed also vpon certeine religious rules of Knighthood yet reseruing vnto themselues libertie of marriage The Ensigne which they resolued to weare
was a red Crosse in the forme of a Sword This Order was erected at such time as the King Don Ramiro wanne the victorie against the Moores in the Prouince of Compostella at which time great possessions and priuileges were giuen to S. Iames of Compostella Anno. 1030. This Order hath one chiefe Gouernour who is called Great Master he with thirteene other Knights haue authoritie to choose or remooue any Knight at their discretion Vpon the Feast day of All Saincts these Knights doo vse to meete and consult vpon matters apperteining to their estate The reuenues belonging to these Knights is merueilous amounting to many hundred thousand Duckets Many Popes haue giuen their allowance to this Order yet either they could not or would not reserue a greater tribute thereof than ten Malachini yearely Knights of Calatraua CAP. 14. BY imitation of the Order aforesaid was this Knighthood of Calatraua begun in the yeare 1130. The inuenter thereof was Don Santio King of Toledo They were called Knights of Calatraua of the Prouince and place where they were made and setled which was where ancientlie the chiefe Church of Templers had been who not being of power sufficient to resist the Saracens were forced to yeeld the place vnto these Knights The habit of these Knights is a blacke garment and vpon it in the breast is set a red Crosse. These Knights haue also exceeding great possessions and many Commandries in diuers places of Spaine Knights of Alcantara CAP. 15. THese Knights liuing in effect vnder the ordinances and rules of the former doo weare a greene Crosse. Neere vnto the Citie of Alcantara in Castiglia vpon the riuer of Tago they haue a Church of great beautie indowed with rich possessions Knights of Montesio CAP. 16. IN Valentia are the Cauallieri di Montesio a place also seated in that Prouince These Knights doo weare a red Crosse and their Order begun about the same time that the Knighthood of Calatraua tooke beginning Knights of Redemption CAP. 17. THese Knights were erected in the Kingdome of Aragon by King Iames who conquered the Ilands Maiorica and Minorica in the yeare 1212. Their garments are white and thereon a blacke Crosse. The office of these Knights is to redeeme prisoners wherevpon they are called Caualieri della Redentione The chiefe Gouernour of them remaineth at Bercellona Knights of S. Iohn in Ierusalem of some called Knights of the Rhodes and now Knights of Malta CAP. 18. IT is written with what warrant I know not that at the Citie of Amiens in Picardie a Prouince of France there was borne a certein Gentleman who in his childhood had been brought vp in learning and being growne to mans estate disposed himselfe to the exercise of Armes and therein long time continued Afterwards hauing atteined riper yeares he despised the world and framed himselfe to a solitarie life as one fullie resolued to liue in contemplation vnseene of any but God alone Hauing sometime remained in that solitarie sort a sodeine desire he had to visite the Sepulcher where Christ was buried which shortlie after he did And to the end he might with securitie passe the barbarous Nations he apparelled himselfe like vnto a Phisition by which meane without impediment he performed his iorney Thus hauing passed the difficulties of trauell in diuers straunge Countries he ariued at Ierusalem and being there fell into acquaintance with Simon Patriarke of that Citie and in lamenting wise enformed him of the oppression and crueltie offered and daylie vsed by the Infidels towards the poore Christians Whereunto Simon answered that albeit the Christians in those Countries indured great outrages yet they of Ierusalem suffered much greater and should be forced to more if God did not defend them By this conference the Patriarke conceiued Peter the Hermit for so he was called to bee a man of good vnderstanding and apt to execute any action of importance that should bee committed vnto him Whereupon the Patriarke determined to make him a messenger vnto the Pope vnto whom by letters he imparted the great calamitie and afflicted estate of the poore Christians inhabiting the Holy land Peter hauing receiued his instructions and letter of credence returned into the West first vnto the Pope and after solicited other Princes in such sort and with so good successe as by his perswasions many great Kings and Potentates consented to take in hand the recouerie of the Holy land from the oppression of the Infidels and some of them furnished that enterprise with men some with monie and some did goe in person Among which number as the chiefe was Robert Duke of Normandie sonne to King William of England Godfrey Duke of Lorayn with two of his brethren called Eustace and Baldwin Hugh sirnamed the Great brother to the French King with diuers other Princes Dukes Earles and Barons Also thether went Beomondo Duke of Calabria who for zeale to that seruice or desire of honor resigned his Dukedome vnto Ruggiero his brother taking with him so many of his subiects as would voluntarilie followe him of whom with such other Capteines and Soldiers of Italie as came vnto him he assembled more than twentie thousand all choyce men yong fit for the warre All things in this sort prepared for the iorney Vrban the second then Pope sent vnto these Capteines a white Crosse with commandement that al the Soldiers should weare the like calling that enterprise la Cruciata It is said that the Christians at such time as this warre was proclaimed in Chiaramont a Citie of Auernia indeuoured themselues vniuersallie to animate the Soldiers and ioyned in generall praier for their good successe giuing them meate apparell and furniture vnasked or required Moreouer those that were indebted were forgiuen and such as had been banished were pardoned The women also contrarie to their custome willinglie and with much ioy consented their husbands and sonnes should passe in this enterprise and for their furniture gaue them their Iewels Cheines and monie The French King likewise sent them great treasure and gaue priuileges to the Soldiers lands and wiues in their husbands absence And many great Princes and other Lords sold and impawned their patrimonies to further this action So as the Armie assembled for this holie enterprise amounted vnto three hundred thousand footmen and one hundred thousand horse who presentlie marched towards Constantinople where they passed the straight called Bosphoro Tracio and landed at Calcedonia For the first enterprise they besieged Nicea in Bithinia which within fiftie daies was yeelded and the fourth of Iuly at the foote of certeine Mounteines neere vnto that Citie the Christians fought a battell with a Turkish Armie which in number exceeded ours and thereat was present Soliman the Emperour of Turkie and Persia but the Christians had victorie with the losse of two thousand men but of the enemies were slaine fortie thousand This victorie gained the Christians following their enterprise within short time wonne an hundred Cities and Townes of accompt among
and were made Christians Within short space after these Knights builded diuers Churches and among them some Cathedrall Temples making them places of residence for Bishops who were also inioyned to weare the habit of the Order Neere vnto the riuer Vistola was a great Oake where these Knights builded the first Castle and Towne which with time was encreased and called Borgo di Santa Maria where is now the chiefe Church apperteining to this Order thereunto belongeth so great riches and reuenues as these Knights may both for men and monie compare with diuers Princes This Countrie of Prussia is great and much thereof bounded by the riuer Vistola and is also confined by Sarmatia the Massageti and Polonia These Knights are also Lords of Liuonia which was likewise by them brought to the faith of Christianitie and is with Christians now inhabited Knights of the Sepulcher CAP. 20. THis Knighthood is now extinct or rather conioyned vnto the Order of Malta The Ensigne belonging to these Knights was two red Crosses Knights of S. Mary CAP. 21. IN the life of Pope Vrban the fourth at which time was great warre among the Princes of Italie certeine rich Gentlemen of Bolognia and Modona desiring to eschue the present troubles and bee exempt from publique charges desired of that Pope to permit them to liue in contemplation and erect a newe Order of religious Knighthood which for money they obteined calling themselues Knights of Sainct Mary The habit of this Order was verie pompous and thereupon a red Crosse wrought with gold round about They were speciallie inhibited to weare gold in their spurres and horse harnesse They made profession to fight against the Infidels and all others that offended Iustice Notwithstanding they liued euer at home in rest with their wiues and children They were commonlie called Caualieri di Madonna but because they liued continuallie in ease and pleasure men termed them Frati gaudenti as much in our language as Goodfellowe brethren It may bee some of them are yet extant Knights of S. Lazaro CAP. 22. THese Knights of this Order doo pleade great antiquitie saying they were in the time of S. Basil and their profession hath been confirmed by sondrie Popes They also affirme that Fredericke the Emperour sirnamed Barbarossa gaue them great possessiōs in Sicilia Calabria Puglia and Terra di Lauoro And to those lands diuers Popes did adde much Notwithstanding time that weareth all things away did also consume these riches and the Order well neere extinct till of late yeares Pius quartus the Pope did reuiue it who made Gianotto Castiglione a noble Gentelman of Milan great Master These Knights doo professe to bee obedient vnto their great Master and other Officers of the Order They promise also to liue chast or at the least continent and content with one wife Also to bee charitable and liberall chieflie to poore people infected with leprosie Moreouer euerie Knight promiseth to weare a greene Crosse before they enter into this Knighthood must prooue himselfe to bee borne in lawfull wedlocke and a Gentleman both by father and mother and to beare Armes Also that he is discended of ancient Christians and no Morrano or Turke That he hath of rent at the least 200. Crownes therewith to mainteine his dignitie That he and his auncestors haue euer liued as Gentlemen without vse of any base or mecanical occupation That he hath not been suspected of any notable euill fact or is defamed for any vice That he be not indebted nor is wedded to any widdowe or hath had more than one wife But besides these passable protestations he must vndertake to say fiue and twentie Pater nosters and so manie Aue marias with other Superstitious things not worthie the writing This Order haue of late time been much fauoured by the Dukes of Sauoy Knights of S. Steffano CAP. 23. IN the yeare 1561. Cossimo Duke of Florence and Siena hauing setled his gouernment and liuing in peaceable estate erected this religious Order of Knighthood calling those that entered thereunto Caualieri di San Steffano To these Knights he gaue a red Crosse bordered about with gold The Statutes annexed vnto this Order are not vnlike to those apperteining to the Order of Malta sauing that these haue libertie to marrie The chiefe place of their resiance is the Citie of Pisa where the Duke prepared them a Church and builded for them a Pallace wherein to lodge And because neere to that Citie is a Hauen fit to receiue the Gallies wherein these Knights should serue it seemed good to that Prince to settle them there The Duke himselfe and his successors is great Master of this Order and vnder him are diuers other Officers of reputation This is the last Order or degree of Knights that I haue seene or read of saue onelie the great Knighthood of S. Esprit whereof as is before said I am not enformed The Ceremonies in the degradation of Knights CAP. 24. IT seemeth that the degradation of Knights hath been vsed onelie for offences of greatest reproach and dishonour which I conceiue partlie by the rarenes of such actions and partlie for that the men bereft of that dignitie were not onelie degraded but also by lawe executed As in the raigne of King Edward the 4. it appeared a Knight was degraded in this sort First after the publication of his offence his gilt spurres were beaten from his heeles then his sword taken from him and broken That being done euerie peece of his Armour was brused beaten and cast aside After all which disgraces he was beheadded In like manner Andrew of Hekela Knight and Earle of Cardoyl was in this sort disgraded He being apprehended was by the Kings commandement brought before Sir Anthony Lucy Anno. 1322. apparelled in all the robes of his estate as an Earle and a Knight and so led vnto the place of Iudgement Being thether come Sir Anthony Lucy said vnto him these words First thou shall lose the Order of Knighthood by which thou hadst all thine honour and further all worship vppon thy bodie bee brought to nought Those wordes pronounced Sir Anthony Lucy commanded a knaue to hewe the Knights spurres from his heeles and after caused his sword to bee broken ouer his head That done hee was dispoyled of his furred Tabord of his Hood of his furred Cotts and of his Girdle Then Sir Anthony saide vnto him these wordes Andrew now art thou no Knight but a knaue and for thy treason the King doth will thou shalt bee hanged This manner of proceeding in the degradation of these two Knights I found recorded in an auncient booke of Master Garters written in the selfe same words that are here expressed The Authors Intention CAP. 25. ALbeit the whole scope and intent of this booke is to discourse the poynts of Honor and dignities apperteining vnto Armes yet for not being mistaken in my meaning I haue thought good to say that the commendation due vnto learning is of no lesse desart thā