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 Defenders were The Earle of Oxford the Lord Windsor Philip Sidney Edward Norris Henrie Knowles Robert Knowles Fulke Greuill Thomas Kneuet Thomas Kellaway Rafe Bowes George Goring George Gifford Anthonie Cooke Henrie Bronkerd Edward Denie Richard Ward Sir Thomas Parrot The Prize was giuen to the Earle of Oxford TO these actions of Armes may be added the notable Turniament on horsebacke within her Maiesties Pallace at Westminster which became the more rare and memorable for that it was performed in the night The manner whereof in briefe was thus It pleased her Maiestie according to her Princelie custome in receiuing of noble strangers to conuite vnto supper the Duke Momorancie chiefe Marshall of France at that time come hether to take the honourable Order of the Garter This magnificent supper ended it pleased her Highnesse the weather being warme to walke out of her Chamber into the open Tarrace whether also awaiting on her went the said Duke and all others of the French Nobilitie with the Ambassadours Lords and Ladies of this Court. At her Maiesties comming to the North side of the Tarrace there were prepared and set rich Chaires Cushions and Carpets In which place it pleased her to stay intertaining most gratiouslie the said Duke other noble strangers Next vnto them were placed the Ladies Lords Counsellors and other persons of reputation according to their degrees and conueniencie of the roume So as the said Tarrace was on all sides beset with Lords Ladies and persons of qualitie sumptuouslie apparelled and richlie furnished and among them both aboue and vnder stood manie of the Guard in their rich coates holding an infinite number of Torches and so in the preaching place by which meane to those that beheld the Tarrace in this sort furnished they deemed it rather a Theater celestiall than a Pallace of earthlie building The place with this royall presence replenished sodeinlie entered the Earle of Essex and with him twelue Gentlemen armed at al peeces and wel mounted The Earle and his horse was furnished with white cloath of siluer and the rest in white sattin who after reuerence done to her Maiestie marched to the East side of the Court there in troope stood firme Forthwith entred the Earle of Rutland with a like number in like sort armed and apparelled all in blewe and hauing presented his reuerence staied on the West end Before either of these Bands one Chariot was drawne and therein a faire Damsell conducted by an armed Knight who presented certeine speeches in the French tung vnto her Maiestie These Ceremonies past the Queene commanded the armed men to fall vnto fight which was performed with great courage commendation chiefly in the Earle of Essex a noble personage valerous in Armes and all other waies of great vertue Trulie this action was meruailouslie magnificēt appeared a sight exceeding glorious to those that wer below looking vpward to the Tarrace wher her Maiestie the Lords and Ladies stood so pompously apparailed Iewelled and furnished as hardly can bee seen the like in anie Christian Court as my selfe and other the Actors at occasions staying from fight with great admiration did behold and thinke Of the Actors names in this Combat it seemeth no note is kept yet are manie of them liuing NOt inferiour but farre exceeding in princelie pompe and qualitie of Actors was that royall Combat and fight on foote before her Maiestie the 1. of Ianuarie Anno 1581. where Monsieur of France the Prince d' Aufine the Earle of Sussex the Earle of Leicester the Count S. Aignon Monsieur Chanuallon and Monsieur Barqueuille were Challengers The Defenders were The L. Thomas Howard Sir William Russell Monsieur Brunys Monsieur S. Vincent Sir Thomas Cicill Henry Grey Iohn Borough Lord Windsor Walter Windsor Le Boylere Le Cheualier Ambrose Willoughbie Sir William Drurie Thomas Radcliffe Lord Sheffeld Robert Cary George Carew Fulk Greuill William Knowles Francis Knowles Thomas Kneuet Lord Darcie Anthony Mildmay Rafe Stauerton Lancelot Bostock George Beeston William Worthington Thomas Kellaway Sir George Carey Rafe Bowes Henrie Windsor Iohn Wotton George Goring Edward Moore George Giffard Thomas Borough Anthonie Cooke Hercules Newtas Richard Skipwith Henrie Bronkard Iohn Parker Francis Darcie Iohn Tyrrell They are not here placed according to their degrees but as they were called to fight AFter so manie royall and statelie Triumphs it may be thought superfluous to insert the ordinarie exercises in Armes almost yearely vsed on the 17. of Nouember in memorie of the applause of all subiects at her Maiesties comming to the Crowne of England as euen this last yeare was vsed by the right noble and valerous Earle of Essex a Gentleman of great hope or rather vertuous proofe and singular perfection In liew whereof or rather to auoide iteration of names we haue here set down those Lords and Gentlemen that haue been Actors in publique exercises of Armes on horsebacke sith her Maiesties raigne as chieflie by Master Clarentieux notes doth appeare By consideration of which persons as well in qualitie as number it may easilie bee conceiued that the magnificence of her Maiesties Court is equall or exceeding the Courts of other Kings her noble predecessors They are not here placed in order of their degrees but according to the time of the Actions wherein it pleased them to be and with such titles as they since had or now haue The Duke of Norffolke The Earle of Sussex The Earle of Warwick The Earle of Leicester The Earle of Ormond The L. Honsdon The L. Scroope The L. Darcie The L. North. The L. Norris The L. Charles Howard The L. Grey The L. Stafford The L. Henrie Seymor The Earle of Oxenford The Earle of Essex The Earle of Rutland The Earle of Arundel The L. Windsor The L. Thomas Howard The L. Sheffeld The L. Borough The Earle of Essex The L. Willoughbie The L. Strange The Earle of Comberland The L. Brough of Ireland Knights and Gentlemen Sir Christopher Hatton Knight of the Order Sir George Howard Edward Fitzgarret Sir Robert Constable Sir Henrie Lee. Anthonie Digbie Thomas Warcop Thomas Markham Sir George Beeston Sir William Gorge Henrie Haruie Edward Hongarford Thomas Cornwallis Iohn Iernegan Robert Colsel Robert Wiseman Francis Haruie Sir Thomas Layton William Howard Sir Edward Harbert Sir Henrie Cobham Walter Windsor Sir Henrie Kneuet Sir George Carey Henrie Knowles William Norris Rafe Lane Sir Iohn Dauers George Delues Sir Henrie Grey Lancelot Bostock Brian Ansley Sir Ierome Bowes Sir Thomas Cicill Henrie Mackwilliam Thomas Bedingfield Sir Richard Bulkeley Thomas Kneuet Sir William Knowles William Worthington Edward Cary. Sir Thomas Gorge Richard Blunt Thomas Moore Thomas Coningesbie Robert Alexander Roger Clopton William Hyfeld Thomas Cotton Sir Walter Rawleigh Sir Philip Sidney Sir William Russell Sir Thomas West Robert Knowles Iohn Carey Fulke Greuill Rafe Bowes Iohn Zouch Sir William Drurie Thomas Kellaway George Goring Iohn Ludcot Edward Greuill William Tressam Edward Moore Iohn Tyrrell Henrie Bronkard Sir Thomas Parrot
alone sitting downe before the King as his Vicar generall send his Liutenant to the Challenger to come vnto him and the Marshall with his Liutenant did accompanie the Defender The Conestable thus set did pronounce this speach with a loude voyce Let them go let them go let them go and doo their best Vpon which words pronounced in the Kings presence the Challenger did march towards the Defender to assaile him furiouslie and the other prepared himselfe for defence soberlie In the meane time the Conestable and Marshall with their Liutenants stood attentiue to heare and see if any words signe or voyce of yeelding were vttered by anie of the Fighters and also to bee readie if the King should command the Launces to bee let fall to depart the fight The Conestable and Marshall did also take regard that the Challenger and Defender should appeare at the day and houre appoynted whether the quarrell were for treason or otherwise The Conestable did likewise measure the weapons of the Combattors and also search whether they had about them any engin or other vnlawfull things as Charmes or Inchauntment yet was it lawfull both for the Challenger and Defender to bee aswell and surelie armed as they could And if any of them would haue his Sword shorter than the Standerd yet was not the other bound to haue his cut to that measure if he required that fauour of the Court But if either the one or the others Sword passed the Standerd then was that inequalitie to be reformed or if they were both ouerlong both ought be reformed It had been also in more ancient time vsed that the Conestable and Marshall should foresee that if the Kings pleasure was to depart the fight and suffer the Fighters to rest before the Combat ended that they should bee parted in due time when no aduauntage were Likewise that they should take heed that none of them should priuatlie speake vnto the other of yeelding or otherwise For vnto the Conestable and Marshall apperteined the witnessing and record of all things And in case the Combat were for question of treason he that was vanquished should bee foorthwith disarmed within the Lists by commandement of the Conestable and the Marshall The said Armour and weapons of the vanquished in one end of the Lists was defaced in his disgrace and after the same was drawne out together with his horse From thence also the man vanquished was drawne vnto the place of execution to bee there headed or hanged according to the custome of the Countrie The performance of all which punishment apperteined onlie to the Marshall who ought see all things done in his owne presence And in case the Challenger did not vanquish his enemie then ought he suffer the same paines that are due vnto the Defender if he were vanquished But if the quarrell were vpon a crime of lesse importance the partie vanquished should not bee drawne vnto the place of execution but onelie led thether to receiue death or other punishment according to the custome and qualitie of the matter If the Combat were onelie for triall of vertue or honor he that was vanquished therein should be disarmed and put out of the Lists without further punishment If it happened that the King would take the quarrell into his hand and make peace betweene the parties without longer fight Then did the Conestable leade the one and the Marshall the other of the fighters out of the Lists at diuers gates armed and mounted as they were hauing speciall regard that neither of them should go the one before the other For the quarrell resting in the Kings hand might not bee renued or any violence offered without preiudice vnto the Kings honor And because it is a poynt verie speciall in matters of Armes that he who leaueth the Lists first incurreth a note of dishonor therefore to depart the Lists in due time was euer preciselie obserued were the Combat for treason or other cause whatsoeuer It is also to bee remembered that without the principall Lists were euer certeine Counterlists betwixt which two the seruants of the Conestable and Marshall did stand There stood also the Kings Seriants at Armes to see and consider if any default or offence were committed contrarie to the Proclamation of the Court against the Kings royall Maiestie or the lawe of Armes Those men were euer armed at all peeces The seruants of the Conestable and Marshall had charge of the place and good order thereof The Kings Seriants tooke care to keepe the gates of the Lists and be there readie to make arest of any person when they should bee commanded by the Conestable or Marshall The fees of the Marshall were all Horses peeces of Armour or other furniture that fell to the ground after the Combattors did enter into the Lists aswell from the Challenger as the Defender But all the rest apperteined to the partie victorious whether he were Challenger or Defender The Barres Posts Railes and euerie other part of the Lists were also the fees of the Marshall Certeine Combats graunted by the Kings of England CAP. 9. EDmond of the rase of West Saxons fought in combat with Canutus King of Denmarke for the possession of the Crowne of England In which fight both the Princes being wearie by consent departed the land betwixt them Anno. 1016. RObert Mountfort accused Henrie of Essex of treason affirming that he in a iorney towards Wales neere vnto Colshil threwe away the Kings Standerd saying the King was dead and turned backe those that went to the Kings succour Henrie denied the accusation so as the matter came to be tried by Combat The place appoynted for fight was a little I le neere vnto Reading In this Combat Henrie was vanquished and fell downe as dead and at the suite of friends licence was obteined that his bodie might be buried by the Monkes of Reading But it happened that the bodie of Henrie recouered and became a Monke in that Abey Anno 1163. In the raigne of King Henrie the second HEnry Duke of Hereford accused Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norffolke of certeine words by him spoken as they rode betweene London and Brainford tending vnto the Kings dishonor Thomas Duke of Norf. denied to haue spoken any such word but Henrie affirming his accusation the King graunted the Combat to beé performed at Couentrie the 7. of September 1398. Anno Rich. 2. A Combat was fought at Westminster in the Kings presence betweene Iohn Ansley Knight and Thomas Catrington Esquire whō the said Knight had accused of treason for selling the Castle of S. Sauiours which the Lord Chandos had builded in the I le of Constantine in France In which Combat the Knight was victorious Anno 1379. regni Rich. 2. A Combat was graunted vnto an Esquire borne in Nauarra to fight with an English Esquire called Iohn Welsh whom the Nauarrois accused of treason But the true cause of the Nauarrois his malice was for that the said Welsh had forced his wife as being vanquished
other Herehaults cried aloud saying This is the Helmet of a disloyall and miscreant Knight Then was brought thether a Bason of gold or siluer full of warme water which being holden vp the Herehaults with a loud voyce sayd What is this Knights name The Purseuants answered that which in trueth was his name Then the King of Armes sayd That is not true for he is a miscreant and false traitor and such a one as hath broken the ordinance of Knighthood Thereunto answered the Chaplins Let vs giue him his right name Then spake the Trompets What shall be done with him To which words the King answered Let him bee with dishonor and shame banished my kingdome as a vile and infamous man that hath done offence against the honor of Knighthood When the King had so said the King of Armes and other Herehaults cast the warme water on the disgraded Knights face as though he were a new baptized saying Hencefoorth thou shalt be called by thy right name Traitor Then the King together with twelue other Knights put vppon them mourning garments declaring sorowe and comming vnto the Knight disgraded put him downe the stage not by the staiers he mounted vp when he was made Knight but threwe him downe tyed vnto a rope Then with great ignomie he was brought vnto the Altar and there laied groueling on the ground and ouer him was read a Psalme full of curses These were the Ceremonies vsed at the degradatiō of Knights in the time of Sir Tristram Sir Lancelot and other famous Knights who were no doubt men very valiant in Armes but by meanes of writers that haue added vnto their acts many vntruths their prowesse and enterprises are holden as fables How many orders and degrees of Knighthood haue been and of them how many yet extant CAP. 6. 1 THe first and most noble order both for antiquitie and honor is that of the GARTER 2 The next to it is that of the TOSON 3 The third is that of S. MICHAEL 4 The fourth is that of the NVNTIATA 5 There is also one newe order of Knighthood in France called the Order of S. ESPRIT whereof I am not fullie enformed All these Knights be called Knights of the Coller in signe they excell others in Honor and reputation as those Orders whereinto Emperours Kings and Princes doo enter Next to these in dignitie are 1 The Knights of the BAND 2 The Knights of S. IAGO 3 The Knights of CALATRAVA 4 The Knights of ALCANTARA 5 The Knights of MONTESIO 6 The Knights of REDEMPTION 7 The Knights of MALTA 8 The Knights TEVTONICI The third sort of Knights are 1 The Knights of the SEPVLCHER 2 The Knights of SANTA MARIA 3 The Knights of S. LAZARO 4 The Knights of S. STEFFANO These may bee called rather Knights of Superstition than persons of Honor. Among these wee make no mention of Knights of the Round Table neither haue wee set downe the Knights of Amadis de Gaule nor of Orlando Furioso Yet doo I suppose some part of those stories to bee matters of trueth although writers haue added vnto them things incredible By which meane the histories themselues are holden fabulous Wee haue not here spoken of the Knights of the Starre nor of them which were called Knights of the Spurre which orders are extinct or not regarded The Knights Templers were also long since cleerelie suppressed Of the Order of the Garter CAP. 7. EDWARD the third King of England after he had obteined many great victories King Iohn of France King Iames of Scotland being both prisoners in the Tower of London at one time and King Henrie of Castile the bastard expulsed and Don Pedro restored by the Prince of Wales did first erect this Order in his Kingdome Anno 1350. vppon no weightie occasion as is reported Notwithstāding the same is and long hath been in so great honor as Emperours Kings and Princes haue desired to bee of that companie accompting it great Honor. The number of this Colledge or fellowship is 26. Knights and when any of them dye another is chosen by consent of the companie The Soueraine of the Order is the King of England his heires and successors This Order was dedicated to S. George as the Aduocate of those Knights The custome was long that these Knights yeerely held a feast at the Castle of Winsor where is also the Church founded by the same King Edward who likewise gaue great stipends to certeine Priestes to serue there It is not commonlie knowne what was the occasion that mooued the King to make this Order but thus haue I heard it vulgarlie reported That King Edward dauncing with the Queene and other Ladies of his Court tooke vp a Garter that happened to fall from one of them whereat some of the Lords smiling the King said vnto them that or it were long he would make that Garter to bee of high reputation Vpon this ground it is sayd the Order tooke beginning Euerie yeare all the Knights on the feast day of S. George are bound to resort vnto Windsor or such other place as by the Soueraine shall be appoynted The principall Officers apperteining to this most honorable Order are these The Prelate The Chancellor The Register The King of Armes named Garter and the Vsher called the Blacke Rod. Which places are presentlie furnished with these persons viz. Doctor Cooper Bishop of Winchster Prelate Master Iohn Wolly Esquire one of her Maiesties priuie Counsell Chauncellor Doctor Day Deane of Winsor Register Master W. Dethicke chiefe King of Armes Garter Master William Norris Esquire Vsher. The Statutes of this great Order are remaining with the sayd Master Garter a Gentleman verie studious in his facultie and carefull to preserue the Records belonging vnto the Nobilitie of England From him I receiued the names of these Knights of the first institution of the GARTER which I found in an auncient booke of his written in the French tongue The first Knights of the Order King Edward Soueraine The Prince of Wales his sonne The Duke of Lancaster The Earle of Warwicke The Capteine de Buch. The Earle of Stafford The Earle of Salisburie The Lord Mortimer Sir Iohn Lisle Sir Bartholmew de Bourchesh Sir Iohn Bewchamp The Lord of Mahun Sir Hugh Courtney Sir Thomas de Holland Sir Iohn de Grey Sir Richard Fitzsimond Sir Miles Stapleton Sir Thomas Walle Sir Hugh Wortesley Sir Neel Loring Sir Iohn Chandos Sir Iames Dandely Sir 〈◊〉 de Holang Sir Henrie Eme. Sir Fauchet de Prichcourt Sir Walter Pauelly The names of those that are presentlie of the same most noble Order The Queene of England Soueraine The King of Spaine The Duke Casemirus The Vice Conte Montacute The Earle of Shrewsburie Earle Marshall of England The Lord of Honsdon Lord Chamberlein The Earle of Warwicke The Earle of Hontingdon The Lord Bourleigh Lord Threasurer of England The Lord Grey The Earle of Darbie The Earle of Pembrooke The L. Howard of Effingham L. Admirall of England The Lord Cobham
taken away by the Soueraines of the said Order The day of assemblie for these Knights was at the first institution appoynted on the feast of S. Andrew but sithence altered vnto the second of May and that but once in three yeares vnlesse it shall please the Soueraine otherwise to command To this Order doo belong foure principall Officers That is a Chauncelor a Threasurer a Register a King of Armes named Toson d'oro The first inuenter of the Impresa belonging to the Order of the Toson was Charles Duke of Burgondie whose great valour brought the French King Lewis the xj into much trouble and warre as Monsier de Argenton writeth His Impresa or deuise was an Instrument made to strike fire with these words Ante ferit quam flamma micet Meaning he had power to kindle great warre as indeed he had But his warres had vnhappie euent For hauing in hand a warre against Lorayn and the Swisses after the defeate of Morat and Grauson he was vtterlie ouerthrowne and slaine before Nansi the euen of the Epiphany Wherevpon Renato Duke of Lorayn being victorious and seeing a Standerd of Duke Charles with the Impresa of the Instrument of fire said That vnhappie Prince when hee had most neede to warme him wanted leisure to strike fire Which speach was verie pithie and the more for that the earth was then couered with Snowe and by reason of the conflict full of bloud At that time was the greatest frost and cold that any liuing man could remember The Toson which these Knights doo weare hanging at their collers of the Order is the forme of a golden Fleece expounded to bee like vnto the Fleece of gold which Iason wonne at Colchos Others suppose it to bee the Fleece of Gedeon whereof is made mention in holie Scripture which signifieth Fidelitie or Iustice vncorrupted The number of these Knights was much encreased by the Emperour Charles the fift who hauing in hand the Dukedome of Burgondie elected into that Order persons of greater qualitie than were at the first and would haue that the election should bee by consent And after him King Phillip did the like Here is to bee noted that albeit Duke Charles did inuent the Impresa yet the Creation was begun after by Duke Phillip sirnamed Le bon at such time as he called a generall assemblie of the States at the Hage in Holland Anno. 1456. The names of Knights in this first Creation Phillip Duke of Burgondie Soueraine William of Vienna of S. George Rinieri Pot Lord of the Castell The Lord of Rombaix The Lord Montacute Orland of Vquerque Anthonie of Vergi Conte of Lignij Hugh of Lanoij Lord of Santes Iohn Lord of Cominges Anthonie of Tolongeon Marshall of Burgondie Peter of Lucimburg Conte of Beureuie Gilbert of Lanoij Lord of Villerual Iohn Villiers Lord of Isleadam Anthonie Lord of Croij and of Renti Florimonte of Brimeu Lord of Massincure Robert Lord of Mamimes Iames of Brimeu Lord of Grigni Baldwin Lanoij Lord of Mulambais Peter of Baufremont Lord of Cargni Phillip Lord of Teruant Iohn of Orequi Iohn of Croij Lord of Tuors super Marne The Knights elected into the Order of Toson by Phillip King of Spaine and Duke of Burgondie 1 Phillip Duke of Austria and King of Spaine Soueraine of the Order 2 Maximilian the Emperour second of that name 3 Don Beltramo della Cueua Duke of Alburqueque 4 Don Inigo Lopes di Mendoza Duke of Infantasgo 5 Cosmo di Medici Duke of Florence and of Siena 6 Don Emanuel Filibert Duke of Sauoya 7 The Admiral Conte of Egmont Prince of Gaure 8 Iohn of Ligni Conte of Arumberghe Baron of Brabanson 9 Octauio Farnese Duke of Parma and Piacenza 10 Marco Antonio Colonna Duke of Palliano and Baron of Rome 11 Ferdinando Duke of Austria 12 Don Consaluo Fernandes of Cordoua Duke of Sessa and Ferranoua Conte of Cabia 13 Don Pedro Hernandes of Velasco Duke Frius Conestable of Castiglia 14 Don Fernando Aluares of Toledo Duke of Alua. 15 Albert Duke of Bauiera 16 Henrie Duke of Branswiche Luniburg 17 Pietro Hernesto Conte di Mansfelt 18 Phillip de Croij Duke of Arscot 19 Charles Prince of Spaine 20 Phillip Montmorancy Conte of Horne 21 William of Nassau Prince of Orange and Lord of Breda 22 Iohn Conte of Ostfaie 23 Charles Baron of Barlemont Lord of Perunet 24 Charles of Brimen Conte of Megen Lord of Huuercourt 25 Iohn Marquis of Berges Conte of Walhayn 26 Antonio Doria Marquis of San Steffano Lord of Giersa 27 Don Francisco Fernandes d' Auolos Marquis of Piscara 28 Sforza Sforza S. Fiore Conte of S. Maria of Versi Lord of Castello Arquato 29 Phillip of Montmorancy Lord of Aricourt 30 William of Croij Marquis of Renty 31 Florence of Montmorancy Lord of Montegnij 32 Phillip Conte of Ligni and of Faulquembergh 33 Charles of Lanij Prince of Sulmona 34 Anthony of Salaing Conte of Hoochstrat 35 Giouachino of Mehausem great Chauncelor of Boemia 36 The Duke of Medina Celi 37 The Duke of Cordoua 38 The King of Portugall when he comes to full age Of the Order of S. Michael CAP. 10. IN the yeare 1469. Lewis the xj then French King erected an Order of Knighthood whereinto himselfe with others the most principall Peeres of France did enter It is said the occasion which mooued the King to intitle this Order with the name of S. Michael was the memorie of an apparition of that Sainct vpon the bridge of Orleance when that Citie was assailed by the English at which time liued a certeine Maiden called Ioane a woman so rare of wit and valiant in Armes as was reputed more than a mortall creature or rather some Inchantresse of singuler knowledge This I find written but in that time of Superstition easie it was to induce the people to beleeue things incredible This Order is also ornefied with a great Coller whereat hangeth the Image of S. Michael The words apperteining thereunto are these Immensi tremor Oceani The Soueraine of this Order is the French King and his successors The number of Knights that ought bee admitted into the said Order is 36. But of late yeares that ordinance hath been broken and the number so much increased as thereby the Order is become of small reputation yet is it thought that the Coller apperteining vnto the said Order is giuen onelie to the number aforesaid although the Michael is bestowed on many But sure it is that the intent of that King was to make choyse onelie of the most noble personages of his owne bloud and of others who for vertue and honor were holden worthie as by the first election appeared who were these The first Knights of the Order of S. Michael Lewis the xj Soueraine King Charles of Spaine Duke of Vienna Iohn Duke of Burbon and of Auergne Lewis of Lucimburg Conte of S. Paule and Conestable of France Andrew di Laual Lord of Loheac Marshall of France Iohn Conte of Sanserre Lord of Bueil Lewis of
Beaumont Lord of the Forrest and of Plessis Mace Iohn of Tutuille Lord of Castiglione Lewis Bastard of Burbon Conte of Rossiglione Admirall of France Anthony of Chiabanes Conte of Dammartin Grand master of the Kings house Iohn Bastard of Armignac Conte of Cominges Marshall of France and Gouernour of the Delfinato George of Trimouille Lord of Craon Gilbert of Gabanes Lord of Croton Seneschall of Vienna Lewis Lord of Cursol Seneschall of Poilou Tanequi of Castello Gouernour of the Prouince of Rossiglion and of Sardena The rest of Knights to be chosen into this Order was deferred vntill the next meeting The place of assemblie of these Knights where their Armes and other Ensignes of Knighthood should be preserued was appointed to be the Church on Mount S. Michael Vnto this Order were appoynted a Threasurer a Chauncellor a Register and one Herehault named Monsanmichaele The Feast ordeined for these Knights was on Michaelmas day yearely to be kept The Statutes apperteining vnto this honorable Order are to be seene in the booke intituled The Ordinances of France Of the Order called the Nuntiata CAP. 11. THis Order was also about the same time begun by Amedeo Conte of Sauoy sirnamed il Verde in memorie of Amedeo the first Earle who hauing valerouslie defended the Iland of Rhody against the Turkes wanne those Armes which deseruinglie is now borne by the Dukes of Sauoya which is a white Crosse in a red field The Coller apperteining to this Order is made of gold and on it these foure letters ingraued in this wise F.E.R.T. which signifieth Fortitudo eius Rhodum tenuit At the said Coller hangeth a Brooch wherein is the figure of our Ladie and the Angell sent vnto her The Church appoynted for Ceremonies apperteining vnto this Order is called Pietra a Castell within the Diocesse of Belleis whereunto was giuen at the foundation of this Order certeine lands for the sustentation of fifteene Chaplins For continuance of this Order at the time of the constitution were made many honorable ordinances to be kept by the Knights presentlie elected and after to be elected which are to bee found written in the works of Francisco Sansouino These foure Orders aforesaid bee reputed most honorable and are adorned with great Collers in token that for state and dignitie they excell the rest Knights of the Band. CAP. 12. THis Order was first erected by Alfonso King of Spaine sonne to Ferdinando and Queene Constanza in the yeare 1268. And to giue the sayd Knighthood reputation honor the King himselfe with his sonnes and brethren vouchsafed to enter thereinto with them were also admitted diuers other Gentlemen of best qualitie and greatest estimation The cause that mooued the King to name them Knights of the Band was for that he commanded euerie man elected into the Order should weare a certeine red scarffe or lace of silke the breadth of three inches which hung on their left shoulder and was tyed vnder the right arme No man might enter into this Knighthood but such as the King did speciallie admit neither was anie person capable of that dignitie vnlesse he were the sonne of a Knight or some Gentleman of great accompt or at the least such a one as had serued the King by the space of tenne yeares in his Court or in the warre against the Moores Into this Order no Gentleman could bee receiued being an elder brother or an heire in possession or apparance but onelie such as were yonger without land and liueload because the Kings intention was to aduance the Gentlemen of his Court that had not of their owne At such time as any Gentleman was admitted a Knight he promised to obserue these Articles following which I haue thought good particularlie to expresse the rather because they tend onlie to enterteine the minds of men in the offices of Courage and Courtesie without any mixture of superstition whereof almost al other Orders in those daies tasted First that he should speake vnto the King for the commoditie of the Common wealth the defence thereof so often as he were thereunto required And refusing so to doo shall forfeit all his patrimonie and be banished his Countrie That he should aboue all things speake the truth vnto the King and at euerie occasion bee faithfull to his Maiestie That he should not be silent when so euer any person should speake against the Kings honor vppon paine of being banished the Court and depriued of his Band for euer That he should bee no great speaker and in speaking to vtter the truth But if he should affirme or say any vntruth then for a punishment to walke in the streetes without his sword for one whole moneth That he should endeuour himselfe to keepe companie with wise men and persons experienced in the warre For being found to conuerse with Marchants Artificers or base people he should bee therefore greatlie reprooued by the Great Master and for one moneth be commanded to keepe his house That he should mainteine his owne word and faithfullie keepe promise with his friends And being found to doo otherwise to be enioyned to walke and goe alone vnaccompanied of any other of the Kings Court and should not presume to speake or come neere vnto any other Knight That he should alwaies haue good Armour in his Chamber good horses in his stable good Launces in his Hall and a good Sword by his side or otherwise to be called Page and no Knight for one whole moneth That he should not bee seen mounted vppon any Mule or other vnseemelie Hackney neither walke abroad without his Band nor enter into the Kings Pallace without his Sword nor eate alone at home vppon paine to forfeit for euerie such offence one marke towards the mainteining of the Tilt. That he should bee no flatterer of the King or any other person neither take delight in scoffing vpon paine to walke on foote for one moneth and be confined to his house another moneth That he should not complaine of any hurt nor boast of his owne acts nor in curing his wounds crie oh for if in vaunting wise he vttered any ostentacious speach he should bee reprooued by the great Master and let alone vnuisited of all his companions That he should bee no common gamester chieflie at the Dice nor consent that others should play in his house vpon paine to forfeit for euerie such offence one moneths pay and for one moneth and halfe not to be seene in the Court. That he should not in any sort lay to pawne his Armour or weapons nor play away his garments vppon paine to bee imprisoned in his owne house a whole moneth and for two moneths following to go without the Band. That he should be daylie apparelled in fine cloath and on holie daies in silke and on high Feasts weare gold in his garments if he pleased without being compelled so to doo But if he did weare Buskins vpon netherstocks of cloath the great Master should take them from him and