French king all souldiers were inhibited to goe from the Armie without License It was also the Romane vse that euery souldier did aske leaue of his Captaine and the Captaine to haue License of the Generall of horse or Captaine general before he departed from the Armie also during his absence to leaue a sufficient man to supplie the place and he himselfe to returne at the time prefixed which done he receiued his whole pay without diminution as though hee had neuer bene absent As touching the limitation of time and the number of souldiers who were licensed to be absent we reade that Scipio in the warre of Carthage gaue license vnto three hundred Sicilian souldiers and put three hundred other men to serue in their places and Francis the French king commanded that more then thirty horsemen should not be licensed to go from the Armie at one time and they not to be absent longer then three moneths vpon paine to be checked of their whole wages William Rufus King of England did inhibit souldiers and all other subiects of reputation to depart the land without leaue which is yet obserued It seemeth by Pol. Virg. that rather the hand of God then the King punished this attempt for he was there slaine in the battell And Polydor Virgil writeth that one Edward Wooduile chiefe gouernour of the Isle of Wight for going forth of the Realme without license was put to death vnder King Henrie the seuenth But Zeno the Emperour punishing that offence more mildely ordained that if any souldier were absent one whole yere without license he should be put after tenne if he were absent two yeres he should giue place to twenty if three yeres then to be vtterly discharged from the Armie at his returne thither Theodosius and Valentinianus in that case would not vtterly discharge them the Armie vntill foure yeeres absence was complete If any souldier were sent vnto a Prince to performe any seruice and at his returne did signifie such employment together with his diligence to returne in that case he ought be excused because his absence was by commandement and in seruice of the State not for his owne profit or priuate commoditie But who so for his owne particular affaires is licensed and assigned a day of returne in failing thereof he shall be reputed a loyterer or a fugitiue vnlesse he be deteined or otherwise iustly excused To conclude therefore we say that no souldier departing from his Ensigne without leaue can be excused nor his absence auowable but when the same is for seruice of the prince or common weale as Scoeuola in his militarie Ordinances hath written CHAP. 30. ¶ Of Ambassadours or Legats THe office of an Ambassador was by the Romanes accounted both honourable and sacred including as well power of commandement as dignitie Whensoeuer therfore any Ambassadour did come to Rome he was first brought vnto the Temple of Saturnus there to haue his name written before the Praefectiaerarij from thence he went to deliuer his legation vnto the Senate But first it ought be remembred that men meetest to be employed for Ambassadours are they indeed who are of most sagacitie and greatest skill how to discouer the counsels and designes of the enemy Scipio Africanus hauing occasion to send an ambassage to Syphax elected certaine Tribunes and Centurions and caused them to be basely apparelled Cato beholding certaine Ambassadors to be sent by the Senate to compound a peace betweene Nicomedes and Prusias the one of them had his headfull of skarres the second was impotent of his feet the third timersome said This Legation hath neither good head feet nor heart Ambassadours ought be in all countreys inuiolable in signe whereof they anciently caried about them the herbe Sagmen which we call Veruen to shewe they were sacred and that no man should dare to lay hold on them who so offred them violence was thought to haue done contrary to law of Nations Which moued Publius Mutius to command that whosoeuer did strike an Ambassadour should be deliuered vnto that enemy from whome the Ambassadour was sent And though the enemy receiued him not yet should he remaine an exile as if he were interdicted from fire and water according to the sentence of Publius Mutius Yet doe we read that Dioscorides and Scrapion Ambassadors sent from Caesar to Achillas so soone as they came within his sight and before he heard them or for what affaires they were sent commanded them to be taken and slaine Caesar likewise sent Marcus Valerius Porcillus vnto king Ariouistus who being there arriued was presently taken and put into prison notwithstanding he were a young man of great vertue and curtesie Likewise Comius Attrebas being sent by Caesar into Britane was cast into prison by the Britanes Laërtes Tolumnius king of Vients did â—lea foure Ambassadours of Rome whose portraitures remained long in the market place Such honour the Romanes vsed to giue vnto those men that dyed for their country Alexander the Great besieging a Citie called Tyrus sent Ambassadours vnto the inhabitants thereof who contrary to the lawe of Nations slewe them and from an high tower cast downe their bodies CHAP. 31. ¶ Of prisoners taken by the enemie WHo so is taken in the warre ought by the law of Nations to be reputed a lawfull prisoner yet if afterwards hee escape and returne home he recouereth his former estate They that are thus taken were by the Romanes called Serui quod seruantur as much to say as being taken they ought be kept not killed whereof may bee inferred it is vnlawfull to kill a man hauing yeelded himselfe because that acte is inhumane and all great Captaines haue forbidden it according to the saying of Horace Vendere cum possis captiuum occidere noli Herein also wee are to follow the example of ancient Princes and chiefe commanders in warre Alexander the Great tooke to wife Roxanes whom he had taken prisoner in the warre Henry the seuenth king of England hauing taken Lambert a king of Ireland together with his schoolemaster pardoned both their liues the one because he was a childe the other a person Ecclesiasticall and dedicated to God so sayth Polydor Virgil. Romulus made a law that cities taken by warre should not be vtterly demolished nor all beasts in the field slaine but setling there certaine Colonies they did participate of the commodities with the naturall people Yet true it is that some conquerors haue anciently vsed great crueltie For reade wee may that the Africans caused many Cathaginians their prisoners together with their Captaine Gestones to haue their hands cut off and their legs broken with a wheele Likewise Hasdrubal after Megarae was recouered from the Romanes caused their eyes their tongues secret parts to be torne with yron hookes he also cut off their fingers and flayed their bodies and before they were dead hung them vpon the walles We may also here remember the terrible custome of the Thuliti who vsed to
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
and called Borgo di Santa Maria or Mareenburg where is now the chiefe Church appertaining to this Order there unto belongeth so great riches and reuenues as these Knights may both for men and money compare with diuers Princes This countrey of Prussia is great and much thereof bounded by the riuer of Vistola and is also confined by Sarmatia the Massagets and Polonia These Knights are also Lordes of Liuonia which was likewise by them brought to the faith of Christianitie is with Christians inhabited CHAP. 27. Knights of the Sepulchre THis Knighthood is now extinct or rather conioyned vnto the Order of Malta The Ensigne belonging to these Knights was two Red Crosses vnited CHAP. 28. Knights of S. Mary The habit of this Order was very pompous and thereupon a red Crosse wrought with gold round about They were specially 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 commonly called Caualieri di Madona but because they liued continually in ease and pleasure men termed them Fratri gaudenti as much in our language as Good fellow brethren It may be some of them are yet extant CHAP. 29. Knights of S. Lazaro These Knights doe professe to be 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 be charitable and liberall chiefely to poore people infected with leprosie Moreouer euery Knight promiseth to weare a greene Crosse and before they enter into this Knighthood must prooue himselfe to be borne in lawfull wedlocke and a Gentleman both by father and mother and to beare Armes Also that he is descended of ancient Christians and no Morrano or Turke That he hath of rent at the least 200 crownes wherewith to maintaine his dignitie That he and his auncestors haue euer liued as Gentlemen without vse of any base or mechanicall occupation That he hath not bene suspected of any notable euill fact or is defamed for any vice That he be not indebted nor is wedded to any widowe or hath had more then one wife But besides these passable protestations he must vndertake to say fiue and twentie Pater nosters and so many Aue Marias with other superstitious things not worthy the writing This Order hath of late time bene much fauoured by the Dukes of Sauoy CHAP. 30. Knights of S. Stephano The Statutes annexed to this Order are not vnlike to those appertayning 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 wherin 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 THE THIRD BOOKE Concerning Combat for life Iusts Turnements Triumphes and Inaugurations of Emperours Kings and Princes The Contents of this Booke THe Prooeme Of particular Combats with their original Ca. 1. Whether Combats may be iustly permitted Ca. 2. When and how Combats were in vse Cap. 3. What exceptions or repulses may mooue the defendors to refuse the Combat Cap. 4. Whether a man of meane qualitie may chalenge his superior Cap. 5. What sorts of men may not be admitted to trial of Armes 6. Who was anciently accompted victorious in Combat Cap. 7. What was anciently due vnto such men as were victorious in publique Combat Cap. 8. Of the disequalitie of Gentlemen Cap. 9. Of the qualitie and disequalitie of great Nobilitie and the priuiledges due to all men professing Armes Cap. 10. Of Armes offensiue and defensiue Cap. 11. Of the Election of weapons Cap. 12. Certaine questions opinions and iudgements vpon accidents in triall and exercise of Armes Cap. 13. Of honour gained or lost by being disarmed in sundry places and sundry peeces Cap. 14. Of honour gained or lost by hurts giuen or taken in Combat for life or triumph Cap. 15. Of Combats ancient Cap. 16. The order of Combats for life in England anciently recorded in the Office of Armes Cap. 17. Of Triumphes ancient and moderne Cap. 18. Of Triumphes and their Originall Cap. 19. Of the maner of Triumphing and the habits of the Triumpher Cap. 20. Of the diuers qualitie of Triumphes in Rome Cap. 21. In what Order the Romanes triumphed Cap. 22. Of other furniture and pompe appertayning to Triumphes in Rome Cap. 23. Of the Triumphal going of Darius to meet Alexander the great Cap. 24. The Triumphal entry of Xerxes K. of Persia into Greece yet afterward forced for feare to flie into his owne kingdome Cap. 25. Of Triumphes in Germanie Cap. 26. Of Triumphes at the enteruiew of Pope Alexander and the Emperour Frederick Barbarosa at Venice Anno Dom. 1166. Cap. 27. An admirable Triumphal shew at Venice to congratulate the recouery of Cypres Anno 1366. Cap. 28. A Triumph in the raigne of King Richard the second Anno 1590. Cap. 29. A Triumphal passage of Charles the v. Emperor through France Anno 1540. Cap. 30. A triumphal entrie of Philip Prince of Spaine at Millan Anno 1548. Cap. 31. A Military chalenge in Italy Anno 1555. Cap. 32. Of triumphal challenges in France Cap. 32. Of one other Military action betweene fiue English gentlemen and fiue French Cap. 34. An other like action Cap. 35. An other chalenge of a French gentleman in Spaine Cap. 36. An other notable challenge in France Anno 1390. Cap. 37. An other most noble challenge Cap. 38. The triumphant interuiew of the Kings of England and France Anno 1519. Cap. 39. A triumph celebrated in France Anno 1559. Cap. 40. A Militarie triumph at Brussels Anno 1549. Cap. 41. The Inauguration of Carolus Magnus King of Italie Anno 773. Cap. 42. Carolus Magnus Inauguration being made Emperour Anno 1800. Cap. 43. The Inauguration of Pope Gregorie the tenth Cap. 44. The Inauguration of Henry the fourth King of England Anno 1399. Cap. 45. The Inauguration of Charles the French King at Rhemes Anno 1380. Cap. 46. At the Inauguration of King Henry the thirde French King three notable things obserued Cap. 47. The Inauguration of Charles the fift Cap. 48. Ceremonies appertaining to the deliuery of Prizes at Iusts and Turnements Cap. 49. Of Iusts and Turnements and how the Accidents in such exercises are iudged in the kingdome of Naples Cap. 50. Iusts and Turnements how they were anciently iudged by Iohn Tiptoft Earle of Worcester high Constable of England in the Raigne of King Edward the 4. Cap. 51. Triumphes Military for honour and loue of Ladies brought before the Kings of England Cap. 52. A triumph before King Edward the third A triumph before King Edward the fourth A triumph before King Henry the
fell to the ground after the Combattants did enter into the Lists aswell from the Challenger as the Defender But all the rest appertained to the partie victorious whether he were Challenger or Defender The Barres Posts Railes and euery other part of the Lists were also the fees of the Marshall Certaine Combats granted by the Kings of England EDmund of the race of West Saxons fought in Combat with Canutus King of Denmark for the possession of the Crowne of England In which fight both the Princes being weary by consent parted the land betwixt them Anno 1016. Robert Mountfort accused Henry of Essex of treason affirming that hee in a iourney toward Wales neere vnto Colshill threw away the Kings Standerd saying the King was dead and turned backe those that went to the Kings succour Henry denied the accusation so as the matter was to bee tried by Combat The place appointed for fight was a little Isle neere vnto Reding In this Combat Henry was vaquished and fell downe dead and at the sute of friends license was obteined that his body might be buried by the Monks of Reding But it happened that the said Henry recouered and became a Monke in that Abbey Anno 1163. In the raigne of King Henry the second Henry duke of Hereford accused Thomas Mowbray duke of Norfolke of certaine words by him spoken as they rode betweene London and Braineford tending vnto the Kings dishonour Thomas duke of Norfolke denied to haue spoken any such word but Henry affirming his accusation the King granted the Combat to be performed at Couentry the seuenth of September 1398. Anno Rich. 2. but the combat was not performed for th' one and th' other party was banished the Realme A combat was fought at Westminster in the Kings presence betweene Iohn Ansley Knight and Thomas Catrington Esquier whom the said Knight had accused of treason for selling the castle of S. Sauiours which the Lord Chandos had builded in the Isle of Constantine in France In which combat the Knight was victorious Anno 1374. Rich. 2. A combat was granted vnto an Esquier borne in Nauar to fight with an English Esquier called Iohn Welsh whom the Nauarrois accused of Treason But the true cause of the Nauarrois his malice was that the said Welsh had dishonoured his wife as being vanquished he confessed The King gaue sentence he should be drawne and hanged Anno 1344. Rich. 2. A combat was fought betweene sir Richard Wooduile and one other Knight borne in Spaine After the thirde blow giuen the King stayed the fight Anno 1441. Henrici 6. A combat was granted vnto Iohn Viscount borne in Cypres and Thomas de la Marsh Bastard sonne vnto Philip King of France in the raigne of king Edward the third at Westminster CHAP. 18. Of Triumphs Ancient and Moderne TRiumphs haue bene commonly vsed at the Inauguration and Coronation of Emperors Kings and Princes at their Mariages Entry of cities Enteruiewes Progresses and Funerals Those pompous shewes were first inuented and practised by the Romanes whom dâ—uers other Princes haue imitated though hard it was and happily impossible for any Prince to equal them in magnificence Yet reade we may that Xerxes Darius and Alexander the great were Princes of marueilous puissance and for triumphs admirable Howsoeuer those matters were handled certein it is that albeit our Princes of Europe in respect of Christian religion doe in some sort contemne excesse of Mundane glory yet haue they euer liued royally and at occasions triumphed with princely honour and greatnes according to the measure of their Empires as shall hereafter appeare But first we haue thought good to speake of Romane Triumphs and briefly to touch in what order they triumphed for to report them at large were a labour almost infinite CHAP. 19. Of Triumphes and their originall VArro saith That Princes and great Captaines being returned to Rome with victory were allowed to passe with their armie through the citie vnto the Capitall singing Io. Triumphe Io. Triumphe The first inuentour of Triumphes was Liber Pater as Pliny saith Yet certaine it is and so by lawe prouided that no man should be admitted to Triumph vnlesse he had vanquished full fiue thousand enemies Cato and Martius Tribunes of the people by law also decreed that who so vntruely reported the enterprize he had done should incurre punishement Therefore entring into the citie euery Triumpher did first come before the Questors and deliuer his actions in writing and sweare they were true It was likewise by law prouided and by custome also obserued that only for recouery of dominion no man should bee permitted to triumph Which was the cause that neither Publius Scipio for the recouery of Spaine not Marcus Marcellus for taking of Syracusa were suffered to triumph The first that imitated Liber Pater in triumphing was Titus Tatius when he triumphed for victory of the Sabini yet was that no full triumph but as they called it Ouante because his victorie was not great and without blood For the same reason the crowne he ware was made of Myrtel which euer after was the crowne of all Captains that triumphed for victories of meane reputation In that age also it was vnlawfull for any man to triumph vnlesse he were a Dictator a Consull or a Praetor Therefore L. Lentulus being Proconful although he had performed great seruices in Spaine yet was he not admitted to enter Rome but Ouante Afterwards Scipio most instantly required to triumph hauing deserued great glory but till that time no man without office had triumphed Likewise C. Manlius by the base people elected the first Dictator by their commandement also without allowance of the Patritij did triumph And Gneus Pompeius a Gentleman Romaine before he was of age to be Consull triumphed twise Another law or custome there was that no Captaine might triumph vntill he had brough backe the armie and therewith also deliuered the country of his charge quiet into the hand of his successour For Lucius Manlius the Consull hauing effected great victories in Spaine was in the Hall of Bellona denied to triumph because the countrey where he commanded was not in peace as Liuie reporteth CHAP. 20. The maner of triumphing and the habits of the Triumpher in Rome THe Prince or Captaine that triumphed was euer drawen in a chariot as appeareth by the Arke Triumphall of Titus and Vespatian and likewise by that of L. Verus Antoninus made of marble yet extant in Rome This Arke was drawen by foure white horses Others vsed in their chariots white Buls or Elephants As Pompei triumphing of Affrica had in his chariot Elephants onely But Caesar surpassing all others in pompe was drawen by forty Elephants and in the day time conducted to the Capitoll with torches when he triumphed ouer the Galli Some writers haue said that the Emperour Aurelianus was drawen with foure Harts or Stags and being come to the Capitoll he caused them all to be slaine and sacrificed to Iupiter Optimus Maximus
Hall in their Liueries which number amounted to sixe hundred All the streets where the King passed were hanged with cloth of golde siluer or rich Arras That day and the next all the conduits were full of wine some Claret and some White The night before the Coronation the King washed his body and the next morning prayed in the presence of three Prelats The next morning the Clergie in great numbers attended the King to the Temple of Westminster and from thence all the Lords and Knights of the Order in their robes awaited vpon his Maiestie to the Pallace who all that way marched vnder the Canopy of State On either hand of the King a sword was caried the one represented the Ecclesiasticall the other Politicall iurisdiction The Ecclesiasticall sword was borne by the Prince of Wales the Kings sonne the sword of Iustice Henry Percie Earle of Northumberland and Constable of England did beare which office was lately taken from the Earle of Rutland and giuen to him The scepter was caried by the Earle of Westmerland Marshall of England In this order and thus accompanied the King came into the Church where he found a place of State prepared in the mids there he set himselfe downe being furnished with all his rich and royall ornaments the crowne excepted The Archbishop of Canterbury preached and shewed the Kings person vnto the people saying Behold him here that is to raigne ouer you for so God hath ordained Will you quoth hee consent he shall be crowned your King whereunto they answered Yea and holding vp their hands offered to be sworne Then the King went downe from his seate and kneeled before the high Altar where two Archbishops and ten Bishops did take off his royall garments and annoynt him in the presence of all the multitude viz. on the crowne of his head on the breast on the shoulders on the palmes of his hands which done they set his cap vpon his head Then the King put vpon him a garment like vnto a Deacon and girt the same as Prelates vse to doe Then they buckled vpon one of his feete a Spurre and drew forth the sword of Iustice which they deliuered into the Kings hand and he put it vp into the sheath when it was put vp the Archbishop of Canterbury girt it vnto his side Then was the Crowne of S. Edward brought thither and by that Archbishop set vpon the Kings head All these ceremonies and Diuine Seruice finished the King with the same pompe he came to the Church returned to the Pallace in the mids whereof was a fountaine which flowed with wine white and red At dinner the King did sit at the first table at the second sate the fiue chiefe Peeres of the kingdome at the third the Mayor and Aldermen at the fourth the nine new made Knights at the fifh the Knights Gentlemen of the Kings house So long as the King did sit the Prince of Wales stood on his right hand holding the Ecclesiasticall sword and on the left hand stood the Constable of England shaking the sword of Iustice vnder them stood the Marshall holding the Scepter At the Kings table besides the King two Archbishops and three other Bishops did sit In the dinner time a Knight well mounted armed at all peeces came into the Hall and before him rode an other horseman that caried his Launce his name was Dymmock This Champion hauing his sword drawen and a Mace also ready deliuered vnto the king a scroule of paper wherein was contained that if any Gentleman would denie that Henry there present were not the lawfull King of England he was ready by Armes to maintaine it where and when the King should command This Cartell was deliuered to a King of Armes and by the Kings commandement proclaimed in the palace and in sixe places of the Citie but no man found to say the contrary and so the ceremonie of this Coronation ended CHAP. 46. The Inauguration of Charles the French King at Rhemes 1380. THis Charles the 6. King of France of that name being twelue yeeres olde was crowned in the presence of the Dukes of Anioy Auuernia Burgundy Burbon Brabant Berry and Lorayn the Earle of Piedmont the Earle of Marcury the Earle Eu and William Lord of Namur beeing present the Earle of Flanders and Bloys sent their deputies The King entred the citie of Rhemes with a marueilous troupe of Lords and Gentlemen hauing before them thirty trumpets sounding His Maiestie alighted at our Lady Church and thither resorted vnto him his cosins of Albert Nauarre Barry Harecourt and other yong Princes and Lords of the blood whom the next day he dubbed Knights On Sonday after the King went vnto the Church which was most sumptuously prepared There the Bishop crowned his Maiestie and anointed him with that oyle wherewith Saint Remigius had anointed Clodoueus the first Christian King of France That Oyle was miraculously as is reported sent from heauen by an Angel purposely to anoint Clodoueus And being preserued euer since a glasse although all the kings haue bene therwith anointed yet is the quantity thereof no whit decreased The King being come before the high Altar did honour all the yong men aforesayd with Knighthood and that done hee kneeled vpon rich foote Carpets that were there spred at his feete the yong Princes newly made Knights did sit and Oliuer Clisson newly also aduanced to be Constable of the kingdome performed his office and there amids the nobility with all pomp possible the King was crowned Then to the end that all men might haue cause to reioice the King was pleased to remit and forgiue all taxations subsidies and impositions by what name soeuer lately inuented The Coronation finished his Maiestie returned to the palace where his table was prepared and hereat besides the King did sit the Dukes his vncles viz. the Duke of Brabant Anioy Auuernia Burgundy and Burbon and on his right hand sate the Archbishop of Rhemes with other Lords of the Spiritualty Touching meaner Lords of the kingdome they shifted for place where it could be found The Admirals Coucy Clisson and Tremoly had their tables equally couered with Carpets of Tissue The next day the King dined according to ancient vse and the charge of the Inauguration was defrayd by the Citizens of Rhemes These ceremonies being consummate with great pomp triumph and ioy he returned to Paris CHAP. 47. At the Inauguration of King Henry the third French King three notable things obserued FIrst when he should haue bene anointed with the holy oile there was none found in the ceremonious Horne which for many yeeres had bene preserued by miracle as a relike sent from heauen Secondly when in the royall seate the Crowne was set vpon his head by certaine Bishops as is accustomed he cried out twise Oh it hurts me Thirdly when he kneeled before the Altar during Masse the Crowne fell from his head all which seemed ominous to the beholders and so it prooued both to himselfe
desiring both to honour her and please himselfe with her presence conuited all noble Ladies to behold a triumph at London to be there performed by the Nobles and Gentlemen of his Court This intention his Maiestie did command to be proclaimed in Fraunce Henault Flanders Brabant and other places giuing Passeport and secure abode to all noble strangers that would resort into England That done he sent vnto al Princes Lords and Esquiers of the Realme requiring that they with their wiues daughters and cosins should at the day appointed appeare at his Court. To this feast came William Earle of Henault and Iohn his brother with many Barons and Gentlemen The triumph continued 15. dayes and euery thing succeeded well had not Iohn the sonne and heire of Vicount Beaumount bene there slaine In this triumph also appeared the Earle of Lancaster and Henry his son The Earle of Darby The Lord Robert of Artoys The Erle of Richmount The Earle of Northampton The Earle of Glocester The Earle of Warwicke The Earle of Salisbury The Earle of Pembroke The Earle of Hartford The Earle of Arundel The Earle of Cornewall The Earle of Norffolke The Earle of Suffolke The Baron of Stafford with others In the raigne of the same King Edward a Royall Iust was holden at Lincolnâ— by the Duke of Lancaster where were present certaine Ambassadors sent by the King of Spaine for the Lady Ioane daughter to the King who should haue bene married vnto that King of Spaine but meeting her on the way she died A triumph was holden at Windsor before the same King Edward whereat was present Dauid King of Scots the Lord of Tankeruile and the Lord Charles de Valoys who by the Kings license was permitted to runne and had the prize Anno 1349. In Smithfield were solemne Iusts in the same Kings raigne where was present a great part of the most valiant Knights of England and France Thither came also noble persons of other Nations and Spaniards Cipriots Armenians who at that time humbly desired aide against Pagans An. 1361. A triumph before King Edward the fourth IVsts were againe holden in Smithfield where Anthony Wooduile Lord Scales did runne against the Bastard of Burgundie Anno 1444. A triumph before King Henry the sixt ONe other notable Action of Armes was personally performed in Smithfield betweene a Gentleman of Spaine called Sir Francis le Arogonoys and Sir Iohn Astley Knight of the Garter For after the said Sir Francis had wonne the honour from all the men at Armes in France he came into England and made a generall challenge but by the great valour of Sir Iohn Astley lost the same vnto him Triumphs before King Henry the seuenth AT Richmont was holden a solemne triumph which continued a whole moneth where Sir Iames Parker running against Hugh Vaughan was hurt and died 1494. One other triumph was in the same Kings daies performed in the Tower of London Anno 1502. Triumphs before King Henry the eight BVt farre exceeding all these was that magnificent Iust and Tournament at the meeting of the two excellent Princes King Henry the eight of England and Francis the French King who chusing vnto them fourteen others did challenge to run at the Tilt and fight both at the Tourney and Barrier with all commers The Challengers were the King of England the French King the Duke of Suffolke the Marquesse Dorset Sir William Kingston Sir Richard Ierningham Master Nicholas Carew and Master Anthonie Kneuet with their Assistants Sir Rowland and Sir Giles Capel with these were so many other French Gentlemen as made vp the number aforesaid For Defenders thither came Mounsieur Vandosme the Earle of Deâ—onshire and the Lord Edmond Howard euery of them bringing in a faire band of Knights well armed This most noble challenge of these two mighty Kings accompanied with fourteene other Knights of either nation seuen they caused to bee proclaimed by Norrey King at Armes in England France and Germanie Anno 12 Henrici 8. One other most memorable Challenge was made by the same King who in his owne royall person with William Earle of Deuonshire Sir Thomas Kneuet and Edward Neuel Esquire answered all commers at Westminster The King called himselfe Caeur Loyal the Lord William Bon Voloir Sir Thomas Kneuet Valiant desire and Edward Neuil Ioyâ—us Pensier The Defenders were THe Lord Gray Sir William a Parr Robert Morton Richard Blunt Thomas Cheyney Thomas Terrel Christopher Willoughby the Lord Howard Charles Brandon the Lord Marquesse Henrie Guilford the Earle of Wiltshirâ— Sir Thomas Bullin Thomas Lucie the Lord Leonard the Lord Iohn Iohn Melton Griffith Doon Edmond Howard Richard Tempest After this Challenge was ended the prize appointed for the Challengers partie was giuen vnto Caeur Loyal and among the Defenders to Edmond Howard Another solemne Challenge was proclaimed and perfourmed by certaine English Knights viz. Sir Iohn Dudley Sir Thomas Seimor Sir Francis Poynings Sir George Carew Anthony Kingston and Richard Cromwel Anno 1540. Another action of Armes published in the Chamber of Presence at VVestminster by a King of Armes 25. of Nouember in the 1. and 2. of P. and M. FOrasmuch as euer it hath bene a custome that to the Courts of Kings and great Princes Knights and Gentlemen of diuers Nations haue made their repaire for the triall of Knighthood and exercise of Armes And knowing this Royall Court of England to bee replenished with as many noble Knights as any kingdome in the world at this day It seemeth good to Don Fredericke de Toledo the Lord Strange Don Ferdinando de Toledo Don Francisco de Mendoca and Garsulace de la Vega That seeing here in this place better then in any other they may shew the great desire that they haue to serue their Ladies by the honorable aduentures of their persons They say that they will maintaine a fight on foot at the Barriers with footmens harnesse three pushes with a pike seuen strokes with a sword in the place appointed before the Court gate on Tuesday the 4. day of December from the twelfth houre of the day vntill fiue at night against all commers Praying the Lords the Earle of Arundell the Lord Clinton Gartilapez de Padilla and Don Pedro de Cordoua that they would be Iudges of this Triumph for the better performance of the conditions following First that he which commeth forth most gallantly without wearing on himselfe or furniture any golde or siluer fine or counterfeit wouen embroidered or of goldsmiths worke shall haue a rich Brooch He that striketh best with a Pike shall haue a Ring with a Rubie He that fighteth best with a Sword shall haue a Ring with a Diamond He that fighteth most valiantly when they ioyntly fight together shall haue a Ring with a Diamond He that giueth a stroke with a Pike from the girdle downeward or vnder the Barrier shall winne no prize Hee that shall haue a close gantlet or any thing to fasten his Sword to his hand shall winne no
should not be arested to the vse of his creditors if other meane of satisfaction might be found Because the law compelleth souldiers to pay only so much as they are able yet that fauour extendeth not to all men professing armes but those in particular that haue serued long and for such debtes as they incurred during the time they continued in the warre Here is it also to be remembred that no gift bestowed for seruice may be vpon any priuate contract impawned For if the creditor can be otherwise satisfied then the law determineth no execution shall be taken vpon gifts or goods bestowed for seruice anciently reputed sacred which reason mooued the most Christian king Francis to make an Edict whereby he commanded that vnto such souldiers as wanted money victuall should be sold in credit but if after a conuenient time that debt were not payd then the Treasorer should make stay of the souldiers pay and deliuer it vnto the creditor Likewise Charles the seuenth did forbid that the Armes of souldiers should be sold to satisfie creditors The law of Graecia did also inhibit the taking of Armes for satisfaction of debt yet by the same law power is permitted vnto creditors to arrest any souldiers person that is indebted The same lawe likewise commaundeth that no artificer appertaining to the warre should be personally imprisoned for money yet was it lawfull to extend his goods Solon in his law called Sisacthia made for the Athenians seemeth to thinke it vnreasonable that the body of any Citizen should be imprisoned vpon debt due for vsurie Summarily therefore we say That souldiers are bound to pay so much as they are able and no more which happily mooued Tertullianus to affirme that who so hath possession of any stocke of goods chiefly appertaining vnto the warre he may be forced to pay vnto his creditors so much as is properly his owne but not take any thing belonging vnto the State neither is it lawfull for the father to sell the lands or goods entayled or assured in perpetuum vnto his heires as Papinianus hath written CHAP. 35. ¶ Of Captaines generall Marshals and other chiefe Commanders IN Athens a man called Dionysiodorus did take vpon him to reade an art of conducting and trayning souldiers which skill albeit he had knowen yet could he not enforme any of his auditory how to become a good Commander because the leading of men is indeede the least part of Commanding For it behoueth a Generall not only to conduct an armie but also to prouide things needfull both for the warre and mainteining of men A carefull chieftaine therefore is to shew himselfe patient prudent cautious liberall and such a one as loueth more to giue then to keepe Homer vsed to call Agamemnon a Pastor of people because he carefully intended the safety of his Army Antonius for many qualities no commendable Emperour yet in one point much to be praised because he liked better to be called a companion of armes then a Prince He also sometimes vouchsafed to march on foot and in his owne hand carry the generall ensigne of the armie which was of great poyze and not to be borne of the strongest souldiers without much paine Theodosius the Emperor did not command the meanest souldier to do any thing but that he himselfe would sometimes doe wherein he performed the part of a stout souldier and an excellent chiefetaine which example percase mooued ancient men of warre after victory to elect their Emperour out of the number of notable souldiers for so it seemeth Germanicus was aduanced We likewise reade that Tiberius was pleased to consent that Blesus should be called of the Legions Imperator for that was the ancient title due to Commanders generall The historie of Maximinus sheweth that he became preferred by the warre being borne of obscure parents in Thracia and as some write the sonne of a shepheard Yet because he was a man of great fortune courage and strength by the degrees of warre he aspired to gouerne many Countreys After that time he became Liuetenant generall vnto Alexander and in the end by the Romane armie chosen Emperour Thus much concerning generall Commanders aduanced for proper vertue Plato in his common weale wisheth a Chiefetaine to be elected in this sort A General of horse saith he ought be made by consent of the whole Armie The Praefecti whom we call great commanders were elected by those souldiers that bare targets The Tribunimilitum had their aduancement by voice of men at armes and other Captains of meaner place were appointed by the chiefe General The horsemen did euer giue their voyces first in presence of the foot bands and two of them that gained most voices were appointed to commaund the rest The Captaines also did name him for Emperour that was in seruice most painefull in perill most resolute in action most industrious in execution most quicke and in counsell most prouident In this election no respect was had whether the person elected were a Senator or recommended by the Senate because the qualities aforesayd sufficed to make a Generall as appeared in Maximinus the Emperour in whose election the Senate did not intermeddle That General therefore seemeth of most sufficiencie who knoweth as a souldier how to offend his enemie gouerne his owne forces endure heate and cold sleepe on the ground patiently suffer both labour and lacke For sometimes we see that he who hath authority to command needeth another to command him Some others also are called to authoritie and command in the warre before they haue skill how to doe it or haue read any precepts military or are by the rules of predecessors enformed For a matter of more difficultie it is to know what appertaineth vnto a Captaine then to execute the office of that place seeing skill must precede action and vse goe before commandement In this point we haue heard Francis the French king much commended who kept in memorie the historie of all his predecessors and to witnesse his proper valor at the battel of Pauia wherin albeit he was vnfortunate yet with his owne hand he slew a German Ensignebearer to his eternall glory It seemeth therefore expedient for all Princes and commanders in warre to be well studied in histories and chiefly those that concerne the actions of their ancestors which perhaps moued Edward the third king of England at such time as he made warre vpon Robert the second king of Scots to command a certaine Monke to attend his Maiestie in that expedition and with his penne to expresse in verse being indeed an excellent Poet all the actions and proceedings of that enterprise Mahomet the second king of Turkie endeuoured much to know the histories of his predecessors and gaue bountifull rewards vnto one writer called Iohn Maria of Vincenza for expressing the victorie he obtained against Vssancassan king of Persia as Paulus Iouius noteth much more praise and honour is due vnto those Captaines that haue by long seruice and due degrees of warre
sixt A triumph before King Henry the seuenth A triumph before King Henry the eight Of like Actions in Armes since the Raigne of Queene Elizabeth Cap. 53. The Originall occasions of yeerely Triumphes in England Cap. 54. The Authors conclusion The Prooeme ALbeit in ages more ancient Princes were sometimes pleased to admit priuate Combate and triall by armes yet euen then the lawes determined that no man of base calling could be allowed to fight with any Gentleman or other person by long seruice or vertue become Noble It behoueth therefore to know what Nobilitie and Gentilitie is Be therefore enformed that Nobilitie is as some haue defined it ancient riches accompanied with vertuous qualities Others affirme that riches being of their owne nature vile cannot make men Noble concluding that vertue alone sufficeth Bartholus sayth that vertue onely maketh a man Noble and riches is an ornament thereof Others doe thinke that Nobilitie proceedeth from the ancient honor fame and title of Predecessors because other wise a bondman being vertuous might challenge that honour Some also haue thought that as before God he is most Noble and worthy vnto whom he hath giuen most grace euen so is he most Honourable among men whom Princes or lawes haue aduanced vnto dignitie Howsoeuer it be most sure it is that no man giueth vnto himselfe any title but it behooueth him to receiue it from others Therefore Bartholus concludeth that to be made Noble it is requisite the Prince should bestow some sort of dignitie office or title vpon the person that is ennobled to the end he may be knowne from other men But our opinion is that men may be reputed Noble by three meanes First by nature or descent of Ancestors which is the vulgar opinion Secondly for vertue onely which the Philosophers affirme Thirdly by mixture of Auncient Noble blood with vertue which is indeed the true and most commendable kind of Nobilitie For seeing man is a creature reasonable hee ought be Noble in respect of his owne vertue and not the vertue of others which moued Vlysses to say vnto Aiax boasting of Ancestors Et genus Proauos quae non fecimus ipsi Vix ea nostra voco c. But for manifestation that naturall Nobilitie mixed with vertue is most true and perfect thus may it be prooued The Almighty hath created all things both in generalitie and specialitie with a certaine excellencie and bountie one more perfect then the other one noble another ignoble For among stones some are precious others of no vertue of the better sort of them some more or lesse precious Euen so among liuing creatures both in generality specialitie we find some courteous and gentle others rude and vnciuill Much more is the difference of nature in men among whom the eternall God hath dispensed his grace to some more and to some lesse according to his diuine will and pleasure VVherefore they seeme to erre much that thinke Gentility in nature hath no force when experience proueth that of one race we see wise iust valiant and temperate persons Yet because in ordinarie obseruation we finde that neither the horse of excellent courage doth alwayes beget another of like qualitie nor that the vertuous man hath euer children resembling himselfe we doe not hauing proofe of their degeneration esteeme the one or the other as Iuuenal sayth Malo Pater tibi sit Thersites dummodo tu sis Aeacidae similis Vulcaniaque arma capessas Quà m te Thersitae similem producat Achilles Seeing then that either by nature nurture or endeuour some men are more vertuous then others therefore ought they bee reputed more Gentle Noble and worthy honour then are those which are void of noble Ancestors good education and industrie No rule is so generall or certaine but sometime receiueth exception Yet appeareth it that Nature in her owne operation doth seldome digresse from the order thereof The Faulcon neuer or very rarely bringeth forth other bird then a Faulcon The Greyhound engendereth a whelpe like vnto himselfe Neuerthelesse if either that bird in shape resembling her Dame hath not in her like vertue or that whelpe doth prooue in delight diuers from his Sire they thereby become either contemned or little esteemed Euen so is it among men descending from Ancestors of honour and vertue for if neither by celestiall grace nurture nor endeuour they aspire vnto the habite of vertue then become they thereby vnfit for all publike action vnprofitable to themselues and consequently disdained or at the least lightly regarded what Pedigree Armes or Badges soeuer are to warrant their Ancient Nobilitie VVherefore estsoones concluding I say with the Poet Tota licèt 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 equum facili cui plurima palma Feruet exultat rauco victoria circo Nobilis hic quocunque venit de gramine cuius Clara fuga antè alios primus in aequore puluis CHAP. 1. Of particular Combats with their Originall THe Graecians called a priuat fight Monomachia and the Law Ciuil Duellum as it were the fight of two persons The first vse thereof was among the Mantineians in Greece where they that entred into such Combats did for the most part appeare in pompous apparell with feathers and other ornaments of great magnificence Those fighters also vsed Emblemes and Emprezes This kinde of fight seemeth very ancient for Homer and Virgil make thereof mention CHAP. 2. ¶ Whether Combats may iustly be permitted THe Popes of Rome haue long since inhibited all Combats The Lawes Ciuile also doe seeme to reiect that kind of triall Yet is it reasonable that a martiall man iustly challenged should without offence appeare in the field and with sword in hand defend his honour for by law of Nations it is lawfull he may so doe Yet ought he not without licence to fight within his owne Princes dominion if without losse of reputation he may doe otherwise And in the Romane state without the Magistrates allowance the law did absolutely forbid such fight Therfore as without licence combat was vnlawfull in Rome so was it with the Princes permission auowable for by such warrant Valerius Coruinus Marcus Torquatus and others did fight We reade also that Princes themselues contending for kingdomes by that meane to auoid effusion of blood haue determined their right wherof we haue ancient examples as the combat of Charles Duke of Anioy and Peter of Arragon contending for the Isle of Sicil of Corbis Osua brethren vpon their title to Carthage of
commendably acquite themselues but the other two of that side were ouerthrowen On the other side two only perfourmed their courses well and the rest of that company exceeding euill losing many Lances and running very foule whereof a question grew whether vnto fiue well doers and two euill or vnto two well doers with fiue euil the honour ought to be allotted Albeit in this case much may be spoken yet for that the question is not of any particular mans merit but which partie in generall performed best the enterprize it may be alleaged that the partie wherein were most weldoers ought to haue the honour notwithstanding the fall of two of their companions yet for so much as the fall from horsebacke by the enemies force or vertue is most reprochefull it seemeth that the misaduenture of two men onely may reasonably be the losse of honour to all the rest And therefore we leaue the iudgement of this doubt vnto wise men better experienced in Armes Two gentlemen being in combat for life the Challenger taketh the sword of the Defender from him notwithstanding the Defender most valiantly defendeth himselfe with his arme and hands all the whole day during which time he could not be forced either to denie yeeld or be slaine A question thereupon arose whether of them was victorious Forasmuch as this Combat was for life and that in euery fight of such nature no victory is fully gained vntill the Defender is slaine or els forced to yeeld or denie it seemeth that he is not to be iudged guiltie not hauing done any of these although his sword were lost which indeed in all martiall exercises and feates of Armes is a thing much to be discommended But most certaine it is that in all Combats and actions for honor loue and praise onely whosoeuer loseth his sword must presently also lose the honor and victory Two Gentlemen fighting for life within the Listes the one yeeldeth himselfe a prisoner Whether may the Prince of the place who in combat is elected a Iudge saue the life of him that is vanquished Hereunto may be answered That albeit euery prisoner appertaineth vnto his taker yet hath it commonly bene vsed that the victorious haue presented their prisoners vnto the Prince to be disposed at his good pleasure who in recompense thereof doe vse according to the magnanimous mindes of such persons not onely to pay the charges of the victorious but also in signe of clemencie and mercie set the infortunate prisoner freely at libertie As did the noble King Edward the third of England vnto Iohn Visconti who in his presence was vanquished by Thomas de la March base sonne vnto the French King And Philip Duke of Millain did the like vnto an vnfortunate Gentleman vanquished by a Neoplitane Knight CHAP. 14. Of the honor gained or lost by being disarmed in sundry places and of sundrie peeces A Man that loseth his sword in fight is more reproched then he that loseth his shield For he gaineth the greatest honor that winneth the chiefe weapon from the enemie which is the sword seeing therewith the Emperour and Kings doe create their Knights and the sword is borne before them in in signe of authoritie and Regal power He that loseth his headpiece in fight is more dishonoured then he that loseth his shield because the Helmet defendeth the most principal part of man but the shield armeth a lower place He that loseth his Gauntlet in fight is more to be blamed then he who is disarmed of his Poulderon For the Gauntlet armeth the hand without which member no fight can be performed and therefore that part of Armor is commonly sent in signe of defiance He that is cast out of the Saddle by violence of his aduersaries encounter shal be more reproued then he who falleth by the default of his horse the breaking of Girthes or any such like accident CHAP. 15. ¶ Of the honor gained or lost by the hurts giuen or taken in Combat for life or in triumph HE that in fight loseth his eye shall thereby receiue more dishonour then he that loseth his teeth because the eye is a member seruing the most necessarie sence but the teeth are onely instruments of the mouth He that loseth his right eye is more to be reproached then he that loseth the left eye because the right side is in better opinion of men The like is to be sayd of the hands of the armes and legges If a man hauing but one eye doe fight with another man that hath two in losing that one eye he shall be more blamed then he who hath two eyes although he loseth one He that loseth his whole hand shall be more reproached then he who loseth one eye And he that loseth a foot is more disgraced then he that loseth one hand CHAP. 16. Of Combats auncient TOo long it were to tell the causes and euent of Combats heretofore performed by Princes and other persons of honourable qualitie Neuerthelesse who so desireth to know what was anciently done in matter of such quality let him read the Combats of Dauid with Goliah Of Romulus with Acron of Marcellus with Virdimarus king of France Of the Horatij and Curiatij Of Satibarzanes with Erigius Of Horrates with Dioxippus a Champion Of Alexander with Porus king of the Indians Of Titus Manlius with one other Frenchman of Marcus Valerius with one other Lord of that Nation Of Ionathas the Iewe with Pudentus of a Duke of Bohemia with the Duke of Lancaster Of certaine Christians with a like number of Barbarians Of Seanderbeg alone against three other men Of Valares a Gothian with Artanas an Armenian and many others CHAP. 17. The order of Combats for life in England as they are anciently recorded in the office of Armes at London FIrst the Cartell or Bill of Quarrell aswell of the Challengers behalfe as of the Defenders was brought into the Court before the Constable and Marshall And when the trueth of the cause of quarrell could not be prooued by witnesse nor otherwise then was it permitted the same should receiue triall by force of Armes the one partie by assayling the other by defending The Constable as Vicar generall vnto the King assigned the day of battell which was to be performed within forty dayes next following whereunto both the Challenger and Defender condscended Then were the Combattants commaunded to bring in sufficient pledges for suertie that they and euery of them should appeare and performe the combat betwixt the sunne rising and going done of the day appointed for the acquirall of their pledges and that they nor any of them should doe or cause to be done any molestation damage assault or subtiltie against the person of his enemie either by himselfe his friends his followers or other person whatsoeuer In what sort the King commanded the place of Combat to be made THe Kings pleasure being signified vnto the Cōstable Marshal they caused Lists or Rayles to be made and set vp in length
he wotteth not whither He that with his Launce taketh away the rest of the aduersaries Armor meriteth more honour then he that taketh away any other ornament He that breaketh his Launce on the pomel or bolster of his aduersaries faddle deserueth worse then he who beareth his Launce well without breaking He that breaketh on the face or other part of the horse meriteth worse then he that breaketh not at all He that hurteth an horse shall not receiue honour although before he hath run well for he that hurteth an horse is in like predicament with him that falleth who cannot on that day receiue any honour He is worthy small estimation that cannot gouerne his owne horse or that sitteth loose in his saddle but much is he to be praised that with his force disordereth his aduersary in the saddle He that letteth his Launce fall can claime no commendation And lesse worthy praise is he that knoweth not how it should be charged He that breaketh the Launce furiously in many pieces is more reputed then he that breaketh it faintly in one onely place He that conueyeth his Lance into the Rest in due time is worthy commendation but he that carieth it shaking in his hand or vnstayedly in the Rest meriteth blame He that dexteriously carieth the Launce long on the arme and skilfully conueyeth it into the Rest nere the time of encounter is more allowed them he that suddenly and at the first setting out doth charge it To conclude he is worthy all commendation that beareth himselfe wel on horsebacke that sitteth comely that fitteth his body well with Armor that hath his person so disposed as if it were without Armor that can endure to weare it long that till the end of the day disarmeth not his head He that performeth not all his determined courses ought not receiue any prize or honor He that hurteth or toucheth an horse with his Launce shal neither haue prize nor praise for he is in case as though he had fallen He that doth fall may not run any more in that day vnlesse he falleth on his feet standing right vp and be also a Challenger for in that case he may returne to horse answere all commers because on that day hee is so bound to doe CHAP. 51. Of Iusts and Turnaments how they were anciently iudged by Iohn Tiptoft Earle of VVorcester high Constable of England in the reigne of King Edward the fourth FIrst who so breaketh most speares as they ought be broken shall haue the prize Who so hitteth three times in the height of the Helme shall haue a prize Who so meeteth cronall to cronall shall haue a prize Who so beareth a man downe with the force of his Speare shall haue a prize Here followeth wherefore the prize shal be lost FIrst who so striketh an Horse shall haue no prize Who so striketh a man his backe turned or disgarnished of his speare shall haue no prize Who so hitteth the Toyle three times shall haue no prize Who so vnhelmeth himselfe two times shall haue no prize vnlesse his horse faile him Here followeth how speares shall be allowed FIrst who so breaketh a Speare betweene the Saddle and the Charnell of the Helme shal be allowed one Who so breaketh a speare from the Charnell vpward shall be allowed one Who so breaketh and putteth his aduersary downe or out of the saddle or disarmeth him in such wise as he may not runne the next course after shal be allowed three speares broken Here followeth how Speares broken shall be disallowed FIrst hee that breaketh on the Saddle shall be disallowed for a Speare breaking Who so hitteth the Toile once shal be disallowed for two Who so hitteth the Toile twise for the second shal be abated three Who so breaketh a speare within a foote of the Charnel shal be iudged as no Speare but a Taynt Of prizes to be giuen FIrst who so beareth a man downe and out of the Saddle or putteth him to earth horse and man shall haue the prize before him that striketh Curnall to Curnall He that striketh Curnall to Curnall two times shall haue the prize before him that striketh the sight three times He that striketh the sight two times shall haue the prize before him that breaketh most Speares At the Torney TWo blowes at passage and ten at the ioyning ought suffise vnlesse it be otherwise determined All gripes shockes and foule play forbidden How prizes at Turney and Barriers are to be lost HE that giueth a stroke with a Pike from girdle downeward or vnder the Barre shall haue no prize He whose sword falleth out of his hand shall haue no prize He that hath a close Gauntlet or any thing to fasten his sword to his hand shall haue no prize He that stayeth his hand on the Barre in fighting shall haue no prize He that sheweth not his sword vnto the Iudges before he fighteth shall haue no prize HAuing here spoken of forreine triumphs I thinke it not impertinent and haply my duety also to remember what honour hath bene by like Actions done vnto the Kings of England our own natural Souereigns For albeit the Romans the Persians Syrians being heretofore the most mighty Monarches of the world and consequently of greatest pompe yet in later time and chiefly within these 500. yeeres no Prince Christian hath liued more honourably then the Kings of England And as their prowesse in Armes hath bene great so their Courts for magnificence and greatnesse needed not giue place to any which may appeare by the often and excellent triumphes celebrated before Kings and Queenes of this land Yea certaine it is that neither France Spaine Germany or other Nation Christian was euer honoured with so many Militarie triumphes as England hath bene chiefly in the raigne of her Maiestie who now liueth as hereafter shal appeare For besides other excellent triumphal Actions and Militarie pastimes since her Maiesties raigne a yeerely and as it were ordinary triumph hath bene celebrated to her Highnesse honour by the noble and vertuous Gentlemen of her Court a custome neuer before vsed not knowen in any Court or Countrey And albeit as hath bene formerly remembred the Triumphes of Germany were of great pompe and notable yet because they were furnished with the whole number of Princes and Nobilitie of that Nation and the celebration rare they seeme to me lesse admirable then our owne which haue continued more then 30. yeeres yeerely without intermission and performed chiefly and in effect onely by the Princes Lords and Gentlemen dayly attendant vpon her Maiesties Royal person Whereby the honour of those Actions is indeed due to her Highnesse Court onely CHAP. 52. ¶ Triumphes Military for Honor and loue of Ladies brought before the Kings of England A Triumph before King Edward the third 1343. THis King being the most warlike and vertuous Prince that liued in his dayes happened as mine Author saith to fall in loue with a noble Lady of his Kingdome and
the more rich they were the more they were esteemed Among the Grecians there was not anciently any meane to be aduanced but only by the Emperours seruice wherein whosoeuer did continue any time were he neuer so basely borne should notwithstanding be made a Gentleman The Egyptians and Affyrians would not admit any man to haue the title of a Gentleman vnlesse he were a souldier and skilfull in Militarie affaires The rest of the people liued as slaues without reputation The Tartarians and Muscouites doe holde no man worthy the name of a Gentleman vnlesse he be a man of Armes a Captaine or at the least a souldier of extraordinary account For learning is there of no price CHAP. 19. Of Kingdomes and how Kings are to precede according to the Councell of Constance in the time of King Henry the fift WE reade that anciently the greatest and most noble Kings of the world were these viz. The King of Sycionia the King Egypt and the King of Assyria but of them that of Assyria of greatest power For Ninus the sonne of Belus had conquered and brought to his obedience all the people of Asia India excepted Others affirme hee commaunded the one halfe of the world and some say he was King of a third part So writeth S. Augustine li. 17. cap. 17. de ci Dei It is likewise by other writers said that in ancient time were foure mighty Kingdomes by Daniel compared to foure mettals viz That of Assyrians in the East was likened vnto gold that of the Persians and Medians to siluer that of the North Regions to brasse that of the Romans in the West to yron But the kingdomes of the East were most honourable though at length it pleased God that the Empire of Rome resembled to yron both in longitude and latitude exceeded all others For as yron doth cut and decrease all other mettals so the dominion and power of Romanes abased and eclipsed all other Regall puissance Howsoeuer that were the glory and greatnesse of the Romane force in tract of time did also become of small force weake and feeble according to the prophesie of Daniel ca. 2. But leauing to speake more of times so ancient we say that in Asia the chiefe Kingdomes are Catai Tharses Turnester Corasina India Persia Media Georgia Syria Cappadocia Ethinia c. In Affrica is Ethiopia Libya Arabia Iudea Cilicia Mauritania Numidia and others In Europe are likewise many kingdomes but of them these are most potent viz. England France Scotland Spaine Portugal Denmark Moscouia Sweden Poland c. Now touching the Precedence of these Princes in Europe by diuers writers it is affirmed that the King of France may iustly claime the chiefe place First for that it pleased God to send from heauen vnto Clodoueus the first Christian King of that Nation three Lilies as a Diuine fauour to be from thenceforth borne in the Armes of that kingdome before which time the Kings Armes was three Toades Secondly they alleage that France is the most ancient kingdome of Europe and that Suardus was King of that Nation in the raigne of Alexander Thirdly because the King of France is anointed which indeed seemeth a marke of much preeminence Fourthly for that the French King beareth the title of Most Christian. Lastly because it hath been in sundry papall Consistories decreed that the Ambassadours of France should precede the Ambassadors of Spaine Others hold that Precedencie appertaineth to the King of Spaine First for that he is entituled The most Catholique King Secondly because he is King of many kingdomes and consequently of most honour according to the prouerbe of Sal. In mulitudine populi dignitas regis which reason Salust seemeth also to confirme saying Maxima gloria in maximo Imperio But we say the chiefe place of honour and Precedencie in Europe appertaineth to the King of England First in respect of ancienty For albeit Alexander first King of the Grecians and of Persia called himselfe King of the world euen at that time Brutus was King of England and as some haue sayd Suardus was then King of France But Gaquinus in his Chronicle of France maketh no mention thereof not recordeth his name among the number of French Kings Secondly the king of England is anointed and so is no other king but the French King the King of Sicil and the King of Ierusalem Thirdly the King of England is crowned which honour the King of Spaine Portugal Aragon Nauarra and many other Princes haue not Fourthly the King of England is a Prince most absolute as from whom is no appellation either in iurisdiction Ecclesiastical or Ciuil And albeit Enqueranus Monstellet writeth that in the yeere 1420. at the Interuiew of the Kings of England and France making their entrie into the Citie of Paris the French King did ride on the right hand and kissed the Relikes of Saints first Yet is that no proofe of his right in precedence for Quilibet rex seu Princeps in suo regno in culmine sedere debet so saith Corsetus de potestate Regia And admit that in time more ancient the Kings of France had precedence before England yet since the Conquest famous victories of Henry the fift and Coronation of Henry the sixt in Paris the Kings of England may iustly take place neither is the title of most Christian any proofe of ancienty being only an honour giuen for certein seruices done by King Pepin and Charlemaine to the Church of Rome As for the allegation of Spaine affirming that the King Catholike is owner of many kingdomes and therefore of most honor that reason is of no consequence For so is also the King of England whose only kingdome of England is by nature inexpugnable and so plentifully peopled as sufficeth not onely to defend it selfe against all other Nations but also to inuade and conquer as both Spaine and France hath made experience But the last and most effectuall reason in fauour of England is that the King and people thereof receiued the Gospell and faith Christian before France or Spaine Also the Bishops with the Ambassadours English had precedence in the greatest general Councels of Christendome as particularly appeared at the Councell of Constance where the Bishops of England were present and honoured accordingly At which time it was doubted whether Spaine should be admitted a nation but in the end the Spaniards were allowed for the fift and last nation And al the people there assembled were diuided into fiue classes or rankes viz. Germanes French English Italians and Spaniards The Germane ranke contained themselues Bohemia Hungaria Polonia Dalmatia Graecia and Croatia The French had place alone as a nation absolute To the English Nation Scotland Norway Denmark Sweden and Cyprus were adioyned The Italians had all the Kingdomes subiect to Rome Sicily Naples and Argier With the Spaniards were the Ambassadors and Bishops of Castilia Arragon Maiorca Nauarra Portugall and Granado This assembly contained the Legates and Ambassadors of 83. Kings Besides
priuiledges appertaining to old souldiers for so was it decreed by Tiberius the Emperour and Caligula as Tacitus sayth taking view of his bands dispensed with diuers Captaines before they had gray haires as one that respected rather their imbecilitie and strength decayed then the time they had serued beeing perswaded that age approching was a cause sufficient to merit honest libertie It was therefore thought fit that all souldiers that had well serued should bee left to their libertie Antoninus the Emperour commanded that such men should be dismissed with honour and extraordinarily rewarded Which fauour was granted not onely to men armed but also vnto all officers that followed the Generall and serued in place of reputation yet were they inhibited to keepe company with other men then such as made profession of Armes or to intermeddle in any affaires not appertaining vnto the warre vpon paine to forfeit ten pounds in gold These Emeriti were alwayes ancient seruitours and professours of Armes who continued in Court or Campe euer ready to perfourme the Emperours will and commandement Touching the time of their seruice it seemeth to rest chiefly in the Princes commandement and was sometimes more and sometimes lesse as hath bene formerly said yet in shorter space then ten yeeres no souldier was with grace dismissed as shall be more particularly said in the Chapter of Cassation CHAP. 10. ¶ Of crimes Militarie in generall FIrst it is to be knowen that some crimes be common and punishable in all men and some are proper to men of war onely of the first are forgeries adulterie publique and priuate violence sedition manslaughter burning of houses treason sacrilege other enormities for whosoeuer committeth any such offence whether he be a man of warre or not the punishment due is all one Crimes proper to souldiers are such only as are committed contrarie to discipline Militarie and excuseable in other men not being souldiers Now is it necessarie to vnderstand how crimes contrary to Militarie Iustice ought be punished We call that discipline Militarie whereby men are made obedient and instructed in all such qualities as are required in a souldier And for so much as the readiest way vnto vertue is first to restraine vice we must endeuour by discipline to hold men in obedience And notwithstanding al humane policie and lawes both diuine and humane some men there are so vile and malicious as without respect will commit all actes or iniuries that can be inuented yet good gouernours do forecast not onely what men doe but also what may be done which moued the Romanes to consider that some men did commit faultes beyond expectation in so much as there wanted not of those that haue slaine their owne fathers For which offence Solon in his lawes prouided no punishment and being asked why he did not inflict penaltie vpon those offendors answered he thought not that any man would haue bene so wocked We therefore thinke fit to prescribe punishments vnto all crimes for souldiers like vnto others be neither gods nor perfect creatures but men apt to erre and without restraint of law not to be gouerned Arrius Meander in his first booke Dere Militari saith Crimes properly Militarie are those which a man as a souldier doth commit And here a certaine difference betweene errour and crime is to be noted for we call that an error when any thing is done contrary to common discipline as to be slouthful disobedient and vnwilling but he is said to commit a crime when the fault is accompanied with intent to hurt for without that intent the acte may be imputed to destenie or chance and as a thing happened vnwares therefore Antoninus the Emperour did command Herculianus and other Captaines that if a souldier hauing stroken another man did prooue the act was without intent to kill that then he should not bee condemned of manslaughter as if a man be slaine when souldiers be trained or in exercise of armes then that act is not accounted criminall but casuall yet if such an act be done in any other place the doer thereof shall be reâ—uted guiltie But as the humors of men are diuers so are the crimes by them committed of diuers qualitie as hereafter shall be discoursed CHAP. 11. Of treason and Traytors ALbeit a custome most common it is that Traitors flying vnto the enemie are well entreated and greatly esteemed so long as their seruice is thought profitable yet afterwardes their condition being knowen that credit doth decay and consequently the fauour they finde becommeth euery day lesse then other The law calleth them Traytors that indeuour to betray their Prince or the libertie of their countrey they are also called Traytors that hauing a charge doe yeeld the same vp vnto the enemie of whom it is by law decreed they ought to be capitally punished or at the least discharged Likewise all Explorators or spies that bewray our secrets and enforme the enemie are accounted Traytors and worthy capitall punishment With these offendors the Aegyptians vsed to deale more mildly for in that case the offendors had their tongues cut out and so suffered to liue They were also accounted to haue committed a crime treasonable that furnished the enemie with weapon or munition whereby they might offend vs and we with more difficultie offend them The goods of such men ought be confiscate and their liues subiect vnto death The doctor Paulus iudged that who so did sell any armour vnto the enemie did thereby incurre the forfeiture of his life Edward the third king of England in a Parliament holden at Winchester caused Edmond Earle of Kent to be conuicted of Treason for perswading other Lords to rebell Yet true it is that Traitors are diuersly punished according to the qualitie of the crime the custome of the countrey and the discretion of the Prince Tullus Hostilius king of Rome caused Metius Suffetius guiltie of Treason to be beaten by the Littori and after torne in pieces with horses Antony de Leua defending Pauia discouered a souldier of his had informed the French that in that citie small store of powder remained he called him to be examined and the fault confessed the souldier was put to death and quartered Among the Athenians it was not lawfull to burie a Traitor which was the cause that the bones of Themistocles were secretly caried into his friendes house and there buried Bellesarius finding that a Citizen of Athens called Laurus had complotted treason commanded his bodie should be brought vnto a hill before the citie and there thrust thorow with a stake which maner of death is at this day vsed in Turkie Charles the Emperour making warre vpon Philip duke of Austria practized with certaine of the Captains to perswade Philip to leaue the fielde who hauing compassed so much as the Emperour required they demanded a reward of their treason which was foorthwith payed in counterfeit money and caried home But the Traytors perceiuing the money not to be good returned therewith desiring better
present vnto this most Honourable Order are these Doctor Bilson Prelate B. of Winchester Sir Edward Dier Chauncellour Knight Doctor Benet Register Deane of Windsor William Dethicke Garter Principall K. of Armes Richard Conings by Esquier Vsher. Officers of Armes attendants vpon the said Order W. Camden Clarencieux Kings of Armes W. Segar Norroy Lancaster Chester Heraulds Yorke Richmond Windesor Somerset Rouge-crosse Rouge-Dragon Pursuyuants Portcullis Blewmantle CHAP. 10. Of Knights Bannerets OTher degrees of Knighthood there are in England but because they we are no garment badge or signe to distinguish them from other gentlemen they are not knowen to strangers yet among our selues we know them right wel because euery one hauing such dignitie is called Sir As Sir Thomas Sir Iohn Sir William Sir Simon c. But first of Knights Bannerets A Knight that is to receiue this honour shal be led betweene two other Knights before the King or Generall bearing his Pennon of Armes in his owne hand and in presence of all the Nobilitie and other Captaines the Heraulds shal say vnto the King or his Generall these words folowing viz. May it please your grace to vnderstand that this gentleman hath shewed himselfe valiant in the field and for so doing deserueth to be aduanced vnto the degree of a Knight Banneret as worthy from hencefoorth to beare a Banner in the warre Then the King or Generall shal cause the points of his Pennon or Guydon to be rent off And the new Knight shal goe vnto his tent conducted betweene two other Knights the trumpets sounding all the way before him there to receiue sees viz. to the Heraulds three pound sixe shillings and viij pence And if he were before a Knight Bachelour then is he to pay also vnto the Trumpets twenty shillings I suppose the Scots doe call a Knight of this creation a Bannerent for hauing his Bannerrent Here is to be noted that no Knight Banneret can be made but in the warre and the king present or when his Standerd royall is displayed in the field A Banneret thus made and euery estate aboue him may beare his Banner displayed if he be a Captaine and set his Armes therein as Barons do CHAP. II. Knights of the Bath according to the ancient vse WHen an Esquier commeth to the Court to receiue this Order of Knighthood in time of peace according to the custome of England he shall be very nobly receiued by the officers of the Court as the Steward of Chamberlane if they be present or otherwise by the Marshals and Vshers and there shall be ordayned two Esquiers of honour wise and well learned in courtesie and nurture as also in feates of Chiualry and they shall be Esquiers and Gouernours of all which pertaineth to him who receiueth the order abouesaid and if the Esquier doe come before dinner hee shall serue the King of water or with a dish at the first course onely and then the Esquiers gouernours shall leade the Esquier that is to be Knighted into his chamber without any more adoe at that time and towards euening the Esquiers gouernours shall send for a Barber and hee shall prepare a Bath decked with linnen aswell within the Tubbe as without and that the tubbe be well couered with carpets and mantels for the colde of the night and then the beard of the Esquier shal be shauen and his haire rounded This done the Esquiers gouernours shall goe to the King and say Sir it is euening and the Esquier is readie at the Bathe when it shall please ye Whereupon the King shal command his Chamberlaine to conuey to the chamber of the Esquier the most gentle and wisest Knights that are then present to enforme counsell and instruct him in the order and feates of Chiualrie and likewise that the other Esquiers of that house with minstrelsie doe goe before the Knights singing playing and dancing to the chamber doore of the said Esquier And when the Esquiers gouernours doe heare the noyse of Musicke they shall vncloth the Esquier and put him naked into the Bath But at the entring of the chamber the Esquiers gouernours shall cause the musicke to cease and the Esquiers also for a time This done the Knights shall enter into the chamber still without making any noyse and then the Knights shall doe reuerence one to the other who shall be the first to counsell the Esquier in Order of the Bath and when they are agreed then the first shal go to the Bath and kneeling downe before the tubbe shal say secretly Sir great honour may this Bath be vnto you and then he sheweth him the maner of the Order that best he can and then putteth some of the water of the Bath vpon the shoulder of the Esquier and taketh leaue and the Esquiers gouernours shall attend on each side of the Bath themselues and after that same maner shall all the other Knights do one after another till they haue all done and then the Knights depart out of the chamber for a season This done the Esquiers gouernours doe take the Esquier out of the Bath lay him in his bed till he be dry which bed ought to be simple without curtens and being dry he shal rise out of his bed and apparelled somewhat warme because of the coldnes of the night and ouer all his apparell he shal weare a coat of Russet cloth with long sleeues after the manner of an Hermit with an hood The Esquier being out of the Bath and made readie the Barber shall take away the Bath and all that is about the same aswell within as without and take them for his fees and likewise the Coller if hee be an Earle Baron Banneret or Bachelor Knight according to the custome of the Court This done the Esquiers gouernours shall open the chamber doore and let the Knights enter in to leade the Esquier to the Chappell And when they are entred the Esquiers singing and dauncing shall be brought before the Esquier with their melodie to the Chappell And when they are entred into Chappell then spices and wine shall be giuen to the sayd Knights and Esquiers And the Esquiers gouernours shall lead the Knights before the Esquier to take their leaues And he shall thanke them altogether for their trauell honor and courtesies And so they depart after whom the Esquiers gournours shall shut the doore and let no man tarie in the Chappell except the Esquiers his gouernours the Priests Chandler and Watch. And so he shall remaine in the Chappell till it be almost day alwayes in prayer desiring God to blesse and increase his grace in him to giue him power and comfort to take this high temporall dâ—gnitie to the honour and prayse of him the holy Church and order of Knighthood And when day appeareth they shal cause the Priest to say prayers and communicate if he will And from the entring of the Chappell doore hee shall haue a candle of waxe borne before him Prayers being begunne one of the Gouernours
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
Lea and S. Pye either of them being disarmed on the head departed The tenth encounter was betweene Aubrigcourt and Roy. This Aubrigcourt was not borne in England but brought vp in the Court of the most noble King Edward At their first course they were both violently stricken on the head and in the next on the breast and so they parted But Aubrigcourt not so contented challenged Bouciquaut who answered him two courses with equall fortune and the third course they were both disarmed on the head Such was the successe of the third dayes meeting The fourth meeting ON Thursday which was the last these noble Knights returned to the field where Godfrey Eustace made the first encounter against Bouciquaut and were both hurt on the head The next encounter was betweene Alanus Burgius and S. Pye with being both disarmed on the head The next encounter was betweene Iohannes Storpius and Bouciquaut in which courses the English mans horse was said to fall downe The next encounter was betweene Bouciquaut and an English Knight called Hercourt belonging to the Queene of England but not borne in England At the first course Bouciquaut missed and the English Knight brake crosse which is an errour in Armes and thereupon much disputation arose betweene the French and English For the French affirmed that Hercourt by law of Armes had forfeited his Horse and Armes but at request of the company that fault was remitted and he permitted to runne one course more against Roy who had not runne that day and therefore willingly consented The courses betweene these Knights were exceeding violent but the Englishman being wearied was vtterly throwen from his horse and as a dead man lay flat on the ground but afterwards he reuiued lamenting that disgrace The fifth encounter was betweene Robert Scrope and S. Pye who after three courses gaue ouer without losse or gaine The sixth encounter was betweene Iohn Morley and Reginaldus Roy for the first blow was so violent as forced their horses to stand still in the place of meeting The seuenth encounter was betweene Iohannes Moutonius and Bouciquaut both of them at the first meeting had their shields pearced and after were disarmed on the head The eight encounter was betweene Iaqueminus Stropius and S. Pye At the first course both their horses went out At the second they brake both on the head At the third both their Lances fell from them and at the last the Englishman pearced through the Aduersaries shield but was himselfe dismounted The ninth encounter was betweene Guilielmus Masqueleus and Bouciquaut These Knights with equall courage and skill perfourmed well their courses The last encounter was betweene Nicolas Lea and S. Pye the one and the other of them brake their Launces well till at the last they were both disarmed on the head The Challenge thus ended all the troupe of English Knights hauing attended that busines full foure dayes thanked the French Knights for being Authours of so honourable a triumph On the other side the French much thanked the English for their company and the King who was there secretly returned home where hee enformed the Queene what honour had bene done to all Ladies CHAP. 39. The triumphant Interuiew of the Kings of England and France An. 1519. THese most excellent Princes hauing occasion of conference appointed a meeting in Picardie The day drawing neere the king of England passed the seas and arriued at Calice from whence hauing reposed himselfe he remoued to Guynes The French King likewise being come lodged at Ardes Betweene the one and the other of those townes as it were in the mid-way a place of meeting was appointed Thither went the one and the other of those Kings most royally mounted and followed with so great magnificence as in an hundred yeeres before the like sight had not bene seene in Christendome Some writers haue in vaine laboured to set downe the royalty and exceeding pomp of those Courts which might be seene but not expressed At the place of meeting two Pauilions were erected the one for the French king the other for the King of England These Princes being come embraced one the other and that done they went together into one Pauilion The French King was accompanied with his Lord Admiral called Boniuett his Chancellor and some fewe other Counsellors The King of England had with him the Cardinall of Yorke the Duke of Norffolke and the Duke of Suffolke Then hauing set in counsel and returned to their Pauilions they bethought them of entertainement sports and princely Complements For which purpose commandement was giuen that a Tilt should bee erected where Iusts Tournaments and other triumphall exercises continued about fifteene dayes for so long those Princes remained there One day the King of England conuited the French King feasted him in his Pauilion which was a building of wood containing foure roomes exceeding large and so richly furnished as haply the like had not bene seene in Christendome That Frame was purposely made in England and after the feast taken downe to be returned One other day the French King feasted the King of England in his Pauilion wherein hanged a cloth of Estate marueilous large and so rich as cannot be expressed The ropes belonging to that Pauilion were make of yellowe silke and gold wreathed together The Kings being ready to dine there happened so great a storme of wind as fearing the Pauilion could not stand they remooued from thence to the place where the Fortresse is nowe and beareth the name of that banquet The apparell Iewels and other Ornaments of pompe vsed by Princes Lords Gentlemen awaiting on those Kings cannot be esteemed much lesse expressed for as mine Author sayth some caried on their backes the prise of whole woods others the weight of ten thousand sheepe and some the worth of a great Lordship CHAP. 40. A Triumph celebrated in France Anno 1559. WHen the mariage betweene the King of Spaine and Elizabeth eldest daughter of Henry the French King was concluded in signe of congratulation and ioy a royal Triumph was proclaimed and prepared at Paris whereunto the Nobilitie of all France Spaine and the Lowe countreys repaired which done a solemne Iust and other military sports were taken in hand wherein the King in his owne person the Duke of Ferrara the Duke of Gwyze and the Duke of Nemors were Challengers The place for performance of that Action was appointed in the streete of S. Anthony in Paris and there a Tilt with euery furniture fit for such a feast was prepared To that place as at like occasions it happeneth resorted an infinite number of people to behold for whom scaffolds and stages were ready to receiue them and those places not capable of so excessiue a number many of the people bestowed themselues on the sides and roofes of the houses The first courses were performed by the French King to his great glory the rest of the Challengers also very honourably did the like Then the Lords and
speede pearced further into the Iland till in the end of three assaults he gained the place where the fatall sword was whereof hauing layd hold he flourished ouer his head and forthwith the misty cloudes of darkenes vanished so as euery man might see all places of the Castel The darkenes of the fortresse thus driuen away the Prince with his inchanted sword touched the wals and immediatly they fell downe The castel thus demolished the Inchanter Norabroc with a Turkish cap on his head came forth and kneeling on his knees desired the Princes pardon Therewith also he set at libertie all the knights whom he held in prison and they being free in triumphant wise foâ—lowed the Prince to his Court. CHAP. 42. The inauguration of Carolus Magnus King of Italy Anno 773. WHen Desiderio King of the Lombards was taken prisoner and the people of Lombardie yeelded to Charles he proclaimed himselfe King of all Italy which title by law of Armes he iustly claimed to be his The same was also by the decree of Pope Gregory confirmed Then was he also by the Bishop of Milan crowned at Modena The crowne he receiâ—ed was of iron for of that mettall he commanded it should be made enioyning all his successors to doe the like The order and ceremonies of that coronation remaineth recorded in the Rota at Rome and is to this day obserued at the Inauguration of all Emperours when they are elected King of Romanes The morning when this Charles was to be crowned certaine Bishops were sent to conduct him from his chamber vnto the Church and being come thither he was brought before the high Altar Then the Archbishop after he had said certaine prayers turned himselfe to the people and asked them whether they did consent to receiue that Prince for their King and whether they determined faithfully to obey his lawes and commandements So soone then as the people had pronounced their consent the Bishop with holy oyle anointed the Kings head his breast and shoulders therewith praying God to blesse him and grant him good successe in Armes with an happie succession of children These Ceremonies being ended the Archbishop deliuered into the Kings hand a sword and ornified him with a bracelet a ring and a scepter Also vpon his head he set the crown aforesaid All those things being done he kissed him as a signe of peace and so departed from the King CHAP. 43. The Inauguration of Carolus Magnus being made Emperour Anno 800. WHen the people inhabiting the confines of Beneuento had much molested that Countrey and were subdued by Vinigesius the sonne of Charles then Duke of Spoleto Leo the Bishop of Rome in the time of prayers when all the people were assembled the Barons of Rome also present did consecrate and anoint Charles before the Altar Basilica where he also receiued the Ensignes of the Empire From thence he was conducted to the chiefe Altar of the Temple and there anointed when he had raigned in France 33 yeeres before which time no Emperour in three hundred and thirtie yeeres had bene seene in Italy This order of coronation hath euer since bene obserued At euery such coronation the people with one voice did cry Carolo Augusto Magno Pacifico vita victoria The same time also Pypin his sonne was anointed and by solemne decree of the Pope declared King of Italy CHAP. 44. The Inauguration of Pope Gregorie x. IN the yeere 1268. Pope Clement the fourth died at Viterbo After whose death the Papacie by discord of Cardinals was voide two yeeres and nine moneths The Cardinals then present in Court were seuenteene whose disconformitie continued the seat voyd almost three yeeres yet did they assemble often but euery one ambitiously affecting the Papacie for himselfe nothing could be concluded for in those dayes the Cardinals were not shut vp in the conclaue as since hath beene the vse but euery one went at libertie and at his pleasure The creation of the Pope thus deferred Phillip the Frence King and Charles king of Sicill came vnto Viterbo to sollicite the election yet they preuailed not One day these Kings being present in the Conclaue the Cardinall of Porto seeing the frowardnesse of the other Cardinals who seemed to pray ayd of the holy Ghost in that action said vnto them My Lords let vs vntile the roofe of this chamber for it seemeth the holy Ghost cannot enter if the house be still couered And so soone as he heard that Gregory was pronounced Pope he framed these verses of that election viz. Papatus munus tulit Archidiaconus vnus Quem patrem patrum fecit discordia fratrum This Pope before his ascension was called Theobaldus an Archdeacon no Cardinall being also at that time beyond the sea at Ptolemaida in Syria whether he was gone with Edward the King of Englands eldest son From thence they intended among other pilgrims to go vnto Ierusalem But hearing he was pronounced Pope returned from Syria into Italy and being come to Viterbo he receiued the Ensignes of Papacie From thence he passed to Rome and was there crowned by the name of Gregory the tenth He liued Pope sixe yeeres sixe moneths and tenne dayes and finding fault with some orders of the Church chiefly in electing the Pope he framed diuers Canons of which these are part First that the assembly of Cardinals for choise of euery new Pope should be at a place fit for the purpose and where the Pope defunct with his Court did die But if the death hapened in any village or small towne then the next citie to be the place of election That no election of any new Pope should be till after ten dayes that the other Pope departed to the end the Cardinals absent might appeare That no Cardinal in his absence should be permitted to haue any suffrage or voice in the conclaue That euery Cardinal absent and euery other person of any condition should be capable of the Papacie That no Cardinal entred into the Conclaue should goe out before the new Pope were created That no Cardinal or other person should ambitiously endeauour to compasse the Papacie by money or other corruption vpon perill of the Popes curse CHAP. 45. ¶ The Inauguration of Henry the 4. King of England 1399. THis King called before Duke of Lancaster came first to Westminster and from thence he went vnto the Tower of London accompanied with the Nobilitie and the rest of his Court there he made nine Knights of the Bath and 46. other Knights The next day after dinner he returned to Westminster in great pompe he himselfe riding through London kept his head bare and about his neck he ware the collar appertaining to the Order of Fraunce Before the King went the Prince his sonne sixe Dukes sixe Earles and eighteene Barons besides other Lordes Knights Esquiers and Gentlemen to the number of 900. or thereabout By the way awaited the Lord Mayor with his brethren and officers of the City Also the companies of euery
performed by King Henry the eight Francis the French King with their Nobility and Gentlemen of Armes at their enteruiew in Picardie where the Proclamation in forme aforesaid was pronounced in English and French It seemeth that in ages more ancient the vse was that the Prince did also giue a letter of attestation to such persons as gained any prize either in combat for life or honour for my selfe haue read such a one granted by a King of France vnto an Italian Gentleman in these words following wherunto was added an honourable ceremony NOi Filippo per gratia di Dio Re di Franza c. Notifichiammo a tutti coloro a quali perueranno queste nostre littere che lo haranno a grado in piacere e generalmente a Imperadori Re Duchi Marchesi Conti Principi Nobili Caualierie Gentilhuomini Come hauendo noi celebrato le nostre feste a honore a laude a gloria di nostro Signor Dio ad honore di tutti i Caualieri che sono venuti a combattere a tutto transito in questo honorato passo di Armi. Vogliamo che siano riconosciuti coloro che si saranno valorosamente portati senza essermai vinti pure vna volta poi che si debbe dar l' honore a chi merita ch' esenza menda Però per queste ordoniammo commandiammo e sententiammo che a gloria a honore a laude a fama del egregio e virtuoso Caualiere N. esso sia publicato in tutti quatro i cantoni delle lizze sbarre dai Re d' armi Araldi Passauanti con trombette e Sonatori con consentimento nostro delli giudici del campo rappresentanti la persona nostra per lo miglioâ—e di tutti i Caualieri de nostro regno Et commandâ—ammo che sia posto sopra vn cauallo tuito bianco e che tutti coloro che vi si truoueranno cosi donne come huomini vengono con esso not tutti a Piedi e sia fatta processione generale e N vada sotto il baldacchino fino alla chiesa Appresso commandiammo ordoniammo che vscendo della chiesa si vada per tutte le lizze sbarre e N. ne prenda la possessione e per i Re d' Armi gli siano date tutte le châ—aui delle dette lizze in segno di vittoria Et ancora commandiammo che siano celebrate feste che durino quindeci giorni a laude gloria del vittorioso N. E perche ciascuno conosca la real verita di questo fatto habbiamo segnata la presente carta con color vermiglio e suggellata col nostro Real Suggillo Data nella nostra Citta di Parigi a 4. di Luglio c. The same in English PHilip by the grace of God King of France c. Be it knowen to all men to whome these Letters shall come and to euery other person that take delight or pleasure in Arms and generally to all Emperors Kings Dukes Marquesses Earles Princes Barons and other Gentlemen That we haue celebrated a solemne triumph to the honor praise and the glory of God and the commendation of such as did fight in this honourable action of Armes And beeing desirous that they who haue valorously perfourmed their parts without receiuing blame or disgrace should be knowen to the end honour may be giuen to euery one according to his merit Therefore we haue hereby ordained commanded and iudged for the euerlasting honour praise and glory of the excellent and vertuous Gentleman N. his name shall be proclaimed in all the foure corners of the Lists or place of Iousts by the king of Armes the Heralds and Puâ—seuants and by the censure of the Iudges of the field representing our person whereby all men may knowe that the sayde N. is the most excellent and most vertuous Gentleman of Armes in all our kingdome Wee moreouer commaund that hee shall be mounted vpon a white horse and that euery person present as well women as men shall with vs follow him in procession on foot And that the said N. shall ride vnder a canopy vnto the Church We likewise ordaine and commaund that in returne from the Church hee shall passe through the place of Iousts and there take possession of the keyes which shall be deliuered vnto him by the king of Armes in signe of victory Lastly wee commaund that the celebration of the feast shall continue the space of fifteene dayes to the commendation and glory of the victorious N. And in witnes of the very troth in this matter we haue signed these Letters with red inke and thereunto set our Royall Seale Dated in our Citie of Paris the 4. of Iuly c. CHAP. 50. Of Iusts and Turneaments and how the accidents in such exercises are to be iudged in the Kingdome of Naples IT is written how at a triumph in the noble citie of Naples a Gentleman called the L. Peter Counte of Derise receiued so furious an encounter by the Launce of another that ran against him that therewith he became at one instant disarmed of his shield his Curats and Headpeece so as he being vtterly disarmed was left on horsebacke in his doublet onely without other harme In requital whereof the said Peter gaue vnto the other Gentleman so violent a blow as therewith the girthes of the horse were broken and the man cast headlong on the ground Whereupon a question was moued which of them had merited most honour or rather which of them deserued least reproch Whereunto was answered absolutely that he who fell from the horse was most dishonored for next vnto death to fall from the horse is most reprochfull Yet it is lesse disgrace to fall with the horse then to fal alone and therefore albeit a man doth runne neuer so well if in the end he doth fall from the horse he can by no meanes receiue honour for that day but shal rather depart with disgrace Who so fighteth on foot at Barrier or in any other exercise of Armes is by the force of his aduersary constrained with his hand to touch the ground shall thereby lose all commendation He that on horsebacke directeth his Launce at the head is more to be praised then he that toucheth lower For the higher the Launce hitteth the greater is the Runners commendation Whoso runneth low is not onely vnworthy praise but also meriteth reproch And he who so carieth his Launce comely and firme is more to be praised although he breake not then he who misgouerneth his horse or vnskilfully handleth his Launce although he doeth breake He that vseth to runne high sitteth steadily and mooueth least in his course accompanying his horse euenly and iustly is in running worthy all commendation He that falleth with the encounter of the aduersary although as is before said the same be a great disgrace yet is it more excuseable then if he remaineth on horsebacke amazed suffering his horse to wander
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