he confessed The King gaue sentence he should bee drawne and hanged Anno. 1384. Regni Rich. 2. A Combat was fought betweene Sir Richard Wooduile and one other Knight borne in Spaine After the third blowe giuen the King staied the fight Anno 1441. Regni Henr. 6. A Combat was graunted vnto Iohn Viscount borne in Cipres and Thomas de la Marshe bastard sonne vnto Philip King of France in the raigne of King Edward the 3. at Westminster Certaine Combats for Triumph Honor and Loue of Ladies brought before the Kings of England CAP. 11. IN the former Chapter wee made mention of the Ceremonies appertaining to Combats for life as they were ancientlie vsed Nowe I thinke fit for the furniture of this worke brieflie to remember some speciall exercises of Armes brought before the Princes of this realme for Honor and loue of Ladies onlie and among the rest as actions most worthie memorie wee will touch certeine particular Combats or as they are commonlie called Triumphs Iusts and Turniaments performed before our present Soueraigne Queene Elizabeth a Prince of so great magnanimitie and wisedome as by imitation of her most noble and princelie vertues the Court of England both for Armes and learning hath in her raigne excelled all others Triumphs before King Edward the third IN the raigne of King Edward the third a royall Iust was holden at Lincoln by the Duke of Lancaster where were present certeine Ambassadors sent by the King of Spaine for the Ladie Ioane daughter to the King who should haue been married vnto that King of Spaine but meeting her on the way she died Anno. 1348. A Triumph was holden at Windsor before the same King Edward whereat was present Dauid King of Scots the Lord of Tankeruile and the Lord Charles Valloys who by the Kings license was permitted to runne and had the prize Anno. 1349. IN Smithfield were solemne Iusts in the same Kings raigne where was present a great part of the most valiant Knights of England and France Thether came also noble persons of other Nations as Spaniards Ciâ—riots and Armenians humblie desiring aide against the Pagans Anno 1361. A Triumph before King Edward the fourth IVsts were againe holden in Smithfield where Anthonie Wooduile Lord Scales did runne against the Bastard of Burgondie Anno. 1444. A Triumph before King Henrie the sixt ONe other notable action of Armes was persosonallie performed in Smithfield betweene a Knight of Spaine called Sir Francis le Aragonoys and Sir Iohn Astley Knight of the Garter For after the said Sir Francis had wonne the honor from all the men at Armes in France he came into England and made a generall Challenge but by the great valour of Sir Iohn Astley lost the same vnto him The memorie of which action remaineth with Master Garter principall King of Armes Triumphs before King Henrie the seuenth AT Richmont was holden a solemne Triumph which continued a whole moneth where Sir Iames Parker running against Hugh Váughan was hurt and died 1494. ONe other Triumph was in the same Kings dayes performed in the Tower of London Anno. 1502. Triumphes before King Henrie the eight BVt farre exceeding al these was that magnificent Iusts Turniments at the meeting of the two excellent Princes King Henrie the eight of England K. Frances the French King who choosing vnto them xiiij others did challenge to runne at the Tylt and fight at the Turney and Barrier with all commers The Chalengers were The King of England the King of France the Duke of Suffolke the Marquis Dorcet Sir William Kingston Sir Richard Iernegan Master Nicholas Carew and Master Anthonie Kneuet with their Assistants Sir Rowland Sir Giles Capell with these were so manie other French GeÌ„tlemen as made vp the number aforesaid For Defenders thether came Monsieur de Vandosme the Earle of Deuonshire and the Lord Edmond Howard euerie of theÌ„ bringing in a faire Band of Knights well armed This most noble Challenge of these two mightie Kings accompanied with xiiij other Knights of either Nation seuen they caused to bee proclaimed by Norrey King of Armes in England France Germanie Anno 12 Hen. 8. ONe other most memorable Challenge was made by the same King who in his owne royall person with William Earle of Deuonshire Sir Thomas Kneuet Edward Neuell Esquire answered all commers at Westminster The King called himselfe Cuer loyal the Lord William Bon voloir Sir Thomas Kneuet Vailliant desir and Edward Neuill Ioyous penser Defenders were The Lord Grey Sir William a Parr Robert Morton Richard Blont Thomas Cheyney Thomas Tyrrell Sir Rowland Christopher Willoughby the L. Howard Charles Brandon the Lord Marquis Henrie Guilford the Earle of Wiltshire Sir Thomas Bullin Thomas Lucie the Lord Leonard the Lord Iohn Iohn Melton Griffith Doon Edmond Howard Richard Tempest After this Challenge was ended the prize appointed for the Challengers partie was giuen vnto Cuer Loyall among the Defenders to Edmond Howard ANother solempne Challenge was proclaimed and performed by certaine English Knights vz. Sir Iohn Dudley Sir Thomas Seymour Sir Francis Poinings Sir George Carew Anthonie Kingston and Richard Cromwell Anno. 1540. Of like Actions in Armes sith her Maiesties Raigne these doo seeme most notable as appeareth by the memorialls of M. Clarentieux a Gentleman verie diligent in her Maiesties seruice and carefull to obserue things to the Honor of her Maiesties Court. ONE solempne Iust Turniment and fight at the Barrier was holden at Westminster wherein the Duke of Norfolke the Earle of Sussex the Earle of Warwicke the Earle of Leicester the Lord Scrope the Lord Darcie and the Lord Hunsdon were Challengers and with great honour answered all Commers The Defenders names are not extant A Royall Challenge was also there proclaimed before her Maiestie wherein were Challengers the Earle of Oxenford Charles Howard Sir Henrie Lee and Christopher Hatton The Defenders were The Lord Stafford the Lord Henrie Seymour Edward Harbart Sir George Carie Thomas Cicill Henrie Gray William Howard Sir Ierome Bowes Henrie Knowles Henrie Kneuet William Norris Richard Bulkelcy Thomas Kneuet William Knowles Rafe Lane George Delues Robert Colsel Lancelot Bostocke Brian Ansley Henrie Mackwilliams Thomas Bedingfield Thomas Moore William Worthington Richard Blunt Thomas Conyngesby Robert Alexander Roger Clopton This Triumph continued three daies The first at Tilt the second at Turney and the third at the Barriers On euerie of the Challengers her Maiestie bestowed a Prize for the receiuing whereof they were particularlie led armed by two Ladies vnto her presence Chamber The Prize at the Tilt on the Defenders partie was giuen vnto Henrie Grey At the Turney vnto the L. Henrie Seymor at the Barriers vnto Thomas Cicill Before them went Clarentieux king of armes in his rich coate of Armes This magnificent Combat was performed Anno 1571. AN honourable Challenge was likewise brought before her Maiestie by the Earle of Arundell calling himselfe Callophisus who with his Assistant Sir William Drewrie challenged all commers Anno 1580
other Herehaults cried aloud saying This is the Helmet of a disloyall and miscreant Knight Then was brought thether a Bason of gold or siluer full of warme water which being holden vp the Herehaults with a loud voyce sayd What is this Knights name The Purseuants answered that which in trueth was his name Then the King of Armes sayd That is not true for he is a miscreant and false traitor and such a one as hath broken the ordinance of Knighthood Thereunto answered the Chaplins Let vs giue him his right name Then spake the Trompets What shall be done with him To which words the King answered Let him bee with dishonor and shame banished my kingdome as a vile and infamous man that hath done offence against the honor of Knighthood When the King had so said the King of Armes and other Herehaults cast the warme water on the disgraded Knights face as though he were a new baptized saying Hencefoorth thou shalt be called by thy right name Traitor Then the King together with twelue other Knights put vppon them mourning garments declaring sorowe and comming vnto the Knight disgraded put him downe the stage not by the staiers he mounted vp when he was made Knight but threwe him downe tyed vnto a rope Then with great ignomie he was brought vnto the Altar and there laied groueling on the ground and ouer him was read a Psalme full of curses These were the Ceremonies vsed at the degradatiō of Knights in the time of Sir Tristram Sir Lancelot and other famous Knights who were no doubt men very valiant in Armes but by meanes of writers that haue added vnto their acts many vntruths their prowesse and enterprises are holden as fables How many orders and degrees of Knighthood haue been and of them how many yet extant CAP. 6. 1 THe first and most noble order both for antiquitie and honor is that of the GARTER 2 The next to it is that of the TOSON 3 The third is that of S. MICHAEL 4 The fourth is that of the NVNTIATA 5 There is also one newe order of Knighthood in France called the Order of S. ESPRIT whereof I am not fullie enformed All these Knights be called Knights of the Coller in signe they excell others in Honor and reputation as those Orders whereinto Emperours Kings and Princes doo enter Next to these in dignitie are 1 The Knights of the BAND 2 The Knights of S. IAGO 3 The Knights of CALATRAVA 4 The Knights of ALCANTARA 5 The Knights of MONTESIO 6 The Knights of REDEMPTION 7 The Knights of MALTA 8 The Knights TEVTONICI The third sort of Knights are 1 The Knights of the SEPVLCHER 2 The Knights of SANTA MARIA 3 The Knights of S. LAZARO 4 The Knights of S. STEFFANO These may bee called rather Knights of Superstition than persons of Honor. Among these wee make no mention of Knights of the Round Table neither haue wee set downe the Knights of Amadis de Gaule nor of Orlando Furioso Yet doo I suppose some part of those stories to bee matters of trueth although writers haue added vnto them things incredible By which meane the histories themselues are holden fabulous Wee haue not here spoken of the Knights of the Starre nor of them which were called Knights of the Spurre which orders are extinct or not regarded The Knights Templers were also long since cleerelie suppressed Of the Order of the Garter CAP. 7. EDWARD the third King of England after he had obteined many great victories King Iohn of France King Iames of Scotland being both prisoners in the Tower of London at one time and King Henrie of Castile the bastard expulsed and Don Pedro restored by the Prince of Wales did first erect this Order in his Kingdome Anno 1350. vppon no weightie occasion as is reported Notwithstāding the same is and long hath been in so great honor as Emperours Kings and Princes haue desired to bee of that companie accompting it great Honor. The number of this Colledge or fellowship is 26. Knights and when any of them dye another is chosen by consent of the companie The Soueraine of the Order is the King of England his heires and successors This Order was dedicated to S. George as the Aduocate of those Knights The custome was long that these Knights yeerely held a feast at the Castle of Winsor where is also the Church founded by the same King Edward who likewise gaue great stipends to certeine Priestes to serue there It is not commonlie knowne what was the occasion that mooued the King to make this Order but thus haue I heard it vulgarlie reported That King Edward dauncing with the Queene and other Ladies of his Court tooke vp a Garter that happened to fall from one of them whereat some of the Lords smiling the King said vnto them that or it were long he would make that Garter to bee of high reputation Vpon this ground it is sayd the Order tooke beginning Euerie yeare all the Knights on the feast day of S. George are bound to resort vnto Windsor or such other place as by the Soueraine shall be appoynted The principall Officers apperteining to this most honorable Order are these The Prelate The Chancellor The Register The King of Armes named Garter and the Vsher called the Blacke Rod. Which places are presentlie furnished with these persons viz. Doctor Cooper Bishop of Winchster Prelate Master Iohn Wolly Esquire one of her Maiesties priuie Counsell Chauncellor Doctor Day Deane of Winsor Register Master W. Dethicke chiefe King of Armes Garter Master William Norris Esquire Vsher. The Statutes of this great Order are remaining with the sayd Master Garter a Gentleman verie studious in his facultie and carefull to preserue the Records belonging vnto the Nobilitie of England From him I receiued the names of these Knights of the first institution of the GARTER which I found in an auncient booke of his written in the French tongue The first Knights of the Order King Edward Soueraine The Prince of Wales his sonne The Duke of Lancaster The Earle of Warwicke The Capteine de Buch. The Earle of Stafford The Earle of Salisburie The Lord Mortimer Sir Iohn Lisle Sir Bartholmew de Bourchesh Sir Iohn Bewchamp The Lord of Mahun Sir Hugh Courtney Sir Thomas de Holland Sir Iohn de Grey Sir Richard Fitzsimond Sir Miles Stapleton Sir Thomas Walle Sir Hugh Wortesley Sir Neel Loring Sir Iohn Chandos Sir Iames Dandely Sir 〈◊〉 de Holang Sir Henrie Eme. Sir Fauchet de Prichcourt Sir Walter Pauelly The names of those that are presentlie of the same most noble Order The Queene of England Soueraine The King of Spaine The Duke Casemirus The Vice Conte Montacute The Earle of Shrewsburie Earle Marshall of England The Lord of Honsdon Lord Chamberlein The Earle of Warwicke The Earle of Hontingdon The Lord Bourleigh Lord Threasurer of England The Lord Grey The Earle of Darbie The Earle of Pembrooke The L. Howard of Effingham L. Admirall of England The Lord Cobham
say with the Poet. Tota licet veteres exornent vndique cerae Atria nobilitas sola est atque vnica virtus Paulus aut Cossus aut Drusus moribus esto Hos ante effigies maiorum pone tuorum Praecedant ipsas illi te consule virgas Dic mihi Teucrorum proles animalia muta Quis generosa putet nisi fortia nempe volucrem Sic laudamus aequum facili cui plurima palma Feruet exultat rauco victoria circo Nobilis hic quocunque venit de gramine cuius Clara fuga ante alios primus in aequore puluis VVhether a quarrell betweene two Emperours may be decided by particular Combat CAP. 2. IT happened the Emperiall seate being voyd the Electors named vnto that dignitie two Princes not by general cōsent but by deuisiō of voyces the one partie chosing Alfonso king of Spaine the other Richard Duke of Cornwal brother to the King of England These Princes claiming the Empire the one challenged the other to trie the right by Combat wherevpon grewe a question whether persons of so high calling ought be admitted to fight in Combat Therevnto is said that forsomuch as the Empire in the beginning was gotten by Armes and vertue and that the execution of all iustice resteth in Armes it seemeth an Empire in that sort gained to be more honorable than if it were giuen by election Besides that in such triall the victorious enioyeth it by diuine iudgement And for example that Empires haue been so iudged we reade that the Romanes being in warre with the Albanois it was by consent of the one and the other people agreed that three brethren of the one partie called Horatij should fight with three of the enemies who were also brethren called Curiatij These men being brought together after long and doubtfull fight the victorie fell vnto the Romanes and the Albanois according vnto agreement willinglie yeelded their Countrie vnto the Romanes gouernment On the contrarie may be alleadged that forsomuch as the weldooing of the whole Empire consisteth vpon the life of the Emperour he ought not to fight in person But this is to bee vnderstood of an Emperour alreadie possessed and inuested for if the election be doubtfull then to auoyd a publique warre and effusion of bloud it seemeth verie reasonable that two Princes making claime ought be admitted to triall of Armes so long as no other title or interest appeareth VVhether a King may challenge an Emperour to Combat CAP. 3. THe auncient Emperours of Roome were of so great puissance and had vnder them so manie Monarchies and Kingdomes as well neere the chiefest part of the world was vnto them subiect and the Princes of those ages were reputed either Subiects Vassals or Tributaries vnto the Emperours In which respect it was thought vnfit that the Emperour should vouchsafe to fight with any King or Prince of what state or qualitie soeuer It appeareth also that the honor and respect borne towards them was excessiue because the ciuill lawe doth call the Emperour Lord of the world affirming he hath iurisdiction ouer Kings and all Princes yea there wanteth not of those that haue named him GOD vpon the earth and consequently reasonable that he should refuse to fight in Combat with any King or other Potentate On the contrarie side may be alleadged that the dignitie and title of Kings is more auncient than that of Emperours and that they haue the like soueraigntie ouer men For well we knowe that Aeneas Romulus Numa gouerned in Roome many and many yeares before that Iulius Caesar vsurped the title of Emperour Neuertheles Lancislao King of Hungarie challenging the Emperour was repulsed as vnworthie It happened also that another King contending with the Emperour for the Kingdome of Polonia the said King did challenge the Emperour to Combat as before that time Carlo Martello the sonne of Carlo the second had done for triall of the title of Hungarie which he claimed by discent from his mother The said King of Hungarie who was then possessed being of person puissant did condiscend to fight with Carlo Martello a young man of twentie yeares and vnexpert in Armes yet indeede rightfull heire These Princes resolued to make triall by Armes vppon a day certeine appoynted the King of England to be their Iudge and they to performe the fight in a certeine Iland of his which was done Carlo Martello became victorious and tooke from the Hungarian King his helmet which had a cheine hanging at the same which helmet Carlo Martello and all his successors vsed as a badge But for resolution of this matter thus wee conclude that Princes or Kings hauing dependance of the Empire may bee repulsed to fight with the Emperour but a King soueraigne acknowledging no Superiour and holding his Dominion of GOD and his owne sword onelie may challenge and fight with any Emperour Of the Equalitie and disequalitie of great Nobilitie and of the priuiledges due to all men professing Armes CAP. 4. A King vncrowned may lawfullie challenge a King crowned vnlesse the King vncrowned be vnlawfullie aspired or a Tyrant The number of Christian Kings are 14 of whom onelie foure were auncientlie crowned by the Pope that is the French King the King of England the King of Ierusalem and the King of Sisil All the other Kings were crowned by their owne Prelates Thus saith Paris An Earle being a Prince absolute and not subiect vnto the Empire or any other Potentate may refuse to fight with any person being a subiect notwithstanding hee hath the title of Prince Duke or Marquize Here is to bee noted that these titles of honor were at the first giuen in office as the title of Duke was proper vnto him that was a Generall of the Armie A Marquize was he vnto whom the confine or Marches of a Countrie or Kingdome was committed An Earle or Count was a Iudge or Commander in Peace and of them in the auncient Emperours seruice were diuers as the Countes Palantine were as stewards of the Emperours house of his Court or Stable euerie of them might challenge any Prince Duke or Marquize being a subiect because they are in respect of subiection reputed none other than Barons A Gentleman well borne and descended from Parentage of foure degrees may fight with any Earle or Baron in case of treason to his Prince or Countrie and also murther and infidelitie because they are besides their dignitie none other than Gentlemen and Gentilitie or Nobilitie is hereditarie and cannot bee taken away but Dignitie may But in other quarrells of lesse importance the Earle in respect of his dignitie may fight by Champion but in the cases aforesaid he shall fight in person vnlesse he bee aged lame or otherwise disabled A Capteine Generall of an Armie Emperiall or Royall may not be challenged by any Gentleman or Lord neither ought the Gouernour of any Citie Towne or Castle because no publique commandement may be abandoned for priuate respect The like is to be
The Defenders were The Earle of Oxford the Lord Windsor Philip Sidney Edward Norris Henrie Knowles Robert Knowles Fulke Greuill Thomas Kneuet Thomas Kellaway Rafe Bowes George Goring George Gifford Anthonie Cooke Henrie Bronkerd Edward Denie Richard Ward Sir Thomas Parrot The Prize was giuen to the Earle of Oxford TO these actions of Armes may be added the notable Turniament on horsebacke within her Maiesties Pallace at Westminster which became the more rare and memorable for that it was performed in the night The manner whereof in briefe was thus It pleased her Maiestie according to her Princelie custome in receiuing of noble strangers to conuite vnto supper the Duke Momorancie chiefe Marshall of France at that time come hether to take the honourable Order of the Garter This magnificent supper ended it pleased her Highnesse the weather being warme to walke out of her Chamber into the open Tarrace whether also awaiting on her went the said Duke and all others of the French Nobilitie with the Ambassadours Lords and Ladies of this Court. At her Maiesties comming to the North side of the Tarrace there were prepared and set rich Chaires Cushions and Carpets In which place it pleased her to stay intertaining most gratiouslie the said Duke other noble strangers Next vnto them were placed the Ladies Lords Counsellors and other persons of reputation according to their degrees and conueniencie of the roume So as the said Tarrace was on all sides beset with Lords Ladies and persons of qualitie sumptuouslie apparelled and richlie furnished and among them both aboue and vnder stood manie of the Guard in their rich coates holding an infinite number of Torches and so in the preaching place by which meane to those that beheld the Tarrace in this sort furnished they deemed it rather a Theater celestiall than a Pallace of earthlie building The place with this royall presence replenished sodeinlie entered the Earle of Essex and with him twelue Gentlemen armed at al peeces and wel mounted The Earle and his horse was furnished with white cloath of siluer and the rest in white sattin who after reuerence done to her Maiestie marched to the East side of the Court there in troope stood firme Forthwith entred the Earle of Rutland with a like number in like sort armed and apparelled all in blewe and hauing presented his reuerence staied on the West end Before either of these Bands one Chariot was drawne and therein a faire Damsell conducted by an armed Knight who presented certeine speeches in the French tung vnto her Maiestie These Ceremonies past the Queene commanded the armed men to fall vnto fight which was performed with great courage commendation chiefly in the Earle of Essex a noble personage valerous in Armes and all other waies of great vertue Trulie this action was meruailouslie magnificēt appeared a sight exceeding glorious to those that wer below looking vpward to the Tarrace wher her Maiestie the Lords and Ladies stood so pompously apparailed Iewelled and furnished as hardly can bee seen the like in anie Christian Court as my selfe and other the Actors at occasions staying from fight with great admiration did behold and thinke Of the Actors names in this Combat it seemeth no note is kept yet are manie of them liuing NOt inferiour but farre exceeding in princelie pompe and qualitie of Actors was that royall Combat and fight on foote before her Maiestie the 1. of Ianuarie Anno 1581. where Monsieur of France the Prince d' Aufine the Earle of Sussex the Earle of Leicester the Count S. Aignon Monsieur Chanuallon and Monsieur Barqueuille were Challengers The Defenders were The L. Thomas Howard Sir William Russell Monsieur Brunys Monsieur S. Vincent Sir Thomas Cicill Henry Grey Iohn Borough Lord Windsor Walter Windsor Le Boylere Le Cheualier Ambrose Willoughbie Sir William Drurie Thomas Radcliffe Lord Sheffeld Robert Cary George Carew Fulk Greuill William Knowles Francis Knowles Thomas Kneuet Lord Darcie Anthony Mildmay Rafe Stauerton Lancelot Bostock George Beeston William Worthington Thomas Kellaway Sir George Carey Rafe Bowes Henrie Windsor Iohn Wotton George Goring Edward Moore George Giffard Thomas Borough Anthonie Cooke Hercules Newtas Richard Skipwith Henrie Bronkard Iohn Parker Francis Darcie Iohn Tyrrell They are not here placed according to their degrees but as they were called to fight AFter so manie royall and statelie Triumphs it may be thought superfluous to insert the ordinarie exercises in Armes almost yearely vsed on the 17. of Nouember in memorie of the applause of all subiects at her Maiesties comming to the Crowne of England as euen this last yeare was vsed by the right noble and valerous Earle of Essex a Gentleman of great hope or rather vertuous proofe and singular perfection In liew whereof or rather to auoide iteration of names we haue here set down those Lords and Gentlemen that haue been Actors in publique exercises of Armes on horsebacke sith her Maiesties raigne as chieflie by Master Clarentieux notes doth appeare By consideration of which persons as well in qualitie as number it may easilie bee conceiued that the magnificence of her Maiesties Court is equall or exceeding the Courts of other Kings her noble predecessors They are not here placed in order of their degrees but according to the time of the Actions wherein it pleased them to be and with such titles as they since had or now haue The Duke of Norffolke The Earle of Sussex The Earle of Warwick The Earle of Leicester The Earle of Ormond The L. Honsdon The L. Scroope The L. Darcie The L. North. The L. Norris The L. Charles Howard The L. Grey The L. Stafford The L. Henrie Seymor The Earle of Oxenford The Earle of Essex The Earle of Rutland The Earle of Arundel The L. Windsor The L. Thomas Howard The L. Sheffeld The L. Borough The Earle of Essex The L. Willoughbie The L. Strange The Earle of Comberland The L. Brough of Ireland Knights and Gentlemen Sir Christopher Hatton Knight of the Order Sir George Howard Edward Fitzgarret Sir Robert Constable Sir Henrie Lee. Anthonie Digbie Thomas Warcop Thomas Markham Sir George Beeston Sir William Gorge Henrie Haruie Edward Hongarford Thomas Cornwallis Iohn Iernegan Robert Colsel Robert Wiseman Francis Haruie Sir Thomas Layton William Howard Sir Edward Harbert Sir Henrie Cobham Walter Windsor Sir Henrie Kneuet Sir George Carey Henrie Knowles William Norris Rafe Lane Sir Iohn Dauers George Delues Sir Henrie Grey Lancelot Bostock Brian Ansley Sir Ierome Bowes Sir Thomas Cicill Henrie Mackwilliam Thomas Bedingfield Sir Richard Bulkeley Thomas Kneuet Sir William Knowles William Worthington Edward Cary. Sir Thomas Gorge Richard Blunt Thomas Moore Thomas Coningesbie Robert Alexander Roger Clopton William Hyfeld Thomas Cotton Sir Walter Rawleigh Sir Philip Sidney Sir William Russell Sir Thomas West Robert Knowles Iohn Carey Fulke Greuill Rafe Bowes Iohn Zouch Sir William Drurie Thomas Kellaway George Goring Iohn Ludcot Edward Greuill William Tressam Edward Moore Iohn Tyrrell Henrie Bronkard Sir Thomas Parrot
taken away by the Soueraines of the said Order The day of assemblie for these Knights was at the first institution appoynted on the feast of S. Andrew but sithence altered vnto the second of May and that but once in three yeares vnlesse it shall please the Soueraine otherwise to command To this Order doo belong foure principall Officers That is a Chauncelor a Threasurer a Register a King of Armes named Toson d'oro The first inuenter of the Impresa belonging to the Order of the Toson was Charles Duke of Burgondie whose great valour brought the French King Lewis the xj into much trouble and warre as Monsier de Argenton writeth His Impresa or deuise was an Instrument made to strike fire with these words Ante ferit quam flamma micet Meaning he had power to kindle great warre as indeed he had But his warres had vnhappie euent For hauing in hand a warre against Lorayn and the Swisses after the defeate of Morat and Grauson he was vtterlie ouerthrowne and slaine before Nansi the euen of the Epiphany Wherevpon Renato Duke of Lorayn being victorious and seeing a Standerd of Duke Charles with the Impresa of the Instrument of fire said That vnhappie Prince when hee had most neede to warme him wanted leisure to strike fire Which speach was verie pithie and the more for that the earth was then couered with Snowe and by reason of the conflict full of bloud At that time was the greatest frost and cold that any liuing man could remember The Toson which these Knights doo weare hanging at their collers of the Order is the forme of a golden Fleece expounded to bee like vnto the Fleece of gold which Iason wonne at Colchos Others suppose it to bee the Fleece of Gedeon whereof is made mention in holie Scripture which signifieth Fidelitie or Iustice vncorrupted The number of these Knights was much encreased by the Emperour Charles the fift who hauing in hand the Dukedome of Burgondie elected into that Order persons of greater qualitie than were at the first and would haue that the election should bee by consent And after him King Phillip did the like Here is to bee noted that albeit Duke Charles did inuent the Impresa yet the Creation was begun after by Duke Phillip sirnamed Le bon at such time as he called a generall assemblie of the States at the Hage in Holland Anno. 1456. The names of Knights in this first Creation Phillip Duke of Burgondie Soueraine William of Vienna of S. George Rinieri Pot Lord of the Castell The Lord of Rombaix The Lord Montacute Orland of Vquerque Anthonie of Vergi Conte of Lignij Hugh of Lanoij Lord of Santes Iohn Lord of Cominges Anthonie of Tolongeon Marshall of Burgondie Peter of Lucimburg Conte of Beureuie Gilbert of Lanoij Lord of Villerual Iohn Villiers Lord of Isleadam Anthonie Lord of Croij and of Renti Florimonte of Brimeu Lord of Massincure Robert Lord of Mamimes Iames of Brimeu Lord of Grigni Baldwin Lanoij Lord of Mulambais Peter of Baufremont Lord of Cargni Phillip Lord of Teruant Iohn of Orequi Iohn of Croij Lord of Tuors super Marne The Knights elected into the Order of Toson by Phillip King of Spaine and Duke of Burgondie 1 Phillip Duke of Austria and King of Spaine Soueraine of the Order 2 Maximilian the Emperour second of that name 3 Don Beltramo della Cueua Duke of Alburqueque 4 Don Inigo Lopes di Mendoza Duke of Infantasgo 5 Cosmo di Medici Duke of Florence and of Siena 6 Don Emanuel Filibert Duke of Sauoya 7 The Admiral Conte of Egmont Prince of Gaure 8 Iohn of Ligni Conte of Arumberghe Baron of Brabanson 9 Octauio Farnese Duke of Parma and Piacenza 10 Marco Antonio Colonna Duke of Palliano and Baron of Rome 11 Ferdinando Duke of Austria 12 Don Consaluo Fernandes of Cordoua Duke of Sessa and Ferranoua Conte of Cabia 13 Don Pedro Hernandes of Velasco Duke Frius Conestable of Castiglia 14 Don Fernando Aluares of Toledo Duke of Alua. 15 Albert Duke of Bauiera 16 Henrie Duke of Branswiche Luniburg 17 Pietro Hernesto Conte di Mansfelt 18 Phillip de Croij Duke of Arscot 19 Charles Prince of Spaine 20 Phillip Montmorancy Conte of Horne 21 William of Nassau Prince of Orange and Lord of Breda 22 Iohn Conte of Ostfaie 23 Charles Baron of Barlemont Lord of Perunet 24 Charles of Brimen Conte of Megen Lord of Huuercourt 25 Iohn Marquis of Berges Conte of Walhayn 26 Antonio Doria Marquis of San Steffano Lord of Giersa 27 Don Francisco Fernandes d' Auolos Marquis of Piscara 28 Sforza Sforza S. Fiore Conte of S. Maria of Versi Lord of Castello Arquato 29 Phillip of Montmorancy Lord of Aricourt 30 William of Croij Marquis of Renty 31 Florence of Montmorancy Lord of Montegnij 32 Phillip Conte of Ligni and of Faulquembergh 33 Charles of Lanij Prince of Sulmona 34 Anthony of Salaing Conte of Hoochstrat 35 Giouachino of Mehausem great Chauncelor of Boemia 36 The Duke of Medina Celi 37 The Duke of Cordoua 38 The King of Portugall when he comes to full age Of the Order of S. Michael CAP. 10. IN the yeare 1469. Lewis the xj then French King erected an Order of Knighthood whereinto himselfe with others the most principall Peeres of France did enter It is said the occasion which mooued the King to intitle this Order with the name of S. Michael was the memorie of an apparition of that Sainct vpon the bridge of Orleance when that Citie was assailed by the English at which time liued a certeine Maiden called Ioane a woman so rare of wit and valiant in Armes as was reputed more than a mortall creature or rather some Inchantresse of singuler knowledge This I find written but in that time of Superstition easie it was to induce the people to beleeue things incredible This Order is also ornefied with a great Coller whereat hangeth the Image of S. Michael The words apperteining thereunto are these Immensi tremor Oceani The Soueraine of this Order is the French King and his successors The number of Knights that ought bee admitted into the said Order is 36. But of late yeares that ordinance hath been broken and the number so much increased as thereby the Order is become of small reputation yet is it thought that the Coller apperteining vnto the said Order is giuen onelie to the number aforesaid although the Michael is bestowed on many But sure it is that the intent of that King was to make choyse onelie of the most noble personages of his owne bloud and of others who for vertue and honor were holden worthie as by the first election appeared who were these The first Knights of the Order of S. Michael Lewis the xj Soueraine King Charles of Spaine Duke of Vienna Iohn Duke of Burbon and of Auergne Lewis of Lucimburg Conte of S. Paule and Conestable of France Andrew di Laual Lord of Loheac Marshall of France Iohn Conte of Sanserre Lord of Bueil Lewis of
Beaumont Lord of the Forrest and of Plessis Mace Iohn of Tutuille Lord of Castiglione Lewis Bastard of Burbon Conte of Rossiglione Admirall of France Anthony of Chiabanes Conte of Dammartin Grand master of the Kings house Iohn Bastard of Armignac Conte of Cominges Marshall of France and Gouernour of the Delfinato George of Trimouille Lord of Craon Gilbert of Gabanes Lord of Croton Seneschall of Vienna Lewis Lord of Cursol Seneschall of Poilou Tanequi of Castello Gouernour of the Prouince of Rossiglion and of Sardena The rest of Knights to be chosen into this Order was deferred vntill the next meeting The place of assemblie of these Knights where their Armes and other Ensignes of Knighthood should be preserued was appointed to be the Church on Mount S. Michael Vnto this Order were appoynted a Threasurer a Chauncellor a Register and one Herehault named Monsanmichaele The Feast ordeined for these Knights was on Michaelmas day yearely to be kept The Statutes apperteining vnto this honorable Order are to be seene in the booke intituled The Ordinances of France Of the Order called the Nuntiata CAP. 11. THis Order was also about the same time begun by Amedeo Conte of Sauoy sirnamed il Verde in memorie of Amedeo the first Earle who hauing valerouslie defended the Iland of Rhody against the Turkes wanne those Armes which deseruinglie is now borne by the Dukes of Sauoya which is a white Crosse in a red field The Coller apperteining to this Order is made of gold and on it these foure letters ingraued in this wise F.E.R.T. which signifieth Fortitudo eius Rhodum tenuit At the said Coller hangeth a Brooch wherein is the figure of our Ladie and the Angell sent vnto her The Church appoynted for Ceremonies apperteining vnto this Order is called Pietra a Castell within the Diocesse of Belleis whereunto was giuen at the foundation of this Order certeine lands for the sustentation of fifteene Chaplins For continuance of this Order at the time of the constitution were made many honorable ordinances to be kept by the Knights presentlie elected and after to be elected which are to bee found written in the works of Francisco Sansouino These foure Orders aforesaid bee reputed most honorable and are adorned with great Collers in token that for state and dignitie they excell the rest Knights of the Band. CAP. 12. THis Order was first erected by Alfonso King of Spaine sonne to Ferdinando and Queene Constanza in the yeare 1268. And to giue the sayd Knighthood reputation honor the King himselfe with his sonnes and brethren vouchsafed to enter thereinto with them were also admitted diuers other Gentlemen of best qualitie and greatest estimation The cause that mooued the King to name them Knights of the Band was for that he commanded euerie man elected into the Order should weare a certeine red scarffe or lace of silke the breadth of three inches which hung on their left shoulder and was tyed vnder the right arme No man might enter into this Knighthood but such as the King did speciallie admit neither was anie person capable of that dignitie vnlesse he were the sonne of a Knight or some Gentleman of great accompt or at the least such a one as had serued the King by the space of tenne yeares in his Court or in the warre against the Moores Into this Order no Gentleman could bee receiued being an elder brother or an heire in possession or apparance but onelie such as were yonger without land and liueload because the Kings intention was to aduance the Gentlemen of his Court that had not of their owne At such time as any Gentleman was admitted a Knight he promised to obserue these Articles following which I haue thought good particularlie to expresse the rather because they tend onlie to enterteine the minds of men in the offices of Courage and Courtesie without any mixture of superstition whereof almost al other Orders in those daies tasted First that he should speake vnto the King for the commoditie of the Common wealth the defence thereof so often as he were thereunto required And refusing so to doo shall forfeit all his patrimonie and be banished his Countrie That he should aboue all things speake the truth vnto the King and at euerie occasion bee faithfull to his Maiestie That he should not be silent when so euer any person should speake against the Kings honor vppon paine of being banished the Court and depriued of his Band for euer That he should bee no great speaker and in speaking to vtter the truth But if he should affirme or say any vntruth then for a punishment to walke in the streetes without his sword for one whole moneth That he should endeuour himselfe to keepe companie with wise men and persons experienced in the warre For being found to conuerse with Marchants Artificers or base people he should bee therefore greatlie reprooued by the Great Master and for one moneth be commanded to keepe his house That he should mainteine his owne word and faithfullie keepe promise with his friends And being found to doo otherwise to be enioyned to walke and goe alone vnaccompanied of any other of the Kings Court and should not presume to speake or come neere vnto any other Knight That he should alwaies haue good Armour in his Chamber good horses in his stable good Launces in his Hall and a good Sword by his side or otherwise to be called Page and no Knight for one whole moneth That he should not bee seen mounted vppon any Mule or other vnseemelie Hackney neither walke abroad without his Band nor enter into the Kings Pallace without his Sword nor eate alone at home vppon paine to forfeit for euerie such offence one marke towards the mainteining of the Tilt. That he should bee no flatterer of the King or any other person neither take delight in scoffing vpon paine to walke on foote for one moneth and be confined to his house another moneth That he should not complaine of any hurt nor boast of his owne acts nor in curing his wounds crie oh for if in vaunting wise he vttered any ostentacious speach he should bee reprooued by the great Master and let alone vnuisited of all his companions That he should bee no common gamester chieflie at the Dice nor consent that others should play in his house vpon paine to forfeit for euerie such offence one moneths pay and for one moneth and halfe not to be seene in the Court. That he should not in any sort lay to pawne his Armour or weapons nor play away his garments vppon paine to bee imprisoned in his owne house a whole moneth and for two moneths following to go without the Band. That he should be daylie apparelled in fine cloath and on holie daies in silke and on high Feasts weare gold in his garments if he pleased without being compelled so to doo But if he did weare Buskins vpon netherstocks of cloath the great Master should take them from him and
his offices with any other fauour yet cā he not vndo that is done nor bring to passe that to be well done which is alreadie euill done nor that a mind infected with Infamie should bee cleane and voyd of dishonor consequently notwithstanding restitution the Prince hath still iust cause to bee suspicious of such a mans fidelitie as is apt to be drawne to dishonest actions and euerie other Gentleman should hold him in euill conceipt Moreouer touching the power and authoritie of Princes in this case it seemeth that as they cannot bereaue the good men of their goodnes so can they not take from the euill their euill thoughts seeing their iurisdiction extendeth vnto the wealth and persons of Subiects but ouer the minds of men they haue no power My Prince can make me at his pleasure rich or poore but to make me good or bad is not in his power for that apperteineth onlie to Gods grace and mine owne endeuour It may therefore be inferred that if a man restored after the committing of any notorious euill fact shall challenge another Gentleman to triall of Armes he may bee reasonablie repulsed Yet am I of opinion that the restitution should be of force in the children and posteritie of the person infamed and condemned as they that ought not suffer the punishment due to the offences of another chieflie in respect of Baptisme whereby all the sinne of forefathers is clensed Of the disequalitie of Gentlemen CAP. 4. BEfore wee enter into consideration of this matter I thinke good to aduertise that as there be diuers sorts of men that may not challenge others so are there some that ought not be challenged of anie The first of them is Clarkes or Ecclesiastical persons professing religion The other sort is Doctors with all Students and such men as are onlie giuen to literature and knowledge But to returne vnto disequalitie of noble persons I say that the true nobilitie of men is Vertue and that he is truelie noble that is vertuous bee he borne of high or of lowe Parents And the more highlie he be borne the worse reputation he meriteth if he cannot continue the honor left him by his Ancestors Chrisostome saith what honor is it to bee well borne being defiled with vile conditions or what hurteth base parentage to him that is with gentle manners adorned Who so vaunteth of his Ancestors seemeth without any good thing of his own Seneca saith that who so will trulie iudge what worthines is in man must consider of him naked laying aside his liuings and titles of honor with all other fauours of fortune He must also imagine him without bodie and then weigh of what value or excellencie he is in minde because nobilitie is placed in the minde and in the minde it appeareth Now to speake of disequalitie I say that albeit Emperours Kings Princes great Lords and meane also are comprised within the name of Gentlemen and Soldiers yet is there among them such inequalitie as no Gentleman of what title soeuer may bee cōpared vnto a King nor any Soldier vnto an Emperour whereof we wil speake hereafter more at large Touching the disequalitie of priuate nobilitie thus is it to bee discoursed All Gentlemen are either without office either els they haue office or dignitie as the gouernment of Townes Countries Ambassages or commandements in warre Who euer of them hath any office or employment either it is giuen him for time or life If he bee an officer for time and is occasioned to answere in Armes he may defer the Cōbat till the expiration of his time in office If the office be for life the qualitie thereof such as maketh him Superiour to the aduersarie he may fight by Champion If such an officer be not Superiour to the enemie he ought aske leaue of his Prince and not obteining it shall without license go vnto the place of Combat and with Armes answere the Enemie for the obligation of honor is to bee preferred before all other Whosoeuer is borne noble vnder which word is comprised all sorts of nobilitie and gentilitie is equal to any other Gentleman of priuate condition Note here that in saying a Gentleman borne we meane he must be descended from three degrees of gentry both on the mothers and fathers side such is the opinion of Paris A Gentleman descended of the most noble house not hauing iurisdiction or commandement may be challenged of any priuate or particular Gentleman Also in respect that the profession of Armes is honorable a Soldier that hath long serued without reproach ought be accompted a Gentleman Also a Scholler hauing continued the studie of good learning is aspired to the degrees of schooles cannot be denied the title of gentrie A simple Soldier of honest fame may fight with any other Soldier Corporall Sergeant or other officer the Capteine excepted and he also may bee challenged to answere by Champion Euerie Capteine may challenge another Capteine vnlesse their charges bee such as the one can command the other and this rule must serue through all degrees of Soldiers both on horseback and foot yet is it to bee vnderstood that men at Armes being the most honorable sort of Soldiers and in continuall pay being for the most part Gentlemen may not be refused to fight with any priuate Capteine of footmen It may be also that a Capteine of footmen should fight with a Capteine of horsemen were it not that those charges are giuen to Noble men the charge of men at Armes to the most Noble yet is consideration to be had aswell of their birth as their charges For the Capteine in meaner place may bee so honorablie borne as he ought not be repulsed which respect is also to bee had among Capteines both on horsebacke and foote and likewise among all horsemen and Soldiers on foote in particular Of Iniurie done with aduantage CAP. 5. HEretofore hath been said that no Iniurie offered with aduantage ought to burthen him in reputation vnto whom the same was offered and that such Iniuries may in like sort bee reuenged which being a thing verie naturall and reasonable needeth no further proofe Notwithstanding to the intent each man may bee fullie enformed what Aduauntage is wee thinke fit somewhat to say thereof Aduantage in general is when one man doth iniurie vnto another so and in such time and place as the Iniured cannot be reuenged but to speake thereof in particular thus may it be said for example If one man being armed doth assault another disarmed or that he be better armed that we call aduantage If a man in office or place of dignitie hauing about him friends or seruants doth offer iniurie to another of meaner estate that is likewise Aduantage If two or more men doo hurt or strike another so as the man hurt is not able to make present reuenge that is also Iniurie with aduantage By these fewe examples may all other aduantagious Iniuries be conceiued but therewith is to
this matter we haue signed these letters with red inke and thereunto haue set our Royall seale Dated in our Citie of Paris the 4. of Iuly c. What the vse at this time in like cases is may appeare by the Prizes aforesaide bestowed by her Maiestie THE FIFT BOOKE Of what qualitie a Gentleman professing Armes ought to be CAP. 1. BY consideration of things conteined in these bookes a Gentleman may bee enformed what are the true causes of quarrell or offence vnto Honor what repulses are due vnto Iniuries of all sorts what iudgement is to be giuen vpon accidents in the exercises of Armes Whereunto wee added some particular examples of certeine Combats for life performed by persons of honor within this land and likewise haue noted the actions most glorious in Triumphs brought before the Princes of this realme And forsomuch as these actions of Armes chieflie on horsebacke are and euer haue been vsed of noble personages and Gentlemen of the best sort whom the Romanes in their florishing time by a generall terme called Equites and are presentlie both of the Italians and Spaniards named Cauallieri without respect to priuate dignitie or other distinction wee will therefore for this time yet with respect to each mans title aduenture to english the word Eques a Gentleman that professeth Honor Vertue Armes or any of them particularly reciting with what condition and qualities he should bee endued which in briefe are these 1 First he ought be of good constitution in bodie and conuenient strength to suffer trauell and performe the actions apperteining to a man of Armes 2 Secondly he should be well fauoured of face and comelie for commonlie GOD and Nature giueth beautie to such persons as are destined to command and from others borne to obay they haue withholden that fauour Which mooued some writers to affirme that the princelie presence of Priamus did shewe him to bee worthie of gouernment and command other men 3 Thirdly he should be of bold aspect rather inclined to seueritie than softnesse which countenance the Swisses and Turkes doo much affect 4 Fourthly he must be sober and discreet not inclined to vaine delights or effeminate pleasures 5 Fiftlie that he be obedient For of obedience proceedeth that the meaner are content to bee commanded by the better and the ignorant by those that know This vertue was greatlie imbraced of the Romanes and occasioned their often victories and at this day is well obserued among the Turkes And of the punishment for disobedience towards the militarie Magistrates the Romanes haue left two most notable examples the one of Manlius Torquatus who caused his owne sonne for that fault to be slaine notwithstanding he had vanquished the enemie The other of Papirius the Dictator who for the like offence was punished by Fabius Rutilius Generall of the horsmen in the Romane Armie 6 Sixtly he ought bee vigilant and patient for in the one consisteth the execution of warlike actions by the other all trauailes paines and misfortunes are indured 7 Seuenthly he must be faithfull and loyall which qualitie is required in all sorts of subiects but chiefly in Soldiers for thereupon dependeth his Princes securitie and state also which mooued Vigetius to say that the safetie of a Prince consisted in well choosing his Soldiers Which is the cause that men professing Armes doo commonlie sweare by the faith of a Soldier the French man a foy de Soldat the Italian a fe di Soldato c. Yea the Kings of France do commonlie vse this phrase a foy de gentil home a foy du chiualier 8 Eightly he ought bee constant and resolute because resolution maketh al difficulties easie and constancie or perseuerance bringeth perfection in that he professeth 9 Ninthly that hee should bee charitable because warres are not taken in hand for the destruction of Countries and townes but the defence of the lawes and people Lastly that he should be fortunate sith Fortune is the Ladie of Armies because she sheweth her vertue in nothing more than in the aduentures of warre Of Knighthood CAP. 2. FOrsomuch as in these former bookes wee haue discoursed the poynts of Honor and in what sort the exercises of Armes haue been vsed in England it shall not be amisse but rather necessarie to speake of Knighthood which dignitie was at the beginning giuen chieflie for seruice in Armes and valiant enterprises Our meaning therefore is to examine the originall occasion of the name of Knight and how many orders and degrees of Knighthood there are or haue been in Christendome For performance whereof it behoueth to knowe that the Romanes among whom Martiall Discipline was first knowne and names giuen to men for valerous merite diuided their people into Patritij and Plebei After that time another diuisiō was made as Senatores Equites and Plebs As the French haue at this day Les nobles la populaire or gentils homes villains And wee in England diuide our men into foure sorts Gentilmen Citizens Yeomen Artificers and Labourers Of Gentlemen the first and principall is the King the Prince Dukes Marquises Earles Viconts and Barons These are the Nobilitie and be called Lords or Noblemen Next to these bee Knights Esquires and simple Gentlemen which last number may be called Nobilitas minor for they in Parliament haue no place among the Lords Therefore the Barons or degree of Lords doo resemble the dignitie of Senators in Rome and the title of our Nobilitie is like vnto the Patritij when the Patritij did signifie Senatores aut Senatorum filij But that degree which we doo now call Knighthood is most like vnto the title in Rome named Equestris ordo yet other opinions there are both of the beginning and name of Knight as wel among the Italians as the Spaniards But howsoeuer it was most certeine it seemeth that vntil Equestris ordo was erected in Rome there was no such degree of men as we call Knights neither was that name giuen with such ceremonie and shewe of dignitie as since hath been vsed Yet some there are that faile not to affirme that Knighthood had the originall from Romulus in this sort That King hauing setled his Gouernment in Rome partlie for securitie partlie for magnificence erected three Bands of Horsemen the first called Romence after his owne name the next Titience after Tito Tatio and the third Luceria whereof only I thinke Liuie maketh mention Hereupon they will inferre that Knighthood begun vnder Romulus The Spaniards doo hold opinion that when faith and plaine dealing decaied those men that made profession of warre euerie thousand did choose but one man whom they thought to bee of greatest wisedome courage and curtesie among the rest That being done they made choise of such an horse as was reputed to excell the rest for beautie force and other perfections and forthwith gaue that beast vnto that man whom they had chosen as though their intention were to conioyne that singular beast vnto that notable
man naming him Caualiero which signifieth Horseman though we improperly english it Knight Thus much is said in generall concerning Gentlemen that make profession of Armes whom the Romanes as it seemeth sometimes called Milites and some other times Equites The Italians and Spaniards Caualieri the French Cheualiers But in our language as is now vsed none are called Knights but onelie they that haue that title giuen by the Prince or his Lieutenant with a ceremonie thereunto belonging And of Knights made according to the vse of England are diuers degrees as shall hereafter be declared The originall of Knighthood giuen as dignitie and what Princes haue authoritie to make Knights CAP. 3. IT is affirmed by some writers that Alexander the great with the aduise of his learned tutor Aristotle resolued to bestowe vppon such persons as had done any notable seruice in the warre some honor and degree in token of extraordinarie vertue and notable merite and therefore gaue vnto some Badges to some Cheines to some Priuileges and other such like demonstrations of honor The Romane Emperours in like manner sometimes before the beginning of a seruice and sometimes after bestowed not onlie commendation but also dignities on those whose vertue they thought so worthie as Crownets of Bayes of Gold of Myrtill or some other thing as was thought fit to the giuers They gaue also Horses Swords Armours arming Garments such like and they that receiued them in token of Honor kept them carefullie in perpetuall memorie of their owne valour and the honor of that Prince who gaue them By this meane also they became much admired and esteemed of all other Soldiers Afterwards for more incouragement of vertuous minds other Princes thought meete that the memorable acts of Soldiers should be in perpetual memorie written and such Priuileges as were giuen to bee recorded calling them in those writings valiant men companions in Armes victorious Soldiers and Knights Which manner of proceeding did animate the men of warr no lesse than the great pourtraitures which the old Romanes were wont to make for those that had performed egregious acts Touching the making of Knights we say that euerie Prince soueraine hath power to giue that dignitie to what person it pleaseth him as well in peace as warre But here is to be noted that the Knights made are of more or lesse reputation according to the qualitie of that Prince that maketh them for he that is made Knight by a King shall bee preferred before a Knight made by a Prince of meaner title Wherefore to conclude wee say that an Emperour Kings Dukes and other Princes acknowledging no superiour may make Knights and so may Common weales as the Venetian and Genoa States The Popes also doo take vppon them to make Knights for monie calling them commonlie after their owne names Cauallieri di San Petro San Paulo Giuliani Pij c. The manner of making Knights about the yere of our Lord. 1020. CAP. 4. IN that age a Prince determining to make a Knight caused a high scaffold to bee built in some Cathedrall Church of his kingdome or other spacious place neere vnto it Thether the Gentleman was brought to receiue that honor Being come he was foorthwith set vpon a Chaire of siluer couered with greene silke Then was demanded of him if he were healthie in bodie and able to endure the exercises required in a Soldier Also whether he were a man of honest conuersation and what witnesses worthie credite he could produce to answere for him This being done the Bishop or chiefe officer of that Church tooke the Bible and holding it open before the newe Knight in the presence of the King and all others spake these words saying Sir you that desire to receiue the order of Knighthood sweare before God and by this holie Bible that ye shall neuer fight against this mightie and excellent Prince that bestoweth the order of Knighthood vpon you vnlesse ye shall be occasioned so to doo in the seruice of your owne King and naturall Prince for in that case hauing first yeelded vp the Coller deuise and other Ensignes of Honor now receiued it shall bee lawfull for you to serue against him without reproach or offence to all other companions in Armes but otherwise dooing you shall incurre infamie and being taken in warre shall bee subiect to the paines of death Ye shall also sweare with all your force power to mainteine and defend al Ladies Gentlewomen Orfants widowes women distressed and abandoned The like ye must doo for wiues being desired and shunne no aduenture of your person in euerie good warre wherein ye happen to be This oath taken two of the chiefe Lords led him vnto the King who presentlie drew forth his Sword and laied the same vpon his head and said God and S. George or what other Saincts the King pleased to name make thee a good Knight Then came vnto the Knight seuen noble maidens attired in white and girt his Sword vnto his side That being done foure Knights of the most honorable in that presence put on his Spurres These ceremonies past the Queene tooke him by the right arme and a Dutchesse by the left and led him vnto a rich seate made on high and thereupon set him the King sitting downe on the one hand and the Queene on the other After the King and Queene were thus set and the newe Knight betweene them al the rest of the Lords and Ladies set them downe also vppon other seates prepared for them three dissents vnder the Kings seate Euerie Lord and Ladie being in this sort placed thether was brought a solemne Collation or Banquet of delicate meates whereof the Knight the King the Queene and the whole companie did eate And so the Ceremonie ended The order of disgrading of Knights in those daies CAP. 5. IF any Knight had in that time been corrupted with monie by his Princes enemie or committed any other notable fault against loyaltie and honor the other Knights forthwith made humble suite vnto the King that he might bee punished Which request being granted they apprehended the offender and caused him to bee armed from head to foote in such sort as if he should go to the field Which done they led him vp to an high stage made in a Church for that purpose where were thirteene Priestes saying those praiers ordinarily vsed at Burials as though that Knight had lien dead at their feete At the end of euerie Psalme they tooke from him one peece of his Armour First they tooke off his Helmet as that which defended his traiterous eyes then his Gauntlet on the right side as that which couered a corrupt hand then the Gauntlet of the left hand as from a member consenting And so by peecemeale dispoyled him of all his Armes as well offensiue as defensiue which one after another were throwne to the ground and at the instant when euery part of Armour was cast downe the King of Armes first and after him all the
The Lord Scroope The Earle of Essex The Earle of Ormond Sir Christopher Hatton Lord Chauncelor of England The Earle of Sussex The Lord Buckhurst Other degrees of Knighthood in England CAP. 8. THree other sorts of Knights there are in England but because they weare no garment badge or signe to shewe the difference of their degree from other Gentlemen they are not noted or known to strangers for Knights Yet among our selues wee knowe them right well for euerie man hauing that dignitie is called Sir As Sir Thomas Sir Iohn Sir William c. But here is to be noted that Knights are not borne but made either before a Battaile to encourage them to aduenture their liues or after the fight as an aduancement for their valour then shewed or out of warre they are made for some notable seruice done or some good hope of vertues that doo appeare in them These Knights are made either by the King himselfe or by his commission and royall authoritie giuen for that purpose or by his Liutenant in the wars who hath his royall absolute power for that time And this order may be resembled to that which the Romanes called Equites Romanos differing in a sort but in some other sort doth agree with it for seldome in all poynts one Common wealth doth agree with an other 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 yearely reuenew of their lands being able to mainteine 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 onlie to whom it pleaseth the King to giue that honor In Rome the number of Equites was vncerteine and so is it of Knights in England at the pleasure of the Prince Equites Romani had Equum publicum but the Knights of England find horses themselues both in peace and warre Census Equester among the Romanes was at diuers times of diuers valewe but in England who so euer may dispend of his free lands fortie pounds starling of yearely reuenew by an old lawe 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 bee by the King compelled to take that order and honor 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 worthie that title and yet haue abilitie neither bee made Knights though they would and yet pay the fine of fortie pounds starling which as siluer is now prised is 120. pound currant monie Wherof this word Knight is deriued or whether it signifieth no more but that which Miles doth in Latin which is Soldier I know not Some hold opiniō that the word Soldier doth betoken a waged or hiered man to fight Caesar in his Commentaries called Soldiers men deuoted and sworne by band or oath to serue the Capteine which order if the Almaines did followe it may bee that they who were not hiered but being of the Nation vppon their owne charges and for their aduancement and by such common oath and band that did followe the warre were perhaps called Knights or Milites and now among the Almaines some are called Lance-Knights as Soldiers not hiered although they bee well neere all hiered Or it may bee that they which were next about the Prince as his Gard and seruants picked and choyse men out of the rest being called in the Almaine tung Knighten which is as much to say as Seruants these men being found of good seruice the word afterward was taken for an Honor for a man that professeth Armes Now our language is so altered that hard it were to giue iudgement thereof But sure it is wee in our English doo call him Knight whom the French doo call Cheualier and the Latin Equitem or Equestris ordinis Touching the making of these English Knights the manner is this Hee that is to be made Knight is striken by the Prince with a Sword drawne 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 Auancé This is the manner of dubbing Knights at this present and that terme dubbing was the old terme in this poynt and not creating These sorts of Knights are by the Herehaults called Knights Batchelers Of Knights of the Bath AT the Coronation of a King or Queene there are made Knights of the Bath with long and curious Ceremonies whereof I am not perfectly enformed Of Knights Bannerets THese Knights are made in the field onlie with the Ceremonie of cutting away the point of his Standerd and making it as it were a Banner he being before a Batcheler Knight shall then become of greater degree allowed to display his Armes in a Banner as Barons do and the wiues of all these three degrees of Knights shall be called Ladies as Barons wiues are The Order of the Toson and the originall thereof CAP. 9. THe number of Knights that were at the first admitted into this Order was 31. who ought bee of noble bloud men of good merite and without reproach The chiefe or head of this companie is he vnto whom the succession of the Dukedome of Burgondy doth lawfullie discend Whosoeuer entereth into this Order shall renounce all other Orders of Knighthood of euerie Prince Companie or Religion Yet out of that lawe are excepted all Emperours Kings and Dukes vnto whom is dispensed that they may weare the Badge of this Order if they bee chiefe and Soueraines of their owne Order But to the end the truth may appeare a generall Counsell of Knights shall bee called to consent vnto that dispensation The Soueraine of this Order hath authoritie himselfe alone to giue and bestowe the Ensigne of the Order which is a Coller of gold wherein are the Armes of Burgondie hauing the Toson of gold hanging thereat This Coller the Soueraine and euerie of the Knights is bound to weare daylie and failing thereof shall incurre a penaltie But in time of warre or great affaires to weare the Toson onlie shall suffice Or if by mishap the Cheine doo breake it is lawfull for mending thereof it may be carried to the Goldsmith Or if any Knight trauailing by the way shall doubt to be robbed he may without offence lay by or hide his Cheine Yet is it not lawfull to encrease the quantitie of the said Cheine nor adde thereunto any other stones or workmanship and most of all it is vnlawfull to sell it engage it or exchange it These and many other Statutes and ordinances the Knights of this noble Order are sworne to obserue and keepe And many of them haue been sith the first institution enlarged altered or