prize He that his Sword falleth out of his hand shall winne no prize He that striketh his hand in fight on the Barriers shall win no prize Whosoeuer shall fight and not shewe his Sword to the Iudges before shall winne no prize The Prizes giuen The Prize of the fairest and most gallant entry THe Marquesse de Valle came into the field very well appointed in armour and apparell The Kings Maiestie better then he Don Fredericke de Toledo best of all to whome the Queenes Maiestie awarded the prize of the Brooch The Prize for the Pike THe Duke of Medina Caeli performed valorously Don Pedro de la Zerda bettered him Don Diego Ortado di Mendoça did best of all to whome was giuen by the Queenes Maiestie a Ring of gold with a Rubie The Prize for the Sword SIr George Howard fought very well Don Adrian Garçias performed better Sir Iohn Parrat best of all to whome the Queenes Maiesty gaue a Ring of gold with a Diamond The Prize at the Pike in ranke THomas Percy acquited valiantly Carlo di Sanguine with greater fortune Ruygomez best of all to whome the Queene gaue a Ring of gold The Prize of all together in ranke at the foyle LOrd William Howard L. Admiral with high commendation Marquesse di Toro Mayore exceeded him the Kings Maiesty exceeded all to whome the Queene gaue in highest honour a Ring of golde with a rich Diamond In all which and other the like triumphant Gests perfourmed by the English and Spanish Nobilitie it was euer held honorable and prizeworthy to appeare within Listes most gallant and fairest armed and yet with least superstuous cost of golde siluer embrodery or curiositie of workemanship CHAP. 53. Of the like Actions in Armes since the reigne of Queene Elizabeth ONe solemne Iust Tournament and fight at the Barrier was holden at Westminster wherein the Duke of Norffolke the Earle of Sussex the Earle of Warwick the Earle of Leicester the Lord Scroope the Lord Darcie and the Lord Hunsdon were Challengers with great honour answered all commers The Defenders names are not extant 1558. A royall Challenge was also there proclaimed before her Maiestie wherein were Challengers the Earle of Oxenford Charles Howard nowe Lord Admirall Sir Henrie Lea and Sir Christopher Hatton now Knights of the Garter the one Master of her Maiesties Armorie the other at his death Lord Chancellor The Defenders were THe Lord Stafford the Lord Henrie Seamor Edward Harbert Sir George Carie Thomas Cecil Henry Gray William Howard Sir Ierome Bowes Henrie Knowles Henry Kneuet William Norris Richard Bulkley Thomas Kneuet Willliam Knowles Rafe Lane George Delues Robert Colsel Launcelot Bostock Brian Ansley Henrie Mackwilliam Thomas Bedding field Thomas Moore William Worthing toÌ„ Richard Blunt Thomas Connesby Robert Alexander Roger Clopton This Triumph continued three dayes the first at Tilt the second at Turney and the third at the Barrier On euery of the Challengers her Maiestie bestowed a prize for the recieuing whereof they were particularly led armed by two Ladies vnto her presence Chamber The prize at the Tilton the Defenders party was giuen vnto Henry Gray at the Tourney to the Lord Henry Seamor at the Barriers to Thomas Cecil Before them went Clarencieux King of Armes in his Rich coate of Armes This magnificent triumph 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 Drurie challenged all commers Anno 1580. The Defenders were THe Earle of Oxford the Lord Windsor Phillip Sidney Edward Norris Henrie Knowles Robert Knowles Fulk Griuell Thomas Kneuet Thomas Kellaway Rafe Bowes George Goring George Gifford Anthonie Cooke Henrie Bronkard Edward Denny Richard Ward Thomas Parrot The prize was giuen to the Earle of Oxford To these actions of Armes we may adde a notable Tourneament on horsebacke solemnized within her Maiesties pallace at Westminster which became the more rare and memorable because it was performed in the night The manner whereof in briefe was thus It pleased her Maiestie according to her Princely custome in the intertainement of noble strangers to conuite vnto supper the Duke Memorancie chiefe Marshall of France at that time come thither to receiue the honourable order of the Garder This magnificent supper ended it pleased her Highnesse the weather being warme to walke out of her chamber into the open Tarrace whither also awayting on her went the sayd Duke and all others of the French Nobilitie with the Ambassadours Lords and Ladies of the 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 entertayning most gratiously the said Duke and other Noble strangers Next vnto them were placed the Ladies Lords Counsellers and other persons of reputation according to their degrees and conuenience of the roome So as the said Tarrace was on all sides beset with Lord Ladies and persons of qualitie sumptuously apparelled and richly furnished and among them both aboue and vnder stood many of the Guard in their rich coates holding an infinite number of Torches and so in the preaching place by which meane those that beheld the Tarrace in this sort furnished deemed it rather a Theater celestiall then a pallace of earthly building The place with this Royall presence replenished suddainly entred Walter Earle of Essex and with him twelue Gentlemen armed at all peeces and well mounted The Earle and his horse was furnished with white cloth of siluer and the rest in white sattin who after reuerence done to her Maiesty marched to the East side of the Court and there in troope stood firme Forthwith entred Edward Earle of Rutland with a like number in like sort armed and apparelled all in blew and hauing presented his reuerence stayed on the West end Before either of these bands one Chariot was drawen and therein a faire Damsell conducted by an armed Knight who pronounced certaine speeches in the French tongue vnto her Maiestie These Ceremonies passed The Queene commanded the armed men to fall vnto fight which was performed with great courage and commendation chiefly in the Earle of Essex a noble personage valorous in armes and all other wayes of great vertue Truely this Action was marueilously magnificent and appeared a sight exceeding glorious to those that were below looking vpward to the Tarrace where her Maiestie the Lords and Ladies stood so pompously apparelled iewelled and furnished as hardly can be seene the like in any Christian Court as my selfe saw and other the Actors at occasions staying from fight with great admiration did behold and thinke Of the Actors names in this Triumph it seemeth no note is kept yet are many of them liuing Not inferiour but farre exceeding in princely pompe and qualitie of Actors was that Royall combat and fight on foote before her Maiestie the first of Ianuarie Anno 1â—81 where Mounsieur brother vnto the French
daunger Hieramias with his right hand deliuered a sword vnto Iuda and in the name of God made him a Knight saying Receiue this sacred sword sent from God wherewith thou shalt vanquish the enemies of Israel It hath bene also a custome ancient that Princes did giue collars as a singular demontration of fauour and honour Plinie reporteth that the Romanes did giue vnto their confederates a collar of gold and to their owne citizens a collar of siluer When Manlius in single combat had slaine a French man hee tooke from him a collar of golde all bloodie and put the same about his owne necke in token of victorie After which time he was surnamed Torquatus because Torques in the Latine signifieth a collar or chaine The Emperours in like maner bestowed collars vpon Captaines and others that serued in the warre and deserued commendation In some Histories may be found that collars were of two sorts the first called Duplares th' other Simplices And with those collars the Emperours for the most part did giue prouision of money or vittaile to some more to some lesse For these reasons and by these examples it appeareth that among the ensignes and ornaments of Honor and Armes the great Collar is of highest reputation It is also seene that Princes soueraigne doe at this day bestow chaines or small collars vpon men of vertue or fauour and in token thereof for the most part a picture or modele of the giuer is thereat pendant which Collat the Knight or Gentleman that receiueth it ought carefully to keepe during his life The ancient custome was that Knights of meane degree and such as were not of the great Orders whereunto particular habits are assigned should in signe of honour weare a garment of scarlet because red representeth fire the most noble element and next vnto the Sunne of most brightnesse It was therefore among the olde Romanes decreed That no man should weare any habit of that colour but only Magistrates and men of dignity Red doeth also betoken boldnesse magnanimitie and ardent loue with charitie The element of fire is also assigned to Mars in respect whereof that colour is most proper to Knights Captaines and all other professours of Armes Carol D Howard Comâ— Notingham 〈…〉 CHAP. 9. Knights of the Garter EDward the third King of England after hee had obtained many great victories of Iohn the French King and Iames King of Scotland both prisoners in the Realme at one time Henry King of Castile the Bastard expulsed and Don Pedro restored by the Prince of Wales did first erect this order in his kingdome Anno 1350. vpon no waightie occasion as is reported Notwithstanding the same is and long hath bene in so great reputation as Emperors Kings and Princes haue and doe desire to bee companions thereof for their greater honour The patron of this Order is S. George vnto whom it was first dedicated The Soueraigne of this Order is the King of England his heires and successors for euer The number of this Colledge of fellowship is 26. Knights with the Soueraigne and when any of them die another is chosen by consent of those Knights that liue The habit of these Knights is an vnder garment or gowne of Crimsin veluet of some called akâ—rtle ouer which he weareth a mantle of Purple veluet lined with white sarsnet on the left shoulder thereof is embroidred in a Garter an Eschuchion of S George and ouer his right shoulder hangeth his hood of Crimson veluet lined with white the Cordons to the mantle are purple silke and gold Aboue all which about his necke he weareth the collar of the order being of pure gold made of garters and knots and enamiled with roses white and red weying 30. ounces of Troy weight with the image of S. George richly garnished with precious stones pendant thereat About his left legge he weareth buckled a garter enriched with gold pearle and stones whereupon these French words are embrodered HONY SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE Which may be thus Englished Shame be to him that euill thinketh The custome was long that these Knights did yeerely hold a feast at the Castle Windesor where the same King Edward founded a Church and gaue vnto certaine Priests and Prebends large stipends to serue there And he ordained also that thirteene poore aged and decayed Gentlemen by the name of poore Knights were there for euer to be maintained and kept inuested in gownes and mantles of cloth onely sutable with those of the Order to pray for the prosperity of the Soueraigne and his successors and all other Knights of the said noble Order It is not publiquely knowen what mooued the King to make this order but thus it is vulgarly reported that King Edward dauncing with the Queene and other Ladies of his Court hapned to take vp a blewe garter which fell from one of them and of some said from the Countesse of Salisburie of whom the King was then enamored which garter the King afterwards wore about his left legge for a fauour The Queene taking some offence thereat it was signified vnto the King by some of the Lords the cause of her displeasure at which he smiling sayd HONY SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE I will make of it yet it be long the most honourable Garter that euer was worne and thereupon instituted the order of the Garter Some rather thinke it was made to remunerate those Noble men and Knights that had best endeuoured and deserued in his most Royall and Martiall affaires of France Scotland and Spaine with all which Nations he then had warre and triumphed The Statutes of this great Order for that they are sufficiently knowen I here omit The names of the first Knights KIng EDWARD the third Soueraigne Edward Prince of VVales Henry Duke of Lancaster Thomas Earle of VVarwicke The Captaine of Bouche Ralph Earle of Stafford William de Mounteacute Earle of Sarisburie Roger Lord Mortimer Sir Iohn Lisle Sir Bartholomew Burgwash Sir Iohn Beauchampe Sir Iohn de Mohun Sir Hugh Courtney Sir Thomas Holland Sir Iohn Grey Sir Richard Fitzsymon Sir Miles Stapleton Sir Thomas Walle Sir Hugh VVrothesley Sir Neel Loring Sir Iohn Chandos Sir Iames de Audley Sir Otho Holland Sir Henry Eme. Sir Zanchet d'Abrigecourt Sir VVilliam Paganel The names of those Knights that are this present yeere 1602. of the same most noble Order ELIZABETH Queene of England Soueraigne Henry the fourth the French King Charles Howard Earle of Notingham Thomas Butler Earle of Ormond Thomas Sackuile Lord Buckhurst Gilbert Talbot Earle of Shrewsbury George Clifford Earle of Cumberland Henry Percye Earle of Northumberland Edward Somerset Earle of VVorcester Edmond Sheffeild Lord Sheffeild Thomas Howard Baron of VValden George Carey Baron of Hunsdon Charles Blount Lord Montioy Sir Henry Lea Master of her Mties Armorie Robert Ratcliffe Earle of Sussex Henry Brooke Lord Cobham Thomas Scrope Lord Scrope VVilliam Stanley Earle of Derby Thomas Cecil Lord Burleigh  The Officers appertaining at this
gentlemen doe come after the Knight and doe bring him to the Kings presence and the Esquiers gouernours before him And when the newe Knight commeth into the Kings presence he shall kneele downe before him saying Most noble and renowned Sir I do thanke you for al the honors courtesies and goodnesse which you haue done vnto me And so he taketh leaue of the King And then the Esquiers gouernours do take leaue of their Master saying Sir we haue accomplished the coÌ„mandement of the Kings as he charged vs to the vttermost of our power wherein if we haue displeased you through negligence or deed during the time we desire pardon On the other side Sir according to the custome of the Court and ancient Kings we demaund Robes and fees for terme of life as Esquiers of the King and companions vnto Bachelors Knights and other Lords CHAP. 12. Knights Bachelors FIrst it is to be remembred that no man is brone a Knight of any title but made either before a battell to encourage them to aduenture their liues or after the fight as an aduancement for their valour then shewed or out of warre for some notable seruice done or some good hope of vertues that do appeare in them These Knights are made either by the King himselfe or by his commission and royal authority giuen for that purpose or by his Lieutenant in the warres who hath his royal and absolute power for that time And this order may bee resembled to that which the Romanes called Equites Romanos differing in a sort but in some other sort doeth agree with it for seldome in all points one Common wealth doeth agree with another nor long any State accordeth with it selfe Equites Romani were chosen ex Censu which is according to their substance and riches Euen so be Knights in England for the most part according to the yeerely reuenue of their lands being able to maintaine that estate Yet all they that had Equestrem Censum were not in Rome Equites no more are all Knights in England that may dispend a Knights land or fee but they onely to whom it pleaseth the King to giue that honour In Rome the number of Equites was vncertaine and so it is of Knights in England at the pleasure of the Prince Equites Romani had Equum Publicum but the Knights of England finde horses themselues both in peace and warre Census Equester among the Romanes was at diuers times of diuers value but in England whosoeuer may dispend of his free lands fourty pounds starling of yeerely reuenue by an old Law either at the Coronation of the King or mariage of his daughter or at the dubbing of the Prince Knight or some such great occasion may be by the King compelled to take that order and honour or to pay a fine which many rich men not so desirous of honor as of riches had rather disburse Some also who for good respect are not thought worthy that title and yet haue abilitie neither be made Knights though they would and yet pay the fine of fourtie pounds sterling which as siluer is now prised is 120. pound currant money Where of this word Knight is deriued or whether it signifieth no more then Miles doeth in Latine which is Souldier I know not Some hold opinion that the word Souldier doeth betoken a waged or hired man to fight Caesar in his Commentaries called Souldiers men deuoted and sworne by band or oath to serue the Captaine which order if the Almanes did follow it may be that they who were not hired but being of the Nation vpon their owne charges and for their aduancement and by such common oath and band that did follow the warre were perhaps called Knights or Milites and now among the Almanes some are called Launce-Knights as Souldiers not hired although they be wel-neere all hired Or it may be that they who were next about the Prince as his Guard and seruants picked and chose men out of the rest being called in the Almane tongue Knighten which is as much to say as dayly seruants being found of good seruice the word afterwards was taken as an honour for one that professeth Armes Now our language is so altered that hard it were to giue iudgement thereof But sure it is we in our English doe call him Knight whom the French do call Cheualier and the Latine Equitem for Equestris ordinis Touching the making of these English Knights the maner is this Hee that is to be made Knight is stricken by the Prince with a sword drawen vpon his backe or shoulder the Prince saying Soys Cheualier and in times past was added S. George And when the Knight riseth the Prince saith Auance This is the maner of dubbing Knights at this present and that terme dubbing was the old terme in this point and not creating These sorts of Knights are by the Heralds called Knights Bachelers CHAP. 13. The Ceremonies in the degradation of Knights in England IT seemeth that the degradation of Knights hath bene vsed onely for offences of greatest reproch and dishonour which I conceiue partly by the rarenesse of such actions and partly for that the men bereft of that dignitie were not onely degraded but also by law executed As in the raigne of King Edward the fourth 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 euery peece of his armour was bruised beaten and cast aside After all which disgraces he was beheaded In like maner Andrew of Herklay a Knight and Erle of Carlile was in this sort disgraded He being apprehended was by the Kings commandement brought before sir Anthony Lucie 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 thither come Sir Anthony Lucie saide vnto him these words First thou shalt loose the order of Knighthood by which thou hadst all thine honour and further all worship vpon thy bodie be brought to nought Those words pronounced Sir Anthony Lucie commanded a knaue to hew the Knights spurs from his heeles after caused his sword to be broken ouer his head That done he was dispoiled of his furred Tabord of his hood of his furred coats and of his girdâ—e Then Sir Anthony said vnto him these words Andrew now art thou no Knight but a knaue and for thy treason the King doth will thou shalt be hanged Maxitmilianus de Austria Dux Burâ—undiâ— Râ—m Imâ— Ordâ—nâ— Velleris Aurei Eques 〈◊〉 Fol. 〈◊〉 CHAP. 14. Knights of the Toizon D'or or golden Fleece THE Knighthood of the Toizon was instituted by Philip surnamed the good Duke of Burgundy and Earle of Flanders in the yeere of our Lord 1429. being mooued thereunto with deuoute zeale that he had to vndertake the conquest of the holy land albeit his valerous determination tooke none effect by
so haue I long desired to do and no time more fit then now when the Constable and his company may be iudge Yet such is my hap as I haue no Armor at hand For supply of that want quoth Boucmelius I will take order that two Armors shal be brought vnto vs and of them the choise shal be yours with euery other thing fit for our purpose This agreement made they imparted the same vnto the Constable and obtained his license yet with condition that they should attend vpon him the next day at which time hee would with other noble men see what should be the euent of that Action About the houre appointed these Champions did appeare and at the first course Clifford with his Launce pearced through the Armor and body of Boucmelius of which hurt he presently died This accident much grieued the French and Clifford himselfe was not a little sory which the Constable perceiuing said vnto Clifford Be not dismayed for this is the fruite of like aduentures and if my selfe had beene in thy place I should haue done the same for better euer it is to doe then suffer at the hand of an enemy The Constable hauing ended his speech conuited Clifford with his company to dinner and then caused them to be conducted to the next towne in safety CHAP. 36. ¶ An other Challenge of a French Gentleman in Spaine IN the Army of the King of Castile there was a French Gentleman young of yeeres and in Armes of great reputation men called him Tristram de Roy. He seeing the warres ended betweene the Kings of Castile and Portugal determined to returne home Yet desirous by some means to gaine honor before his arriuall in France procured an Herauld to goe vnto the English Army and proclaime That if any Gentleman there would breake three Launces he would challenge him This challenge being heard in the English campe a braue young Gentleman named Miles Windesor accepted thereof hoping by that occasion to merit the honour of Knighthood The next day according to appointment he appeared in the field accompanied with Mathew Gorney William Beuchamp Tho Simons the L. Shandos the L. Newcastle the L. Bardolf and many others The French Challenger appeared likewise honourably graced with friends and thus both parties in readinesse to runne the Lord Souldichius bestowed the dignitie of Knighthood vpon the said Windsor Which done the one charged the other and the two first courses were perfourmed with great courage yet without any hurt But in the third course the armour both of the one and the other was pearced through yet by breach of the launces both of them escaped more harme CHAP. 37. One other notable Challenge in France Anno 1390. IN the reigne of King Charles the sixth three noble young men of great hope and much affecting the warre liued in that Court viz. Mounsier de Bouciquant the younger Mounsier Reynaut de Roye and Mounsier de S. Pye all Gentlemen of that Kings chamber In the same time also there was in England a Knight for valour and militarie vertue of great fame men called him Sir Peter Courtney He hauing obtained license passed the sea and trauelled to Paris After a few daies rest in that citie he challenged Mounsieur Trimoulie a noble Gentleman in great reputation who accepting the defie obtained license to answere appointing a day and place The time being come the King accompanied with the Duke of Burgundy and many other great Estates went to behold that conflict The first course was performed exceeding well and ether partie brake his launce with commendation But the second launce being deliuered into their hands the King inhibited more should be done seeming somewhat offended with the English Knight who had made sute that he might be suffered to doe his vttermost This Action by the Kings commaundement was stayed and Sir Peter Courtney therewith grieued thought good to abandon that Countrey and so desired he might doe The King well pleased he should depart sent vnto him an honourable gift and the Duke of Burgundie did the like The King also commaunded Mounsiuer de Clary a greaâ— Lord to accompany him to Callis By the way they visited the Earle of S. Paul who married King Richards sister of England The Earle in most courteous manner welcommed Sir Peter and the rather for that his Ladie had formerly bene married to the Lord Courtney his kinsman who died young This Sir Peter Courtney being well entertained the Earle and hee with their company supped together in which time as the custome is they communed of many matters Among which the Earle asked of Sir Peter how he liked the Realme of France and what conceit he had of the Nobilitie Whereunto Sir Peter with a sowre countenance answered That hee found in France nothing to be compared with the magnificence of England though for friendly entertainment hee had no cause to complaine yet saide Sir Peter I am not well satisfied in that matter which was the chiefe cause of my comming into France For I protest in the presence of all this Honourable company that if Monsieur de Clary beeing a Noble Gentleman of France had come into England and challenged any of our Nation he should haue beene fully answered but other measure hath ben offered to me in France for when Monsieur de Tremoulie and I had engaged our honour after one Lance broken the king commanded me to stay I haue therefore sayde and wheresoeuer I shall become will say that in France I was denyed reason and leaue to doe my vttermost These words much moued Mounsieur de Clary yet for the present hee suppressed his anger hauing charge to conduct Sir Peter safely vnto Calis Notwithstanding this heate quoth the Earle let mee tell you Sir Peter that in mine opinion you depart from France with much honour because the King vouchsafed to entreate you that the fight might stay whom to obey is a certaine signe of wisedome and praise worthy I pray you therefore Sir Knight haue patience and let vs proceede in our iourney Thus Sir Peter hauing taken leaue of the Earle passed forth towards Calice accompanied with Mounsieur de Clary who so soone as they were entred into the confines of the English Dominion Sir Peter most heartily thanked him for his company and courtesie But Clary hauing made an impression of such sowre speeches as Sir Peter had vttered in the Earles house said thus Hauing now fully performed the Kings commandement conducting you safe to your friendes I must before wee part put you in minde of your inconsiderate words in contempt of the Nobility of France And to the end you being arriued in England shall haue no cause or colour to boast that you were not answered in France Loe here I my selfe though inferiour to many others am this day or to morow ready to encounter â—ou not for malice to your person or gloriously to boast of my valour but for conseruation of the fame and honor
speede pearced further into the Iland till in the end of three assaults he gained the place where the fatall sword was whereof hauing layd hold he flourished ouer his head and forthwith the misty cloudes of darkenes vanished so as euery man might see all places of the Castel The darkenes of the fortresse thus driuen away the Prince with his inchanted sword touched the wals and immediatly they fell downe The castel thus demolished the Inchanter Norabroc with a Turkish cap on his head came forth and kneeling on his knees desired the Princes pardon Therewith also he set at libertie all the knights whom he held in prison and they being free in triumphant wise foâ—lowed the Prince to his Court. CHAP. 42. The inauguration of Carolus Magnus King of Italy Anno 773. WHen Desiderio King of the Lombards was taken prisoner and the people of Lombardie yeelded to Charles he proclaimed himselfe King of all Italy which title by law of Armes he iustly claimed to be his The same was also by the decree of Pope Gregory confirmed Then was he also by the Bishop of Milan crowned at Modena The crowne he receiâ—ed was of iron for of that mettall he commanded it should be made enioyning all his successors to doe the like The order and ceremonies of that coronation remaineth recorded in the Rota at Rome and is to this day obserued at the Inauguration of all Emperours when they are elected King of Romanes The morning when this Charles was to be crowned certaine Bishops were sent to conduct him from his chamber vnto the Church and being come thither he was brought before the high Altar Then the Archbishop after he had said certaine prayers turned himselfe to the people and asked them whether they did consent to receiue that Prince for their King and whether they determined faithfully to obey his lawes and commandements So soone then as the people had pronounced their consent the Bishop with holy oyle anointed the Kings head his breast and shoulders therewith praying God to blesse him and grant him good successe in Armes with an happie succession of children These Ceremonies being ended the Archbishop deliuered into the Kings hand a sword and ornified him with a bracelet a ring and a scepter Also vpon his head he set the crown aforesaid All those things being done he kissed him as a signe of peace and so departed from the King CHAP. 43. The Inauguration of Carolus Magnus being made Emperour Anno 800. WHen the people inhabiting the confines of Beneuento had much molested that Countrey and were subdued by Vinigesius the sonne of Charles then Duke of Spoleto Leo the Bishop of Rome in the time of prayers when all the people were assembled the Barons of Rome also present did consecrate and anoint Charles before the Altar Basilica where he also receiued the Ensignes of the Empire From thence he was conducted to the chiefe Altar of the Temple and there anointed when he had raigned in France 33 yeeres before which time no Emperour in three hundred and thirtie yeeres had bene seene in Italy This order of coronation hath euer since bene obserued At euery such coronation the people with one voice did cry Carolo Augusto Magno Pacifico vita victoria The same time also Pypin his sonne was anointed and by solemne decree of the Pope declared King of Italy CHAP. 44. The Inauguration of Pope Gregorie x. IN the yeere 1268. Pope Clement the fourth died at Viterbo After whose death the Papacie by discord of Cardinals was voide two yeeres and nine moneths The Cardinals then present in Court were seuenteene whose disconformitie continued the seat voyd almost three yeeres yet did they assemble often but euery one ambitiously affecting the Papacie for himselfe nothing could be concluded for in those dayes the Cardinals were not shut vp in the conclaue as since hath beene the vse but euery one went at libertie and at his pleasure The creation of the Pope thus deferred Phillip the Frence King and Charles king of Sicill came vnto Viterbo to sollicite the election yet they preuailed not One day these Kings being present in the Conclaue the Cardinall of Porto seeing the frowardnesse of the other Cardinals who seemed to pray ayd of the holy Ghost in that action said vnto them My Lords let vs vntile the roofe of this chamber for it seemeth the holy Ghost cannot enter if the house be still couered And so soone as he heard that Gregory was pronounced Pope he framed these verses of that election viz. Papatus munus tulit Archidiaconus vnus Quem patrem patrum fecit discordia fratrum This Pope before his ascension was called Theobaldus an Archdeacon no Cardinall being also at that time beyond the sea at Ptolemaida in Syria whether he was gone with Edward the King of Englands eldest son From thence they intended among other pilgrims to go vnto Ierusalem But hearing he was pronounced Pope returned from Syria into Italy and being come to Viterbo he receiued the Ensignes of Papacie From thence he passed to Rome and was there crowned by the name of Gregory the tenth He liued Pope sixe yeeres sixe moneths and tenne dayes and finding fault with some orders of the Church chiefly in electing the Pope he framed diuers Canons of which these are part First that the assembly of Cardinals for choise of euery new Pope should be at a place fit for the purpose and where the Pope defunct with his Court did die But if the death hapened in any village or small towne then the next citie to be the place of election That no election of any new Pope should be till after ten dayes that the other Pope departed to the end the Cardinals absent might appeare That no Cardinal in his absence should be permitted to haue any suffrage or voice in the conclaue That euery Cardinal absent and euery other person of any condition should be capable of the Papacie That no Cardinal entred into the Conclaue should goe out before the new Pope were created That no Cardinal or other person should ambitiously endeauour to compasse the Papacie by money or other corruption vpon perill of the Popes curse CHAP. 45. ¶ The Inauguration of Henry the 4. King of England 1399. THis King called before Duke of Lancaster came first to Westminster and from thence he went vnto the Tower of London accompanied with the Nobilitie and the rest of his Court there he made nine Knights of the Bath and 46. other Knights The next day after dinner he returned to Westminster in great pompe he himselfe riding through London kept his head bare and about his neck he ware the collar appertaining to the Order of Fraunce Before the King went the Prince his sonne sixe Dukes sixe Earles and eighteene Barons besides other Lordes Knights Esquiers and Gentlemen to the number of 900. or thereabout By the way awaited the Lord Mayor with his brethren and officers of the City Also the companies of euery
Hall in their Liueries which number amounted to sixe hundred All the streets where the King passed were hanged with cloth of golde siluer or rich Arras That day and the next all the conduits were full of wine some Claret and some White The night before the Coronation the King washed his body and the next morning prayed in the presence of three Prelats The next morning the Clergie in great numbers attended the King to the Temple of Westminster and from thence all the Lords and Knights of the Order in their robes awaited vpon his Maiestie to the Pallace who all that way marched vnder the Canopy of State On either hand of the King a sword was caried the one represented the Ecclesiasticall the other Politicall iurisdiction The Ecclesiasticall sword was borne by the Prince of Wales the Kings sonne the sword of Iustice Henry Percie Earle of Northumberland and Constable of England did beare which office was lately taken from the Earle of Rutland and giuen to him The scepter was caried by the Earle of Westmerland Marshall of England In this order and thus accompanied the King came into the Church where he found a place of State prepared in the mids there he set himselfe downe being furnished with all his rich and royall ornaments the crowne excepted The Archbishop of Canterbury preached and shewed the Kings person vnto the people saying Behold him here that is to raigne ouer you for so God hath ordained Will you quoth hee consent he shall be crowned your King whereunto they answered Yea and holding vp their hands offered to be sworne Then the King went downe from his seate and kneeled before the high Altar where two Archbishops and ten Bishops did take off his royall garments and annoynt him in the presence of all the multitude viz. on the crowne of his head on the breast on the shoulders on the palmes of his hands which done they set his cap vpon his head Then the King put vpon him a garment like vnto a Deacon and girt the same as Prelates vse to doe Then they buckled vpon one of his feete a Spurre and drew forth the sword of Iustice which they deliuered into the Kings hand and he put it vp into the sheath when it was put vp the Archbishop of Canterbury girt it vnto his side Then was the Crowne of S. Edward brought thither and by that Archbishop set vpon the Kings head All these ceremonies and Diuine Seruice finished the King with the same pompe he came to the Church returned to the Pallace in the mids whereof was a fountaine which flowed with wine white and red At dinner the King did sit at the first table at the second sate the fiue chiefe Peeres of the kingdome at the third the Mayor and Aldermen at the fourth the nine new made Knights at the fifh the Knights Gentlemen of the Kings house So long as the King did sit the Prince of Wales stood on his right hand holding the Ecclesiasticall sword and on the left hand stood the Constable of England shaking the sword of Iustice vnder them stood the Marshall holding the Scepter At the Kings table besides the King two Archbishops and three other Bishops did sit In the dinner time a Knight well mounted armed at all peeces came into the Hall and before him rode an other horseman that caried his Launce his name was Dymmock This Champion hauing his sword drawen and a Mace also ready deliuered vnto the king a scroule of paper wherein was contained that if any Gentleman would denie that Henry there present were not the lawfull King of England he was ready by Armes to maintaine it where and when the King should command This Cartell was deliuered to a King of Armes and by the Kings commandement proclaimed in the palace and in sixe places of the Citie but no man found to say the contrary and so the ceremonie of this Coronation ended CHAP. 46. The Inauguration of Charles the French King at Rhemes 1380. THis Charles the 6. King of France of that name being twelue yeeres olde was crowned in the presence of the Dukes of Anioy Auuernia Burgundy Burbon Brabant Berry and Lorayn the Earle of Piedmont the Earle of Marcury the Earle Eu and William Lord of Namur beeing present the Earle of Flanders and Bloys sent their deputies The King entred the citie of Rhemes with a marueilous troupe of Lords and Gentlemen hauing before them thirty trumpets sounding His Maiestie alighted at our Lady Church and thither resorted vnto him his cosins of Albert Nauarre Barry Harecourt and other yong Princes and Lords of the blood whom the next day he dubbed Knights On Sonday after the King went vnto the Church which was most sumptuously prepared There the Bishop crowned his Maiestie and anointed him with that oyle wherewith Saint Remigius had anointed Clodoueus the first Christian King of France That Oyle was miraculously as is reported sent from heauen by an Angel purposely to anoint Clodoueus And being preserued euer since a glasse although all the kings haue bene therwith anointed yet is the quantity thereof no whit decreased The King being come before the high Altar did honour all the yong men aforesayd with Knighthood and that done hee kneeled vpon rich foote Carpets that were there spred at his feete the yong Princes newly made Knights did sit and Oliuer Clisson newly also aduanced to be Constable of the kingdome performed his office and there amids the nobility with all pomp possible the King was crowned Then to the end that all men might haue cause to reioice the King was pleased to remit and forgiue all taxations subsidies and impositions by what name soeuer lately inuented The Coronation finished his Maiestie returned to the palace where his table was prepared and hereat besides the King did sit the Dukes his vncles viz. the Duke of Brabant Anioy Auuernia Burgundy and Burbon and on his right hand sate the Archbishop of Rhemes with other Lords of the Spiritualty Touching meaner Lords of the kingdome they shifted for place where it could be found The Admirals Coucy Clisson and Tremoly had their tables equally couered with Carpets of Tissue The next day the King dined according to ancient vse and the charge of the Inauguration was defrayd by the Citizens of Rhemes These ceremonies being consummate with great pomp triumph and ioy he returned to Paris CHAP. 47. At the Inauguration of King Henry the third French King three notable things obserued FIrst when he should haue bene anointed with the holy oile there was none found in the ceremonious Horne which for many yeeres had bene preserued by miracle as a relike sent from heauen Secondly when in the royall seate the Crowne was set vpon his head by certaine Bishops as is accustomed he cried out twise Oh it hurts me Thirdly when he kneeled before the Altar during Masse the Crowne fell from his head all which seemed ominous to the beholders and so it prooued both to himselfe
desiring both to honour her and please himselfe with her presence conuited all noble Ladies to behold a triumph at London to be there performed by the Nobles and Gentlemen of his Court This intention his Maiestie did command to be proclaimed in Fraunce Henault Flanders Brabant and other places giuing Passeport and secure abode to all noble strangers that would resort into England That done he sent vnto al Princes Lords and Esquiers of the Realme requiring that they with their wiues daughters and cosins should at the day appointed appeare at his Court. To this feast came William Earle of Henault and Iohn his brother with many Barons and Gentlemen The triumph continued 15. dayes and euery thing succeeded well had not Iohn the sonne and heire of Vicount Beaumount bene there slaine In this triumph also appeared the Earle of Lancaster and Henry his son The Earle of Darby The Lord Robert of Artoys The Erle of Richmount The Earle of Northampton The Earle of Glocester The Earle of Warwicke The Earle of Salisbury The Earle of Pembroke The Earle of Hartford The Earle of Arundel The Earle of Cornewall The Earle of Norffolke The Earle of Suffolke The Baron of Stafford with others In the raigne of the same King Edward a Royall Iust was holden at Lincolnâ— by the Duke of Lancaster where were present certaine Ambassadors sent by the King of Spaine for the Lady Ioane daughter to the King who should haue bene married vnto that King of Spaine but meeting her on the way she died 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 de Valoys 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 Thither came also noble persons of other Nations and Spaniards Cipriots Armenians who at that time humbly desired aide against Pagans An. 1361. A triumph before King Edward the fourth IVsts were againe holden in Smithfield where Anthony Wooduile Lord Scales did runne against the Bastard of Burgundie Anno 1444. A triumph before King Henry the sixt ONe other notable Action of Armes was personally performed in Smithfield betweene a Gentleman of Spaine called Sir Francis le Arogonoys and Sir Iohn Astley Knight of the Garter For after the said Sir Francis had wonne the honour 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 Triumphs before King Henry the seuenth AT Richmont was holden a solemne triumph which continued a whole moneth where Sir Iames Parker running against Hugh Vaughan was hurt and died 1494. One other triumph was in the same Kings daies performed in the Tower of London Anno 1502. Triumphs before King Henry the eight BVt farre exceeding all these was that magnificent Iust and Tournament at the meeting of the two excellent Princes King Henry the eight of England and Francis the French King who chusing vnto them fourteen others did challenge to run at the Tilt and fight both at the Tourney and Barrier with all commers The Challengers were the King of England the French King the Duke of Suffolke the Marquesse Dorset Sir William Kingston Sir Richard Ierningham Master Nicholas Carew and Master Anthonie Kneuet with their Assistants Sir Rowland and Sir Giles Capel with these were so many other French Gentlemen as made vp the number aforesaid For Defenders thither came Mounsieur Vandosme the Earle of Deâ—onshire and the Lord Edmond Howard euery of them bringing in a faire band of Knights well armed This most noble challenge of these two mighty Kings accompanied with fourteene other Knights of either nation seuen they caused to bee proclaimed by Norrey King at Armes in England France and Germanie Anno 12 Henrici 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 and Edward Neuel Esquire answered all commers at Westminster The King called himselfe Caeur Loyal the Lord William Bon Voloir Sir Thomas Kneuet Valiant desire and Edward Neuil Ioyâ—us Pensier The Defenders were THe Lord Gray Sir William a Parr Robert Morton Richard Blunt Thomas Cheyney Thomas Terrel Christopher Willoughby the Lord Howard Charles Brandon the Lord Marquesse Henrie Guilford the Earle of Wiltshirâ— 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 Caeur Loyal and among the Defenders to Edmond Howard Another solemne Challenge was proclaimed and perfourmed by certaine English Knights viz. Sir Iohn Dudley Sir Thomas Seimor Sir Francis Poynings Sir George Carew Anthony Kingston and Richard Cromwel Anno 1540. Another action of Armes published in the Chamber of Presence at VVestminster by a King of Armes 25. of Nouember in the 1. and 2. of P. and M. FOrasmuch as euer it hath bene a custome that to the Courts of Kings and great Princes Knights and Gentlemen of diuers Nations haue made their repaire for the triall of Knighthood and exercise of Armes And knowing this Royall Court of England to bee replenished with as many noble Knights as any kingdome in the world at this day It seemeth good to Don Fredericke de Toledo the Lord Strange Don Ferdinando de Toledo Don Francisco de Mendoca and Garsulace de la Vega That seeing here in this place better then in any other they may shew the great desire that they haue to serue their Ladies by the honorable aduentures of their persons They say that they will maintaine a fight on foot at the Barriers with footmens harnesse three pushes with a pike seuen strokes with a sword in the place appointed before the Court gate on Tuesday the 4. day of December from the twelfth houre of the day vntill fiue at night against all commers Praying the Lords the Earle of Arundell the Lord Clinton Gartilapez de Padilla and Don Pedro de Cordoua that they would be Iudges of this Triumph for the better performance of the conditions following First that he which commeth forth most gallantly without wearing on himselfe or furniture any golde or siluer fine or counterfeit wouen embroidered or of goldsmiths worke shall haue a rich Brooch He that striketh best with a Pike shall haue a Ring with a Rubie He that fighteth best with a Sword shall haue a Ring with a Diamond He that fighteth most valiantly when they ioyntly fight together shall haue a Ring with a Diamond He that giueth a stroke with a Pike from the girdle downeward or vnder the Barrier shall winne no prize Hee that shall haue a close gantlet or any thing to fasten his Sword to his hand shall winne no
the person of the Emperor and King of Romanes two Popes for one died there fiue Patriarches three and thirty Cardinals fourtie and seuen Archbishops a hundreth forty and fiue Bishops and 83. Suffragans Thirty and nine Dukes Thirty and seuen Earles being absolute Princes An hundreth and thirtie inferior Earles Seuentie and nine free Lords or Barons Knights of all Nations fifteene hundred Gentlemen twentie thousand besides Doctors Licentiats and Scholemen infinite For the King of England appeared Richard Beauchamp Earle of Warwick with him were foure Bishops viz. Sarisbury Chester Bathe and Bangor Sarisbury died during that Councell and liuing tooke his place aboue all other Bishops as an Archbishop and for the time was placed last in the ranke of Archbishops The Earle of Warwicks attendants were as followeth Hurting de Clough Knight Iohn Waterton Knight Iohn Seton Knight Piers Craft Knight Iohn Roch Knight Iames Hermford Knight Beringer de Beaumont Knight Gentlemen Nicholas Serpon William Newland Geffrey Offley Walter Hungerford Hugh Holdbach Iohn Fitton Thomas Wileot Richard Dutton Oliuer Dunley Petrs Craft Iohn Lantsdon Iohn Roche Thomas Fanhes William Newland Iohn Merbory Iohn Otlinger Ralfe Rainscroft Henry Vessey William Vessey Scholemen of Cambridge Henry Abundy Iohn Wells Iohn Sheirford Doctors in Diuinitie Thomas Palton Robert Appleton Iohn Stokes Ciuilians Scholemen of Oxford The Lord Prior of Orsestry Peter Rodley Priamus Farbach CHAP. 20. Of Magistrates NExt vnder Emperors Kings and Princes Souereigne are foure degrees of Magistrates Some are called Magni and Illustres Some are Medij and Spectabiles Some are Minimi and Clarissimi And some are Infimi The first may be named Magistrates souereigne as they who acknowledge no superior but the Maiestie of the Prince The second are they that yeeld obedience to them and command other Magistrates their inferiors The latter two are such as cannot command any Magistrate but haue power only ouer particular subiects within the limits of their iurisdiction Touching the first that haue authority to commaund all other Magistrates and acknowledge no superior but the Prince they are fewer at this day then heretofore Yet certaine it seemeth that some Romane Emperours authorized one Magistrate or Lieutenant without any companion to command all other Magistrates of the Empire and to him all Gouernours and Magistrates did appeale Which Magistrate they called Praefectus Praetorio True it is that at the beginning he was of no greater quality then Captaine of the Legions Praetorian as Seius Strabo vnder Augustus and Seianus vnder Tibertus vntill other Emperors succeeding by litle and litle encreased their authority as in the end the Praefectus Praetorio became Lieutenant generall and iudge of all questions and causes whatsoeuer by which occasion that office was giuen vnto men learned in the Lawe as Martian vnder Otho Papinian vnder Seuerus and Vlpian vnder Alexander All which came to passe before Armes were diuided from lawes and Iusticers from Captaines Afterwards this great office became imparted vnto two and sometimes three persons purposely to abridge the excessiue authority of one But touching the Precedencie of Magistrates albeit they cannot aptly be ranged with those of the Empire yet may they in some sort be placed according to the dignitie and degrees of those titles which the Romanes anciently vsed And touching their authority it shal not be amisse to know that a Magistrate is an Officer hauing power to command in the common weale among whom in the Romane Empire the Praefectus Praetorio was the chiefe hauing authority aboue all other Officers to whom also euery one did appeale To this Praetor or Praefect we may compare the Grand Mayor du Pallais in France who in times past did in that kingdome beare chiefe office To him also in some sort we may resemble the high Seneschal of England vnder King William the Conqueror and other Kings his successors These Magistrates might therefore bee reasonably called Illustrissimi chiefly in the Kings absence For sure it is that in presence of the King all power of Magistrates and Commissioners also doth cease For during that time they haue no authority of commandement either ouer other subiects or other Officers their inferiors But this mighty Magistrate is no more either in England or France yet during their authoritie they were called Illustrissmi which title signified a certein preeminencie aboue all Magistrates that were Illustres either Honorarij or Administrantes Nam accidentia denominant Subiectum Next to these Illustrissimi or Maximi the chiefe place of Precedencie is due vnto those whome we called Illustres and among them the L. Chancellour is chiefe etiam in dignitate impari as one whose excellent vertue ought be preferred before all other officers Likewise the Lord high Constable or Lord Marshall is a Magistrate Illust. the Lord Treasurer Admirall of England the Lord Chamberlaine and all others of the Kings priuie Councell may assume the title of persons Illust. or as we commonly call them right Honorable So saith Cass. It seemeth also that Doctours who haue read in schoole the space of twenty yeeres may be called Illustrissimi as Purpuratus noteth To these Illust. or right Honourable personages the lawes Emperiall haue graunted many great priuiledges as the same Barthol discourseth After these the Magistrates whome we formerly called Spectabiles and may in our tongue be tearmed Honourable ought to follow as commanders in Armes Iudges Gouernours or Lieutenants Generall of Prouinces and Cities c. The fourth place appertaineth to them that anciently were named Clarissimi or Right worshipfull who are inferiour Iusticers and Ministers Colonels Captaines and meane Officers c. Lastly are they whome the Romanes intituled Infimi and in English Worshipfull as Captaines of particular Castles Iudges in Townes corporate where no action is triable aboue 3000 shillings Note here that euery Magistrate is an Officer but euery Officer is not a Magistrate and of all Magistrates the Lord Chancellor hath euer had precedence not onely in England and Fraunce but of all anciencie in euery other place for read we may that Eginardus who wrote the life of Carolus Magnus was his Chancellor Likewise Tribonianus was Chancellor vnto the Emperor Iustinian Iosaphat was Chancellor to King Dauid 2. of Kings Vlpianus to the Emperour Alexander Seneca to Nero and in France the Chancellor hath so great preheminence as he precedeth the Constable vnlesse he be the Kings brother or his sonne For the better memory of the degrees aforesaid Lucas de Penna speaking of titular dignity hath left these verses vnderwritten Illustris primus medius spectabilis imus Vt lex testatur clarissimus esse probatur Et superillustris praeponitur omnibus istis CHAP. 21. Of Officers and their Precedencie OFficers seruing Princes are of diuers sorts among which some doe attend the Princes person others haue charge of his Treasure some are ministers of Iustice and some are commanders in warre For the better conceiuing of our intention therfore and the order of that which
stand aboue and precede all others that are in pari dignitate of themselues as a Duke of the Bloud aboue all Dukes not of the Bloud and so the like in all other degrees except the Princes knowen pleasure be to the contrary A Dukes eldest sonne and heire of the blood Royall shall haue place before a Marquesse and if he be not of the blood he shall haue place aboue an Earle An Earles sonne and heire of the blood Royall shall precede a Vicount and if he be not of the blood he shall haue place aboue a Baron CHAP. 23. The proceeding of Parliament to Westminster from her Maiesties Royall Pallace of VVhite Hall FIrst Messengers of the Chamber Gentlemen two and two Esquiers two and two The sixe Clerkes of the Chancerie Clerkes of the Starre-chamber Clerkes of the Signet Clerkes of the priuie Counsell The Masters of the Chancery Esquiers of the Body The Trumpets The Queenes Attorney and Soliciter Sergeants of the Law The Queenes Sergeant alone The Barons of the Exchequer two and two Iudges of the Common Pleas. Iudges of the Kings Bench. Pursuyuants Pursuyuants The Lord chiefe Baron and the Lord chiefe Iustice of the Common Pleas. The Master of the Roules and the Lord chiefe Iustice of the Kings Bench. Batcheler Knights Knights of the Bathe Knights Bannerets Knights of the Priuie Counsell two and two Knights of the Garter The Queenes Maiesties Cloake and Hat borne by a Knight or an Esquier Noblemens yonger sonnes Heralds Heralds and heires apparant two and two The principall Secretary being no Baron The Vice-chamberlaine The Treasourer and Comptroller of the Houshold Barons in their Robes two and two The yongest form ost Bishops in their Robes two and two The Lord Admirall and the Lord Chamberlaine of Household together if they be Barons and In pari dignitate Norroy King of Armes Viscounts in their Robes two and two the yongest formost Earles in their Robes two and two they yongest formost Marquesses in their Robes Dukes in their Robes The Lord President of the Counsell and the Lord Priuie Seale Lord Steward of the Queenes house and the Lord great Chamberlaine Clarencieux King of Armes The Almner The Master of Requests The Lord Chanceler and the Lord Tresurer of England together The Archbishop of Canterbury the Archbishop of Yorke together Sergeants at Armes Sergeants at Armes Garter chiefe King of Armes barehead The Cap of Estate borne by the Marques of Winchester and with him on the left hand the Earle Marshall of England with his gilt rod. The Sword borne by an Earle THE Queenes Maiestie on horsebacke or in her Chariot with her Robes of Estate her Traine borne by a Duchesse or Marchionesse The Pensioners on ech side of her Maiestie bearing Poleaxes The Lord Chamberlaine and the Vize-chamberlaine on eche side of the Queene if they attend out of their ranke but somewhat behinde her The Master of the Horse leading a spare Horse next behinde her Maiestie Ladies and Gentlewomen according to their Estates two and two The Captaine of the Guard with all the Guard folowing two two CHAP. 24. The placing of great Officers according to the Acte of Parliament made An. 31. H. 8. THe Lord Vicegerent shal be placed on the Bishops side aboue them all Then the Lord Chauncellour The Lord Treasorer The Lord President of the priuie Counsell The Lord Priuie seale These foure being of the degree of a Baron or aboue shall sit in the Parliament in all assemblies of Councell aboue Dukes not being of the blood Royall viz. The Kings brother Vncle or Nephewes c. And these sixe The Lord great Chamberlaine of England The Lord High Constable of England The Earle Marshall of England The Lord Admirall of England The Lord great Master of Steward of the Kings house The Lord Chamberlaine of the Kings houshold These sixe are placed in all assemblies of Councell after Lord priuie Seale according to their degrees and estates So that if he be a Baron to sit aboue all Barons and if he be an Earle aboue all Earles And so likewise the Kings principall Secretary being a Baron of the Parliament hath place aboue all Barons and if he be of higher degree he shall sit and be placed according thereunto Note If any of the Officers aboue mentioned be not of the degree of a Baron whereby he hath not power to assent or dissent in the high Court of Parliament then he or they are to sit on the vppermost Wolsacke in the Parliament chamber the one aboue the other in like order as is specified The Nobilitie Temporall are placed according to the auncientie of their seuerall creations and so are the Lords Spirituall sauing The Archbishop of Canterburie So placed of dignitie The Archbishop of Yorke Bishop of London So placed by Acte of Parliament Bishop of Durham Bishop of Winhcester The rest of the Bishops haue their places according to the senioritie of their seuerall consecrations And this for their placing in the Parliament house Howbeit when the Archbishop of Canterburie sitteth in his Prouinciall assembly he hath on his right hand the Archbishop of Yorke and next vnto him the Bishop of Winchester and on the left hand the Bishop of London But if it fall out that the Archbishop of Canterburie be not there by the vacation of his See then the Archbishop of Yorke is to take his place who admitteth the Bishop of London to his right hand and the Prelate of Winchester to his left the rest sitting as is before said as they are elders by consecration CHAP. 25. The Queenes Maiesties most royall proceeding in State from Somerset place to Pauls Church Ann. 1588. ON Sunday the 24. day of Nouember Anno 1588. our Soueraigne Lady Queene Elizabeth rode with great solemnitie in her open chariot from Somerset house in the Strond to the Cathedrâ—l Church of S. Paul in London where at the West doore before her Maiesties entrance in there was prouided a rich Chaire of Estate and the ground being spred likewise with tapits her Maiestie kneeled downe against a deske couered with very Princely furniture and said the Lords prayer and then the Bishop of London in his Cope deliuered her a booke containing all the Orders Charters and Priuiledges belonging to the said Church which her Maiesty receiuing did confirme and redeliuer vnto the Bishop in the presence of all the Prebends and Churchmen who attended her Highnesse in very rich Copes and so with the whole Quire singing before her she proceeded vp into the Chancell where within a Trauers she rested vntill the Procession and other diuine Anthems were sung After which her Maiesty entred into the place ordained for the Duchie of Lancaster which at that time was newly reedified with faire and large glasse windowes in which she stayed during the Sermon preached at the Crosse by Doctor Perce then Bish. of Salisbury where with the whole assembly of the people she gaue God publicke thankes for that
triumphant and euer memorable victory ouer the Spanish Fleet proudly by them called Inuincible The Sermon beeing done her Maiestie went to the Bishops Palace and there dined and towards euening returned vnto Somerset place by torchlight Against her Highnes cōming in the morning the streets were railed and hung with Blew broad clothes for the seueral Companies in their Liueries to stand euery Company distinguished by Banners Standards and Penons of their Armes richly painted and illumined The Gentlemen of the Innes of Court likewise being placed nere Temple Bar stood orderly within their railes All the fronts of houses were couered with rich Arras and Tapistry and the windowes and streets replenished with all sorts of people innumerable who with great applause and ioyful acclamations both graced and honoured her Maiesties most Royall proceeding The Lord Mayor which was Alderman Calthrope deliuered his Sword to her Maiestie at Temple Barre who receiuing it gaue him a Mace or Scepter to beare and deliuered the Sword to the L. Marquesse of Winchester who bare it before her Highnesse all that day ¶ Here followeth the List or Roll of all Estates that were in this Princely proceeding according as they were then marshalled Messengers of the Chamber Gentlemen Harbingers Seruants to Ambassadors Gentlemen Her Maiestics seruants Esquires Trumpets Sewers of the Chamber Gentlemen Huishers The sixe Clerkes of the Chancery Clerkes of Starre chamber Clerkes of the Signet Clerkes of the Priuie Seale Clerkes of the Councel Chaplens hauing dignities as Deanes c. Masters of the Chancery Aldermen of London Knights Batchelers Knights Officers of the Admiralty The Iudge of the Admiraltie The Deane of the Arches The Soliciter and Attourney Generall Serieants at the Law The Queenes Serieants Barons of the Exchequer A Pursuy of Armes Iudges of the Common Pleas. A Pursuy of Armes Iudges of the Kings Bench. The L. chief Baron the L. chief Iustice of the Common pleas The Master of the Rols and the L. chiefe Iustice of the K. Bench. The Queenes Doctors of Physicke The Master of the Tents and the Master of the Reuels The Lieutenant of the Ordinance The Lieutenant of the Tower The Master of the Armorie Knights that had bene Ambassadors Knights that had beene Deputies of Ireland The Master of the great Wardrobe A Pursuy of Armes The Master of the lewel house A Pursuy of Armes Esquires for the Bodie and Gentlemen of the Priuie chamber Trumpets The Queenes Cloake Hat borne by a Knight or an Esquire Barons yonger sonnes Knights of the Bath Knights Bannerets Lancaster Vicounts yonger sonnes Yorke Barons eldest sonnes Earles yonger sonnes Vicounts eldest sonnes Secretaries of her Maiestie Knights of the Priuie Councel Sommerset Richmond Knights of the Garter Principal Secretarie Vicechamberlaine Comptroller and Treasurer of the houshold Barons of the Parliament Chester Bishops 〈◊〉 The Lord Chamberlaine of the house being Barons The Lord Admiral of England Marquesses yonger sonnes Earles eldest sonnes Vicounts Dukes yonger sonnes Marquesses eldest sonnes Norroy King of Armes Earles Dukes eldest sonnes Marquesses Dukes Clarencieux King of Armes The Almner The Master of Requests The Lord high Treasurer of England The Archbishop of Yorke The Lord Chanceller of England The Archbishop of Canterbury The French Embassadour Garter King of Armes The Maior of London A Gent. Huisher of the Priuie Chamber The Queenes Maiestie in her Chariot Her Highnesse traine borne by the Marchionesse of Winchester The Palfrey of Honour led by the Master of the Horse The chiefe Lady of Honour All other Ladies of Honour The Captaine of the Guard Yeomen of the Guard CHAP. 26. Of Precedencie among persons of meane and priuate condition BArtholus in his discourse de re Militari Duello diuideth men into three degrees viz. great personages aduanced to dignitie men of reputation without dignitie and common or ignoble persons Of whom Iac. Faber in his discourse vpon Aristotles politickes maketh nine sorts The first are husbandmen whose endeuor is employed about the fruits of the earth Secondly artificers occupied Arts either necessarie honest or pleasing Thirdly victualers retailers of wares and chapmen Fourthly Marriners and sea souldiers Fiftly Fishermen Sixtly Watermen and Ferrymen Seuenthly Masons and labourers in stone Eightly workemen of little substance and Labourers Lastly Bondmen and slaues Among common persons in euery Prouince or Towne the Gouernor or Captaine is of most reputation notwithstanding hee be of a common birth yet in some Cities the Maior or chiefe Iudge hath that chiefe honour and is superior to the military Officer but generally men in Office are of more reputation then others without office and Officers for life are preferred before Officers annuall or time certaine Data paritate in alijs Raynutius Note also that euery man during the time he beareth office is to be respected and honoured as Purpuratus writeth And to say summarily all wisemen hauing place of rule in any Prouince Citie or Towne must be preferred before others albeit they are aduanced aboue the measure of their vertue For no man is so euill but sometimes he doth well Laudabilia multa etiam mali faciunt Pli. Men married are euer to precede men vnmaried in pari dignitate And he who hath most children or lost the greater number in the warre of his Countrey is to be most honored Lex Iuli◠The like order ought be obserued among women maried in pari dignitate and in Rome maydens did anciently go before widdowes and wiues also and sonnes before their Fathers Men hauing land of inheritance are to precede other hauing none and Citizens that are housholders must be preferred before others hauing no habitation chiefly in such Cities and Townes where their Ancestors and families haue bene of continuance in reputation of marchandise or other possessions For next after Gentlemen and Magistrates they are to take place in pari dignitate Yet here is to be noted that if any Burgesse Marchant or other man of wealth doe happen to purchase a Barony yet ought he not be a Baron nor haue place among Barons Iac. Rabuff A father whose sonne beareth any Office shall giue place to his sonne in all publike meetings and seruices but in priuate affaires the order of nature ought be obserued and in domesticall conuersation the father shal goe and sit before the sonne Likewise a Bishop must doe reuerence vnto his father at home but being in the Church the father shal follow him So for diuers respects the one and the other is honoured Betwene two equals he that is in his owne iurisdiction shal precede as if an Archbishop or Cardinall doe come into the Diocesse of a Bishop notwithstanding they be persons of more dignity yet ought they giue honour vnto the Bishop because their presence doth not cancell his authority A Citizen or dweller of any chiefe City shall take place of other Inhabitants of meaner townes or cities when soeuer they meet in any place indifferent
reason of many alterations and losses which hapned vnto the Christians in the East at that time Hee elected for Patron of this Order the Apostle S. Andrew The Soueraigne of this Order is he vnto whom the Dukedome of Burgundie doth lawfully descend The number of these Knights first elected were foure and twenty besides the Soueraigne all men of Noble blood without reproch and of vertuous merit The habit is an vnder garment of Crimson veluet with a mantle of the same lined with white it openeth on the right side and in the wearing is turned vp on the left shoulder it is richly embrodered round about with a border of flames fusils and fleeces The hood of crimson veluet the Knights we are on their heads as by the figure appeareth The Collar of this Order is of gold wrought of flames and fusils with the Toizon hanging thereat The Soueraigne hath authoritie in himselfe absolutely to giue and bestow the same at this pleasure This Collar or the Toizon euery Knight is bound to weare dayly or failing shall incurre a penaltie But in time of warre or vrgent affaires to weare the Toizon only shall suffise Or if by mishap the Collar doe breake it is permitted for mending thereof it may be carried vnto a goldsmith Or if any Knight trauelling by the way shall feare to be robbed he may lay the Collar aside Yet it is not lawfull to increase the quantitie of the Collar nor adde thereunto any stones or workemanship and most vnlawfull it is to sell it or change it Whosoeuer entreth into this Order mustrenounce all other Orders of Knighthood of euery Prince Company or Religion yet out of that law are excepted all Emperours Kings and Dukes vnto whom it is dispensed that they may weare the Ensignes of this Order if they be chiefe and Soueraignes of their owne Order Yet to the end the trueth may appeare a Councell of Knights shall be called to consent vnto that dispensation These with other Statutes and Ordinances the Knights of this great Order are sworne to obserue and keepe And many of them haue bene since the first institution enlarged altered ortaken away by the Soueraignes The day of assembly for these Knights was at the beginning appointed on the feast day of S. Andrew but since altered vnto the second of May and that but once in three yeres vnlesse it pleaseth the Soueraigne otherwise to command To this Order doe belong foure principall officers Viz. A Chancellor a Treasurer a Register and a king of Armes named Toizon D'or To this Order also appertaineth an Impreze the inuenter thereof was Charles Duke of Burgundie whose high valour brought Lewys the xj king of Fraunce vnto great trouble as Monsieur d' Argenton writeth The said Impreze or deuice was an Instrument made to strike fire called an Ansill with these words Antè ferit quam flamma micet meaning he had power to kindle great trouble before it were perceiued yet was the euent vnhappy for in the warre against Lorayne and the Suysses after the defeare of Morat and Granson his forces were vtterly ouerthrowen and his person slaine before Nancy the Euen of the Epiphany Whereupon Renato Duke of Lorayne being victorious and seeing the standerd of Duke Charles with the Impreze of the Instrument of fire sayd That vnfortunate Prince when he had most neede to warme him lacked leisure to strike fire which speech was pithie and the more because the earth was then couered with snow and by reason of the conflict full of blood At that time was the greatest frost and cold that any man liuing could remember The Toizon which these Knights doe weare hanging at their Collar of Order is the forme of a golden fleece which Iason woon at Colchos others do suppose it to be the fleece of Gedeon whereof the holy Scripture maketh mention which signifieth Fidelâ—ie or Iustice vncorrupted The number of these Knights was much encreased by the Emperour Charles the fifth who hauing the dukedome of Burgundie elected into that Order persons of greater Title then were at the beginning and commanded the election should be by consent After him King Philip of Spaine did the like The names of Knights in the first election THe Duke of Burgondie Soueraigne William de Vienna of S. George Rinieri Pot Lord of Castile The Lord of Rombaix The Lord Mountacute Orland de Vtquerque Anthony de Vergi Conte of Lignij Hugh de Lanoij Lord of Santes Iohn Lord of Cominges Anthony de Tolongion Marshal of Burgondie Peter de Luxemburg Conte of Beureine Gilbert de Lanoy Lord of Villerual Iohn de Villiers Lord of Isleadam Anthony Lord of Croy and Renti Florimont de Brimeu Lord of Massincure Robert Lord of Mamimes Iames de Brimeu Lord of Grigni Baldwin de Lanoij Lord of Mulambays Peter de Baufremont of Cargni Philip Lord of D'osteruant Iohn de Orequi Iohn de Croy Lord of Tours super Marne 〈…〉 CHAP. 15. Knights of S. Michael IN the yeere 1469. Lewis the xj 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 moued the King to intitle this Order with the name of S. Michael was the memory of an apparition of that Saint vpon the bridge of Orleance when that Citie was besieged by the English at which time liued a certaine mayden called Iohan a woman of so rare wit and valour in Armes as was reputed more then a mortall creature or rather some enchantresse of singular knowledge This Order is ornified with a great Collar whereat the Image of S. Michael hangeth The words thereon set are these Immensitremor Oceani The Soueraigne of this Order is the French King and his successors The number of Knights to be elected into this Order is 36. But of late yeeres that number hath bene much encreased and thereby the order become of small reputation yet it is said that the great Collar and Robe is bestowed onely to that number although the Michael be giuen vnto many Howsoeuer that be sure it is that th'entent of that King was to make choise onely of the most noble personages of his owne blood and others who for vertue and honour were accompted worthy as by the first election appeareth who were these KIng Lewis the 11. Soueraigne Charles of Spaine Duke of Vienna Iohn Duke of Burbon and Auerne Luys de Luxemburg Conte of S. Paul and Constable of France Andre de Laual Lord of Ioheac Marshal of France Iohn Conte de Sanserre Lord of the Forrâ—t and of Plessis Mace Iohn de Tonteuille Lord of Castiglione Lewis Bastard of Burbon Conte of Rosiglione and Admirall of France Anthony of Chiabanes Conte d'Ammartin and Grand-master of the Kings house Iohn Bastard d'Armignac Counte of Cominges Marshall of France and Gouernour of Delfinato George de Trimouille Lord of Craon Seneshal of Vienna Luys Lord de Cursol Seneshal of Poylon Gilbert de Gabanes Lord of CroitoÌ„ Seneshal of
Vienna Taniqui de Castello Gouernour of the Prouince of Rossiglioni and Sardenna The rest of Knights to be chosen into this Order was deferred vntill the the next meeting The place of assembly of these Knights and where their Armes with other Ensignes of Knighthood should be preserued was appointed to be the Church on Mount S. Michael To this Order belongeth a Treasurer a Chanceller a Register and an Herauld named Monsanmichaele The feast ordeined for these Knights was on Michaelmas day to bee kept yeerely The Statutes appertaining to this Order are to be seene in the booke intituled Les Ordinances de France In the raigne of Henry the second French King the habit of this Order of S. Michael was altered in maner following as to this day is continued First his dublet hose shoes scaberd with the band of his cap feather were all white His surcoat of cloth of siluer with the sleeues on Ouer that hee wore a mantle of cloth of siluer tied ouer the right shoulder and turned vp ouer the left it was bordered about with a rich embroidery of cockles and knots Ouer the right shoulder lay his hood of cloth of siluer spreading ouer his backe the tippet hanging before and ouer all the Collar of the Order of S. Michael â—mmanud Philibâ—â—tus 〈◊〉 Dux Prâ—â—â—ps Peâ—emontij Ord S. Aâ—â—un ciation Equ◠〈◊〉 Fol. 8â— CHAP. 16. ¶ Knights of the Annunciation THis Order was also about the same time begun by Amedeo Count of Sauoy sirnamed Iâ— Verde in memory of Amedeo the first Earle who hauing valorously defended the Iland of Rhodes against the Turkes wanne those Arnâ—es which deseruingly are now borne by the Dukes of Sauoy Viz. Gules a crosse Argent The Collar appertaining to this Order is made of gold and on it these foure letters engrauen F. E. R. T. which signifieth Fortitudo eius Rhodum tenuit At the said Collar hangeth a Tablet wherein is the figute of the Annunciation The Church appointed for ceremonies appertaining vnto this Order is called Pietra within a Castle in the Diocesse of Belleis whereunto was giuen at the foundation of this Order certaine lands for the sustentation of fifteene Chapleins For continuance of this Order at the time of the constitutioâ— were made many honourable ordinances to be kept by the Knights presently elected and after to be elected The chiefe of them are these following First that he the said Duke and his successour should be Lord and Soueraigne of the said Order That euery brother and companion of the said Order should at all occasions fauour loue and maintaine one the other and also defend and protect his person estate against euery other person or persons whatsoeuer That if any question or controuersie should arise betweene two Knights then they to submit the ordering thereof vnto two or more of the fraternitie and after to obserue the same vnuiolated That for auoiding of suite in Lawe whensoeuer any cause of Action was betweene the Knights then the censuring thereof should be referred vnto foure other companions of the Order to the end the matter might be determined without charge or expences And if the question depending were difficult then the Knights that were to consult there of might call vnto their assistance two Doctors mâ—n of approoued honestie and vnderstanding That euery Knight at his death should giue towards the maintaining of the said Church an hundreth Florins to be deliuered into the hand of the Pryor for the time being That at the death of euery Knight the rest of the companions should assemble at the Castle of Pietra to bury the dead in good and honourable order and euery of the said Knights to weare a white gowne and so make their offering Or if any of them could not be present then with what conuenient speed might be to come thither after That euery Knight at his buriall should giue vnto the Church a Collar a Banner his Armour and coat of Armes if he be a Banneret or not being he ought to giue a Penon of Armes a Collar and coat of Armes All which shall be offered on the day of entertainment at the Church in memory of the dead That euery Knight should at his owne charges come vnto the buriall accompanied with two seruants and bring thither foure great waxe Candles or Torches weighing one hundreth pounds ¶ After this Order of Knighthood was ordained at the Castle of Pietra the third of Februarie Anno 1434. by Amadeo first Duke of Sauoia these Statutes were added THat euery Knight after the death of any of the brethren should during certaine dayes be apparelled in blacke and not weare the Collar for nine dayes next after the Knights decease signified That the Soueraigne should at the buriall offer vp his collar That euery Knight in going to offer should proceed according to his ancientie without other respect That no Knight should be receiued into the Order that was a person noted for any dishonourable reproch or if after hee were receiued any fault should be committed then presently was forced to forgoe his collar and neuer more to weare it but returne it vnto the Soueragine within two moneths And if he failed so to doe then to abide the censure of his companions and by an Herauld be summoned to send the collar vnto the Soueraigne and be enioyned neuer after to weare it That euery Knight should be sworne to weare the Order daily and not to accept any other Some other Statutes there are which for breuitie I omit 〈…〉 Henricus Borbortius â— Rex Francia et Nauartaâ— Ordin S. Spiritus Eques Suâ—â—â—mus Fâ—l â—6 CHAP. 17. Knights of S t Esprit THE Order of S t Esprit was instituted by the right Christian King of France and Poland Henrie the third of that name containing a hundred and fiue Articles This Knighthood was instituted in the yeere of grace 1578. and in the fifth yeere of his reigne It was called the Order of the S. Esprit for that on the day and feast of Pentecost it pleased God as they say by the inspiration of the holy Ghost to vnite the hearts and wils of the Polish Nobilitie at an assembly of Estates generall of that puissant kingdome together with the great Duchie of Lituania to make choise of the said Henry for their King and afterward vpon the same day and feast to call and accept him to the rule and gouernment of that Crowne In commemotation whereof with the aduice consent of the Queene his mother the Princes of his blood and other Princes Officers of his Crowne and Lords of his Councell he instituted this Militarie Order of S. Esprit to be continued for euer with all Ordinances and Statutâ— therein mentioned irreuocable The number of persons conteined in the said Order are one hundred besides the Souereigne which is euer the King in which number are comprehended foure Cardinals fiue Prelates the Chauncelor Prouost Master of the Ceremonies great Treasurer and Scribe who are called
farre from this chariot were twelue other chariots ornified with gold and siluer Then marched more horsemen of twelue diuers nations diuersly armed and of diuers qualitie Next to them were ten thousand men whom the Persians called immortall Some ware chaines of gold others had coates with sleeues embrodered with gold and set with rich stones Not farre off were fifteen thousand men whom they called the Kings cosins which number was furnished rather richly like women then well armed they were called Doryphori Next to this troupe were other men apparelled like Kings They went before the Kings chariot he being caried vp higher then any other These chariots were loden with Images of the gods made of siluer and gold Betweene the Images a partition was set with rich shining iewels the one side represented a warre and likewise the other Among these things they sacrificed an Eagle of golde spreading her wings but of all things the Kings attire was most admired His apparell was of purple parted in the middes with white and ouer it he had a short cloke like a womans garment embrodered with Sparow-haukes of gold very strangely His girdle was womanlike small and girt whereat hanged a Scimiter or crooked sword the sheath thereof was set with precious stones On his head he ware a royall cappe called Cidaris which all Kings of Persia doe vse It was tied on his head with a lace part of skie colour and part white After the chariot followed ten thousand Lances adorned with siluer and next to the chariot certaine choice men caried Darts gilded Also on either side his neerest of blood did accompany him This troupe contained thirtie thousand footmen whom fiue hundred of the Kings horsemen followed About one acre distance from them the chariot of Sisygamba King Darius mother did come and in one other his wife All the Ladies and other women belonging to both the Queenes were on horsebacke After them other women did come whom they called Armamax they exceeded not the number of fifteene In that company were the kings children with their gouernours Also a number of Eunuches being persons of some reputation among the Persians Then the Kings Minions being 360 were caried in chariots their apparell was princely and rich After them the kings coine was caried by sixe hundred Mules and three hundred Camels garded with Archers The Kings Concubines and his kinsmen were next to them And they being past the Cookes Sculions and other base people did follow Last of all came certaine Captains and souldiers lightly armed to force the troupes to march in order CHAP. 25. The Triumphall entry of Xerxes King of Persia into Greece yet afterward forced for feare to flee into his owne kingdome FIrst he sent before all his carriage and all those people that were combred with any burden or other impediment After them followed seuenty hundred thousand men of sundry Nations who marched in no order but confused Among whom was eightie thousand horsemen All these passed a good distance before the Kings person Then marched a thousand Gentlemen Persians and with them so many Launcers who carried the point of their lances backward The next troope was onely ten horses most richly furnished being of the rase of Nicae beastes of exceeding greatnesse and beautie These were followed with a chariot consecrated to Iupiter and drawen by eight white horses The man that did driue those horses went on foot holding the reines in his hand In this chariot vnlawful it was for any mortall man to sit After it Xerxes his owne person was carried in a chariot drawen by horses of Niscaea The driuer of them walked before on foote his name was Patiramphus the sonne of Ota a Persian In this sort Xerxes went towardes the Sardi sometimes sitting in his chariot and sometimes on horsebacke Next to him followed the brauest and best men of Armes in Persia carriyng as it were halfe lances Then came ten thousand Persians on foote one thousand bearing pikes and on the points of them in stead of crownes were siluer apples Some of them that went next to Xerxes had apples of gold vpon their pikes These were followed with ten thousand other Persian horsemen Last of all about two acres of ground behind was a multitude of people without order or number CHAP. 26. Of Triumphes in Germanie HEnry the first Emperour of that name who for his great delight in hawking and fowling was called Auceps being aduertised of the often incursions of Hungarians into Germany thought good to assemble the Princes Anno 935. and by force of Armes to repulse them which designe with the assent of those Lords by publike proclamation he made knowen commaunding that euery Prince with his best furniture vpon a day certaine should appeare at Magdeburg which was performed First the Count Palatin of the Rhene appeared The Bishop of Treuer The Bishop of Colein The Bishop of Leyden The cities Emperiall Mentz Aquisgran c. All which companies the Palatin presented vnto the Emperour and vnder euery of those Princes colours other meaner Princes and Lords also appeared Vnder the Ensigne of the Palatine were the Duke of Elsatia The Duke of Thungren The Duke of Limpuâ—g The Marques of Pontamonson with sixe other Dukes Vnder the Ensigne of the Duke of Sueuia were twelue other Lords The like vnder the Ensigne of Franconia and all other chiefe Princes And last of all were the Emperours companies So was the number of Princes Lords Knights and Gentlemen 6240. The whole armie was sixtie nine thousand strong These Christian forces assisted by the Almightie defeated the Hungarians and slew the greater number The victorie obtayned and the Emperour with his Princes returning homewards were in all places feasted And they desirous in some sort to honour the Ladies of those countries where they passed were willing in triumphal wise to make Iusts Turneaments and other Militarie pastimes Which being pleasing to the Emperour and acceptable to all others His Maiestie with consent of the Princes commanded that publike triumphs should be proclaimed whereunto all Princes Lords and Gentlemen might resort to shew their valour And this was the originall of Germaine triumphes Then was there a Counsell and commission graunted to certaine Princes and other Lords to inuent orders for the future Iusts and appoint places fit for their celebration The Commissioners considering what glory might of these exercises accrew vnto the Germaine Nation and therewith knowing that the exercise of Armes was no small helpe to enforme Gentlemen and make them meete for serious seruices not forgetting also that Noble Ladies would take delight in such royall sight they greatly commended that inuention vnto the Emperour who presently agreed that Lawes might be made and obserued in those Actions His Emperial Maiestie commanded that at euery Triumph 4. chiefe persons should be chosen to giue direction and by their authoritie all Ordinances to be made Those men were called Reges Ludorum The first Kings were elected at the Triumph of Meydburg 1
Charles Lord of Hohenhuwen of Sueuia 2 George Lord of VVolffartshausen of Bauaria 3 Meinolphus Lord of Erbach of the Rheyn 4 Ernestus Grumbach Esquier The Actors in the first Triumph whose names were enrolled and presented vnto the Emperour were in all 390. Among whom These were the Emperours band The Duke of Holland The Prince of Pomeran The Prince of Saxon. The Prince of Thuringia The Burgraue of Meydburg The Prince of Witten The Prince of Russia The Prince of Delmantia The Count of Thuringia The Marques of Staden The Prince of Ascania The Earle of Aldenburg The Earle Valesius The Earle Harracortius The Earle Schuuartzburg The Earle Weissenfels The Earle Gleichen The Burgraue of Leisneck The Earle of Eberstein The Earle of Eysenburg The Earle of Rotel The Earle of Winssenburg The Earle of Wunssdorff The Earle of Vffen The Earle of Louenrode The Earle of Rochlitz The Earle of Piedmont The Earle of Alençonius The Earle of Bren. The Earle of Leisneck The Rawgraue of Cassell The Earle Woldenburg The Earle of Eskersberg The Earle of Pein The Earle of Arnsshag The Earle of Lobdiburg The Earle Nortingen The Earle of Ployssigk After the Emperour followed the Palatine of the Rheyn with his band containing 80. persons among whom were 7. Princes and 16. Earles viz. The Duke of Alsatia The Duke of Barry The Marques of Pontamonsa The Duke of Lymburg The Duke of Burbon The Duke of Limburg The Earle of Burgondy and others Next to him followed the Duke of Sueuia with his band containing 82. persons of which number 9. were Dukes and Princes Next followed the Duke of Bauaria with his band containing 69. persons of whom 8. were Dukes and Princes Next followed the Duke of Franconia with his band containing 80. persons of whom 4. were Princes Besides these Bands appertaining to the Emperour and the 4 principal Princes of Germany being the chiefe Nobility and Gentlemen yet other Princes also offered their Bands viz. Otho Duke of Thuringia the Emperours eldest sonne presented 112. persons of whom 8. were Dukes or Princes Likewise Arnoldus the Emperors second sonne presented 85. persons among whom some were also Princes To conclude the number of Princes Lords and Gentlemen that appeared in these triumphes before the fourth triumph was ended amounted vnto two thousand persons Then was there charge and commission giuen to Georgius Scuuabenlant to be the Herault and pronouncer of all Orders and Ordinances concerning those affaires He also tooke notes how euery man was mounted armed and furnished To him also appertained the publicatio◠of what honour or dishonour euery man deserued and therewith to perswade that no malice or quarrell should be among the Actors but euery one with an honourable emulation to do his best This Officer also proclaimed the priuiledges and what Armes were to be vsed and that done he assigned place where euery band should attend and in what order they should runne which were long to be rehearsed The troopes of Lances thus marshalled the beholders were permitted to enter But first of all the Princes Ladies and women of honour did take their places of whose beauty pompe and rich attire no man needeth to doubt These women thus prepared in passing to their places with due reuerence and thankes set them downe and the courses being runne desired that euery Actor might receiue the praise he deserued Therewith also that the chief prizes might be allotted to the 4. Kings appointed for the next triumph which should be celebrated at Rauensburg vpon S. Iames day Anno 941. which was 3. yeeres after this present triumph The prizes were deliuered according to the praises and pleasure of the Ladies This triumph and the ceremonies therof ended it pleased the Emperour to pronounce the first Article to be obserued in all future triumphs viz. IT should bee lawfull for all Gentlemen well borne to enter and fight in these exercises of Armes euer excepting such as in worde or deed had blasphemed God or done or said cōtrary to our Christian faith Of whom if any shall presume to enter the Lists wee will and commaund That the Armes of his ancestours with all other his furniture shal be cast out his horse confiscate and in lieu of honour which arrogantly and vnworthily was sought his person shal be expulsed with perpetuall infamy The second Article was pronounced by the Pallatin the effect whereof was THat if any Lord or Gentleman whatsoeuer hath or shall wittingly or willingly say or do any thing in preiudice of the dignitie Emperiall or profit thereof hee shal be repulsed from these exercises and suffer the punishments thereunto due I also ordaine and pronounce Meinolphus of Erbach to be King in the celebration of the next triumph and the chiefe leader of all my Nobilitie of the Rhein The third Article was pronounced by the Duke of Sueuia viz. THat if any Gentleman of what title soeuer hath by word or deed dishonored any virgin widow or other gentlewomā or hath by force taken or deteined any goods or lands to them or any of them belonging he shal be iudged vnworthy to receiue fame and honour in these triumphs hee shall also forfeit his horses and with infamy be expulsed the Lists Such is my censure irreuocable I likewise constitute Carolus Lord of Hohenheuuen to be a King in these triumphs and Leader of the Nobility of Sueuia The fourth Article was pronounced by the Duke of Bauaria viz. THat forasmuch as nothing was more agreeable to the glory of God and honour of the holy Empire then trueth I require that all men of what dignitie or title soeuer being knowen vniust in their doings and lyars should during their liues remaine infamous And if any person of such quality shall offer to enter the Lists I commaund him to be with dishonor dismounted I likewise pronounce George of Wolffarthuusen in my name to be King of the Prouince of Bauaria The fifth Article was pronounced by Conradus Duke of Franconia to this effect THat whosoeuer hath betrayed or forsaken his master in the field or in his iourney or hath procured any other man so to doe or if hee hath not defended his countrey his subiects others committed to his charge as is the duety of a good man or if wickedly he hath procured the trouble of any person or not defended him but left them as a pray to the enemy then I command that euery such person shal be for euer repulsed from the celebration of these triumphs hee shall also forfeit his horse and endure the ignominy due to men infamous I also pronounce Ernestus of Grumbach Esquier to be King of the triumph within my circuit of Franconia These Articles pronounced and written the Emperor called before him 15 men appointed to be Curatores ludorum as we may tearme them Superuisors of the Triumph to whome he said That forasmuch as he allowed and much liked the pastime his intention was to impart the same to all Kings Princes and Potentates
Lea and S. Pye either of them being disarmed on the head departed The tenth encounter was betweene Aubrigcourt and Roy. This Aubrigcourt was not borne in England but brought vp in the Court of the most noble King Edward At their first course they were both violently stricken on the head and in the next on the breast and so they parted But Aubrigcourt not so contented challenged Bouciquaut who answered him two courses with equall fortune and the third course they were both disarmed on the head Such was the successe of the third dayes meeting The fourth meeting ON Thursday which was the last these noble Knights returned to the field where Godfrey Eustace made the first encounter against Bouciquaut and were both hurt on the head The next encounter was betweene Alanus Burgius and S. Pye with being both disarmed on the head The next encounter was betweene Iohannes Storpius and Bouciquaut in which courses the English mans horse was said to fall downe The next encounter was betweene Bouciquaut and an English Knight called Hercourt belonging to the Queene of England but not borne in England At the first course Bouciquaut missed and the English Knight brake crosse which is an errour in Armes and thereupon much disputation arose betweene the French and English For the French affirmed that Hercourt by law of Armes had forfeited his Horse and Armes but at request of the company that fault was remitted and he permitted to runne one course more against Roy who had not runne that day and therefore willingly consented The courses betweene these Knights were exceeding violent but the Englishman being wearied was vtterly throwen from his horse and as a dead man lay flat on the ground but afterwards he reuiued lamenting that disgrace The fifth encounter was betweene Robert Scrope and S. Pye who after three courses gaue ouer without losse or gaine The sixth encounter was betweene Iohn Morley and Reginaldus Roy for the first blow was so violent as forced their horses to stand still in the place of meeting The seuenth encounter was betweene Iohannes Moutonius and Bouciquaut both of them at the first meeting had their shields pearced and after were disarmed on the head The eight encounter was betweene Iaqueminus Stropius and S. Pye At the first course both their horses went out At the second they brake both on the head At the third both their Lances fell from them and at the last the Englishman pearced through the Aduersaries shield but was himselfe dismounted The ninth encounter was betweene Guilielmus Masqueleus and Bouciquaut These Knights with equall courage and skill perfourmed well their courses The last encounter was betweene Nicolas Lea and S. Pye the one and the other of them brake their Launces well till at the last they were both disarmed on the head The Challenge thus ended all the troupe of English Knights hauing attended that busines full foure dayes thanked the French Knights for being Authours of so honourable a triumph On the other side the French much thanked the English for their company and the King who was there secretly returned home where hee enformed the Queene what honour had bene done to all Ladies CHAP. 39. The triumphant Interuiew of the Kings of England and France An. 1519. THese most excellent Princes hauing occasion of conference appointed a meeting in Picardie The day drawing neere the king of England passed the seas and arriued at Calice from whence hauing reposed himselfe he remoued to Guynes The French King likewise being come lodged at Ardes Betweene the one and the other of those townes as it were in the mid-way a place of meeting was appointed Thither went the one and the other of those Kings most royally mounted and followed with so great magnificence as in an hundred yeeres before the like sight had not bene seene in Christendome Some writers haue in vaine laboured to set downe the royalty and exceeding pomp of those Courts which might be seene but not expressed At the place of meeting two Pauilions were erected the one for the French king the other for the King of England These Princes being come embraced one the other and that done they went together into one Pauilion The French King was accompanied with his Lord Admiral called Boniuett his Chancellor and some fewe other Counsellors The King of England had with him the Cardinall of Yorke the Duke of Norffolke and the Duke of Suffolke Then hauing set in counsel and returned to their Pauilions they bethought them of entertainement sports and princely Complements For which purpose commandement was giuen that a Tilt should bee erected where Iusts Tournaments and other triumphall exercises continued about fifteene dayes for so long those Princes remained there One day the King of England conuited the French King feasted him in his Pauilion which was a building of wood containing foure roomes exceeding large and so richly furnished as haply the like had not bene seene in Christendome That Frame was purposely made in England and after the feast taken downe to be returned One other day the French King feasted the King of England in his Pauilion wherein hanged a cloth of Estate marueilous large and so rich as cannot be expressed The ropes belonging to that Pauilion were make of yellowe silke and gold wreathed together The Kings being ready to dine there happened so great a storme of wind as fearing the Pauilion could not stand they remooued from thence to the place where the Fortresse is nowe and beareth the name of that banquet The apparell Iewels and other Ornaments of pompe vsed by Princes Lords Gentlemen awaiting on those Kings cannot be esteemed much lesse expressed for as mine Author sayth some caried on their backes the prise of whole woods others the weight of ten thousand sheepe and some the worth of a great Lordship CHAP. 40. A Triumph celebrated in France Anno 1559. WHen the mariage betweene the King of Spaine and Elizabeth eldest daughter of Henry the French King was concluded in signe of congratulation and ioy a royal Triumph was proclaimed and prepared at Paris whereunto the Nobilitie of all France Spaine and the Lowe countreys repaired which done a solemne Iust and other military sports were taken in hand wherein the King in his owne person the Duke of Ferrara the Duke of Gwyze and the Duke of Nemors were Challengers The place for performance of that Action was appointed in the streete of S. Anthony in Paris and there a Tilt with euery furniture fit for such a feast was prepared To that place as at like occasions it happeneth resorted an infinite number of people to behold for whom scaffolds and stages were ready to receiue them and those places not capable of so excessiue a number many of the people bestowed themselues on the sides and roofes of the houses The first courses were performed by the French King to his great glory the rest of the Challengers also very honourably did the like Then the Lords and
vllam nisi datum tibi esset desuper Ioh. 19. It appeareth also that good Princes doe deserue diuine honour as S. Austen seemeth to affirme And the Apostle in his Epistle to Timothy saith Qui bene praesunt duplici honore dignisunt Good and godly Kings therfore haue receiued from God diuine vertue aboue all other creatures As was scene in Saul who being made King by Samuel foorthwith became inspired with the gift of Prophecie and the Spirit of God did enter into him whereby he prophecied with other Prophets 1. King cap. 10. We reade likewise that Salomon being created King obtayned the excellencie of wisedome 1. King 3. If seemeth also that Kings are diuinely inspired with diuers other parttcular graces and vertues as the kings of England and France by touching only do cure an infirmity called The Kings euill the Kings of Spaine as some writers affirme haue power to cast diuels out of meÌ„s bodies CHAP. 6. Of Queenes NExt and neerest vnto the King his Queene is to take place because the weareth a Regall Crowne which no other person but a King may doe It seemeth also that a Queene ought to sit on the Kings right hand which honour the sacred Scriptures do allow Psal. 45. Astitit Regina à dextris tuis in vestitu deaurato And if she be a mayden Queene Soueraigne and absolute shee is In pari dignitate with a King may precede him also according to the dignitie of her kingdome And if she be a Queene of three entiere kingdomes as our Soueraigne is she may assume the title of an Empresse Also Officers and ministers appertaining vnto a Queene absolute are priuiledged equall with the Officers of Kings and may take place accordingly Lu de Pen. Ca. de priuilegijs Note also that albeit a Queene be the daughter of a Duke or an Earle or any other inferior degree yet shall she be called Queene by the dignitie of her husband And if she be the daughter of a King superior to her husband then may she also reteine the dignitie of her fathers daughter Iac. Rebuff alij dig lib. 12. which was the reason that the Lady Claudia daughter vnto King Lewis the 12. did take place before the Lady Loysia of Sauoy notwithstanding shee was mother to King Francis the first So did the daughter precede the mother Yet some doe hold that a Kings mother ought be preferred before all others alleaging the Text Positus est thronus matris iuxta thronum Regis the 3. of Kings We reade also in the same place that King Solomon beholding his mother comming towards him adored her and caused a Throne to be set on his right hand Which seemeth indeede to be her place in absence of the Queene not otherwise as mine Author writeth CHAP. 7. A Prince LIke as the splendent beames of the Sunne doe spread themselues in giuing light heat and comfort vnto all liuing things without any dimunition of his proper vertue either in substance course or brightnesse so from the sacred power and Regall authoritie of Emperours Kings and Queenes all earthly dignities doe proceed yet their owne Princely and soueraigne power In sua prima sublimitate doth not suffer or sustaine any blemish or detriment The first place and chiefest degree therefore after the Estates aforenamed appertaineth vnto the Prince or eldest sonne of the King in respect he is the first borne childe of his father and may claime to sit on the right hand as Baldus seemeth to affirme saying Primogenitus sedet ad dextram patris by imitation of the Christian beleefe Note that the eldest sonne of a King hath euer a title of greater dignitie then his other brethren viz. In England hee is called Prince of Wales in France the Dolphin in Spaine L' Infante c. Princeps dicitur quia est quasi prinicipalis in sâ—renuitate post Regem In Enland he is borne Duke of Cornewall and therefore needeth no ducall creation when he is made Prince he is presented before the King in Princely robes who putteth about his necke a sword bendwise a cap and Coronet ouer his head a ring ouer his middle finger a verge of gold in his hand and his Letters pattents after they be read The second place is due vnto the first sonne of the Kings eldest sonne So as the nephew seemeth to precede the vncle which hath bene a question of great difficultie and left vnto triall of the sword Yet in France it hath bene diuers times diuersly iudged but for the most part in fauour of the Nephew And in England the Nephew was preferred before the Vncle as Baldus noteth CHAP. 8. An Archduke Some hold opinion that this title of Archduke may be assumed by the eldest brother of euery Ducall family in Germany hath bene by custome so vsed as a title of greatest dignitie among brethren But Tillet saith that in France when any great Duke had the conduct of an Armie and thereby commanded other Dukes vnder him then was hee called Duke of France that is to say Duke of Dukes The which office for that it had so great a superintendencie was afterward called Meyer du Pallays This Meyer or Maior had the authoritie of a Vice-Roy and commanded in all causes both Military and Ciuil To this degree of Archduke belongeth a Surcoat a Mantle and a hood of Crimsin veluet wherewith he is inuested at his Creation he hath also a Chapeau or Ducal cap doubled Ermin indented with a Coronet about the same and one arch of gold with an Orbe hee also beareth a Verge or rod of gold CHAP. 9. A Duke These Dukes are ornified with a Surcoat Mantle and Hood at their Creation they weare also a Ducall cap doubled Ermin but not indented They haue also a Coronet and Verge of gold Note here that in England all Dukes of the Kings blood as his sonne brother vncle or nephew ought be reputed as Archdukes and precede all other Dukes Note also that hee who is a Duke tantùm shall take place before any Lord that is both a Marquesse and an Earle notwithstanding they be two dignities But he that is a Duke and Marquesse or a Duke and an Earle shal march before a Duke tantùm CHAP. 10. A Marquesse THe fift estate is a Marquesse called by the Saxons A Marken Reue that is to say a Ruler of the Marches This great Officer in the Kings battaile was chiefe Captaine of the Horse campe and next it authoritie vnto the Heâ—tzog or Constable so that it should seeme he was in degree as our High Marshall is in England To this estate is due a Surcoat Mantle and Hood with a Coronet of golde Fleury CHAP. 11. An Earle In the Empire at this day are sundry sorts of Earles which they call Graues as Landgraues id est regionum Comites Margraues id est certarum marcarum seu districtuum vel agri ciuitatis aut regionis alicuius finium Comites Palatins qui sunt Iudices regni