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
was a red Crosse in the forme of a Sword This Order was erected at such time as the King Don Ramiro wanne the victorie against the Moores in the Prouince of Compostella at which time great possessions and priuileges were giuen to S. Iames of Compostella Anno. 1030. This Order hath one chiefe Gouernour who is called Great Master he with thirteene other Knights haue authoritie to choose or remooue any Knight at their discretion Vpon the Feast day of All Saincts these Knights doo vse to meete and consult vpon matters apperteining to their estate The reuenues belonging to these Knights is merueilous amounting to many hundred thousand Duckets Many Popes haue giuen their allowance to this Order yet either they could not or would not reserue a greater tribute thereof than ten Malachini yearely Knights of Calatraua CAP. 14. BY imitation of the Order aforesaid was this Knighthood of Calatraua begun in the yeare 1130. The inuenter thereof was Don Santio King of Toledo They were called Knights of Calatraua of the Prouince and place where they were made and setled which was where ancientlie the chiefe Church of Templers had been who not being of power sufficient to resist the Saracens were forced to yeeld the place vnto these Knights The habit of these Knights is a blacke garment and vpon it in the breast is set a red Crosse. These Knights haue also exceeding great possessions and many Commandries in diuers places of Spaine Knights of Alcantara CAP. 15. THese Knights liuing in effect vnder the ordinances and rules of the former doo weare a greene Crosse. Neere vnto the Citie of Alcantara in Castiglia vpon the riuer of Tago they haue a Church of great beautie indowed with rich possessions Knights of Montesio CAP. 16. IN Valentia are the Cauallieri di Montesio a place also seated in that Prouince These Knights doo weare a red Crosse and their Order begun about the same time that the Knighthood of Calatraua tooke beginning Knights of Redemption CAP. 17. THese Knights were erected in the Kingdome of Aragon by King Iames who conquered the Ilands Maiorica and Minorica in the yeare 1212. Their garments are white and thereon a blacke Crosse. The office of these Knights is to redeeme prisoners wherevpon they are called Caualieri della Redentione The chiefe Gouernour of them remaineth at Bercellona Knights of S. Iohn in Ierusalem of some called Knights of the Rhodes and now Knights of Malta CAP. 18. IT is written with what warrant I know not that at the Citie of Amiens in Picardie a Prouince of France there was borne a certein Gentleman who in his childhood had been brought vp in learning and being growne to mans estate disposed himselfe to the exercise of Armes and therein long time continued Afterwards hauing atteined riper yeares he despised the world and framed himselfe to a solitarie life as one fullie resolued to liue in contemplation vnseene of any but God alone Hauing sometime remained in that solitarie sort a sodeine desire he had to visite the Sepulcher where Christ was buried which shortlie after he did And to the end he might with securitie passe the barbarous Nations he apparelled himselfe like vnto a Phisition by which meane without impediment he performed his iorney Thus hauing passed the difficulties of trauell in diuers straunge Countries he ariued at Ierusalem and being there fell into acquaintance with Simon Patriarke of that Citie and in lamenting wise enformed him of the oppression and crueltie offered and daylie vsed by the Infidels towards the poore Christians Whereunto Simon answered that albeit the Christians in those Countries indured great outrages yet they of Ierusalem suffered much greater and should be forced to more if God did not defend them By this conference the Patriarke conceiued Peter the Hermit for so he was called to bee a man of good vnderstanding and apt to execute any action of importance that should bee committed vnto him Whereupon the Patriarke determined to make him a messenger vnto the Pope vnto whom by letters he imparted the great calamitie and afflicted estate of the poore Christians inhabiting the Holy land Peter hauing receiued his instructions and letter of credence returned into the West first vnto the Pope and after solicited other Princes in such sort and with so good successe as by his perswasions many great Kings and Potentates consented to take in hand the recouerie of the Holy land from the oppression of the Infidels and some of them furnished that enterprise with men some with monie and some did goe in person Among which number as the chiefe was Robert Duke of Normandie sonne to King William of England Godfrey Duke of Lorayn with two of his brethren called Eustace and Baldwin Hugh sirnamed the Great brother to the French King with diuers other Princes Dukes Earles and Barons Also thether went Beomondo Duke of Calabria who for zeale to that seruice or desire of honor resigned his Dukedome vnto Ruggiero his brother taking with him so many of his subiects as would voluntarilie followe him of whom with such other Capteines and Soldiers of Italie as came vnto him he assembled more than twentie thousand all choyce men yong fit for the warre All things in this sort prepared for the iorney Vrban the second then Pope sent vnto these Capteines a white Crosse with commandement that al the Soldiers should weare the like calling that enterprise la Cruciata It is said that the Christians at such time as this warre was proclaimed in Chiaramont a Citie of Auernia indeuoured themselues vniuersallie to animate the Soldiers and ioyned in generall praier for their good successe giuing them meate apparell and furniture vnasked or required Moreouer those that were indebted were forgiuen and such as had been banished were pardoned The women also contrarie to their custome willinglie and with much ioy consented their husbands and sonnes should passe in this enterprise and for their furniture gaue them their Iewels Cheines and monie The French King likewise sent them great treasure and gaue priuileges to the Soldiers lands and wiues in their husbands absence And many great Princes and other Lords sold and impawned their patrimonies to further this action So as the Armie assembled for this holie enterprise amounted vnto three hundred thousand footmen and one hundred thousand horse who presentlie marched towards Constantinople where they passed the straight called Bosphoro Tracio and landed at Calcedonia For the first enterprise they besieged Nicea in Bithinia which within fiftie daies was yeelded and the fourth of Iuly at the foote of certeine Mounteines neere vnto that Citie the Christians fought a battell with a Turkish Armie which in number exceeded ours and thereat was present Soliman the Emperour of Turkie and Persia but the Christians had victorie with the losse of two thousand men but of the enemies were slaine fortie thousand This victorie gained the Christians following their enterprise within short time wonne an hundred Cities and Townes of accompt among
them the great Antiochia before which they begun the siege the 20. of October and tooke it the last of May following where they found Corbona King of Persia and Cassiano Lord of Antiochia Neere vnto that place in one other conflict were slaine more then an hundred thousand Turkes with the losse of foure thousand of ours The cause of this victorie was in that time of Superstition imputed to the vertue of a bloudie Launce found in Antiochia which they supposed to bee a Speare wherewith Christ was wounded on the Crosse. It was also said that the Turks did see or imagine to see as they reported another great Armie comming against them from the Mounteines conducted by three Capteines mounted vppon three white horses the beholding whereof occasioned their flight This victorie being had a Nauie ariued frō Genoa and from Venice Also with them came certeine ships conducted by one Vymer of Bullein in Picardie a notable Pirate who repenting his former life determined to followe that honorable action The Christian forces thus increased they marched towards Ierusalem and besieged it And notwithstanding the Citie was of great force yet by Gods helpe and the valorous aduenture of the Christians it was assaulted and in the end yeelded Anno 1099. This Citie thus conquered the said Peter as the chiefe procurer of the enterprise was highlie honored and Godfrey Duke of Lorayn elected King of the Holy land But to returne vnto the originall of these Knights I say that somewhat before the Christians conquered the Citie of Ierusalem they had obteined of the Saracens leaue to dwell neere vnto the Sepulcher of Christ and there builded an house calling it the Hospitall of Christians whether all other Christians dailie resorted After that the number of Christians increasing they builded another house for women calling it S. Mary Magdalens And at length they made a third house and called it S. Iohn Baptists where for the keeping of good order they appoynted an Officer whom they called Rector Sometime after was elected vnto that Rectorship a Gentleman called Gherardus who commaunded that he with all others of that house should weare a white Crosse vpon a blacke garment which was the originall of the Order and euer since hath been vsed Afterwards one other Rector or great Master was elected whose name was Raimondus to whom authoritie was giuen that he should gouerne and commaund all the Knights of this Order wheresoeuer they were dispersed Many yeares after these Knights conquered the I le of Rhodi holden by the Turkes Anno 1308. which was the cause they were called Knights of Rhodi And diuers Princes seeing them Martiallie enclined gaue vnto them great lands and possessions they became greatlie esteemed for their seruice chieflie against the said Turkes and the Soldan King of Egipt and Ierusalem The said I le of Rhodi during those Knights inhabited there was foure times assaulted yet by Gods helpe with the valiancie of the Knights it was defended Then Mahomet Ottoman Emperour of Turkie Anno 1480. with an excessiue force of men and an hundred sailes of Gallies conducted by a Bassa borne in Greece discended of the rase of Paleologhi sometime Emperours of Constantinople did besiege it but after 89. daies of continuall batterie they were forced to abandon the enterprise and for their farewell in the last assault the Knights slewe more then fortie thousand Turkes But in the yeare 1523. in the moneth of Ianuarie the Turkes againe inuaded that Iland and after three moneths siege preuailed for the rest of Christendom neuer vouchsafed them either aide or reliefe Since the losse of Rhodi these Knights haue remained in the Iland of Malta and often defended it against the enemies of Christendome but chieflie in the yeare 1565. The first erector of Statutes and rules for the gouernment of these Knights was the said Raimondus calling himselfe Raimondo di Poggio seruo di poueri di Christo è custode dello spidale de San Giouanni Battista di Hierusalemme No man might be receiued into this Knighthood vntill he had prooued his gentilitie in presence of the great Master and other Knights Nor no man discended of a Moore a Iew or Mahometan might bee admitted although he were the sonne of a Prince And euerie Knight of this Order was sworne to fight for the Christian faith doo iustice defend the oppressed relieue the poore persecute the Mahometans vse vertue and protect widdowes and orphants Diuers other Articles there bee but for that they are full of Superstition I omit them The originall of the Knights Teutonici CAP. 19. THese Knights do not much varie from the former for their custome is to intertein Pilgrimes and at occasions to serue in warre The beginning of this Knighthood was a certeine Almaine who after the taking of Ierusalem by the Christians together with diuers others of that Nation remained there This Almaine being exceeding rich and married kept a franke and liberall house relieuing all passengers and Pilgrimes that trauailed to Ierusalem in so much as his house became as an Hospitall or place of ordinarie accesse At length he builded neere vnto it a faire Church which according to the vse of that time he did dedicate to our Ladie Not long after many Christians resorting thether as well for loue of the Christian religion as to visite the sicke they resolued to erect a fraternitie and hauing chosen a great Master to bee Gouernour ordeined that euerie man of that assotiation should bee apparelled in white and vpon their vppermost garment weare a blacke Crosse. It was also agreed that no man should bee admitted into that Order saue onelie Gentlemen of the Dutch Nation and they to protest at all occasions to aduenture their liues in defence of Christes Gospell About 88. yeares after Ierusalem had remained in the Christians hands it was taken againe from them by the Saracens in the yeare 1184. since which time it neuer was recouered For which cause these Knights retired to Tolemaida where they remained At length Tolemaida being also taken by the Saracens they returned into Germanie their naturall countrie Where after some short abode as loathing rest and idlenes they went vnto Frederigo the second then Emperour in the yeare 1220. to let his Maiestie vnderstand that the people of Prussia vsed incursions vpon the confines of Saxonie adding that those people were barbarous Idolaters without the knowledge of God and therefore besought his Maiestie to grant them leaue to make warre vpon them at their owne charges yet with condition that whatsoeuer they gained his Maiestie would giue the same to the maintenance of that Order and they the Knights to be the Lords thereof for euer The Emperour allowing of that suite presentlie granted them the Countrie and vnder his seale confirmed the gift These Knights by this donation much incouraged forthwith tooke Armes and within short space subdued al that Prouince and then passed the riuer of Vistola and conquered other people who became their subiects
of the weapon cap. 7. How manie waies victorie is gained cap. 8. What was ancientlie due vnto such as were victorious in publique Combat cap. 9. The third Booke WHat sortes of men ought not bee admitted in triall of Armes cap. 1. Whether a Bastard may challenge a Gentleman to Combat cap. 2. Of restitution of Honor. cap. 3. Of the disequalitie of Gentlemen cap. 4. Of Iniurie done with aduantage cap. 5. Of Iniuries euill offered cap. 6. Of Satisfaction cap. 7. What satisfaction is to bee giuen vppon an Iniurie by deedes cap. 8. Other meanes of Pacification and composition cap. 9. Of satisfaction to be giuen vpon words cap. 10. How the giuing of satisfaction is a thing not reproachfull cap. 11. The fourth Booke OF Nobilitie accompanied with great dignitie cap. 1. Whether a King may challenge an Emperour to Combat cap. 2. Whether a quarrell betweene two Emperours may be decided by particular Combat cap. 3. Of the equalitie and disequalitie of great Nobilitie and of the priuiledges due vnto all men professing Armes cap. 4. Certeine Questions Opinions and Iudgements vpon accidents happening in trialls and exercises of Armes cap. 5. Of the honor gained or lost by being disarmed in sundrie places and of sundrie peeces cap. 6. Of honor gained or lost by the hurts giuen or taken in Combat for life or in Triumph cap. 7. Of Iusts and Turniamens and how the accidents in such exercises are to be iudged cap. 8. The manner of Combats as they were auncientlie tried in England cap. 9. Certeine Combats for life graunted by the Kings of England cap. 10. Certaine Combats for Triumph and Honor performed before the Kings of England cap. 11. The ceremonie appertaining to deliuerie of Prizes at Iusts Turniaments before the King cap. 12. The fifth Booke OF what qualitie a Gentleman professing Armes ought to be cap. 1. Of Knighthood cap. 2. Of the originall of Knighthood giuen as dignitie and what Princes haue authoritie to make Knights cap. 3. The Ceremonie at the making Knights about the yere of our Lord 1020. cap. 4. The Ceremonies at the disgrading Knights in those dayes cap. 5. How manie degrees of Knighthood haue been of them how manie are yet extant cap. 6. Of the Order of the Garter cap. 7. Other degrees of Knighthood in England cap. 8. The order of the Toson and originall thereof cap. 9. The order of S. Michael cap. 10. The Order of the Anunciata cap. 11. Knights of the Band. cap. 12. Knights of S. Iago cap. 13. Knights of Calatraua cap. 14. Knights of Alcantara cap. 15. Knights of Montesio cap. 16. Knights of Redemption cap. 17. Knights of S. Iohn in Ierusalem of some called Knights of the Rhodes and now Knights of Malta cap. 18. Knights Teutonici cap. 19. Knights of the Sepulcher cap. 20. Knights of S. Marie cap. 21. Knights of S. Lazaro cap. 22. Knights of S. Steuen cap. 23. Ceremonies in degradation of Knights cap. 24. The Authors Intention cap. 25. The Authors Conclusion cap. 26. FINIS THE BOOKE OF Honor and Armes VVhat a Combat is and the originall thereof CAP. 1. A COMBAT is a single fight of one man against another for trial of truth either els of diuers men as two foure sixe tenne or more equallie and indifferentlie agreed vppon to fight on horsbacke or foot without aduantage in number of persons or disequalitie of weapons These kind of fights seeme to be first vsed of great Princes who desiring to end publique Contention and warre did mutuallie consent to determine the same by their owne priuate vertue and aduenture of life as did Golias and Dauid the Horatij and Curiatij with diuers other who fighting onlie in person for the publique cause therby saued the effusion of much bloud and the liues of many most worthie Captaines and valiant Soldiers And albeit the cause and occasion of these Combats was publique respect yet each particular Gentleman or other person professing Honor and Armes ought sufficientlie bee moued therevnto for defence of his owne particular reputation which respect and haplie also some publique occasion mooued the Combat of Aeneas with Turnus of Menelaus with Alexander of Pulfius with Varenus of Robert Mountfort with Henrie Earle of Essex in England yea Kings and Princes haue of late time done the like as Charles the third King of France with the King of Hungarie Alfonso King of Spaine with Richard Earle of of Cornwall and King Alfonso with King Ranier These particular fights were first vsed among the people called Lombardes as appeareth by the lawes written by Aliprandus one of the Kings that gouerned that Nation yet true it is that the Combats of those People and in that Age were tried with no other weapons but onelie certeine shields and staues of wood vnlesse it were for cause of infidelitie Neither seemeth it that the chiefe occasion of their fight was respect of Honor nor that the vanquished should become dishonored or Prisoner vnto the vanquisher as since hath been vsed Of the order of challenging and defending CAP. 2. FIrst is to bee considered that all Iniuries are either by words or by deeds and that in euerie Iniurie by words the Iniurer ought bee the Challenger but in an Iniurie by deedes the Iniured ought to challenge as for example Simon saith to Austen thou art a Traitor Austen answereth Thou liest then doth it behooue Simon to mainteine his words and consequentlie to challenge Austen to the Combat An Iniurie by deedes is thus Simon giueth a hurt a cut or other violence vnto Austen whereat offended he saith Thou hast done me offence violence iniurie or such like speach Simon answereth Thou liest Then behoueth it that Austen do challenge Simon and force him by fight to mainteine the hurt he offred Wherfore as a rule or maxime in matter of Honor it is speciallie to be noted that whosoeuer is truelie and lawfullie belied must of force become Challenger to mainteine that he spake or did and wherevppon the Lie is giuen him And although some men rather to shewe the dexteritie of their wits than the valour of their mindes will at such occasion vse many superfluous words whereby further speach of offence doth followe and so take opportunitie to giue the Lie vnto whom the hurt by hand was giuen yet the true and precise reason of Honor is that he who gaue the blowe hurt should without further dispute be challenged vnlesse he denie the doing thereof with offer of satisfaction Thus appeareth brieflie that whosoeuer is lawfullie belied ought by Armes to challenge mainteine and proue that which he affirmed or did in preiudice of the honor or person of the Iniured For what cause the partie belied ought to challenge and of the nature of the Lie CAP. 3. FOr so much as in ordinarie triall by lawe and ciuill Iudgements whosoeuer standeth accused by deniall of such accusation is free from condemning vntill further proofe be made euen so in euerie imposition by speach contrarie to
a bodie voyde of reason Likewise if two Gentlemen vppon some vnkind words doo drawe and the one hurt the other to make them friends the way is thus He that gaue the hurt or wound shal say that the Gentleman wounded behaued himselfe as a valiant man ought and although he receiued the hurt yet his vertue did sufficientlie appeare Vpon these or like speaches a peace may reasonablie ensue with reputation to both for the one by giuing the hurt hath gained honor and the other receiuing praise of his enemie is acquite of euill imputation whereby all men shall knowe that both the one and the other hath tried himselfe a manlie and valiant Gentleman If one man doth strike or offer violence vnto the other presentlie runne away or if the partie offended by any other meane cannot bee presentlie reuenged yet in that case if he lay hand on his weapon and endeuour to make reueÌ„ge he shal be reputed valiant and the other a coward But to make peace betweene them the onelie way is that he who offered the violence shall in plaine termes confesse the manner how it was done and pray pardon And although it may seeme contrarie to the courage of man not to mainteine that is begun yet when he considereth in his owne conscience that the act was iniurious and dastardlie it shall bee better christianlie to repent than wilfullie to persist against all truth and reason If one man dooth chaunce to hurt another vnwares or vnknowing him as sometimes it happeneth in the night or darke places the amends must be to say I know you not for knowing I would not haue so done nor might so doo without offering wrong and discourtesie and therefore pray you hold me excused Sometimes it happeneth that one challengeth an other to haue striken him and the other doth denie that so he did in that case the satisfaction must bee thus The partie charged to haue striken shall say if so the truth be Indeed I did not strike you if I had hauing no such cause I might iustlie bee accused of Iniurie After this sort many other questions may be ordered vsing such words and reasons as to discreete Gentlemen shall be thought conuenient And here I will remember all Gentlemen making profession of Honor and Truth that they should not in any wise mainteine any vniust words or wrongfull action But being by choler or other occasion entred into Iniurie they ought rather reforme their error than obstinatlie continue to the offence of their owne conscience and knowledge Neither can it be dishonorable to confesse that which is true nor bee sorie for misdooing Other meanes of Pacification and composition CAP. 9. THe first of these is that aswell the Iniurer as the Iniured should bee drawne into the presence of some honorable personage and before any act of submission or repetition of words before passed to agree and referre the order and ending of all questions vnto one man indifferentlie chosen by consent of both parties That being done the man vnto whoÌ„ this office is committed shall particularlie and a part entreate with the Iniurer to affirme what he will say on his behalfe Then calling the Iniured shall say and assure him that the Iniurer hath made a good reasonable satisfaction in euerie thing that may bee preiudiciall to the honor or reputation of the Iniured And therefore require aswell the one as the other to stand satisfied and repute themselues in such estate and condition as they were before the quarrell was commenced This order hath been oftentimes vsed and satisfaction so made thought effectual for sometimes it prooueth a thing verie difficult to bring the aduersaries together face to face before a Iudge or other person of authoritie sometimes also being met they fall into newe quarrell vpon newe occasion either els before they come a doubt will arise how they shall bee accompanied and whether they shall come armed or without weapon Another while there groweth difficultie vpon the words of satisfaction It hath been also seene that in such conference there hath passed some blowes of the hand weapon foote or other violence whereby the enmitie was rather encreased than appeased In which respects this order is many times vsed Another way is this that some person of great authoritie should call the parties afore him and take a truce vntill hee shall at more leisure consider of the quarrell enioyning them in the meane time not to speake or doo any thing either against other which order is couertlie a truce perpetual Another way is that a Prince or personage of authoritie should perswade with the parties to put the quarrell into his hand and consent to rest satisfied with that he shall vpon his honor determine Diuers other indirect meanes haue been deuised for the compounding and appeasing of Iniuries which I leaue to the discretion of wise valiant Gentlemen Of satisfaction to be giuen vpon words CAP. 10. IT hath been alreadie said that the ground of all satisfaction is truth which cannot be denied wherfore whensoeuer one man hath vttered any vntrue imputation of another hee may without discredite confesse the thing to be otherwise than he spake saying in his owne excuse vnlesse the truth bee contrarie that which I said I thought then to bee true Or thus That I said was tolde mee of others Or thus What I said was in my choller These speaches tending to shew the truth to be otherwise than was said the partie offended is disburthened If a man hath giuen the Lie to another and after doth knowe the words wherevpon the Lie was giuen to be true he may in that case without reproach reuoke the Lie and thereby make satisfaction And if happelie he make difficultie to vse such a reuocaâ—ion directlie then may he say I confesse the words to be true whereof our quarrell groweth either els he may repeate the words and therewithal allow them Another way to procure satisfaction is That hee who gaue the Lie shall say or write vnto the partie belied to this effect I pray you aduertise me by this bearer with what intent you spake those words of iniurie wherevpon I gaue you the Lie The other will answere I spake them in choller or with no meaning to offend you Thereunto may be answered by him that gaue the Lie thus If your words were said onelie in anger and no intent to challenge me then do I assure you that my Lie giuen shall not burthen you for I acknowledge you to be a true speaker and a Gentleman of good reputation wherefore my desire is that the speach passed betweene vs may bee forgotten This forme of pacification may serue in many cases and at sundrie occasions Sometimes it happeneth that a man repenting a speach euill spoken of another will after denie that any such words were spoken which seemeth no ful satisfaction vnlesse hee adde these words I spake it not or if I had spoken it I should haue said vntruelie These
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
alone sitting downe before the King as his Vicar generall send his Liutenant to the Challenger to come vnto him and the Marshall with his Liutenant did accompanie the Defender The Conestable thus set did pronounce this speach with a loude voyce Let them go let them go let them go and doo their best Vpon which words pronounced in the Kings presence the Challenger did march towards the Defender to assaile him furiouslie and the other prepared himselfe for defence soberlie In the meane time the Conestable and Marshall with their Liutenants stood attentiue to heare and see if any words signe or voyce of yeelding were vttered by anie of the Fighters and also to bee readie if the King should command the Launces to bee let fall to depart the fight The Conestable and Marshall did also take regard that the Challenger and Defender should appeare at the day and houre appoynted whether the quarrell were for treason or otherwise The Conestable did likewise measure the weapons of the Combattors and also search whether they had about them any engin or other vnlawfull things as Charmes or Inchauntment yet was it lawfull both for the Challenger and Defender to bee aswell and surelie armed as they could And if any of them would haue his Sword shorter than the Standerd yet was not the other bound to haue his cut to that measure if he required that fauour of the Court But if either the one or the others Sword passed the Standerd then was that inequalitie to be reformed or if they were both ouerlong both ought be reformed It had been also in more ancient time vsed that the Conestable and Marshall should foresee that if the Kings pleasure was to depart the fight and suffer the Fighters to rest before the Combat ended that they should bee parted in due time when no aduauntage were Likewise that they should take heed that none of them should priuatlie speake vnto the other of yeelding or otherwise For vnto the Conestable and Marshall apperteined the witnessing and record of all things And in case the Combat were for question of treason he that was vanquished should bee foorthwith disarmed within the Lists by commandement of the Conestable and the Marshall The said Armour and weapons of the vanquished in one end of the Lists was defaced in his disgrace and after the same was drawne out together with his horse From thence also the man vanquished was drawne vnto the place of execution to bee there headed or hanged according to the custome of the Countrie The performance of all which punishment apperteined onlie to the Marshall who ought see all things done in his owne presence And in case the Challenger did not vanquish his enemie then ought he suffer the same paines that are due vnto the Defender if he were vanquished But if the quarrell were vpon a crime of lesse importance the partie vanquished should not bee drawne vnto the place of execution but onelie led thether to receiue death or other punishment according to the custome and qualitie of the matter If the Combat were onelie for triall of vertue or honor he that was vanquished therein should be disarmed and put out of the Lists without further punishment If it happened that the King would take the quarrell into his hand and make peace betweene the parties without longer fight Then did the Conestable leade the one and the Marshall the other of the fighters out of the Lists at diuers gates armed and mounted as they were hauing speciall regard that neither of them should go the one before the other For the quarrell resting in the Kings hand might not bee renued or any violence offered without preiudice vnto the Kings honor And because it is a poynt verie speciall in matters of Armes that he who leaueth the Lists first incurreth a note of dishonor therefore to depart the Lists in due time was euer preciselie obserued were the Combat for treason or other cause whatsoeuer It is also to bee remembered that without the principall Lists were euer certeine Counterlists betwixt which two the seruants of the Conestable and Marshall did stand There stood also the Kings Seriants at Armes to see and consider if any default or offence were committed contrarie to the Proclamation of the Court against the Kings royall Maiestie or the lawe of Armes Those men were euer armed at all peeces The seruants of the Conestable and Marshall had charge of the place and good order thereof The Kings Seriants tooke care to keepe the gates of the Lists and be there readie to make arest of any person when they should bee commanded by the Conestable or Marshall The fees of the Marshall were all Horses peeces of Armour or other furniture that fell to the ground after the Combattors did enter into the Lists aswell from the Challenger as the Defender But all the rest apperteined to the partie victorious whether he were Challenger or Defender The Barres Posts Railes and euerie other part of the Lists were also the fees of the Marshall Certeine Combats graunted by the Kings of England CAP. 9. EDmond of the rase of West Saxons fought in combat with Canutus King of Denmarke for the possession of the Crowne of England In which fight both the Princes being wearie by consent departed the land betwixt them Anno. 1016. RObert Mountfort accused Henrie of Essex of treason affirming that he in a iorney towards Wales neere vnto Colshil threwe away the Kings Standerd saying the King was dead and turned backe those that went to the Kings succour Henrie denied the accusation so as the matter came to be tried by Combat The place appoynted for fight was a little I le neere vnto Reading In this Combat Henrie was vanquished and fell downe as dead and at the suite of friends licence was obteined that his bodie might be buried by the Monkes of Reading But it happened that the bodie of Henrie recouered and became a Monke in that Abey Anno 1163. In the raigne of King Henrie the second HEnry Duke of Hereford accused Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norffolke of certeine words by him spoken as they rode betweene London and Brainford tending vnto the Kings dishonor Thomas Duke of Norf. denied to haue spoken any such word but Henrie affirming his accusation the King graunted the Combat to beé performed at Couentrie the 7. of September 1398. Anno Rich. 2. A Combat was fought at Westminster in the Kings presence betweene Iohn Ansley Knight and Thomas Catrington Esquire whō the said Knight had accused of treason for selling the Castle of S. Sauiours which the Lord Chandos had builded in the I le of Constantine in France In which Combat the Knight was victorious Anno 1379. regni Rich. 2. A Combat was graunted vnto an Esquire borne in Nauarra to fight with an English Esquire called Iohn Welsh whom the Nauarrois accused of treason But the true cause of the Nauarrois his malice was for that the said Welsh had forced his wife as being vanquished
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
and were made Christians Within short space after these Knights builded diuers Churches and among them some Cathedrall Temples making them places of residence for Bishops who were also inioyned to weare the habit of the Order Neere vnto the riuer Vistola was a great Oake where these Knights builded the first Castle and Towne which with time was encreased and called Borgo di Santa Maria where is now the chiefe Church apperteining to this Order thereunto belongeth so great riches and reuenues as these Knights may both for men and monie compare with diuers Princes This Countrie of Prussia is great and much thereof bounded by the riuer Vistola and is also confined by Sarmatia the Massageti and Polonia These Knights are also Lords of Liuonia which was likewise by them brought to the faith of Christianitie and is with Christians now inhabited Knights of the Sepulcher CAP. 20. THis Knighthood is now extinct or rather conioyned vnto the Order of Malta The Ensigne belonging to these Knights was two red Crosses Knights of S. Mary CAP. 21. IN the life of Pope Vrban the fourth at which time was great warre among the Princes of Italie certeine rich Gentlemen of Bolognia and Modona desiring to eschue the present troubles and bee exempt from publique charges desired of that Pope to permit them to liue in contemplation and erect a newe Order of religious Knighthood which for money they obteined calling themselues Knights of Sainct Mary The habit of this Order was verie pompous and thereupon a red Crosse wrought with gold round about They were speciallie inhibited to weare gold in their spurres and horse harnesse They made profession to fight against the Infidels and all others that offended Iustice Notwithstanding they liued euer at home in rest with their wiues and children They were commonlie called Caualieri di Madonna but because they liued continuallie in ease and pleasure men termed them Frati gaudenti as much in our language as Goodfellowe brethren It may bee some of them are yet extant Knights of S. Lazaro CAP. 22. THese Knights of this Order doo pleade great antiquitie saying they were in the time of S. Basil and their profession hath been confirmed by sondrie Popes They also affirme that Fredericke the Emperour sirnamed Barbarossa gaue them great possessiōs in Sicilia Calabria Puglia and Terra di Lauoro And to those lands diuers Popes did adde much Notwithstanding time that weareth all things away did also consume these riches and the Order well neere extinct till of late yeares Pius quartus the Pope did reuiue it who made Gianotto Castiglione a noble Gentelman of Milan great Master These Knights doo professe to bee obedient vnto their great Master and other Officers of the Order They promise also to liue chast or at the least continent and content with one wife Also to bee charitable and liberall chieflie to poore people infected with leprosie Moreouer euerie Knight promiseth to weare a greene Crosse before they enter into this Knighthood must prooue himselfe to bee borne in lawfull wedlocke and a Gentleman both by father and mother and to beare Armes Also that he is discended of ancient Christians and no Morrano or Turke That he hath of rent at the least 200. Crownes therewith to mainteine his dignitie That he and his auncestors haue euer liued as Gentlemen without vse of any base or mecanical occupation That he hath not been suspected of any notable euill fact or is defamed for any vice That he be not indebted nor is wedded to any widdowe or hath had more than one wife But besides these passable protestations he must vndertake to say fiue and twentie Pater nosters and so manie Aue marias with other Superstitious things not worthie the writing This Order haue of late time been much fauoured by the Dukes of Sauoy Knights of S. Steffano CAP. 23. IN the yeare 1561. Cossimo Duke of Florence and Siena hauing setled his gouernment and liuing in peaceable estate erected this religious Order of Knighthood calling those that entered thereunto Caualieri di San Steffano To these Knights he gaue a red Crosse bordered about with gold The Statutes annexed vnto this Order are not vnlike to those apperteining to the Order of Malta sauing that these haue libertie to marrie The chiefe place of their resiance is the Citie of Pisa where the Duke prepared them a Church and builded for them a Pallace wherein to lodge And because neere to that Citie is a Hauen fit to receiue the Gallies wherein these Knights should serue it seemed good to that Prince to settle them there The Duke himselfe and his successors is great Master of this Order and vnder him are diuers other Officers of reputation This is the last Order or degree of Knights that I haue seene or read of saue onelie the great Knighthood of S. Esprit whereof as is before said I am not enformed The Ceremonies in the degradation of Knights CAP. 24. IT seemeth that the degradation of Knights hath been vsed onelie for offences of greatest reproach and dishonour which I conceiue partlie by the rarenes of such actions and partlie for that the men bereft of that dignitie were not onelie degraded but also by lawe executed As in the raigne of King Edward the 4. it appeared a Knight was degraded in this sort First after the publication of his offence his gilt spurres were beaten from his heeles then his sword taken from him and broken That being done euerie peece of his Armour was brused beaten and cast aside After all which disgraces he was beheadded In like manner Andrew of Hekela Knight and Earle of Cardoyl was in this sort disgraded He being apprehended was by the Kings commandement brought before Sir Anthony Lucy Anno. 1322. apparelled in all the robes of his estate as an Earle and a Knight and so led vnto the place of Iudgement Being thether come Sir Anthony Lucy said vnto him these words First thou shall lose the Order of Knighthood by which thou hadst all thine honour and further all worship vppon thy bodie bee brought to nought Those wordes pronounced Sir Anthony Lucy commanded a knaue to hewe the Knights spurres from his heeles and after caused his sword to bee broken ouer his head That done hee was dispoyled of his furred Tabord of his Hood of his furred Cotts and of his Girdle Then Sir Anthony saide vnto him these wordes Andrew now art thou no Knight but a knaue and for thy treason the King doth will thou shalt bee hanged This manner of proceeding in the degradation of these two Knights I found recorded in an auncient booke of Master Garters written in the selfe same words that are here expressed The Authors Intention CAP. 25. ALbeit the whole scope and intent of this booke is to discourse the poynts of Honor and dignities apperteining vnto Armes yet for not being mistaken in my meaning I haue thought good to say that the commendation due vnto learning is of no lesse desart thā
the other as those knowledges whereby men are made worthie of honorable title Notwithstanding through corrupt custome or bad education the greater part of our English Gentilitie is not onelie ignorant what honor and vertue meaneth but consequentlie disdaineth or at the least wise lightly regardeth those labours whereby they might and ought become comfortable to friends and seruiceable to their Prince and Countrie which haplie moued the Poet to forewarne fathers to haue care of childrens education saying Gratum est quod patriae ciuem populoque dedisti Si facis vt patriae sit idoneus vtilis agris Vtilis bellorum pacis rebus agendis And in continuing the consideration of this matter I am occasioned to be right sorie that our English youth doo not onlie earnestlie affect vaine pleasures and improfitable pastimes as recreation but also vse them with daylie labour as their chiefe businesse and speciall profession And to speake plainlie I am more then halfe perswaded that a great sort of our Gentlemen chieflie those that haue had their nurture at home with their owne ignorant parents doo take more comfort to be called good Faulkners or expert Woodmen than either skilfull Souldiers or learned Scollers Yet who so obserueth shall finde that the same men by secret instinct of gentle nature doo not a little glorie in the auncient badges titles and seruices of their auncesters supposing those passed merites supported with riches ought without further sufficiencie make them more worthie than others whose owne proper vertue and labour haue indeed deserued much honor But as no fowle flieth with the wings of another nor no horse doth runne on legges not his owne so ought no man be praised or admired for the vertue or good merite of another And albeit the fame of auncesters honor may for some short space mainteine a certeine hope of vertue chieflie where no vice appeareth yet time which doth distinguish things indeed from those that onlie appeare will also like vnto counterfeit mettall bewray the want or worth of euery man and for such a one he shall be knowne esteemed of what name house parentage or predecessor so euer he is discended It therefore behoueth euerie Gentleman well borne to imbrace the loue of vertue and in the actions thereof to employ the course of his whole life For what can be more pleasing to a generous minde than the studie of wisedome whereby to knowe good from euill and truth from falshood the one to be followed the other eschewed What may be more blessed than Iustice whereby we refraine from all iniuries and giue vnto euerie one that which vnto him apperteineth What is more noble than Fortitude which contemneth all worldlie accidents and with inuincible courage fighteth for equitie and right And what is more fit or better beseeming a noble personage than Temperance which teacheth comelines and moderation gouerning the passions and perturbations of minde to the quietnes of mans life and contentation of others These with other vertues on them depending haue from base birth and poore parentage brought many to great title and dignitie And as those vertuous endeuours haue aduaunced them so the discontinuance of like delights did vtterlie deface that honor in their posteritie Vertue I say is that which from meane estate hath euer led the louers thereof to great reputation and glorie Among infinite examples omitting men of meaner fortune yet worthie much honor we haue Agathocles Eumenes Pertinax Dioclesian Valentinian with other Emperours Kings and Capteines Of like fortune in birth was Marcus Tullius Cato Horace with diuers most notable learned men yea Socrates himselfe who by the Oracle of Apollo was iudged the wisest man aliue had no great parentage And Iulius Caesar that both for Armes and learning excelled and was the first Emperour aspired from lowe degree to excessiue glorie Notwithstanding through protraction of time and the degeneration of those mens posteritie not onelie their owne houses and names are vanished but also the honor and renowne of the Nations where they liued is vtterlie decaied and extinguished Which the Christian Poet Palingenius expressed well in these verses Nempe diu res nulla manet nempe omnia semper Deteriora solent fieri in peiusque referri Naturae imperio fatorum lege perenni Deinde iterum ex alio faetu instaurata rinassi Thus haue we heard the meanes of aspiring vnto Honor and by what occasion the same is lost or decaied But well I wot that vnto these reasons and examples produced to incite our English youth they answere that were they sure to attaine vnto the least part of that fortune these great personages and many others their inferiours haue come vnto then would they not feare to aduenture their labour and liues to the vttermost but because the paines and perills are certeine and the successe doubtfull they thinke it more wisedome to Hunt and Hawke at home than hazard their bodies abroad or beate their braines about that which haplie neuer shall turne them to profite This sillie allegation compounded of sloath and pusillanimitie may easilie be refelled but slowlie followed Notwithstanding for that I am vsed to lose my labour I will replie thereunto thus That seeing no reward is due befor desart and that Honor is the recompence of vertue it may not be looked for vntill some vertuous testimonie bee first shewed What Soldier is so simple as entring into pay will at the first day looke to bee made a Capteine or haue promise within fewe yeares to become a Generall What Scoller will at his first comming to studie demaund the degrees due vnto Arte or that shortlie after with little learning will challenge to bee a Doctor Yet true it is that sometimes the simplest Archer doth hit the marke which many an excellent shooter misseth notwithstanding hardlie can any wise man bee brought to lay monie on his side or hope of such successe Euen so in the atteining of Honor although fauour and fortune ofttimes preferreth the vnworthie yet the true way and most likelie meane thereunto is true vertue and industrious life Wherefore concluding I say that euery noble and magnanimous mind doth not so much couet the rewards of vertue as it taketh delight in vertue it selfe As the same Poet saith Propter se virtus petitur non propter honorem Ipsa licet proprie ac vere mereatur honorem FINIS