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
King the Prince of D' Aufine the Earle of Sussex the Earle of Leicester the Count S. Aignon Mounsieur Chamuallon and Mounsieur Bacqueuile were Challengers The Defenders were THe Lord Thomas Howard Sir William Russell Mounsieur Brunis Mounsieur S. Vincent Sir Thomas Cecill Henry Gray Iohn Borough Lord Windsor Walter Windsor Le Boylere Le Cheualaier Ambrose Willoughbie Sir William Drury Thomas Radcliffe Lord Sheffeeld Robert Gray Rafe Lane George Carew Fulke Greuill William Knowles Francis Knowles Thomas Bedingfeild Thomas Kneuet Lord Darcy Anthonie Mildmay Rafe Stauerton Launcelot Bostock George Beeston William Worthington Thomas Kellaway Sir George Carey Rafe Bowes Henry Windsor Iohn Wotton George Goring Edward Moore George Gifford Thomas Borough Anthony Cooke Hercules Meutas Richard Skipwith Henrie Bronkard Iohn Parker Francis Darcy Iohn Tirrell They are not here placed according to their degrees but as they were called to fight and with such titles as they then had After these particular Triumphes we may not forget the ordinary exercises of Armes yeerely vsed in memory of the applause of her Maiesties Subiects at the day of her most happy ascension to the crowne of England In which Actions diuers chiefe Lords and Gentlemen of the Realme and some strangers also appeared though indeede the greatest number and in effect all were ordinary attendants vpon her Maiesties Court. CHAP. 54. The Originall occasions of the yeerely Triumphs in England HEre will we remember also and I hope without enuie so may that these annuall exercises in Armes solemnized the 17. day of Nouember were first begun and occasionaed by the right vertuous and honourable Sir Henry Lea Master of her Highnesse Armorie and now deseruingly Knight of the most noble Order who of his great zeale and earnest desire to eternize the glory of her Maiesties Court in the beginning of her happy reigne voluntarily vowed vnlesse infirmity age or other accident did impeach him during his life to present himselfe at the Tilt armed the day aforesayd yeerely there to performe in honor of her sacred Maiestie the promise he formerly made Whereupon the Lords and Gentlemen of the sayd Court incited by so worthy an example determined to continue that custome and not vnlike to the ancient Knighthood della Banda in Spaine haue euer since yerely assembled in Armes accordingly though true it is that the Author of that custome being now by age ouertaken in the 33. yeere of her Maiesties reigne resigned and recommended that office vnto the right noble George Earle of Cumberland The ceremonies of which assignation were publiquely performed in presence of her Maiestie her Ladies and Nobilitie also an infinite number of people beholding the same as followeth On the 17. day of Nouember Anno 1590. this honourable Gentleman together with the Earle of Cumberland hauing first performed their seruice in Armes presented themselues vnto her Highnesse at the foot of the staires vnder her Gallery window in the Tilt yard at Westminster where at that time her Maiestie did sit accompanied with the Vicount Turyn Ambassador of France many Ladies and the chiefest Nobilitie Her Maiesty beholding these armed Knights comming toward her did suddenly heare a musicke so sweete and secret as euery one thereat greatly marueiled And hearkening to that excellent melodie the earth as it were opening there appeared a Pauilion made of white Taffata containing eight score elles being in proportion like vnto the sacred Temple of the Virgins Vestall This Temple seemed to consist vpon pillars of Pourferry arched like vnto a Church within it were many Lampes burning Also on the one side there stood an Altar couered with cloth of gold and thereupon two waxe candles burning in rich candlesticks vpon the Altar also were layd certaine Princely presents which after by three Virgins were presented vnto her Maiestie Before the doore of this Temple stood a crowned Pillar embraced by an Eglantine tree whereon there hanged a Table and therein written with letters of gold this prayer following Elizae c. PIae Potenti Foelicissimae virgini Fidei Pacis Nobilitatis vindici Cui Deus Astra Virtus Summa deuouerunt omnia Post tot Annos tot Triumphos Animam ad pedes positurus Tuos Sacra Senex affixit Arma. Vitam quetam Imperium famam Aeternam aeternam precatur tibi Sanguine redempturus suo Vltra columnas Herculis Columna moueatur Tua Corona superet Coronas omnes vt quam coelum foelicissime nascenti Coronam dedit Beatissima moriens reportes coelo Summe Sancte Aeterne Audi exaudi Deus The musicke aforesayd was accompanied with these verses pronounced and sungs by M. Hales her Maiesties seruant a Gentleman in that Arte excellent and for his voice both commendable and admirable My golden locks time hath to siluer turnd Oh time too swift and swiftnes neuer ceasing My youth gainst age and age at youth hath spurnd But spurnd in vaine youth waineth by encreasing Beauty strength and youth flowers fading beene Duety faith and loue are rootes and euer greene My Helmet now shall make an hiue for Bees And louers songs shall turne to holy Psalmes A man at Armes must now sit on his knees And feed on pray'rs that are old ages almes And so from Court to Cottage I depart My Saint is sure of mine vnspotted hart And when I sadly sit in homely Cell I 'le teach my Swaines this Carrol for a song Blest be the hearts that thinke my Souereigne well Curs'd be the soules that thinke to doe her wrong Goddesse vouch safe this aged man his right To be your Beadsman now that was your Knight The gifts which the Vestall maydens presented vnto her Maiesty were these A vaile of white exceeding rich and curiously wrought a cloke and safegard set with buttons of gold and on them were grauen Emprezes of excellent deuise in the loope of euery button was a noble mans badge fixed to a pillar richly embrodered And here by way of digression let vs remember a speech which this noble Gentleman vsed at such time as these buttons were set vpon the garment aforesaid I would quoth he that all my friends might haue bene remembred in these buttons but there is not roome enough to containe them all and if I haue them not all then said hee those that are left out may take exception Whereunto another standing by answered Sir let as many be placed as can be and cause the last button to be made like the Caracter of c. Now Godamercie with all my heart quoth the Knight for I would not haue giuen the Caetera of my friends for a milion of gold But to returne to the purpose These presents and prayer being with great reuerence deliuered into her Maiesties owne hands and he himselfe disarmed offered vp his armour at the foot of her Maiesties crowned pillar and kneeling vpon his knees presented the Earle of Cumberland humbly beseeching she would be pleased to accept him for her Knight to continue the yeerely exercises aforesaid Her Maiesty
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
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
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
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
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