Works of armory, divided into three books, entitled, the Concords of armory, the armory of Honour, and of Coats and Creastes, collected and gathered by john Bossewell Gentleman.  
In aedibus Richardi Totelli.  
Anno domini. 1572.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum   

To the right honourable and his singular good lord, Sir William Cecil Baron of Burghleigh, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Lord high Treasurer of England, master of the courts of wards and Liveries, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and one of the Queen's majesties privy Counsel, john Bossewel wisheth long health with increase of honour.  
RIght honourable, and my singular good Lord, I have marveled upon occasion, of late, that among the numbers of books, in their several kinds, not only by their authors diligently devised, but surely by the printers of these days, for the most part procured, and to their exceeding great charges, faithfully & exactly published: I find so few, that I could almost have said none, to have written in our native tongue, of the science and skill of Armoury. Truly in my opinion, a very fruitful necessary, and honourable argument, but might I deem, or were it rashness, as tully in his Tusculans, in the comparison between the Romans & Grecians, which might exceed other, or be more ancient in knowledge, saith of such, as of them lay neglect, Honos alit artes omnesque incendunt' ad studia gloria, Surely not unlike, but as in all other things, so in science, what availeth service, where sovereignty is neglected, what activity where men lie down to sleep, with sloth: what love, what friendship, where no man builds on faith or credit, so takè honour from law, reward from Phificke, admiration from mathematicals, humility and zeal, from heavenly science, and who sets his son to school for them: no doubt Tully said full wisely, keep back reward, and learning adieu. Yet some there are, that feed not altogether of this humour, and they rake together the few sparkles of knowledge hid, and almost dead in the ashes of oblivion, and either themselves build a fire thereof, or give occasion to others, such one was of late specially in this kind of Herehaultry, a very fruitful and worthy writer master Gerard Leigh, and such do I offer myself at this present meaning to add somewhat farther, or give occasion to others, not drawn by hope of reward, which rather would have kept me back, but honour of the science, love of my country, and especially my bounden and duitifull estimation of your honourable favour: whereunto as I do with reverence offer and dedicate this simple thing (scarce worth the reading in respect of the handling, yet for the substance, not to be altogether neglected) so I most humbly beseech your honour to accept the same, and be Patron thereof: whereby you shall not only stay, and rear up this declining knowledge, to your great renown, but bind me for ever, by all manner of duties, and specially to pray for your honourable estate, long to continue in favour with God, credit with your sovereign, honour with your country, fidelity with your Peers, and love towards armoury.   

Cilenus' censure of the author, in his high court of Herehaultry.  
A Court there stands twixt heaven & earth, all gorgeous to behold  
of royal state, in second sphere, a hugy building old,  
Portcolized & barred with bolts, of gold resplendent bright,  
of glistering gems, through Pallas power, bedazeling each  
that no man may come in except he have the perfect skill, (man's sight  
of Herehauts art, and climbed hath, Parnassus' sacred hill.  
Within this stately court, like number rooms are found,  
like number flags, like number arms, as realms upon the ground.  
About the walls more wondrous work, then framed by mortal hand,  
each Herehauts lively counterfeit, in seemly sort doth stand.  
within these severed rooms, through walls, ibuilt of Crystal clear  
Each thing that longs to Herehauts art, doth perfectly appear.  
There leger books, of ancient gests, ywrit by Pallas hand,  
there campinges, mornings, musters, there pedigrees do stand.  
There cumbats fierce, there summons bold, there triumphs passing brave  
of trowning kings, of dubbing knights, the orders there they have.  
Both single coats, and marshalled of each renowned wight,  
with visitations, which allottes to each desert his right.  
Reversed coats (not hidden there) bewray disloyal deeds,  
Caparisons there fixed hang, and bardings strong of steeds.  
With armours fully furnished, and gauntlets unredemd,  
such uncouth sights, each office holds, as cannot be esteemed.  
At upper end of all this court, as severed from the rest.  
with flaunting Penon stands a house, as famous as the best.  
Where portrayed are the English arms, from which dependeth brave.  
a golden garter in the which, a golden George they have.  
Unto this place assembled was, each wight within this hall,  
and did admire a golden book, which fell amongst them all.  
Blown up by blast of flying fame, which took her tromp in hand,  
of burnished gold, whereto she plied, her lips as she did stand  
in Brutus' realm, whereon when they a little space had pride,  
abashed at the hidden skill, which in that work they spied  
They stamped, they stared, they fret, they fumed, & all in one they joined  
upon the author to complain, because he had purloined  
Their secrecies: when suddenly from highest regal throne  
was drawn a traverse rich, wherewith they whusted every one.  
Within this, far more stately court, are rich achevements brave  
and none but Gods, or fellow mates to gods as there may have  
there armes●there both Alcides spoils & Iason● fleece remained,  
with Gorgon's head and Perseus praise, & who so erst had gained  
A noble name eternizd was, for there did splendent shine  
the ancient Pegasus, which erst Minerva dame divine  
To inner Temples martyall gave, to whose redoubted grace,  
in honour jove, in prows Mars, in wit herself gives place▪  
No god ne wight, of worthy fame, but hath portrayed there,  
the field, the shield, the coat, the crest, which he of right should bear.  
Their shivered shafts, and broken bow, bears jove subdued in field,  
and Mars that sinned with Venus once, his dreadful geuly shield.  
hath charged with furs, a note whereby to know a lechers life,  
Thyestes' there a difference hath, which lay with brother's wife.  
Each vice detected there, by blazons art, at point devise,  
and all the walls with imagery, were graven story wise.  
The siege of Thebes, the fall of Troy, in beaten massy gold,  
dan Vulcan hath set out at large, full geazon to behold.  
Each thing that happed until this day, did plainly there appear,  
Thenthronizing of jove, and eke Saturnus mournful cheer  
that was exiled, & how the gods bewailed that dismoale day,  
when Mars and Venus wounded were, by Diomedes in fray.  
And Phoebus wailing 〈◊〉, and pomp of triumphs proud,  
for daunt of Giatm●s stern, which fall of mighty jove had vowed.  
All this engraven was, in precious stones of proudest price,  
Each thing set out in colours due, to think a acquaint device.  
In midst whereof, Cilenus sits, installed in gravest sort,  
In stately chair of A●athist which virtues four support.  
Vicegerent god, in Palace place, which moved with tumult rare,  
the cause of stir in English house bad Gerard Leygh declare.  
O god (qd he) in humblest wise, right now blown up by Fame,  
behold a book which breeds these broils, peruse I pray the same.  
He takes the book, & as about he cast his glancing eye,  
beholding winged Pegasus, by chance he doth espy  
A wight in snow white gown, & crowned with branch of laurel tree,  
that Allen Sutton had to name, come Sutton come saith he  
Which were not in thy country known, as thou deservedst of late,  
whose snow bright skill, by snow procured: the Fates to hast thy fate  
Yet maugre Death thou here shalt live, eternised for aye,  
do read this work that seems so strange, this novelty display.  
And as he reads, they all admire, but most admireth he,  
here Ferond▪ says, he hits my grace, lo here he steals from me.  
Then A●ciate liketh Boswels vain, but last he doth deface,  
his work, for why, lo here sayeth he, he takes from me my grace.  
Then Vpton blames him for the like, than Plin●e gins to speak,  
and every one in fine on him, doth thus his anger wreak.  
When Majesty cries whus●e: and sad Cilenus thus doth say,  
tush hold your peace, content yourselves, if well the case you way,  
just cause have you to praise the man, that aids your art so well,  
in blazon, and in nature's skill, who doth so much excel.  
By whom you live, more cause have I, and Pallas to complain,  
which fear lest jove, some other imp, hath fostered in his brain.  
Or that some other Maia hath brought forth some other son,  
Surpassing Pallas and myself, and then we are undone.  
Which hath conspired in spite of us, and flowering Greece to frame,  
In britain soil a Helicon from whence this Author came.  
Which said: he flies to skies, hereof to take advice,  
The court broke up, they claud their ears, & parted with a trice.  
¶ Nicolas Roscarrocke.   

¶ The names of the authors aswell latins as others, out of the which these works are chiefly collected and amplified.  

¶ Latin authors.  
Alciatus Emblem.  
Aristoteles de animalibus  
Aulus Gellius Noc. Attic.  
Bartho. de propri. rerum  
Bartholus de insigniis  
Boccatius  
Carion  
Caelius antia. lectionum.  
Cicero  
Diescorides  
Diodorus Siculus.  
Erasmus.  
Epius de Ro. gestis.  
Franciscus Patritius.  
Gaguinus super Franc. ges.  
Herodot.  
Horatius.  
Isidorus Etymolog.  
justinus  
Leonicus de varia histor.  
Lucan.  
Mantuan. Buco.  
Nauclerus  
ovidius.  
Plinius natural. hist.  
polidorus Angl. hist.  
Plutarch. vitis.  
Quintus Curtius.  
Ravisius' tex. Natu. his.  
Sebast. Munsterus.  
Theophrastus' de plantis.  
Vegeseus de re militari.   

¶ French authors.  
Frossard.  
Gabriel Simeon  
jehan le Fe●on.  
Paradin.   

¶ English writers.  
G. Chaucer.  
Io. Gower.  
S. Tho. Eliot.  
Io. Lidgate.  
D. Wilson  
Gerard Leigh.  
Richard Grafton.  
Io. Maplet.   
And out of divers other ancient writers, whose names are not certainly known.  
Facessat Calumnia.   

¶ The Concords of armory, with the description of the four Cardinal virtues, and other precepts and rules, necessary to be known of all those, which would account themselves to come of gentle blood.  
BEfore I will begin to blaze or descrive any part of Arms, or the terms thereunto appertaining, it shallbe showed, what these words, Arma, or Insignia (being latin words) do signify. 
Arma. Insignia.  Arma, (as Isidore sayeth) generaliter omnium rerum instrumenta sunt. And Arma, be not taken only for the instruments of all manner of crafts, but also for harness, and weapon, also standards and Banners, some time Battles. 
herald.  In all which things the heralds, especially before others, have the secret intelligence, and understanding thereof: as also of several languages, most meet for their calling, in such high service. Insignia, are signs, & tokens of honour, which commonly of heralds be called Arms, 
Bage.  or Badges of gentlemen. They be also called Symbola heroica i signs, 
Symbola Heroica.  prices, or marks appertaining to nobleness: and whereby every estate, or man of great authority is known: the noble, from the ignoble, the gentle from the ungentle: and the free man, from the bond. And these Arms or Ensigns (as diverse authors do affirm) do occupy 9 
9 sundry ●ieldes.  sundry fields, of the which 7. of them be termed colours, & two Metals, as ensue.  

Metals. 2.  
Gold, & term them Or &  
Silver. term them Argent.   

Colours. 7.  
Red. term Gules.  
Blue. term Azure.  
Black. term Sable.  
Greene.. term Vert.  
Violet. term purpur.  
Orange Tawny & term Ten &  
Murrey. term Sanguine.   
9 planets, and Stars, which are compared or likened unto the said Metals and Colours, and are used in Blazon.  

planets.  
The Sun is compared to Gold.  
The Moon. is compared to Silver.  
Mars is compared to Gules.  
jupiter is compared to Azure.  
Saturn is compared to Sable.  
Venus is compared to Verte.  
Mercury is compared to purpur.   

Stars.  
the Dragons head, is compared to Ten.  
the Dragons tail. is compared to Sanguine   

Precious stones. 9  9 Precious stones, of divers colours and virtues which the Herehautes do use in Blazon, for & in the name of the 9 colours in Arms, and are thus likened. videlicet.  

Precious stones 9  
The topaz. 1 to Gold. 1.  
The Pearl. 2 to Silver. 2.  
The Ruby. 3 to Gules. 3.  
The sapphire. 4 to Azure. 4.  
The Diamond. 5 to Sable. 5.  
The emerald. 6 to Verte. 6.  
The Amatiste. 7 to purpur. 7.  
The jacinthe. 8 to Ten. 8.  
The Sardonix. 9 to Sanguine. 9   
THE natures, operations, and virtues of the said planets, Stars, and precious Stones, may partly be seen and red in the book of late made by Master Gerarde Legh, entituled, The Accidence of armoury. Yet I wish the reader hereof, diligently to note and understand, what is written of the said 9 precious Stones, by Isidore, 
Isidore.  in his 16. book Ethimologiarum. Cap. 7.8.9.10. & 13. which I have drawn out of the same Author, as he writ them in Latin, for that no person which would covet to have the name of a gentleman, aught to be altogether ignorant in the same tongue.  

De praedictis 9 gemmis.  
TOpazion, 
The topaz.  ex virenti genere est omnique colore resplendens, in venta primum in Arabiae insula, in qua Trogloditae praedones fame et tempestate fessi, cum herbarum radices effoderent, eruerunt. Quae insula postea quaesita, nebulis cooperta, tandem a navigantibus inventa est. Sed ob hoc locus & gemma nomen ex causa accepit. Nam Topazin Trogloditarum lingua, significationem habet quaerendi. Est autem amplissima gemmarum: eadem sola nobilium limam sentit. Pliny saith, that this Gem is of grassy colour, although that in Germany, it is found like to Gold: and otherwhere, of that bigness and quantity, that Philadelphus is said to have framed thereof and made an Image in length of four Cubits.  
MArgarita prima candidarum gemmarum, quam inde Margaritam aiunt vocatam, qd in conculis marinis hoc genus lapidum inveniatur. Inest enim in carne Cochleae calculus natus, sicut in carne Ostrcae praeciosissima Margarita reperiri dicatur: vel sicut in cerebro piscis lapillus. Gignitur autem de celesti roar, quem certo anni tempore concule hauriunt. Ex quibus Margaritis quaedam Vniones vocantur, 
The Pearl Unions.  aptum nomen habentes, qd tantum unus, nunquam duo vel plures simul reperiantur. Meliores autem candidae Margaritae, quàm que flavescunt. Illas enim aut iu●entus, aut matutini roris conceptio reddit candidas: has senectus, vel vespertinus aer gignit obscuras. Pearls, were the only meat, wherewith the jews lived long, having nothing else to eat, when the City of jerusalem was besieged by Tytus, as witnesseth josephus.  
OMnium ardentium gemmarum principatum Carbunculus habet. Carbunculus autem dictus ꝙ sit ignitus ut carbo, cuius fulgor nec nocte vincitur. 
The Carbuncle, or Ruby.  Lucet enim in tenebris adeo ut flammas ad oculos vibret. Genera eius duodecim, sed prestantiores qui videntur fulgere, & velut ignem effundere. Carbunculus autem Grece Anthrax dicitur. The Carbuncle, so warreth with the eye sight, that it showeth manifold reflections. It is found in Libya.  

The Sapphire.  THe sapphire, is a Gem sky coloured or Blue, like to the Sky in the most fair wether. Amongst all the kinds of Gems, it is one of the noblest and most royal, and therefore meet to be worn only upon Kings and Princes fingers. Nothing in the world doth more recreate or delight the eyes then the smaragd, & sapphire do. It is marvelous effectuous against all venom. Wherefore, if thou put a Spider into a Box, it being shut, & upon the mouth thereof thou layest the true sapphire, and do keep the Spider within the same but a very short time, the Spider being vanquished and overcome by the virtue thereof, dieth suddenly. Isidore saith, qd Saphirus caeruleus est cum purpura, habens pulueres aureos sparsos: optimus apud Medos, nusquam tamen perlucidus. It is also rekned by Isidore, to be one of the kinds of the Amathistes. Albertus Magnus sayeth, that he proved it twice, that with the only touching of this precious Stone, the party so diseased, hath been rid of the grievous sore the Carboncle. The sapphire for his sovereignty, is called of the Lapidary, the Gem of Gems. In old time it was consecrated only to Apollo.  
ADamus Indicus, 
The Diamond.  lapis parvus & indecorus, ferrugineum habens colorem & splendorem Crystalli. Nunquam autem ultra magnitudinem nuclei avellanae repertus. Hic nulli cedit materie: nec ferro quidem nec igni, nec unquam incalescit: unde et nomen Greca interpretatione, ind●mita vis accepit. Sed dum sit invictus ferri, ignisque centemptor, Hircino rumpitur sanguine, recenti & calido maceratur, sicque multis ictibus ferri perfringitur. Cuius fragmentis, sculptores, pro gemmis insigniendis perforandisque utuntur. Hic autem dissidet cum magnet lapide, intantum ut juxta positus ferrum, non patiatur abstrahi Magneti: aut si admotus Magnes comprehenderit, rapiat atque auferat: fertur quoque in Electri similitudine venena deprehendere, metus vanos depellere, maleficis resistere artibus. Diascorides saith, that it is called the Stone of reconciliation and love: for (saith he) That woman that hath withdrawn her love from her husband, by this, is brought to love him anew: yea it goeth further: for it is said to give proof, whether she be chaste or no. For if she be say they, she shall whilst she is in sleep embrace her husband, through the working of this Stone, if not, she shall fly, and go back from him. Sir Thomas Eliot in his Dictionary, saith, that Adamas is the Diomonde, and that Magnes the load Stone, that hath virtue to draw Iron unto him, is of some unproperly called the Adamant.  
OMnium gemmarum virentium Smaragdus principatum habet. 
The smaragd, or emerald.  Cui veteres tertiam post Margaritas & Vniones tribuunt dignitatem. Smaragdus a nimia viriditate dicitur. Omne enim satis viride Smaragdum dicitur. Nullis enim gemmis vel herbis maior quàm huic austeritas est. Nam herbas virentes frondesque exuperat, inficiens circa se viriditate repercussum aerem. Sculpentibns quoque gemmas nulla gratior oculorum refectio est. Cuius corpus si extentum fuerit sicut speculum, it a imagines reddit. Quip Nero Cesar gladiatorum pugnas in Sma●ragdo spectabat. The smaragd passeth both the leaf and bough of any tree or plant, his colour is so fresh and green, and in this point triumpheth alone, neither is the Sun by his sun Beams any let or hindrance to this his show. There is no greater refection to the eyes, than the sight of this excellent Gem.  

the Amatiste  INter purpureas gemmas principatum Amathistus Indicus tenet. Amathistus purpureus est: permixto violaceo colore: & quasi rosae nitor, & leniter quasdam stammulas fundens. The Amathiste his force or virtue availeth against drunkenness, it keepeth a man waking, and driveth away ill thoughts, and sharpeneth the understanding also.  

the jacynthe.  HIacynthus, ex nominis sui flore vocatur. Hic in Ethiopia invenitur: ceruleum colorem habens: optimus qui nec rarus est, nec densitate obtusus, sed ex utroque temperamento lucens purpuraque refulgens: hic autem non rutilat aequaliter, sed cum facie caeli mutatur. Sereno enim perspicuus est atque gratus: nubilo coram oculis evanescit atque marcescit. In os missus frigidus est: in sculpturis durissimus, nec tamen invictus. Name Adamant scribitur & signatur. The jacinth is taken to be medecinable, and to give vigour or strength to the Limbs, to increase the Sinews, and to provoke quiet & sound sleep.  

the Sardonix  SArdonix appellata ꝙ habeat in se permixtum candorem in similitudinem unguis humanae. Graeci enim unguem Onycem dicunt. Hanc India vel Arabia gignit. The Sardonix saith Isidore also is three coloured, black about the bottom, white in the midst, and red at the top. Hec sola in signando nihil cerae avellit. The Lapidary sayeth, it is bred & borne of the Sardye, which is the father to him, & Onyx. Sardonyx ex duum nominum societate vocata est. Est enim ex Onycis candore & Sardo. In working it maketh a man lowly, & shamefast in his doings.  
Of the 9 diverse colours, planets, and precious stones before rehearsed, which be assigned for the field of  armour. There be most usually used in the blazon of our English ensigns, but 6. videlicet.  

Or, and for metals.  
Argent. for metals.  
Gules. for Colours.  
Azure. for Colours.  
Sable. for Colours.  
Verte. for Colours.   
purpur, may be added to make the 5. colour, but it is rare in use with us. Of the 9 precious stones aforesaid, these are frequented, and most ennoblish blazon.  

The Topaz.  
Pearl.  
Ruby.  
sapphire. vj.  
Diamond. vj.  
emerald. vj.   
And for purpur, the Amatiste obtaineth of stones, his place also to make the seventh.  
These planets likewise may compare with the others for their right, in the order of Blazon. videlicet.  

the Sun.  
the Moon.  
Mars.  
jupiter.  
Saturn. seven.  
Venus. seven.  
Mercury. seven.    

¶ Degrees of Rulers.  
¶ Gentleman. Esquire. Knight. Baron. Lord. Earl. Marquis. Duke, and Prince.  
¶ To these degrees aforesaid, 
Cardinal Virtues.  no man can worthily attain, but by the four Cardinal virtues, which are, Prudence, justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. For the knowledge whereof, and what they be, let every gentleman diligently read over, the three books of Tully his offices: and in especially the first book, wherein he most excellently (as the father of all eloquence) describeth the said four virtues, and the branches that spring out of the same. notwithstanding I shall briefly declare the definition and efficacy thereof, as the gentle reader may partly be satisfied, at the first sight.  

justice what it is.  justice is a virtue, gathered by long space, giving every one his own, minding in all things, the common profit of our Country, whereunto man is most bound, & oweth his full obedience. The ancient civilians say, justice is a will perpetual and constant, which giveth to every man his right. In that it is named constant, it importeth Fortitude: In discerning what is right or wrong, Prudence is required. And to proportion the sentence or judgement in an equality, belongeth to Temperance. All these together conglutinate and effectually executed, maketh a perfect definition of justice. 
Offic. lib. 1.  And Tully differeth not moche from the same definition of justice, where he sayeth, it is always occupied, either in preserving the fellowship of men, giving unto every body that which is his own, 
The excellency of justice.  or keeping a faithfulness in contracts. He saith also, that the foundation of perpetual praise and renome, is justice, without the which nothing may be commendable: which sentence is verified by daily experience. For be a man never so gentle, bounteous, valiant, or liberal, be he never so wise, familiar, or courtaise, if he be once seen to exercise Injustice, or to do wrong, it is then well noted, and often remembered: yea, all virtues (where justice faileth) lack their commendation. I hard of late, as I traveled by the way, a gentleman praised for sundry virtues which were in him, as that he was gentle and meek, pleasant and fair in words, wise, well learned, modest, and sober: but I hard no remembrance made of his justice, For immediately one present in the company reported him to be an usurer, a person deceitful, covetous, an oppressor of the poor, and no keeper of hospitality, yet having four or five fermes in his hands and more, that he was a decayer of houses of husbanderie, a rerer of retes, & a cruel taker of fines. These vices did deface all his other virtues: 
Offic. 2.  for as tully saith, it is the part of justice to offer men no violence, to use them soberly and skilfully with whom we be conversant, not to be tempted with money, but to study by all means to profit every man. justice despiseth, and nought regardeth those things, whereunto most men enkendeled with greediness be hated. 
justitia, est iniustitie prinatio.  It is just also in every matter of berganing, buying, selling, hiring, or letting: true in every covenant, bargain or promise, plain and simple in all dealing: And that simplicity is properly justice. And where any man of a covetous or malicious mind, will digress purposely from that simplicity, taking advantage of a sentence or word, which might be ambiguous or doubtful, or in some thing either superfluous or lacking in the bargain or promise, where he certainly knoweth the truth to be otherwise, this in my opinion is damnable fraud, being as plain against justice, as it were enforced by violence: for justice will help all men, 
Offic. lib. 3.  and wittingly offend none. She is of all virtues the Lady and Queen: keeping the sound and express form of the law: hating & abhorring all stealing, adultery, poisoning, falsehood, deceit, bribery, gifts, rewards, covetousness, false witness, oppression, murder, extortion, and perjury. The which vices and crimes, by no means may be joined to the perfect virtue named justice, which is the chief of all virtues more wonderful than the bright star Hesperus & Lucifer. And here at this time I leave to speak any more of that most Royal and necessary virtue, called justice.  
Finally to be short, that manliness is worthy to be praised, which worketh by the strength of the mind, & not of the body: and yet not to faint in courage, but to be constant, not fearing the rough storms of any adversity, neither the sharp brunts of the wars, or the cruelty of bitter death.  
And like as an excellent Physician, cureth most dangerous diseases, and deadly wounds: so doth a man that is valiant, advance himself as invincible, in things that do seem most terrible, not unadvisedly, and as it were in a beastly rage, but of a gentle courage, and with premeditation, either by victory, or by death winning honour & perpetual memory, the just reward of their virtue. For as Curtius sayeth: Effugit mortem, quisquis contempserit, timidissimum quenque consequitur. 
Q. Curtius▪ lib. 4.  Whosoever condemneth death, escapeth death, and death overtaketh such, as do fly from death. 
Vir.  A man is called in Latin Virro, whereof saith Tully, virtue is named. And the most proper virtue belonging to a man, is Fortitude, whereof be two excellent properties, that is to say, the contempt of death, and of grief. Therefore he plainly declareth afterward, that very fortitude is, little to esteem all human things, not to regard death, and to think all labours and pains tolerable.  

Plotinus.  Plotinus the Philosopher sayeth, that the property and office of Temperance, is to covet nothing, which may be repent, also not to exceed the bounds of Mediocrity, and to keep desire under the yoke of reason.  
He that practiseth this virtue is called a temperate man, and he that doth the contrary thereto, is named intemperate: between whom and a person incontinent, Aristotle maketh this diversity, that he is intemperate, which by his own election is led, supposing the pleasure that is present, should always be followed: But the person incontinent supposeth not so, and yet he notwithstanding, doth follow it.  
The temperate man delighteth in nothing contrary to reason, and will do nothing for bodily pleasure, which shall stand against reason. Temperance, as a sad and discrete matron and reverent governess, awaiteth diligently, that in no wise incontinency or concupiscence have any pre-eminence in the soul of man. Therefore as intemperance (being a vice most unpure, stinking and filthy) is of all estates and degrees, and in all ages, to be eschewed, avoided, and abhorred: So Temperance, at all times and in all things, is to be followed, embraced, and loved, which will cause us to do nothing for bodily pleasure, that shallbe hurtful or contrary to the health. It will rule all our appetites, and corrupt desires, causing us to desire the things which we ought to desire, and as we ought to desire, and when we ought to desire. Temperance (as Patricius saith) helpeth much, 
Patricius. li. 3 de justi. re. pub.  and so much shineth in all our doings, Vt earum rerum moderatrix atque auriga esse videatur. Hec est quae tam diuturna laud extulit sententiam illam Solonis, quae praecipit. Ne quid nimis.  
Thus I have briefly spoken of the said four Cardinal virtues, Prudence, justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, (which as the same Patricius affirmeth in his 5 Book de Institutione reipub.) are as four sisters, Mutuis nexibus colligatae. They are never separated: One of them without another cannot be perfect: sed manta omnino & inchoata esse videtur. Nam Fortitudo sine Prudentia temeritas est. Prudentia sine justitia calliditas est, & mala quaedam malitia. Temperantia sine Fortitudine ignavia est. justitia autem sine Temperantia crudelitas est. unde illud Ennij poetae, Summum ius summa iniuria est. Therefore these four virtues do agree together, as it were in a sweet song, and consonant harmony, and are principally and especially to be delighted, and inwardly embraced of all noble gentlemen, since that without them, they can not be worthy to have the title, or name of gentlemen, neither can they worthily bear the ensigns, or arms of their ancient progenitors, without they specially be endowed and adorned with these foresaid virtues, called Cardinals: which are so named, for that they be chief or principal of all other virtues: for out of them as out of a fountain, all other virtues have their springing, flowing, & proceeding.   

¶ Of chivalry, the virtuous precepts.  
first, give due reverence and service unto almighty god, with all faithfulness. Have pity on the poor. Be just in all thy promises. Be gracious and favourable to them which are captive. Keep cleanness of thy body and person. Keep moderate diet. Be not slothful in the wars, but strong and valiant, with desire to avenge thy prince's quarrel, giving always thanks to god for the victory. Be wise in leading the battle, & prudent in thy fighting. Know the order of the field, & be perfect therein. Study well also to rule and govern the charge committed unto the. Avoid not from the field, ne do thou any thing to shame thy cote armour. Boast not of thy manhood. Be courteous, lowly, and gentle, and also without rebaudrie in thy language. Have audacity, but not excessively to do such acts, as are not to be jeoparded. Dread infamy and reproach. Be valiant, so shall no terrible adventures resolve the into wailings or desperations. Wynne honour by death for thy country, the just reward of thy virtue. Use reason and honesty, and be not violente or sturdy minded.   

¶ Precepts of gentleness.  
Be not over lordly in thy countenance. Be treatable in language, wise in answer giving, perfect in governance, and also cheerful to perform thy faith and promise. Fear God, and obey his Laws. Dread to offend thy Sovereign. Use few oaths in all thy communication. Know thine own birth, and bear not thyself above thine estate. Show thy countenance gentle, so shalt thou be beloved: for haughty countenance procureth hatred.   

¶ Vices, which are repugnant to Generosity, and not to be frequented, and used of any, which would have the name of a Gentleman. Videlicet.  
Sluggishness, boasting, cowardness, swearing, lechery, and drunkenness. Also to revoke thine own challenge. To slay thy prisoner. To flee from thy Sovereign's banner in the field, and to tell thy Sovereign false tales. To be vengeable, and not to be entreated, etc.   

¶ Heavenly Precepts. Videlicet●  
To do right. To have pleasure in loving kindness. To be lowly. 
Mich. cap. 6.  And to walk with God.   

¶ Precepts Heroical.  
Above, 
Precepts.  and before all things worship God. Honour thy king. Obey the laws. Be merciful. Desire honour and glory for virtue. Be not high minded. Refrain from fowl language. Perform what so ever thou promisest. Ensue the virtues of thy good ancestors   

¶ Graces worthy.  
To be meek in countenance. To have manly heart in deeds, and therein long continuance. Not to ween own wit more excellent than others. Not to scorn, or scoff at others devices. That worship is in mercy, pity, and humility. To be lions in the field, and lambs in chamber. 
Boetius.  Eagles at assaults, and maidens in bower. Foxes in counsel, and still in their games. To follow peace, and love, where is hate.   

¶ Gifts heavenly.  
To know thyself. To abstain from covetise. Having no wrong, to care for those that are wronged. To keep close secret counsel. To do nothing contrary to the Law. To take in good worth, adversity after prosperity. Regard heavenly things, for this our Country abideth but a while. Continue in patience. Do nothing in anger.   

¶ Precepts justiciary.  
Remember, that God doth look alway upon thee. Study to be learned. Receive no bribes. Let thy manners agree with thy calling. Fear to do evil. Avoid idleness. Do that is just. Be no liar. mix not thy power with thy will. Be discrete without spot of vice, constant, and uncorrupt. 
Aul. Gell. Nor. Atti. lib. 14. cap. 4.  Be not flattered by any means Be not entreated against the obstinate. advance the truth through the power of justice.   

¶ Reioisings in Arms.  
A Gentleman to be made knight in the field at battle. For his manhood to receive a great reward at his Prince's hands. To do valiantly in Chivalry before his Sovereign. To be an Ambassador for his wisdom. To show prows, and to do knightly before Alyantes, in the honour of his Prince. A poor Gentleman to be married to one of high parentage. To have thanks for good services done to his Sovereign. To keep his Coat armour unshamed in trial thereof. To keep all points of knighthood, as Gesta Troianorum, do declare.   

¶ Law of Arms, whereof it is grounded.  
It is to be known, that almighty God is the original author of honouring Nobility, who, even in the heavens hath made a discrepance of his heavenly Spirits, giving them several names, as Ensigns of honour. And these heavenly Spirits, when they are sent of God, are called, Angeli, Angels: which in the Greek tongue signifieth, sent. Propterea, quod de coelis ad annuntiandum hominibus mittuntur. And in the Latin tongue, they be interpreted, Nuntij, Messengers, Ab eo quòd Domini voluntatem populis nuntiant. Angelorum autem vocabulum, officij no men est, non naturae: semper enim Spiritus sunt: sed cùm mittuntur, vocantur Angeli. 
Angeli. Nuntij. Isidorus.  And how many orders be of them, the holy Scriptures do witness. Id est, Angeli, Archangeli, Throni, Dominationes, Principatus, Potestates, virtutes, Cherubin, & Seraphin. And wherefore they be thus called, and distinct, as it were into sundry orders, and dignities, it may be fully read in the seventh Book of Isidore, which he entitleth, Ethimologiarum, cap. 5. which for brevity I omit here, for that it doth not appertain to the matter, whereof in this place I do entreat. But this is to be noted (as I find in ancient writers) that the Law of Arms was by the ancient heralds grounded upon these orders of Angels in heaven, encrowned with the precious stones, of colours, and virtues diverse, as in the first part of this Book hath been declared, with the colours compared unto them. For as the Angels, precious stones, colours, and planets aforesaid are distinct in dignity, virtue, power, pre-eminence, and working: So here in earth men are also distinct, in degrees, offices, governance, and power, every one serving their head in their vocation, and calling.   

¶ Six sundry differences in Arms for brethren.  

Files with Lambeauxes.  
A Cressante.  
A Mollet of 5. points.  
A Martelet. 
Differences.   
An Anulet,  
A Flower de Luce.   
Note, that if there be any more than six brethren, the devise, or assignment of further difference, only appertaineth to the kings at Arms, especially when they visit their several Provinces: & not to the father of the children, to give them what difference he list, as some without authority do allege.  
Every difference ought to be placed in the most evident part of the Coat armour: Videlicet, in that place, where the same may soon be seen, or perceived.   

¶ Seven signs, or tokens which are figured in Arms round, and are blazed properly with several terms.  

1. Is of gold, and is called a Beausante.  
2. Is of silver, and is called a Plate.  
3. Is of Sable, & is termed a Pellet, or an Ogresse.  
4. Is of Azure, and is termed an Hurt.  
5. Is of Gules, and is called a Torteauxe.  
6. Is of Uerte, and is called a Pomeis.  
7. Is of Purpre, and is to be termed a Wound.   
These most usually are found borne in Cotes Armours.   

¶ Proper terms for diverse tokens borne in Arms.  
The tokens which of many are called Miller's pikes, some term them Shettles, which is the chiefest instrument of the weaver: And the French heralds term them fusilles, 
Fusilles. Manche. Pheons.  videlicet, Spindle's: for fusus, or fusum, in Latin is a Spindle, and so I take them to be termed most properly. Manche maltale, is taken in Arms, to be a sleeve, unshaped, and unsowed. Pheons, be commonly called, broad arrow heads, or dart heads.  
When the head of any beast, or bird, is, as it were torn of, term the same to be rassed, or erased: and if it be, as it were, cut of plain, call it then, Coped.  
Dimie, is but when half of any beast is seen in the field.  
A Cressante in arms, 
Cressante.  is commonly called the half moon. But it is the moon in her prime, or else as we call it the new moon.  
An Incressante, 
Incressante.  is the moon from the prime, till after the first quarter, and yet lacketh of the full.  
A Decressante, 
Decressante.  is the moon from the last quarter.  
A Pile in arms, 
Pile.  is a thing that maketh all foundations upon unsure ground, to be very firm and sure. Leighe.  
And here learn a Rule. 
Words in Blazon to be noted.  There are four words, whereof you may not name any of them twice in the blazon of one cote armour, and these be they.  

Nota of, These may not be rehearsed more than once, in descriving of any one cote armour. If they be, it is of the heralds accounted a great fault. And if one might forbear, to name none of them it were better, as I have read in diverse Authors.  
Nota on, These may not be rehearsed more than once, in descriving of any one cote armour. If they be, it is of the heralds accounted a great fault. And if one might forbear, to name none of them it were better, as I have read in diverse Authors.  
Nota and, These may not be rehearsed more than once, in descriving of any one cote armour. If they be, it is of the heralds accounted a great fault. And if one might forbear, to name none of them it were better, as I have read in diverse Authors.  
Nota with These may not be rehearsed more than once, in descriving of any one cote armour. If they be, it is of the heralds accounted a great fault. And if one might forbear, to name none of them it were better, as I have read in diverse Authors.   

Describe,  
Display,  
Or blaze,  
Arms, 
Terms of Blazon.   
Ensigns, of honour, worship, & gentree.  
and Tokens,    

¶ Sundry ways to blaze Arms.  

By metal and colours,  
By planets, and stars,  
By precious stones.   
The use of these three in blazon of arms, are as ancient as from the first beginning of arms bearing.   

¶ Three superlatives, or degrees in Arms.  
Most rich, is when the field is Or, and the thing that occupieth the field, Sable.  
Most fair, is when the field is Argent, and that which occupieth the field is Sable.  
Most glittering, is when the field is Or, & that which is contained in the same, is Verte.   

¶ Poynctes in escocheons.  
¶ Dextre point, sinister point, Base point, Chief point, Dextre base point, sinister base point, The honour point, Fez point, and the nombrill.  
These points may be learned by experience, if ye diligently note the sundry partitions used in escocheons.   

¶ Partitions in Escocheons.  
¶ Party per pale, Party quarterly, Party per fesse, Party per bend dextre, Party per bend sinister, Party per Chevron, Party per Saltier, Party per Pyle in point, and party per Gyron.  
Experience shall teach you these partitions, taking heed to the examples thereof, set forth in the second book of armoury next following.   

¶ Honourable Ordinaries  

Crosse.  The first, especially is the Crosse. The content thereof is the fift part of the field, except it be charged, than it must contain the third part.  

Chief.  The second, is a Chief, and containeth the third part of the field. The Chief may be diminished, and then it must be termed otherwise, 
Fillet.  as a Fillet, the which containeth the four part of the chief, and standeth no where, but only upon the Chief point. The chief aforesaid may not be emeaded or halved.  

Pale.  The third honourable ordinary, is a Pale, and containeth the third part of the field, and may not be enlarged, though it be charged. But it may be diminished, as from a Pail, 
Pallet.  to a Pallet, which is the half of the Pail, & may not be charged with any thing quick or dead, neither may it be parted, 
An Endorce.  but it may be diminished, & then it is called an Endorce, which is the fourth part of the Pallet, and is not used but when a Pale is between two of them.  
The fourth of the nine honourable Ordinaries aforesaid, is a Bend, 
Bend.  which containeth in breadth the fifth part of the field, and when it is divided, it is called in sundry wise, 
Bendelet.  as a Bendelet, which at the most containeth but the sixth part of the field. A Gartiere, 
Gartier.  containeth half the bend aforesaid, and may not be charged, but with flowers or leaves. 
cost.  A cost, is the fourth part of the bend, & half of the Gartier, 
Cotise.  and is called at sometime a Cotys, sometime a Batune, 
Batune.  as by practice may rather be learned, when it is to be called the one, 
Rybande.  and when the other. A Ribande, containeth in breadth the eight part of the bend, and is also called a Fissure, 
Fissure.  and then it parteth the field into two colours, & is of itself metal, & so being it is a secret.  
The fith honourable ordinary, 
Fez  is a Fez, containing in breadth the third part of the field, and may not be diminished. The Fez hath been taken of old, for a girdle of honour, which standeth with good reason. For in the cote armour, it is in the midst between two equal parts.  
The sixth, 
Escocheon,  is when in the field is an Escocheon. The same must contain the fifth part of the field, & may not be diminished.  
The seventh is a Chevron, 
Chevron.  which must contain the first part of the field. 
Chevernell.  A Chevernel containeth half the Chevron, and there may be no more, but three in one field, except partition. 
Copleclose.  A Copleclose must contain the fourth part of the Chevron, and is not borne but by pairs, except there be a Chevron between two of them.  
The .8. honourable ordinary, 
Salterye.  is a Salterye, which must contain the first part of the field, except it be charged with any thing, them it shall contain the third part of the Escocheon.  
The ninth honourable ordinary, is a Bar, and containeth the first part of the field. 
Bar. Closet. Barrulet. Bars Genewes.  A Closet is the half of the Bar, and ten of them may be borne in one field, and are very good armory. A Barrulet is the fourth part of the Bar aforesaid. And Barrulettes (except they be parted with a Bar, or Fez) must stand always by couples, and then they must be called Bars gemewes.  
touching the honourable ordinaries general, the rebating of Arms for diverse ungentle deeds ungentlemanly done, the sundry furs and doublings, the diverse mes●es, and other worthy partitions used in Arms, etc. ye shall have examples sufficient in M. G. Leighe his Book, entitled, The Accidence of Armour.   

¶ Of the five Greek letters Mystical.  
The first of the said Greek letters is Y. Ypsilon, which betokeneth man's life, and is called Pythagoras Sameus letter. For he first formed the same, Ad exemplum vitae humanae. And the said letter hath three points, two above, and one beneath, 
Isidorus. li. 1. cap. 3.  signifying sundry ages. That which is under, showeth the first age, which age is uncertain, whether it will give and apply itself to virtue, or vice. And the two above, begin from the youth: the right part whereof is hard, but yet tending to a blessed life. 
Pythagoras Sameus letter  And the lift more easy, but leading to destruction. Of the which letter Perseus thus saith: 
Et tibi quae Sameos deduxit litera ramos:  
Surgentem dextro monstravit limit callem.  The which verses I have thus metrized in English.  
The branches of the letter first in Samea found, of man's life doth show the high way & ground.  

Thetae.  The second letter is called Theta, Θ. which signifieth death. For judges in old time did note, or set the same letter on their names, or, as we now call it, heads, who were condemned to die. 
Captains.  Likewise did Captains in their Briefs, wherein were contained the names of their Soldiers. 
heralds.  By which note or mark, they, and the heralds, when they did look on their said Briefs, could certainly know, and make true report unto their Sovereign, how many were slain in the battle. And therefore it is called Theta, à morte: that is so say, of death. For it hath in the midst thereof a dart (as is before figured) in token of death. And it is thus written of the same letter: 
O multum ante alias infoelix litera Theta. 1.  
O much before others, I say,  
Thou unhappy letter, Theta.   
Perseus of the same thus saith: 
Et potis est nigrum vitio praefigere Theta. 1.  
To write eftsoons power did not lack,  
For his offence, Theta, all in black.   
The third letter is Tau, 
Tau.  a figure of the Cross of Christ, and in Hebrew it is interpreted, a sign, or mark. Of the which it was spoken to the Angel which Ezechiel saw in spirit. Go thy way through the City of jerusalem, 
Ezech. 9  and set a mark upon the foreheads of them that mourn, & are sorry for all the abominations that be done therein. By which mark, or token, they were preserved, and not touched in the midst of them which were slain and destroyed for their idolater, in the wratheful displeasure of the Lord. And this letter also, Apud veteres, was used of the heralds & Captains, and signed on their names, who remained alive after the battle. So that the letter Θ, was used as the mark of death, or of them that were judged to die, and Τ, of life, or of them that were by the judges quit from death. This letter Τ, as well the Greeks, as the Latins, unto our time, have pictured, and set forth, as the true mark, or sign of the Cross of Christ. 
C. Paradi●us Symbol heroic  Hoc igitur verum, ac proprium sub Christi ecclesia eouscriptorum, ac militantium, Symbolum, signumue est.  
The other two of the Mystical letters, being the first and last of the Greek Alphabet, only Christ doth challenge to himself: for he is the beginning, and the ending, where he saith, 
Alpha. Omega. Apoc. 1. cap.  Ego sum Alpha, & ω. Principium, & finis, qui est, & qui erat, & qui venturus est omnipotens. No letter goeth before Alpha, for it is the first of all letters. And so is the son of God: Ipse enim se principium judaeis interrogantibus esse respondet. And therefore S. john in his apocalypse most properly putteth the same letters, 
john. 22. cap.  the Son of God to be Alpha, 
Nido. li. 7. ca 2  and Omega, the first, and the last. Primus, quia ante eum nihil est. Novissimus, quia noviso simum judicium ipse suscipiet.   

¶ Sentences concerning generosity, collected out of sundry Authors, and first certain verses, made by G. Chaucer, teaching what is gentleness, or who is worthy to be called gentle.  

¶ The first stock father of gentleness,  
What man desireth gentle for to be  
Must follow his trace, and all his wits dress  
Virtue to love, and vices for to flee:  
For unto virtue belongeth dignity,  
And not the reverse safely daire I dame,  
All wear he mitre, crown, or diadem.   

This first stock was full of righteousness.  
True of his word, sober, piteous, and free,  
Clean of his ghost, and loved business  
Against the vice of sloth in honesty:  
And but his heir love virtue as did he,  
He is not gentle though he rich seem,  
All wear he mitre, crown, or diadem.   

Vice's may well be heir to old riches,  
But there may no man, as men may well see  
bequeatheth his heir his virtues nobles  
That is appropried unto no degree  
But to the first father in majesty  
That maketh his heirs them that is Queme  
All wear he mitre, crown, or diadem.   

Non census, nec clarum nomen avorum,  
Sed probitas magnos, 
ovid. 1. de Ponto.  ingeniumque facit.    

¶ Scogan in his work which he writ unto the Lords and gentlemen of the kings house.  

Take heed (he saith) how men of poor degree  
Through virtue have been set in great honour,  
And ever have lived in great prosperity  
Through cherishing of virtuous labour.  
thinketh also, how many a governor  
Called to estate hath be set full low,  
Through misusing of right and of error  
And therefore I counsel you virtue to know.   

Virtus omnia in se habet, 
Plaut. in. 7. Amphi.  omnia adsunt bona,  
Quem paenes est virtus.    

¶ Nobility is from God.  

Omne hominum genus in terris 
Boetius lib. 3. de conso. philo.   
Simile surgit ab ortu:  
unus enim rerum pater est  
unus cuncta ministrat.  
Ille dedit Phaebo radios  
Dedit & cornua Lunae.  
Ille homines etiam terris  
Dedit & Sidera caelo.  
Hic clausit membris animos  
Celsa sede petitos.  
Mortales igitur cunctos  
Edit nobile germen.  
Quid gen' & proavos strepitis,  
Si primordia vestra  
Auctoremque deum spectes  
Nullus degener extat  
Ni vitijs peiora fovens,  
Proprium deserat ortum.   

Birth of all men, one.  ALl the lineage of men that been in earth been semblable of birth: for certes one alone is the father of things: and there is one alone that ministereth all things: he gave to the Sun his beams, he gave to the Moon her horns, he gave to men the earth, and the stars unto the firmament, he enclosed the soul of man with members of the body, which soul came from the high seat of heaven, Than issue all mortal men of noble seed or beginning i from God. Why babble ye then, or boast yourself of your elders birth? For, if ye behold God, your beginning & maker, than is there no living creature of mankind ungentle, but if he nourish his courage or senses unto vices, and so decline from his proper birth. These do Boetius write, and much more touching the name of gentleness, and what it is, to whom the renown and clearness thereof is to be referred, and what praising come to gentlemen by the deserts of their ancestors &c: Which I would wish all gentlemen to read, as they are written in his third book, De consolation philosophiae. But now yet hear what M. G. Chaucer, 
Chaucer.  our noble poet of this Realm doth write touching gentleness of birth, in his tail of the wife of bath. These are his words.  
But for ye speak of such gentleness  
As is descended out of old richesses  
That therefore shullen ye be gentlemen,  
Such arrogance is not worth an hen.  

Greatest gentleman, who.  Lo, who that is most virtuous alway  
privy and apart, and most intendeth aye  
To do the gentle deeds, that he can.  
Take him for the greatest gentleman.  
Christ would we claimed of him our gentleness  
Not of our elders, 
Heritage.  for their great richesses  
For though they give us all their heritage  
For which we claymen to be of high parage,  
Yet may they not bequeath, 
Virtuous living may not be bequeathed.  for nothing  
To none of us, their virtuous living,  
That made them gentlemen I called be  
And baddeus follow them in such degree. 
Daunt the Poet.   
Well can the wise Poet of Florence  
That hight Daunt, speak in this sentence  
Lo, in such manner Rhyme, is Daunts tale.  
Full sele upriseth by his branches small  
prowess of man, 
prows.  for God of his goodness  
Will that we claim of him our gentleness:  
For of our elders may we nothing claim  
But temporal things, that men may hurt & maim.  
Eke every wight wot this aswell as I  
If gentleness were planted naturally,  
Unto a certain lineage down the line  
privy & apart, than would they never fine  
To done of gentleness the fair office,  
They might done no villainy ne vice.  
Take fire & bear it into the darkest house, 
Fire.   
Betwixt this & the Mount Caucasus  
And let men shut the doors, & go then  
Yet will the fire as fair lie & burn  
As twenty thousand men might it behold  
His office natural aye will it hold  
Upon peril of my life, till that it die,  

Gentry not annexed to possession.  Here may ye see well how that gentree  
Is not annexed to possession  
Sithen folk do not their operation  
Always as doth the fire, lo in his kind  
For God it wot, men may full often find  
A lords son done shame and villainy.  
And he that will have praise of his gentree  

Elders noble.  For that he was borne of a gentle house,  
And had his elders noble and virtuous,  
And will himself done no gentle deeds  
Ne follow his gentle ancestry that dead is,  
He is not gentle be he Duke or earl  
Fie villains, sinful deeds maketh a cherle:  

Gentleness.  For gentleness is but the renomye  
Of thine ancestors, for their high bounty  
Which is a strong thing to thy person  
Thy gentleness cometh from God alone  
Than cometh our very gentleness of grace  
It was nothing bequeath us with our place.  
M. G. Chaucer, lamenteth in his second Book (which he entitleth the testament of love) that japhetes children for poverty in no lineage be reckoned, 
Cayn. japhet. noah's children.  and Cain's children for richesses be maked japhetes heirs. Alas (sayeth he) this is a wonderful change between these two noah's children, sithen that of japhetes offspring comen knights, and of Cain descended the line of servage to his brother's children. 
servage.  Lo how gentleness, and servage as Cousens, both descended out of two brethren of one body. Wherefore I say soothenes, that gentleness in kindred maken not gentle lineage in succession, without desert of a man's own self. Of what kindred been the gentles in our days, 
kindred.  I trow therefore if any good Bee in gentleness, it is only that it seemeth a manner of necessity to be put into Gentlemen, that they should not vary from the virtue of their Ancestors. 
Gentle.  And therefore that he will be accounted gentle, he must dawneten his flesh from vices that cause ungentleness, and leave also reigns of wicked lusts, and draw to him virtue, 
Virtue. Ancestors. Gentleness.  that in all places gentleness Gentlemen maketh. Then gentleness of thine Ancestors, that foreign is to thee, maketh thee not gentle, but ungentle, & reproved, if thou continuest not their gentleness. And therefore a wise man once said: 
Kynnes gentleness.  Better it is, thy kindred to be by thee genteled, than thou to glory of thy kins gentleness, and haste no desert thereof thyself. Haec Chaucerus.  
A Prince that covetethe perpetual memory, 
De principe.  must note five things, which he must have in his life: that is to say, to be pure in his conversation, upright in justice, adventurous in feats of Arms, excellent in knowledge, and well-beloved in his Provinces.   

¶ Of five kinds of Nobility, whereof the last was added by Aristotle.  
The most noble and wise Philosopher Plato, 
kinds of nobility.  and they that followed him, (of whom Aristotle seemeth not to be the least) did set forth unto us, four kinds of Nobility.  
The first is of them, which of long continuance are sprung, and borne of Noble, and righteous Ancestors.  
The second is of them, whose Parents were Princes, or men of great power, and authority.  
The third is of them, whose progenitors did flourish, and excel in Chivalry, and prowess, prowess consisting of valiant courage, and Martial policy, worthy of glory and praise, either in their own country, or abroad.  
The fourth kind of Nobility, is said to be that, which of all others is most excellent: as when any man doth exceed, or far pass others in honesty, gentleness, or nobleness of heart: and doth travail by the puissance of his own renown. And he truly is to be called Noble, 
Noble who  whom, not other men's, but his own virtue hath advanced unto glory.  
To these four kinds, Aristotle addeth the fifth, that is to say, of them which did flourish in high learning, and knowledge of things wonderful: 
Learning.  and such by right aught to be called Noble men, 
Noble men.  because they do not only ennoblish their own Houses, whereof they descended, but also make honourable the Cities, 
juba.  and Countries wherein they were borne, as for example. juba the son of jube king of Numidia, being a child, and also a captive, julij Caesaris triumphum Africannm secutus est. And although he thus had lost his Kingdom, and liberty, and was spoiled of all his honour, and glory, yet he thought not utterly to lose all his estimation. 
Study of good learning.  Wherefore he earnestly applied himself to the study of good learning, wherein he so much profited, that in few years he attained to such knowledge, as thereby he was accounted amongst the most learned Writers of all Greece. So that what so ever fortune had abated of his Nobility, the same did the learning of good arts more abundantly restore, to the great augmentation of his honour. Semblably, Hannibal of Carthage, 
Hannibal.  in his great misery, adversity, and old age, learned the Greek tongue, and became so eloquent, that he most wisely did both write the acts, and deeds of certain Emperors, and also noble Books of Martial policy: whereby he deserved right high commendation, and advancement to his former Nobility, which consisted not in the ancient Lineage, or dignity of his Ancestors, but in the great learning, wisdom, and virtue, which in him was very Nobility: and that Nobility brought him to dignity. Virtute decet, non sanguine niti.  
Nam genus, & proavos, & quae non fecimus ipsi,  
Vix ea nostra voco.  
The words of that prince of Orators, Cicero, in his second Book of Offices, which he writ unto his son Cicero, doth admonish us, not only to consider the name, or fame of our parents, or Ancestors, but that we must diligently take heed, that we commit nothing, whereby we may be thought unworthy to bear the Ensigns of our progenitors. These are his words unto his son. If any from the beginning of his youth, hath the title of honourable name, either received of his Father (which to thee my Cicero I think to have happened) or by any chance, or fortune, on him all men cast their eyess and of him there is seachinge what he doth, and how he liveth. And so, as though he should lead his life in most open light, neither word nor deed of his can be unknown. Thus it is proved, that Noble men must have especial regard, that they may be thought worthy to bear that, which they received of their Grandsires. For their faults, or vices, are of all men, even of the basest sort, both noted, and reported: and for their honourable doings and deservings, are likewise of them commended & praised. Wherefore it is expedient for all those of the Nobility, and such as desire to bear the names of Gentlemen, especially above all others, to be circumspect in their living and manners, and to walk as in the day light.  
Nobilitas sola est, atque unicae virtus.   
Finis Libri primi.   
NUMER. 2. 
Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch under his own standard, and under the Arms of their Father Houses.  
¶ The second book entitled, The armory of Honour.  

¶ What they were, who in old time did bear tokens, or signs of Arms.  
Nobility, as Boetius in his third Book De Consolation Philosophiae, defineth it, Est laus quaedam, proveniens ex meritis Parentum. 
Definitions of Nobility.  It is also a dignity of Birth and Lineage. Aristotle saith in his fourth Book Politicorum, that is, Virtus, & divitae antiquae. The which definitions teach unto us the true knowledge of very Nobility, which diverse & sundry persons have, and do yet attain unto by the name and good fame of their parents, other by chance or fortune, some for their studies, some by feats of arms, 
Nobility for Virtue.  some for their great possessions, or long continuance of their blood, and ancient house in one name and lineage, and also many for their virtues only, which above all other ought ever to have pre-eminence in praise & commendation. And therefore to that kind or lineage of those men, were arms first given, as to them which excelled all others in virtue, prows, & goodness of kind: and such were called noble persons or gentle: 
Noble persons.  & they did bear in their shields, & on their helmetꝭ, or other armour, certain signs or tokens to be known by, Vt passim videre licet apud Poetas.  
Pallas, that mighty Goddess of Battle & wisdom, for because she would seem more terrible in battle, 
Nobilium insignia.  did bear for her Ensign, the monstrous, and Serpentines head of Gorgon.  
Bacchus, the son of jupiter, by Semele's daughter of Cadmus, (who went a great part of the world, destroying Tyrants, and Monsters, and conquered the Country of India) did bear upon his Helmet, the horns of an Ox, 
crest.  which was his crest, as it is now termed of the heralds.  

lions skins.  Mars & Hercules, for that their strength, power, & force should be well known, did bear on their Armour the skins of Lions, in Latin called, Leonum exwiae.  
jupiter also, the son of Saturnus, who for his prows, & wisdom, after his death, was of all the Greeks honoured as a God, & called Father, & king of Gods, did bear for his Ensign a Swan his head with the neck. All which Ensigns, 
Swan his head.  and tokens by them delivered to their successors, Nobilitatis, & quòd ab heroibus nati essent, specimen dabant.  
Porus, the king of the Indians, when he ordered his battle against the great Alexander, did bear in his standard the Image of Hercules, 
Hercules his Image.  for an encouragement of his soldiers to fight well, & for a note of reproof, and infamy to them that should fly from the same: and loss of life to them, that left it in the field. Such veneration, and Religion the Indians conceived of Hercules, 
Q. Curt. li. 8  that sometime had been their enemy. Thus by whom tokens of Arms in old time were borne, may partly be perceived. But yet the goodly order, & trade in bearing, & ordering of them, was not then such, as it is now. For of these before recited, I find no mention made of metal, colour, term, or any other rule, in what form they did bear them.   

¶ Of the form of Scutcheons.  
To set forth here the form of Scutcheons it needeth not. For of sundry fashions thereof, & in especially mean, may plainly be seen in the book entitled, The Accidence of armory. And therefore first I will declare in how sundry wise Escocheon, Shields, etc. are termed in the Latin tongue, they be so necessary to be known of all Gentlemen.  
Albosia, Shields, or targets.  
Clypeus, a shield, Tergate, or buckler for a footman. Et dictus est clypeus, ab eo quod clepet i celet corpus, periculisque subducat.  
Scutum is also a Tergate, or shield, in especially for an horseman. 
Isidor. Lib. 18 Ethimo.  Isidore saith, that it is called Scutum, Eò quòd à se excuti at telorum ictum. Scutum autem equitum est: Clypeus peditum.  
Ancile, a Shield without corners, such an one in the time of Numa, second king of Rome, was seen fall out of the sky: and was kept by the Priests of Mars, called Salij. Vide Vitas Plutarchi.  
Pelta, is a Tergate, or Buckler like an half Moon, of the which, the book of the kings maketh mention, that Solomon caused to be made, Ducenta Scuta de auro puro: & trecentas Peltas ex auro probato.  
Cetra, is a light Tergate, whereof the Poet maketh mention: Levam Cetra tegit.  
Parma, is also a Tergate which footmen did use.  
Next unto this, it is expedient for gentlemen to know the Latin for standards, Banners, ancients, etc.  
Signifer, is he that beareth standard, or Banner in the field.  
Signa infesta, Standerdes, or Banners advanced in battle, in marching against enemies.  
Signa, be also standards in war, or ancients.  
Vexillum, 
Romulus' his Standards.  is likewise a Banner.  
I read, that Romulus, first king of the Romans, used Fasciculos faeni, that is to say, a grippe, or knitche of hay bound together at the end of a long staff, and so the same was borne in the field, in the stead of a Standard.  
The principal tokens, or signs which were used of old time in the standards, or Ancients of Emperors, and Kings, were three.  
The first, and chief was the Eagle, which hath to divers Emperors appeared, 
Eagle.  as a sign or token of victory, that should fortune to them in their wars. The which the Emperors of Rome do yet advance in their standards. And who so ever beareth the same, is called Aquile far, id est, the Standard bearer of the Romans.  
The second principal token, which both the Grecians, and Romans used in their Standards, was the Dragon.  

Dragon.  The third, and principal token that the Emperors of Rome used, was that which in Latin is called Pila, a round Ball, 
Pila.  or Globe, as a figure to declare the Nations that were subject unto them in the whole world.  
Now shall ensue according to my intended purpose, diverse, and many Coat armours, which I have collected, and gathered out of sundry Authors, as well latins, as French, and English.  
Therefore, first and above all others, the Arms of our most dread sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, that now is our chief Governor under Christ, aught of all estates to be known, and known to be reverenced, and honoured, as thereby we may worthily confess, and acknowledge the Sovereignty, Royalty, Pre-eminence, and Dignity of her, and her Ancestors magnificence, in uniting, and knitting together the whole jurisdiction, Right, and Title of the most noble Realms of England, and France into one: and so united, are quarterly borne in one field.  
First on the right quarter is seen the arms of France, the field whereof is Azure, three Flowers de Luce, d'Or. And in the second England, the field whereof is Gules, three Lions Passant, Gardant, d'Or. The third as the second, and the fourth as the first. All within her Garter of heavenly hew, adorned with the golden Poem: Honi soit qui maly pense, ensigned with the Imperial Crown of her Noble Majesty.  
Thus, who reading, & marking the order of the blazon of the said most noble Arms, and seeing the same afterward in any Church, Castle, or other place, but by & by he will know the same, and remember the reverence thereunto due: and not that only, but will break out, and say, God save the Queen, God save her Grace. Which words so said, and heard of others, bringeth all the hearers in remembrance of their obedience, and duty to her, being our most lawful Prince, and Governor. And these Arms are of all men, living under her, & her Laws, and within all her Dominions, to be extolled, and set up in the highest place of our Churches, houses, & mansions, above all other estates & degrees, who so ever they be. And this example of our Sovereign's Arms, I first put forth, as principally above all others to be known, for the causes aforesaid.   

¶ Of Signs borne in Arms.  

Beasts.  There be divers, & sundry signs borne in Arms, as of beasts, the Lion, Tiger, Panther, Pard, leopard, Rhynoceron, Eliphante, Gryphen, chameleon, Cameleoparde, Linx, Beaver, Bear, Wolf, Greyhounde, Hound, Fox, Ape, Satire, Histrix, Euydros, Leontophon, Musion, etc. These properly be called beasts, and no other. For (as Isidore saith) Bestiarum vocabulum propriè convenit Leonibus, 
Isidor. Li. 1●. Cap. 2. Etym.  Pardis, Tygribus, Lupis, & Vulpibus, & caeteris, quae vel ore, vel unguibus saeviunt: exceptis Serpentibus. Bestiae autem dictae, à vi quae saviunt.  
Also every other beast, than these especially before named, ought not to be termed in Arms, Beasts, but by their proper names, as a Bull, a Buss, in Latin called Tarandulus, an Horse, Mule, Ass, Ram, Goat, Hart, Hynd, buck, Boar, Hare, Conye, etc. These in Latin are called Pecora, aut Pecudes, jumenta, & Quadrupedia. Armenta equorum, & boum sunt, quòd his in arm●s utimur. And how they differ in, or touching their names, may easily be understand by Isidore, who so will read him, Libro 12. Cap. 1. Etymo. titul. De Pecoribus, & jumentis.  
There are seen also in Arms, the signs of Serpents, as the Dragon, Coluber, Basilisk, of some called the Cockatrice, Salamander, Amphibene, Stellion, Prester, Ceraste, Hyder, Asp, Adder, Snake, jacule, the Chelyder, etc. Quae quatuor pedibus nituntur, sicut Stelliones, etc. non Serpents, sed Reptilia nominantur.  
Of fishes, 
Fishes.  these are especially borne, the Delphine, Luce, Whale, Bocas, Pearche, Roche, Glade, Mullet, Amyon, Melanure, Balene, Mugill, Crabbe, etc. And of Shell fish, the Escalop is chiefly borne in Arms.  
Of Fowls, 
Fowls.  or Birds these are principally borne: the Eagle, Goshawk, Falcon, Marlet, Swan, Crane, stork, in Latin called Ciconia, Curlewe, Ostrich, Phoenix, Pelican, Peacock, Hernesewe, in Latin called Ardea. The Raven, crow, pie, Back, otherwise called Uespertilion, or Reymouse. The Nightingale, Turtle, Kaladre, Owl, Kite, swallow, Onacracle, Martin, Myredromble, Lare, Phesante, Partriche, etc. These birds, & many more are borne in Arms. Yea the Bee, Butterfly, grasshopper, & Wasp are borne of divers: as also the Scarabie, 
Trees.  which is a fly having horns like to an heart.  
Of trees are borne in Arms, the Palm, Olive, Oak, the Laurel or Bay tree, Seine, in Latin called Collutea, Cedar, Cypress, Beech, Walnut, Mulberry, Sicamor, Figtre, ivy, etc. And yet these trees are not so oft borne, as their branches, fruit, & leaves be: as by examples hereafter shall follow.  
Of Flowers, 
Flowers.  Herbs, & their leaves, an infinite number are borne: as the Rose double & single, hallelujah, Marigold the Lily, the Safron flower, Celidom, Amomum, Merche, in Latin called Apium, Artemesia, Agnus castus, the herb called Diptanun, or Diptanus in latin, in english Diptanee, or Detanee: Milfoile the great, Lupoine, the flower de Luce, Cinquefoil, Quaterfoile, Trifoile, Daisy, jacinth, Senuy, Violet, etc.  

Fruits.  Of fruitꝭ especially are borne the Pomgranade, in latin called Malum granatum, the Orange, Pear, Apple, the berry of the tree called Morus, & the leaf also is borne in arms, etc.  
Of dead things are borne an infinite number in arms, as Crowns, Coronetꝭ, Maces, Pillars, piles, globes, Chevrons, Bars, Bends, Helmets, Gauntlets, sword, daggers or pugions, Lances, Fauchons, Scythes, Bills, crosses, Books, Letters, Beasantes, Plates, Torteauxes, Pellets, Saltries, Chequers, Castles, Toures, Rocks, ships Galthropes, Scocheons, Formales, Mollets pierced and whole, Sufflues, haps, Bells, Lamps, plomets, Ropes or funes, Bows, Arrows, Darts, water Bowges, lozenges, Mascles, Buckles, Fusils, Frets, Billets, wheels Oges, Cups, Ewers, Combs, Saltes, Phiols, Garbages, Pheons, Balances, Maunches, Gorges, Bugles, trumpets, Lures, barnacles, Harrows, Rowels, trewels, in latin called Trullae, Annulets, Ankers, Portculesses' Keys, Bolts, etc. And here is to be noted, that all things bearing life, of what nature so ever they be of, except Crowns Imperial, are to be preferred for their estimation, and dignity in signs of Arms, before all those which have no life. As of beasts, the Lion is to be commended & preferred before all others, who so ever beareth him, for that he is king of all beasts: but whether when he is borne passant, gardant, or regardant, rampant, salient, seiante, couchant, or dormant, be most worthiest, or ancient in Arms, I refer that to the heralds: yet not altogether, for I dare boldly affirm the bearing of him one way to be most of honour & sovereignty: as when he is passant, gardant. And now the rest I commit to their judgement, who are mine elders. Of Birds or Fowls, the Eagle, Pelican, Phoenix, and Swan have chief dignity.  
Of Serpents, the Basilisk and Dragon.  
Of fishes, the Delphine, Luce, and Glade.  
Of Trees, the Palm, and Olive. Of some the Laurel is preferred.  
Of Flowers, the Rose, Lilye, or Flower de Luce.  
Of Dead things, Crowns, and Beasantes.  
Of Fruits, the Pomgranade beareth the pre-eminence.  
Thus I have showed unto you of divers & sundry signs borne in arms, & the right opinion of the worthiness thereof. So that now is to be showed the blazon of all those signs in arms, with many other more, not before remembered. Whereunto I would wish all & singular estates, who would have the name of gentlemen, endeavour themselves Manibus, pedibusque (ut aiunt) to the knowledge of these which ensue. And because the Cross is the most triumphant sign and worthiest, the same shall first have place.  
Thus in old time it may be perceived, what Princes thought of the Crosse. So hath it been thought good to the wisdom of God, that Christ should subdue the universal world through the Horns of the Crosse. 
Eras. in Luc. 24. c.   
Many of the jews, which crucified that innocent Lamb, and our saviour jesus Christ on the Cross, when he was delivered unto them, 
Idem in Matth. 27. c.  wishing his blood to light upon them, & their children, to the destruction of themselves, and their successors, did afterwards worship the Cross, which before cried in the multitude, Up with him, up with him, crucify him. The Cross being afore odious & a thing of reproach, 
Idem johan. 19 ca  was made by Christ, a triumphant sign, whereunto the world boweth down the head, which Angels do worship, & Devils do fear. Hereon he vanquished the power of the tyrant Satan, & all the puissance of this world. In this sign it behoveth us therefore to get the victory, & not otherwise to triumph, then under this standard of our Heavenly Prince, which is Christ.  
Thus it may be seen, 
Religion conceived of the sign of the Crosse.  that the Religion which they conceived at the sight of the sign of the Cross, did so alter their minds, and mollify their hearts, that they did return from their wicked practices of Rebellion, unto their obedience, with craving pardon.  
As this sign of the Cross was then seen of the French in the Element, which was (as I collect) in the time of the noble and puissant Prince, king Edward the third. So the said Gaguine reciteth in his Chronicles, that the Arms which the French kings now bear, were sent from Heaven to Clodoveus then king of France, 
Lilia coelo demissa. The Arms of the French king.  when he was baptized, & became a Christian. id est, 3. Lilia aurea quibus subest caeli sereni colour, quem Azurum Franci dicunt. That is to say, three Lilies Gold, in the colour of the fair, and clear Frmament, which in French is called Azure.  
And of the said miraculous Ensigns Gaguine writeth these two verses, as ensue.  
Haec sunt Francorum celebranda insignia Regum,  
Quae demissa Polo, sustinet alma fides.  
It were too long to write, or place here all the verses, which jodocus Badius Ascensius doth rehearse in the end of the said Gaguine his Chronicle, De Insignibus Franciae. Wherefore, omitting the greatest part thereof, take these few following.  
At nobis caelica dona,  
Et pia Francorum placeant insignia Regum.  
Aurea caelesti primum suffulta colore  
Lilia, Caesareis olim iam credita ceruis.  
Auri flamma dehinc, veterum victoria Regum.  
These yet remain to the French kings for their Ensigns: where before Clodoveus time, 
Buffoons. 3.  they did bear three Toads, as witnesseth the said Gaguine in the first book of his Chronicles. Fol. 5. pag. 2.  
And of their Auriflambe the same Gaguine writeth thus. Traditum quoque est pannum sericeum rubrum, 
Auriflamma.  instar signi militaris quadratum, miro fulgore splendentem divinitus esse exceptum. Quo in expeditionibus contra fidei Christian hosts pro signo Franci Reges uterentur, buicque vexillo nomen Auriflammā hactenus permansisse. Denique à Dionisianis caenobitis asseruatas esse. Sed abutentibus signo adversus Christicolas Regibus illud evanuisse. Thus of their Arms and Auriflambe, how they had the same, appeareth. Yet here is to be noted, that when they advanced their Auriflambe, which was their standard, in battle against the Christians, it vanished away (as Gaguine declareth) and they had the same no more again. For what cometh, or is sent from Heaven (as they allege the same was) must be godly, righteously, and virtuously borne, used, and ordered. Yet notwithstanding when that was gone, they did new make an other (as he reporteth) Non dissimili forma: Not unlike unto the first, which was hallowed by their Bishops, and kept, Inter sacra.  
Thus their own Chronicler doth declare, how their Auriflambe did vanish away, Almighty God being displeased with them, when they advanced the same against their Christian neighbours, and were glad to counterfeit an other. Even so likewise for their untruth, infidelity, and treachery, he hath taken from them their Arms, (which also they say were sent them from Heaven) and hath justly, as a righteous judge, given them to our kings of this Realm of England, to enoblishe them withal, and as their own right, and Inheritance, which most puissantly, and valiauntely they have borne, and do bear, he therefore be praised, Qui est Rex Regum, & Dominus dominantium.  
The Ensign of the noble City of London hath the like field and Cross, 
Insignia Civitatis London.  saving that on the dexter part thereof is seen a Daggare, colour of the Crosse.  
Of other Crosses there be borne a great number, both charged, and not charged: and of some of them I will make description. Wherefore next to the plain Cross before spoken of, take these ensuing for example.  
It is to be known, also, that the said cross, (as many other signs in arms) may be shadowed. That is to say. That of whatsoever colour the field is of, the umbre or shadow of the token or sign borne in the field, is traced of a contrary colour, 
Cross umbre  and the body of the thing shadowed, is of the colour with the field. And this cross so umbrated, is thus to be blazed. A. beareth Or, a cross Moloyne Umbre.  
And it is to be considered, that such gentlemen, as did bear their arms shadowed, had their progenitors, bearing the same not shadowed, but whole and perfect. And because their possessions and patrimonies descended to other men, than the nephews or kinsmen of such gentlemen, living in good hope, and trusting to have the possessions and patrimonies so descended to other men again, did in the mean while bear their progenitors arms umbrated, leaving all other differences. For when at any time such their inheritance, to them reverted, then might they bear that Lion, or other beast, in such form, field and colour, as their progenitors did first bear the same. And note, it is more worship and much better for them, to bear their arms so umbrated or shadowed, then wholly to leave th'ensigns of their progenitors. But yet in my judgement, they might always (with convenient differences) have borne the same whole, and not umbrate: and inespecially they must be so ordered at their funerals, notwithstanding the bearing of them otherwise in their life tyme. And herein the judgement and sentence of the kings at arms, 
Kings at Arms.  must chiefly take place, and have vigour and force: for the distribution of this difference before spoken of, only belongeth and appertaineth unto them.  
And thus I will pass over Crosses, there been so many of them, and those of diverse other forms, degrees & charges, than before are blazed: as Crosses, enuecked. entrayled, forked, paled, and trunked Crosses, Potonce, Mascule, Besante, vairee, undee, nebulee, cordee, botonye, Batune, formye, urdee, pomelle, furshe, nowye. Cross tave, checky, wave, Fret, humette, and fitch. There are also to be found and seen in arms Crosses double partited, semyed, quartered of the field wherein they stand, contrecomponed, pierced, graded, & voided etc. These may the better be thoroughly perceived, if the reader hereof will diligently note, and bear away, what is said of them by master Leighe, in his Accedence of armoury, where he largely entreateth of sundry and diverse sorts of Crosses, borne in sundry wise, as may appear, fol. 29.30.31. etc.   

¶ Of Armes quartered.  
1. Bears quarterly Gules, and Or, one Mollet d'argent, on the first quarter. These appertain to the right honourable, the Earl of Oxeforde, by the name of the L. Ueer. 
L. Veer.   
2. Beareth quarterly Gold, and Gules, an Escarboncle, Pomette, Fleurettie, Sable, Brochant sur le tout. This is the sixth Coat, borne, and marshaled in the Coat Armour of the right honourable, Sir henry Sidney, knight of the most honourable Order of the Garter, and Lord Presidente of the Queen's majesties honourable Council in Wales.  
3. Bears Or, and Gules, a Bend vary argent, & Azure, 
Sackuile.  by the name of Sackevile, Baron of Buckehurste.  
4. Bears Or, and Gules quarterly, on a Bend Sable, 
Euers.  3. Escaloppes d'argent, by the name of Euers.  
Arms also which are quartered as aforesaid, for their diversity, may in some respect seem to be two Cotes, borne quarterly: where, Secundum veritatem, they are but one. As in example.  
And these suffice for Arms quartered, which are always to be taken for single Cotes, yet of great antiquity, as to the heralds are best known.   

¶ Of Armes parted per Pale.  
Arms parted the long way, or on length, being of two colours in one Escocheon, equally parted from the midst of the highest part thereof unto the lowest point, are in Blazon termed Party per Pale. And of the old heralds, Latinè, Partita planè secundum longum. Gallicè, Partee du long. And thereof shallbe showed 7. sundry partitions most used in Arms Paled: videlicet.  
B. beareth Argent & Sable, parted per Pale, engrale.  
C. beareth Or and Gules parted per Pale, rasee.  
D. beareth Argent and Azure, parted per Pale, enueckee.  
E. beareth Sable and Or, parted per Pale, dentee.  
F. beareth Argent and Uerte, parted per Pale, nebule. It is called Nebule, for that two colours are put together by the manner of Clouds.  
G. beareth Or and Gules, parted per Pale, undee. It is termed Undee, because two colours are carried one into an other, by the manner of water troubled with the wind.   

¶ Of Armes parted per Fez.  
Even (as next before) ye may read of the Arms parted on the length of the Escocheon: So may ye understand, that there be partitions also made overthwart the Escocheon, even in the midst of the same, equal, of two colours from the right side, to the left: and is termed in Blazon, Partiè per Fez. Gallicè, Party transuersee. As in example: H. beareth Argent & Azure, Party per Fez. And so descriving the colours of any Escocheon, ye may say, as before, of the Arms parted per Pale.  

videlicet. Party per fesse engrale,  
videlicet. Party per fesse rasie,  
videlicet. Party per fesse enueckye,  
videlicet. Party per fesse dentie  
videlicet. Party per fesse nebule,  
videlicet. Party per fesse undee etc.   
Note also that these partitions per fesse, are to be seen often charged with one token of arms, or with two, as the diligent searcher shall find, if he take heed thereunto, in this book.  
How these partitions may be in sundry wise charged, take these few following for examples.  
1. beareth Or, & Sable, parted per fesse, undee ij. lions Dragons, transmuted of the field. I term these lions transmuted because the Lion first placed in the field, is Sable, in Or, & the other is Or, in Sable. This may be taken for ij. cote armours, without breath of any Rule in armoury. And is called of old heralds lentallye: which wherefore it is so called, 
Lentally.  ye may read in M.G. Leyghe his Accidence of armoury, where he treateth of sundry partitions mesles.  
2 beareth Gules, & Sables parted per Fez enuecked, three lions nayssant argente, crowned.  
3 Yet I find an other partition, as this example teacheth, videlicet. S. beareth Sables, & Gules embatyled per Fez three Fer de molyns d'Argente.  
4 The said partitions also may be charged conveniently with two tokens, and the same of two natures & kinds, as thus it may be devised. R. beareth. Sable, and Argente parted per Fez nebule, two Falcons volante, and a greyhound cursante, contrechanged of the field. Here the Fancons are argente volante in Sable, and the greyhound is Sable cursante in Argente, & this is good armoury. These examples may suffice for arms parted per Fez, although there be seen diverse other partitions, as party par Chevron, par Pile, par Bend &c. which are both ancient, 
Partitions.  and right commendably borne of diverse in sundry manners, forms, & ordres. Therefore here I cease to write any further of them, until I shall speak generally of signs borne in arms.   

¶ Of a chief in Arms.  
Whosoever beareth a Chief in his Arms, it is placed in the highest place of the Escocheon, as a thing honourable to be borne, & the field beneath is twice so moche as the chief, & most commonly is seen of an other colour. Therefore certainly they do greatly err, which call such Arms parted, although they be of two colours: for in parted arms it is required that the colours be equal, & so it is not in any Arms that is honoured with a Chief, or a cheifetaine. And of the same, how in sundry wise they are borne in Arms, take these few ensuing for examples.  
1 The Lord S. john beareth Argente, 
L. S. john.  on a chief Gules, two mollets d'Or pierced verte.  
2. Uerrey, 
Titcheborne.  a Chief, d'Or. This is borne by the name of Tytcheburne, of Titcheburne. Note that this chief is not charged with any thing, and therefore is of great antiquity. And of the field of this cote I will speak hereafter, where it shallbe entreated of sundry furs.  
3. Barrie undee, of vi. dargent, and Sable, on a chief gules, a Lion passant gardant d'Or. Here the chief is charged nobly which a quick beast of honour.  
4. ermine, on a chief dented, Gules, three Crosses taved, Or. The trick of this cote I took, as I found it painted on a Table, 
Thurlande.  in a parish church of Nottingham, & as it is there mentioned, is borne by the name of Thurlande.  
ermine, a chief dented, ermines. Of these things borne in this cote, it shallbe spoken hereafter.  
ermine, on a chief indented, Gules, three crowns Imperial, d'Or. Here I needed not to have spoken of the metal of the crowns, for all such are of gold. The note of this cote armour I took in the parish church of Tyckehill in Yorkshire.  
D. beareth Or, three water bowges Sable in chief. Here the field remaineth perfect without alteration of colour, and abideth only as charged in the chefetaine, which is very ancient armory.   

¶ Of Armes Palee.  
AS I have said before, no Arms ought to be called parted, but if they be made of two colours, once parted and no more. Arms paled, (whereof now is to be showed, are not, nor aught to be called partite Arms, although they be divided in two colours. For the colours in arms palee, are diversely parted of two colours to the number of 6. pails: and such Arms, be called Arms pailed, for they be made after the manner of pails, yet in sundry wise, as plain, undee, daunsete etc. whereof take these few for examples.  
1. A. Beareth palee, of 6. pieces, Or, and Sable.  
2. C. Beareth Palee dansetee of four Sable & Argente, or thus, his field is of pails dauncie Sable, and Argente. These pails be called dansetee, because they be crooked and sharp, and so put together one into an other. And note, that these coats armours be termed Paled, because therein are found so many Pales of one colour, as is of the other.  
3 In diverse arms of gentlemen be found, one, or two pails of one colour, and what colour is found more, is the field, and of one Pail, take this for example.  
G. Beareth Argente a Pale, bendee d'Or and Sable, And of him that beareth two Pales, it must be said thus.  
4 Bears Gules two Pales d'Argent. These pales may be borne undated, which is as much to say, as watered with a flood, and also engrailed, dented, vaire etc. Whos● marketh well these two last shields, shall plainly perceive, that both the dextre part, and sinister of the escocheon, abide perfect of one metal or colour, and so shall he not find of arms Palee, for what colour thereof is found of the right part of the shield, the contrary is found on the left.   

Arms Barrie.  
William the conqueror, 
William Conqueror.  what time he entered this Realm, he did bear this Coat Armour, but after his conquest, he took to him other Arms, videlicet two Leopards of gold in a field Gules. For as I read, Henry the second was the first king that did bear three Lions.  
Also, it is to be known, that arms may in diverse wise be Barred, and the first manner is plain and straight, as is next before exemplefied. Yet in the blazon of them, ye shall not say, he beareth plain arms barred, But if they be otherwise borne, ye than must needs declare the blazon of them, how they differ from plain arms barrie, for some are borne Barrie undee, barrye very, or enuecked, barrye dauncye, or Bendye etc. Others also be barred with a Lion rampaunte, a greyhound, or other Beast. And some be barred otherwise, as hereafter partly shallbe showed by sundry examples following, videlicet.  
1. D. Beareth barrie undee, of 4. sable and Or.  
2. E. Beareth ermine iij. bar ways very d'Or and Guiles.  
3. F. Bears Sable, two bars Daunsetye, d'Argente: And of a cote Armour barry bendee. Read in M. Gerarde Leighe his Accidence, where he entreateth of coats commixed with two of the honourable Ordinaries.  
4. Beareth barree of viii. pecis, argente, and verte, a Orle of Marlettes, Sable.  
And note that these coats barriez, are most commonly borne of 6. and 8. pieces, but never above, as Upton witnesseth: Yet when you see any arms, having more pieces, blaze them on this wise.  
The French heralds blaze this cote, Face de dix pieces, and whether there be two Bars, three or more, they term them all, Facee.  
Here note, that a Bar may be borne with two Barrulettes, one above, and the other beneath the Bar. And Bar, as I said before, containeth but the first part of the field: and the Barrulet is a Diminutive thereof, and is but the fourth part of the Bar. And these Barrulettes are often found Florie, or Flored, for that they be made after the manner of Flower de Luce's, issuing out of them as diverse otherwise, whereof take these next for examples.  
The first beareth Uert, a Bar and two Barrulettes, Or.  
The second beareth Argent, a Bar, with two Barrulettes Floritie, Sable.  
The third beareth Gules, a Bar between two Clossettes, d'Or. The Closet is the half of the Bar. And these two halves thus divided, have the force of two Bars in the field, for more, by the name of Bars, it may not contain, and keep equal divisions.  
The fourth beareth Argent, three Bars Gemewes, Sable.   

¶ Of Bends.  
And of him that beareth such a Bend, ye shall say thus. Uidelicet: 
L. Scroupe.  The L. Scroupe of Bolton beareth a Bend, Or, in a field, Azure. I here first blaze the Bend, for the honour of the metal that he is of, and yet the field is of the colour of the most fair and clear Firmament.  
These Bends may be borne with Bendelettes of diverse forms, some plain, some fair, some with Cotizes both plain, or dance, etc. As in example.  
first beareth Argent, a Bend Wavie Sable, these appertain to the right worshipful Sir H. Wallop of Wallop in the County of South K. 
Wallop.   
The second beareth Uert, a Bend Uiurie Dargent.  
The third beareth Or, a Bend sinister, engrailed Gules.  
The fourth beareth Azure, on a Bend Argent, cotized with two Cotizes d'Or, a Lion Sable, armed and languid Gules.  
Moreover, there be found in Arms, certain other Bends, to some strange, from these aforesaid, as these two which ensue.  
first beareth Fusilles, which are so termed, for that they be made like Spindle's. As in example: Sidenham beareth Argent, a Bend Fusillie Sable, or five Fusilles in Bend Sable. 
Sidenham.   
The other beareth Sable, a Bend Brettesse de Or.  
Fusilles in Bends, are commonly borne of Gentlemen in Burgundy, and as they be borne in Bend, so may they be borne in Fez, etc.   

¶ Four Coats of sundry devices.  
 

1. Beareth Sable, a Bend Argent, with two double Cotizes, Potences, and Conterpotences of three pieces d'Or.  
2. Beareth Bendie of six pieces d'Or, and Uert, on a Fez Argent, three Flowers de Luce Azure.  
3. Beareth Sable, six Battunes d'Argent.  
4. Beareth Azure, a Cross Sarcele d'Or, with a Batune, componie d'Argent, and Gules.    

¶ Differences between Fusilles, Lozenges, and Mascles.  
 

1. Beareth Gules, 
Denham.  four Fusilles in Fez ermine, by the name of Denham.  
2. Beareth Sable, three Lozenges Argent.  
3. Bears Or, and Ermynes Lozengie.  
4. Beareth Sable, 7. Mascles D'argent voided. 3.5. & ●.    

¶ Chevrons.  
 

1. Beareth ermines, a Chevron D'argent.  
2. Beaerth Sable, a Chevron between three Huchettes D'argent, lie de Uert.  
3. Beareth ermine, two Chevrons Azure, charged with six Estoiles of eight points D'or.  
4. Beareth Cheuronie of six D'argent, and Sable.   
He beareth d'Or, a Chevron Uersie d'Azure, in Chief, an Eagle displayed with two heads of the second, membered, and beaked Gules. This Chevron may be borne frettie with an other, and the same contercoloured, as I have seen in diverse Books of armory.   

¶ Of Armes enbordured, or with bordurs.  
Bordures, many and diverse are to be seen in Arms, whereof, those which be plain, are most usually borne, and of the same, and others divers, take these ensuing, for example.  
1. Beareth Fusillie, Bendie, D'or and Gules, a border Azure.  
2. Beareth Argent, one Lion salient d'Azure, armed, languid, and crowned Gules, a Border dentelle Sable. As this Border is dented, so it may be borne, engrailed, enuecked, goboned, vaire, etc.  
3. Beareth Gules, one Cross Patie D'or, between four Beasantes, with a Border D'argent, semie trefolie propre.  
4. Bendie of six, Azure and Argent, on a Scocheon Sable, an Hearts head cabazed D'or, with a Plate in Chief. Here the Cutter was negligent, in omitting a Bordure d'Ermyne, contrary to his instructions.  
These Bordurs also are borne, charged with diverse & sundry signs or tokens, as ye may perceive by these ensuing.  
1. Beareth Uerte, five Fermaulxz in Cross D'or, a Border d'Argent, charged with eight Ogresses: or after the French blazon, Ogressee de huit pieces.  
2. Beareth Argent, five Torteuxes in Saltier, a border de Gules, Fermaille D'or, de S. pieces.  
3. Bears Or, one Cross botonye d'Hermines, between four hurts, with a Bordure Sable, semie billetti d'Argent.  
4. Beareth d'Argent, one Saltier engrailed Sable, between four pomeiss, on a bordure Azure, viii. Escocheons d'Or, charged with as many Crosses, crossettie fitch Gules.  
He beareth Sable, a Lion rampant d'Argent, with a bordure gobonie de l'vne & l'autre.  
Many other Bordures are to be seen, charged with infinite tokens, both quick and dead. And these Furs, Krovine, Ermines, and very, do most nobly set forth these Bordures, to the great beautefiing of the same. And of Arms borne with Bordures, these few aforesaid may suffice for examples.   

¶ Of quarter's & cantons.  
There be borne in Arms sundry Quarters or Cantons both charged and not charged, which are of most ancient bearing, and therefore worthy to be noted.  
1. Beareth Geronnie of vi. pieces Or and Sable, on a quarter Gules, one mollet d'Argent. I took the trick of this cote as I found it in a glass window, within the Parish church of Lileburne in Leycester shire, but by what name it is borne, I there could not get knowledge.  
2. Beareth sable semye florye d'Argent, and a quarter d'Or.  
3. Beareth d'Or, two bars Sable, a quarter sinister d'Ermyne.  
4. bears Gules, two pales de vaire, on a quarter sinister d'Or, one fermaulx lozengie, Gules.  
Kyrrell beareth d'Or, ij. Cheurons' gules, a quarter de mesme. They must be here blazed two Chevrons, although the quarter abateth one half of the Chevron mountant, that is, the overmost Chevron, and this is a true Rule, when ye shall see any token abated, by the dignity of the Canton: for the token or sign, although it should seem abated yet it abideth perfect in blazon.  
1. The field is of the Pearl, a plain Cross Diamond, Canton d'ermyne. For difference one mollet Topazie, signifying the third brother of that house from whence in blood he is lineally descended. This ensign appertaineth to M. Laurence Holenshed, 
Holenshed.  a gentleman endowed with diverse noble virtues and excellent qualities, very expert also in blazon devices heroyques, and a fervent lover of all them, which embrace the study thereof, wherefore worthy he is of such remembrance, and commendation more ample.  
2. Beareth Argente, one Chevron Gules, & on a Canton Sable a cinquefoil d'Ermyne pierced. This Coat I have seen borne also without a Canton, by the name of Tyas. 
Tya●.   
3. Beareth Gules two estoyles of eight points d'Or, a canton Ermine, 
Leverton.  by the name of Leverton.  
4. Beareth d'Or, ix. Muscles vert, voided two three, three, one, on a Canton sinister, Sable. one Cressante with a Mollet d'Argent pierced.  

Basset.  His field of the Topaz, three piles in point Ruby a Canton d'Hermine.  

Sou●he.  He beareth Mars, 8. Beasantes, Solis, 2.2.3. i. a Canton d'Hermyne.   

¶ Of Armes Checkey.  
Moreover diverse signs & tokens in arms are found to be compounded of sundry metals and colours, as also Checkey, and thereof whole fields are nobly borne: all which, these few examples following shall plainly teach you.  
1. Beareth Argent, a demi Lion verte, in chief d'Or, and Sable contrecomponed. 
Contrecomponed.  This chief is so termed, because it abideth of one metal and one colour: and but of two Tracts only, therefore in no wise may be called Checkey, although it appear like thereunto.  
2. Bears Or, 
Checkey.  a Fez Checkey d'Argent and Sable, between three escocheons d'Ermynes. This Fez as it is here of three Tracts, is right Checkey. And an hole field, may be Checkey, saens number.  
3. Bears Checkey d'Ermine and Gules, on a Fez Sable. 
Incressa●t●.  3. Incressants d'Argent. The French heralds blaze this, troy's Croissans tournez.  

Chief.  4. Bears Checkey d'Argent and vert, in Chief Gules, one Lion naissant d'Or. Blaze this by the planets thus. The field is checkye, Lunae, and Veneris, a Lion naissant Solis a chief Martis. This might be the cote of some adventurous knight and a lover, for here he hath the Sun and Moon, that god and goddess Mars, and Venus, for patrons in his ensign.  

Warren.  His field is Checkey, Saphier, and Topaz. And note, as there is whole fields Checkey of metal and colour, so are to be seen, Bends, Bars, Bordures, Chevrons, Saltiers, etc. Checquey. Also the two furs ermine, and ermines with any colour, do ennoblyshe all Coats Checked.  
This game was first invented by Athalus, as Master. G. Chaucer reporteth in his dream, saying.  
¶ At the Chess with me she 'gan to play  
With her false draughts full diverse  
She stolen on me, and took my feirse  
And when I saw my feirse away  
Alas I couth no longer play  
But said, Farewell sweet Iwis  
And farewell all that ever there is  
Therewith fortune said, Check here  
And Mate in the mid point of the Chekere  
With a Pawn errant, alas,  
Full craftier to play she was,  
Then Athalus that made the game  
first of the Chess: so was his name.  
The play at the Chess, 
Chess. Go. Li. 1 ca 26 Fol. 81.  of all games most proveth man's wit. And Sir Thomas Eliot in his Book, entitled the Governor, saith, That the Chess, of all games, wherein is no bodily exercise, is most to be commended: for therein is right subtle engine, whereby the wit is made more sharp, and remembrance quickened. And it is the more commendable, and also commodious, if the players have read the Moralization of the Chess, & when they play, do think upon it. Which books be in English: but they be very scarce, because few men do seek in plays for virtue or wisdom. In the old time, it was the play of Noble men: and therefore the Table thereof is not unworthy to be borne in arms. Et sic deinsignijs Scaccatis ad presens satis dictum est.  
Before in this book I have partly touched signs, or tokens borne in arms by divers Nobles, & other Gentletlemen, which I could not omit, by reason of the using of so many examples. Therefore now hereafter shall follow generally the blazon of beasts, fowls, fishes, and other things quick & dead, borne in  armour, and of them ye shall see a great number of examples: as of sundry divisions of  armours, charged with any of the honourable Ordinaries, especial or general, of Quadrates Royal, and other things armorial, not unworthy to be red, and borne in memory.  
There are seen & found oftentimes in the arms of divers excellent & noble persons, 
Tracts, or Traces.  Tracts, simple, or plain, & the same otherwhile engrailed on both parts, and enuecked, sometime double traced, & floried, & is then called a double Treasure, or Tressure. As in example.  
I find the said arms otherwise described in Latin, 
Scottish king his Arms.  without mention made of any tract, or Tressour Conterflorie: (as in an Epistle which a certain knight named Darius Tibertus, wrote to a Prelate called julius Caesar Cantelinus, may appear in these words.) Tuos Natales Regios non ignorantus ex utroque Parent. Mater enim ex Banciorum prosapia, Regia est, cum qua affinitatem contrahere Aragonius Ferdinandus non est dedignatus. Cantellinorum verò familiam à Rege ipso Albionis Insulae (quam Scotiam vocant) procedere, tum anuales edocent, tum commune etiam ensign declarat. Ruber nempe in auro erectus Leo patenti ore, cauda ad caput reflexa, coloris Cyanei. The Tressure here omitted in the Latin blazon, I yet find an other diversity of a part of the Lion, from that which is borne of the Scottish. 
Difference in the tail ●f a lion.  For the Caude, or Tail of this Prelate his Lion, is coloris Cyanei, of a bright blue colour. This I thought good not to omit, for the rareness of the diversity. Also because this Lion here described, is a beast of most honour, and also is called king of beasts. Leo autem Grecè, Latinè Rex interpretatur: eò quòd sit Princeps omnium bestiarum.  

lion.  I mean somewhat to treat of him, & his excellency far passing other beasts. I read, that at his voice all other beasts dread, and stint suddenly. And in his Regality he maketh a circle about them with his tail, so that all the beasts stand in great fear to pass out over the line of his circle. And thus they stand astonished, and afraid, as it were, abiding the Hest, and commandment of their king. Pliny saith, that the Lion is in most gentleness and Nobility, when his neck and shoulders be healed with hear and main. This his Nobility, especially is espied when he rampeth. And the Lions that be short, with crisp hear or main, 
Etymo. Lib. 12 ca 2.  Imbelles sunt: as Isidore saith. And such lions fight not.  
Now I will declare how many, and sundry ways they are borne in arms, as Passante, Rampant, Salient, Seiante, Couchante, Darmante, etc. And also of sundry forms and fashions, 
Diversity of bearing Lions  as Gardante, Regardante, Dor an Dors. i. Back to back, or endorsed, Combattante, Dimidiated, Parted, Couped, Dismembered, Uulned, Bicapited, Bicorporated, Tricorporated, Umbrated, or Shadowed. Their tails forked, nowed, resignante, reverberante, descendante, percussed, and contercoloured. In all these forms, or likenesses they are described, and pictured: as also otherwise ensigned or marked, then here is remembered. Wherefore I will presently write more, both of his bearing diversly, and of his sundry natures and properties.  
1. Beareth Sable, 
Segraue.  a Lion rampant d'Argent, crowned, by the name of Segraue.  
2. Beareth Uert, 
Lion Salian●e  a Lion Saliante d'Or. The difference, between these Lions, the one Rampante, and the other Saliante, is plainly in the said Escocheons figured, according to M. G. Leigh his description, in the Accidence of armory.  
The Lion when he pursueth man, or beast, useth to leap, and so he doth not when he voideth, or fleeth. If a man shoot at him, the Lion chasteth him, and throweth him down, but neither woundeth him, ne hurteth him.  
Isidore saith, that there is one kind of Lion, which hath ragged hear and main. And such a Lion is sharp, 
Isidor. Lib. 12 Cap. 2.  and fierce of heart. Animos eorum frons & cauda indicat. Virtus eorum in pectore, firmitas in capite. Thus it appeareth, that their courage, virtue, and steadfastness is known by their heads, breasts, and tails.  
Isidore saith, that the lions eyes are as though he were awake, when he sleepeth. Cum a●rmierint, vigilant oculi. They dread noise, and rushing of wheels, but fire much more. Rotarum timent strepitus, sed ignes magis. Modicè dormiunt. Haec ille.  
At length yet being weary of such a loathsome life, he left the Cave, and came abroad, by means whereof he was taken again. And being a slave to his Master, (who had power of life and death over him) he was condemned to be cast to the wild beasts at Rome, there to be devoured of a lion.  
The poor caitiff stood pitifully in the sight of thousands, ever looking when he should be devoured. It happened at the same time, when this fellow was thus adjudged to die, that the same Lion was taken, whose foot he healed in the wood. When the Lion was put to him, he came first very terribly towards this fellow, and immediately knowing what he was, stood still, and at length fawned gently upon him. The fellow, at first being amazed, began to take heart unto him afterwards, as half knowing him likewise, and thus they began both to take acquaintance the one of the other, 
Thankfulness of a lion.  and played together a good space without all danger. Whereupon the people being amazed, much wondered at the strangeness of this thing. And standing thus astonied, they sent to know of the slave, what this matter should mean. 
Vidd Aul. Gel. Noc. Atti. Lib. 5. Cap. 14.  Unto whom this poor wretch opened the whole thing altogether, even as it happened. When the people heard this, they not only rejoiced much at the sight thereof, but also they made earnest request to his master for his life. His master marueilinge as much as any of them at such an unwonted kindness: gave him, not only his life, but also his freedom.  
And now, to the end he might have somewhat whereupon to live, the people gave him a Fee for term of his life. The fellow by and by got him a Line, and a collar, and carried the Lion up and down the City, in such sort, as huntsmen carry a Greyhound, or a Spaniel, the people still woondringe, 
Leo hospes hominis: homo medicus Leonis.  and saying ever as he came by: Behold a man that hath cured a Lion: behold a Lion that hath saved a man.  
Hereby the thankfulness of the Lion is to be noted, and the example to be marked of all such, as would account themselves, either more natural, or kind, than the lion. And let us not do that, which brute beasts have not seemed to do, but learn to be kind one to an other, and thankful.  
Of the properties, or nature of the Lion, I need write no more, but I will you to read Aristotle, Pliny, Isidore, Solinus, and Bartho. De proprietatibus rerum. And there you shall find a large field of them.  
And who so desireth to know the difference between lions Gardante, and Regardante, etc. then let him peruse M. G. Leighe his Accidence of armory, and there he shallbe resolved in the most of them. Yet hereafter shallbe described the sundry bearing of diverse Lions in several fields, and amongst other tokens of Arms.  
I read, that there be certain people between Indie, and Cathaye, 
Pigmei. cubit.  called Pigmei, of stature but one cubit long, which containeth one foot and an half. And Plini saith, that they be armed in iron, & fight with Cranes, & do ride on goat bucks, and have arrows, and darts, to shoot and cast at Cranes, that pursue them. In the springe time they gather an Host, and come to the Sea, and destroy both their eggs, and birds, with all their might, and strength. They make many such voyages, which if they left undone, Cranes would so much there increase, and be so many, that the Pigmei could not withstand them. And some writ, that they array them so with feathers, as though they had wings. And of their battle with Cranes, and of their stature, I find it thus written: 
Vide Plin. li. 7. Cap. 2.  Pigmei homuntiones sunt paruuli in India, unius tantum cubiti statura, vel etiam breviores, qui cum gruibus avibus assiduè certant, ab eisque vincuntur saepissimè. Isidore (because of their small stature) calleth them, Nani, Dwarves. And the Grecians call them Pigmeos: 
Isidor. Ety. li. 11. Cap. 3.  Eò quòd sint statura cubitales.. But who so ever will read a proper Emblem of them, see Alciate Lib. 1. Emblem. 20.  
Of the nature of the Crane, ye may read hereafter, in this Book, where specially I entreat thereof.  
Phisiologus speaketh of Syrena, & saith, it is a beast of the sea, in shape wonderful, as a maid from the Navel upward, and a fish from the navel downward. This beast is glad, & merry in tempest, & heavy & sad in fair weather. She causeth shipmen to sleep with the sweetness of her song: and when she perceiveth them to be on sleep, she entereth the ship, and so useth one of them, whom she best liketh, as here is not to be spoken, or believed.  


Problem.  There is a beast marvelous to see,  
The which in sooth, at his nativity  
Is of his might, so tender, and so green,  
That he may himself not sustain  
Upon his feet, though he had it sworn.  
But if that he be of his Mother borne,  
And afterward, by process of age,  
On four feet he maketh his passage.  
And then upon three, if I shall not feign,  
And alderlaste, he goeth upright on twain:  
diverse of port, and wonderful of cheers,  
Till by length of many sundry years  
Naturally, he goeth again on three,  
And sithen on four, it may none other be.  
And finally, this is the troth plain,  
He recovereth kindly again  
To the matter, which that he came fro.  
Lo here my Problem is all idoo.  
Muse thereupon without war or strife,  
It to declare, or else lose thy life.   

Thilk beast (qd Oedipus) thou spoke of heretofore, 
Oedipus expoundeth the Problem, or Riddle.   
Is every man into this world ibore,  
Which may not go his limbs be so soft,  
But as his Mother beareth him aloft  
In her arms, when he doth cry, or weep.  
And after that he ginneth for to creep  
On four feet in his tender youth  
By experience, as it is oft couth  
afore reckoned, his hands both two.  
And by process, thou mayst consider also,  
With his two feet, for all thy fell tene,  
He hath a staff, himself to sustain.  
And then he goeth shortly upon three,  
And alderlaste, as it must needs be.  
Voiding his staff, he walketh upon twain,  
Till it so be, through age he attain  
That lust of youth wasted be and spent.  
Then in his hand he taketh a potent,  
And on three feet thus he goeth again,  
I dare affirm, thou mayst it not with sane.  
And soon after, through his unweeledy might,  
by influence of nature's right,  
And by experience, as every man may know,  
Like a child, on four he creepeth low.  
And for that he may hear no while sojourn,  
To earth again, he must in haste return,  
Which he came fro, he may it not remove.  
For in this world, no man may eschew  
This very sooth, shortly and no doubt,  
When the wheel of kind cometh about,  
And naturally hath his course ironne,  
By circuit, as doth the sheer sun.  
That man, & child, of high, and low estate,  
It gaineth not, to make more debate.  
His time is isette, that he must fine,  
When Atropos, of malice doth untwine  
His lives thread, by Clotho first componed.  
Lo here thy problem, fully is exponed.   


The description of Sphinx by Io. Lydgat  This Monster had also by description,  
Body, and feet of a fierce lion.  
And like a maid, in sooth was head and face,  
Fell of his look, and cruel to menace.   
The description of this Monster is more aptly declared in Latin by Alciate, Embl. 46.  
Although this be a Monster horrible, yet Augustus Caesar, at the first entry into his Empire, used the same for his singular, or most secret Ensign: as ye may read in the book entitled, Heroica M. Claudij Paradini. Fol. 21.  
The third kind of Simieses, or Apes, 
Ape Cenophe  are called Cenocephali, which are in all proportions of the body, like to the common sort of Apes: but in the face most like unto an hound. unde & nuucupati.  
The Apes, 
Ape Satire.  called Satyri, are pleasant in face, and of a merry countenance, and often moving, and playing. And these be the fourth kind of Apes.  
The fift kind of Apes are called Callitrices. These in the face have a long beard, 
Ape Callitrice.  and a broad tail. Apes are wise, or skilful of the Elements. They are merry, and rejoice at the new of the Moon, but at the full, and waning, they are triste, and sad. Their young ones, whom they love best, 
Foetus suos impatienter diligit Simius.  they carry before them, and are so impatiently in love with them, that with much embracing, they do often stifle, and kill the same, as Pliny saith.  
The field is Sable, two Heronsewes d'Argent. And to this Crest upon the helm on a wreath d'or, 
Satire.  & Azure, a satire proper, mantled Gules, doubled d'argent. These satires (as Isidore saith) been somewhat like men, having crooked noses, & horns in the forehead, & feet like unto goats feet. Such an one saw S. Anthony in the wilderness. Qui interrogatus à Dei servo, respondisse, fertur, dicens: Mortalis ego sum unus ex accolis Heremi, quos vario deluso errore, gentilitas Faunos, Satyrosque colit. This Satire is also called Faunus, alias Pan, Deus Rusticorum, et Pastorum à Poëtis fingitur.  
He delighteth to be in woods, 
Leonic. lib. ●. ca 24. the var. Histor.  and on high hills. He was worshipped as a God of the husbandmen, and heard keepers in Arcady, which country is full of hills, and aboundante of flocks of sheep. Leonicus sayeth, that Fauni, be the same, which are called Satyri, and Syluani, and are monsters in Ethiope, of the shape of man, yet having horns, beards, and feet like to goats, being also very swift and lecherous. Of this, and many others, that have the shape of men and of beasts, ye may read in Plynie, Solinus, Paschasius, Isidore, etc. yet of some of them more hereafter shallbe spoken in their places.  

Centaur.  The Centaur is an other monster, and taketh his name (as Isidore sayeth) for that he is of a mixed kind, the one half of man, the other half like an horse. These were supposed to be horsemen of the country of Thessalia, which pricked up and down of horses, and therefore some of them seemed that Horse and man were one body: Ind Centauros fictos asseruerunt.  

Hyen.  This is a cruel beast, in quantity like unto the wolf: & he is called Hyena of Hyando, for that he raiseth to his pray with open mouth and voice, and in his neck is hear, as in the neck of an horse, and upon all the length of his ridge also. He cometh to houses by night, and feyne●h speech of mankind, and calleth some man by his name, and when he hath him without the doors, he devoureth him: Likewise, doth he hounds, as gladly as men, by such his feigned speech. It is wonderful what pliny, Aristotle, Solinus, etc. writ of this Beast.  

Tiger.  The Tiger is abeaste wonderful in strength, and most swift in flight, as it were an arrow. For the Persians call an arrow Tigris. He is distingued with diverse specks: and of him the flood Tigris took the name: qd is rapidissimus si● omnium flwiorum. This flood is in Armeny, and the Tiger is bred there also. It is said, that Bacchus used these beasts in his chariot, for their marvelous swiftness in conveying of the same.  
The Panther, is friend to all Beasts, save the Dragon, for him he hateth full sore. This beast hath on his skin little round spots, some black, and some white: and all four footed beasts have liking to behold his colours: And therefore, where he is, thither will they resort, because of the sweet savour that cometh from him, which the Dragon only can not abide. And though the panther be a right cruel beast, yet he is not unkind, to them that help or succourre him: as pliny putteth an example of one, that delivered and helped up a Panther his whelps, that were fallen into a ditch, & the Panther lad him out of the wilderness with glad semblance, and fawned on him, and as it seemed in a manner thanked him right heartily.  
The Pard, 
Pard.  next to the Panther, (as Isidore sayeth) is the most swift Beast, & precepts ad sanguinem. Saltu enim ad mortem ruit. He hath diverse round specks in his skin, as the Panther. And varieth not from him in colour, but only that the Panther, (as Pliny witnesseth) is more full of white specks.  
The leopard also is a Beast most cruel, 
leopard.  and is gendered in spouse breach of a Pard, and a Lioness, & tertiam originem efficit, ut dicit Isidorus. pliny, in his natural history, sayeth: that the Lion gendereth with the Pard, or the Pard with the Lioness, & ex utroque coitu degeneres partus creari: & of such gendering cometh unkind pards, as of an horse, and of a she Ass, or of mare, and a male Ass, is gendered a Mule The leopard hath diverse colours, as the Pard hath: and pursueth his pray sterteling and leaping, and not running. But if he take not his pray in the third leap, or in the fourth: then he stinteth for indignation, and goeth backward, as though he were overcome, and is like to a Lion in body, tail, and feet: but in the shape of the head he is like to the Pard. He is much less in body then the Lion, and therefore he dreadeth the lion.  
This Beast of the Greeks is called Monoceron: id est Vnicornis: for that he hath in the middle of his forehead an Horn of four foot long: & that horn is so sharp, and so strong, that he throweth down or thirleth all that he raiseth on. He fighteth oft with th'elephant, and woundeth him in the womb, and so throweth him down to the ground. Also his strength is such, that he is not taken with any power or might of hunters, sed sicut asserunt qui naturas animalium scripserunt, A Maid is set there as he shall come, who openeth her lap, and the Unicorn leaving all his fierceness, layeth thereon his head, and then falleth on sleep, and so is taken or slain with darts of hunters, asthoughe nature had given him no armour, to defend him withal.  
H. Bears Sable and Gules, parted with a Chevron between three heads Rhinocerontez coped d'Argent.  
This Beast of the Greeks is called Rhynoceron, 
Rhynoceron.  for that he hath an horn in his nosethrille: and differeth but in that one part from the Unicorn. 
Horns.  Horns be given to beasts by nature, to defend them with, in stead of armour and weapon, and been therefore set in the overmost part of the head, that they may always be ready, to withstand their enemies, and to defend the wrongs offered unto them: But to these two beasts next before described, nature hath otherwise placed their horns, might, and power, as in the midst of their forehead, and nostrils.  
Upon these beasts the Persians and Medes used to fight in towers of tree, and out thereof threw and cast darts, as it were out of towers or castles. And as it is red of that Elephante, he is more easy to be tamed, and more obedient to man, than any other wild beast.  

Elephante.  The Elephant his nose is long and great, and hard as an horn: and he useth his nose, in stead of an hand, taking thereby meat and drink, and putteth it in his mouth: & est angui similis, vallo munitus eburneo.  
The Elephante when he sitteth bendeth his feet, & may not bend all four at once, for heaviness and weight of his body: but bendeth the hinder legs right as a man. He lieth never down to sleep, by reason of the hugeness of his body: wherefore when he is weary, he leaneth to a tree, and so resteth him some what. He liveth three hundredth year as Isidore sayeth. Also it is written of them, that if they see a man coming against them in the wilderness, if he be out of his way, for that they would not affray him, they will draw themselves some what out of the way, and so passing softly by little and little before him, they (as it were) teach him the way. And if the Dragon (between whom and him, is perpetual wrath and strife) come against the man, than they defend him, and fight with the Dragon. This they do especially when they have young fools, for they dread the man seeketh their fools: And therefore they first deliver them of the man, that they may the more surely keep and feed their young ones. Apud solam Africam & Indiam Elephanti prius nascebantur: nunc sola eos India gignit.  
He beareth verte, 
Griffon.  a Griffon sergreant silver; winged d'Or.  
ij. Beareth Argente a fesse, between three Griffins heads rassed sable. This coat appertaineth to Hals of Kenedon in Devonshire.  
The Griffon is a beast with wings, and is four foted, and also like unto the Lion in all parts of the body, and to the Eagle only in the head and wings. He is strong enemy to the horse, and is of such might as he is able to take up an horse and a man armed upon him. His Clees or talentes are so great and large, that of them be made Cups, to set upon boards or tables of kings and princes. Hoc genus ferarum in Hiperboreis montibus nascitur: In these mountains, is plenty of Gold & precious stones, as Smaragdus, jaspis, & Crystal, which the griffons keep, and suffer them not to be taken from thence, as diverse writers affirm the same. And of an other manner bearing this beast, take here an other example.  
The field is d'Or, a griffon sergreant Sable, on a mountain verte. Here he is displayed in his propriety and dominion.  
This is a little beast, and hath not one colour of his body, but changeth full soon and often into diverse colours, except red and white, his face is, as it were a beast componed of a swine and of an Ape, being like to the Ewte in the body. His sides be even long to the neither part of his womb, as it were a fish: and his ridge bones bounche upward, his tail is full long, & small at th'end, his feet been short, & hath clees, like to the clees of a Bird, & all his body is rough & sharp, as the body of a Bardan. His most might and strength is against the kind of Gossehawkes': for he draweth unto them, and they flee unto him, and so he taketh them wilfully to other beasts to be devoured. But what beast soever it be, he is accounted among clean beasts.  
He liveth by the air: Semper hyans, & aperto ore, quo solo vivit, & nutritur, attrahens, & respirans. Oculos habet semper corpori concolores, eos nunquam claudit, nec pupillam movet.  
Phisiologus writeth, that the Wolf cannot bend his neck backward in no month of the year, but in may only, when it thundereth. Solinus saith, that in his tail he beareth a lock of hear, which exciteth love: and doth it away with his teeth, when he dreadeth to be taken.  

Wolf Ethiope.  Isidore saith, that in Aethiopia been Wolves with hairy manes in their neck, and on their body so spotted with variable colours, that they lack no manner of colour.  

Wolf Indie.  Aristotle saith, that in Indie is a Wolf right cruel, that hath the face, or countenance of a man, feet like unto the Lion, and tail as a Scorpion. His voice much soundeth as it were a man's voice. He is as swift as an Heart, and also full hardy, and fierce.  
The Hound is a beast full ingenious, and hath mind of diffuse, and long ways: so that if they lose their masters, they go by fur space of Lands, and Countries to their masters houses again. If an hound by evil bringing up, be made to be cruel, yet such his cruelness abateth to a meek man. For Pliny saith, that among beasts, that dwell with us, hounds, and horses be most gracious, and loving. The said Coat appertaineth to M. Hundegate in Yorkshire.  
This is the ancient Coat armour of the Mallyverey of Wodersom in Yorkshire. 
Mallyvery.   
2. The field is parted per Pale Nebule, Carboncle, and Diamond, two greyhounds Saliante Regardante of the Pearl. The greyhound is right cruel, & fierce in pursuing, and taking of wild beasts, and is full mild, and gentle to men, and to tame beasts. His Nobility, and gentleness is known by the length of his face, and snout, as also by the breadth of his cheaste, & smallness of the womb, and slanke. He is best to be liked, when he hath long ears and plyante, long legs and small, for they be needful to cause him to be the more swift in course and running. His tail is more long and crooked, than the tails of other hounds: and hath less flesh, and shorter hear, and more thin & smooth. For if he be too rough, or hearye, he should then be too hot in his game. And if he be fleshy, he then will run the worse.  
Such dogs were presented to the great Alexander by the king of the Sophites in India, who, to show their force & property, put four of them unto a great Lion, which strait ways caught him fast. And when the keeper of the dogs would have taken one of them by the leg to pluck him from the Lion, he would not lose his hold, no not when his leg was cut of with a sword: but sticked nevertheless unto his game, and so was cut asunder in piece meal, till such time as he died: having yet his teeth still fastened in the lions flesh. Such a ferventness nature had wrought in those beasts.  
The field is Mercury, an Equicerue, 
Equicerue.  of the Moon. Equiceruus, is a beast in the Orient having horns, and along main to the shoulders, & a berde under his chin: & feet round like an horse, & is as great as an heart.  
A Buff in Latin is called Tarandulus●, 
buff.  which is a beast like an Ox also, but he hath a beard like a Goat.  
C. Bears Gules, 
Bull.  a Bull passante, d'Or. Bulls of Ind been yellow, very swift and cruel, and can turn about their necks, which way they will, in wonderful manner. They be rugged of hear, and also so hard in the back as flynte: so that the shot of darts can not hurt them, and therefore are not overcome: But when any one of them is tied under a fig tree, he loseth all his fierceness, and becometh suddenly sober and mild.  
The Bull savage is always fierce when he is taken, & therefore destroyeth himself, & dieth for indignation.  
F. Bears verte, a Camel passante, d'Or. The Camel is full swift, as pliny sayeth: and is therefore good in battle, also in war, and to bear charge & carriage. Aristotle sayeth, the Camel moveth first the right foot as the Lion doth, cum pes sinister non transit dextrum, sed subsequitur. He is Clove footed, & hath only a bonche on his back, & some have twain. Camelus proprium inter caeteras quadrupedes habet in dorso, quod tuber appellant: sed ita, ut Bactrianae ab Arabijs differant. Alteris enim hiva, alteris singula tubera habentur. He liveth more than 50. years, & equis odio naturali adversatur. His flesh is wondreful sweet, and so is the milk. Cameli feminae. Nonnulli superioris Asia incolae camelos, vel ad tria millia possident.  
Their chief office is to travel, and to bear men in chivalry. His mortal enemy is the Bear, and contrary wise, the greyhound is his friend.  
The field is parted per pail, Ruby and emerald, an Ass savage passante of the Pearl, 
Ass savage.  unguled Diamond. This beast of the Greeks is called Onager, which by interpretation is a wild Ass, and is a free beast, large of body, & not tamed. He haunteth in mountains and woods, & by the lightness of his body, in running, he overcometh both the Lion and the wolf. He may well away with thirst, and suffereth it long. It is written in the Psalms. Potabunt onagri inisiti sua. 
Psall. 104.  This Beast is wise and witty, and fervently loveth his female, he hateth greatly the company of men, and loveth well desert places.  
The field is parted per Fez, jupiter and Saturn, a goat salient of the moon. 
Goat.  The Goat is a beast, lasciwm & petulcum, & feruens semper ad coitum, cuius oculi ad libidinem in transuersum aspiciunt. unde & nomen traxit. Nam hirci, sunt oculorum angul● secundum Suetonium: cuius natura adeò calidissima est ut Adamantem lapidem, quem nec ig●is nec ferri domare valet materia, solus huius cruor dissoluat. The goat hath under the chin a berde called Armitum. 
Armitum.  The use of goats & sheep is needful to mankind: for they fede the hungry with milk and with flesh, & cloth the naked with fell & with will, & amend the land with their urine & dung. Also nothing is in the goats body, but it is good and profitable, either to the use of meat, and clothing, either else to the needful use of medicine.  
H. Bears verte, 
Ha●e.  on a chief dented Argente, an Hare propre. The Hare excelleth in lightness of members & limbs, & therefore is very swift in course & running, to keep him from hounds & other beasts that pursue him. Kind giveth unto him much hear under his feet, that thereby his flesh is not hurt in running. His hinder legs be longer than the farther, which is needful, to rear the body when he fleeth, & that causeth him to be harder to take when he runneth against the hill, than when he runneth downward to the valley. The Hare (sayeth Aristotle) is witty and fearful, as hearts and conies are. retro urinam mittunt, aversa coeunt, ut Leones, Lynxes, Leporum etiam faemina saepènumero marem prior superuenit. Leporum genus quoddam videtur habere bina iecora.  
The field is Sable, an hearts head cabazed d'Or, attired verte, between two flasques d'Argente billetie of the first, & to the crest on a torse d'or & Gules an Heart regardante d'Argente, 
Harte.  iczante a branch of Dictamie propre, & vulned with a dart verte.  
Hearts been enemies to serpents, & when they f●le themselves grieved with sickness▪ they go to the serpent's dens, and draw them out with the breath of their nostrils: and overcome the malice of their venom, so as they recover their sickness with feeding of them. Mirantur autem sibilum fistularum: erectis auribus acutè audiunt: submissis nihil. pliny sayeth, that the heart is a most pleasing beast, and runneth wilfully, so that when he is overset with hounds, he than fleeth to man, as for help. Aristotle sayeth, that he casteth his horns every year, in the month of april, quae cum amiserit occultat. 
Cornu cerui sinistrum non invenitur.  It is written that his lift horn was never found: occulit enim id tanquam quodam medicamento preditum. Serpent's void and flee th'odour or smell of the brening of an hearts horn. And although the heart is armed with horns, the Hind thereof, inops mutilaque est. They dread most the voice of a Fox, and of an hound.  

Gabriel simeon Symbolis heroycis.  The Heart taught first the virtue of the herb Dictamum for when they are wounded with arrows or darts, they seek and find out the said herb, and eat thereof: whereby their wounds are healed, and cast the arrows with the arrow heads out of their bodies. This herb groweth plenteously in Candie, or in the Isle of Crete. The Heart is a wise dear, for when he is fat, quod valde temporis fructuum sit, he departeth into strange places far of, as knowing that by reason of his corpulency and fatness, he may the rather be taken and killed. He fleeth into rivers and waters, Propter aestum atque anhelitum. Caro eorum libidinis tempore vitiatur & faetet, perinde quasi hircorum, Hyeme itaque extenuantur, debilitanturque. Verè autem vigent maximè ad cursum. He liveth above an hundredth years, as is to be read of the hearts that lived in Alexandre the great his time, that were taken an hundredth years after his death, the which in his life time, he had ensigned with chains of gold about their necks. And of the life of the Heart, Aristotle thus sayeth. Vita esse perquam▪ longa hoc animal fertur, sed nihil certi ex hijs quae narraentur●, videmus: nec gestatio, aut incrementum hinnuli ita evenit, quasi vita esset prelonga.  
I. Bears Or, on a bend, cotized with two cotizes, Sable, 
Firrets.  three Firrrets d'Argente. The Ferret is a little beast, as it were a wesil, full subtle and ravenous. Aristotle sayeth that he hateth horse and mules, and grieveth them moche. But he fighteth against serpents, and for that purpose armeth him with Rue, as doth the weasel, when he prepareth himself to fight with the Basilisk.  
The field is verte, three Rooes or Capres savage, in pail between two flasques d'Argente. 
Rooes.  The Capre, or roe is like unto an hind calffe, but changeth not the teeth, as the other doth: and hath right fair and pleasant eyen, & also sharp: and is called in Latin Capra syluestris, because she is most conversant in woods and desert places. Aristotle sayeth, that these Capres, or Roes (as we Englishmen call them) help themselves wisely when they be wounded, & seek the herb, 
Dictamum tale est, viresque ciusmodi possidet.  Pulegium ceruinum, and eat thereof to draw th'arrows out of their bodies, if they be stricken therewith. They are most swift of moving and running, & so much more is their flesh sweeter, and tender. They defend themselves in woods and lands, from hunters and there hounds, not with their feet, horns & teeth, but only by swiftness of flight.  
K. His field is d'Ermine, on two Flaunches Gules, two Goats savage d'Argent.  
goats are called in Latin Capri, 
Goat savage  and Caprae, a carpendis virgultis. And many men say, they are so called, a crepitu crurum: unde eas creas vocitatas: quae sunt caprae agrestes. And some say, they have that name, for that they climb on hard crags, and so high, that uneath they may be seen with man's eyes. The wild Goat is very swift in running, most light in leaping, most sharp in sight, most sweet in taste, most tender and wholesome to meat, and most busy to gather his own meat. For the Goat knoweth the diversity of herbs, of trees, of twigs, of branches, and of sprays, which they eat of, & feed themselves, by sight, taste, and smell. Haec itaque animalia ut diximus in petris altissimis commorantur: ut si quando ferarum vel hominum adversitatem persenserint, de altissimis saxorum cacuminibus sese praecipitantes, in suis se cornibus illaesas suscipiunt.  
The field is of the Topaz, a Basilisk displayed, emerald, cristed, sapphire. And for the crest upon the helm an Hirition passante, of the Diamond, charged with Grapes proper, set on a torse, Pearl, and emerald, mantled Ruby, doubled Pearl. The sign displayed in the said Coat armour, is of some called a Cockatrice, but of the Greeks he is called Basiliscus. 
Cockatrice.  And the Latins call him Regulus, for that he is king of Serpents, and Sovereign over them all: Adeo ut cum videntes, fugiant. For with his breath, and smell he killeth them. Yea, man himself, Si aspiciat, interimit. And at his sight, no bird that fleeth, escapeth unhurt. But although they be a far of, yet are they devoured with his burning breath. notwithstanding, he is overcome of the Weasil, 
weasel.  Quae quoties dimicatura cum eo est, Rutam comedit: odor etenim eius herbae infestus serpentibus est. The Basilisk, when he seeth the weasil so armed, fleeth: whom she followeth, and killeth. Nihil enim parens ille rerum sine remedio constituit. This Serpent is but half a foot of length, and interlined with white spots. 
Sibilus.  Isidore saith, that Sibilus idem est, qui & Regulus. Sibilo enim occidit, antequam mordeat, vel exurat.  
And as the Basilisk above descried, with his Diadem, called in Latin, Cristia, is almost the least among other Serpents, so is the little Hirition with his sharp pikes, almost the least of all other beasts. And of us English men he is termed an Irchin, 
Irchin, or Vrcheon.  or Vrcheon. Latinè, Hericius. A beast so called for the roughness, and sharpness of his pricks, which nature hath given him in stead of hear. And such his pikes healeth, or covereth his skin, as the hear doth the other beasts: and been his weapon, and armour, wherewith he pricketh, and greevethe them, that take, or touch him. Nam statim ut aliquid presenserit, primum se subrigit: atque in globum conversus, in sua se arma recollit. He is a beast of wit, and good purveyance: for he climbeth upon a vine, or an Apple tree, and biteth of their branches, and twigs: and when they be fallen down, he walloweth on them, and so they stick on his pricks: and he beareth them into a hollow tree, or some other hole, and keepeth them for meat for him self, and his young ones.  
Herinaceus, saith Bartholomeus in his Book De proprietatibus rerum, 
Herinaceus.  is the same, that Hericius, but he is accounted more than he, and is like the Urcheon in all properties, saving that when he is sufficiently laden with apples on his back, he will bear one alway in his mouth. And if, after he is so charged, there happen any to fall from his pricks, then for indignation he throweth from his back all the other deal, and eftsoons returneth to the tree to charge him again of new. The Urcheon is witty, and wise in the knowledge of coming of winds, north, and south: for he changeth his Den, or hole (as Aristotle saith) when he is ware that such winds come.  
There was one sometime in Constantinople, that had an Urcheon, who knew, and warned others thereby, that winds should come, and on what part: and thereby got great estimation among his neighbours, and was accounted as one that could tell of things to come.  

White Vrcheon.  There is also an other Urcheon, that hath a white shell, and white pricks, as Bartlemewe saith: Sane suo exemplo, & sedulitate animal nos admonet, haud quaquam satis esse, si agros ampliores possideamus, nisi diligentia, & parsimonia utamur.  

Dragon.  L. beareth Gold, a Dragon Uerte. Isidore saith, that the Dragon is the greatest of all Serpents, or of all living things upon the earth. Est autem cristatus, ore parvo, & arctis fistulis, per quas trahit spiritum, et linguam exerat. His greatest strength is not in his teeth, but in his tail: Et verbere potius, quàm rictu nocet.  
He hath not so much venom, as other Serpents. Between him, and the Elephante is perpetual enmity, for the Dragon desirous of his blood, for the temperate coldness thereof, to assuage his extreme heat, spaunethe, or wrappeth so his tail about the elephants legs, that he cannot escape the death. But the Dragon biteth it full soar: for while he is thus enwrapped with the Dragon's tail, he falleth upon him with his huge body, and so they are both slain. 
Draco dissidet cum Aquila.  Gignitur autem in Hispania, & in India, in ipso incendio iugis estus. Dissidet Aquila cum Dracone: vescitur enim Aquila anguibus.  
This Salamander did the French king Fraunces cause to be graven on the one part of his coin, adding this inscription in the Italian tongue: Nudrisco il bono, & spengo ilreo. Id est, Alor meliore, ac deterius perimo. And the token of the Salamander, he caused also to be pictured in many his palaces, and places, very preciously, with this Distiche in the Latin tongue: 
Vrsus atrox, Aquilaeque leaves, & tortilis Anguis,  

Anagoge.  Cesserunt flammae iam Salamandra tuae.   
Thus the nature of the Salamander is described, which manifestly appeareth, 
Plinius.  Tanto frigore praeditam, ut ignem, velut glacies extinguat.  

jacule.  N. beareth Azure, a jacule d'Argent. This Serpent fleeth as a Dart, and leapeth into trees, and what beast so ever he meeteth with, he throweth himself thereupon, and slayeth it: jaculus Serpens volans: unde & jaculi dicti sunt. De quo Lucanus: jaculique volucres.  

Stellion.  The field is Argente, a Stellion proper. Stellio is a beast like a lizard, having on his back, spots like stars. And though he be a fair beast, yet is he right venomous, as Pliny saith: Hic autem Scorpionibus adeo contrarius traditur, ut viso eo, pavorem his afferat, & torporem. Inter stellionem, & araneum bellum est. Devorantur enim aranei à Stellione.  

Ceraste.  O. beareth Sable, a Ceraste nowey d'Argent. This is an horned Serpent, as Isidore saith, and hath horns in either side of his head, crooked and wrinkled, as the horns of a Ram. This Serpent sleaethe all beasts, that pass unwarely by the paths, where he lieth with privy biting. And therefore we read, Fiat Dan sicut Coluber in via, Cerastes in semita.  

Asp.  The field is Gules, an Asp obturant her ears d'Or. Aspis vocata, quòd morsu venena immittat, & aspergat. The Asp, when she is charmed by the Enchanter, to come out of her den by Charms, or Conjurations: she not willing to come forth, layeth her own ear close to the ground, the other she stoppeth, and covereth fast with her tail: and so she heareth not the voice of the Charmer, neither cometh out to him, nor is obedient to his saying. And we read in the Psalms: Furor illis secundum similitudinem Serpentis: 
Psalm. 58.  sicut Aspidis surdae, & obturantis aures suas. Quae non exaudiet vocem Incantantium: & venefici Incantantis sapienter.  
P. beareth Gold, a Boath, Sable, between two bars Gemewes Azure. 
Boas.  Boas is a Snake in Italy, great of body, and followeth Greges armentorum, & bubalos: and guilefully setteth himself to the udders of them, and so sucking, slayeth them. Whereof also he taketh his name.  
Q. beareth Argente, 
Scitale.  on a Pale Uerte, a Scitale, proper.  
This Serpent is so called, because he shineth with such diversity of speckles upon his back, that all that look thereon, have wonder, and liking to see him. Et quia reptando pigrior est, quos assequi non valet, miraculo sui stupentes capit.  
The field is Sable, 
Amphybene  an Amphibene, head to head reflexed, d'Argent.  
This is a prodigious Serpent, and is called Amphybena, for that he hath two heads, Vt initio, sic & cauda caput: currens ex utroque capite tractu corporis circulato. This alone of all Serpents putteth himself to the cold, and goeth before all other. He hath a double head, as though one mouth were too little to cast his venom. Cuius oculi lucent veluti lucernae.  
Some Serpents have many heads, some doubled, as this next before described, some treble, etc. as Isidore saith.  
R. beareth Geronnie, of six pieces, Or, and Azure, a Dipsez Uerte, 
Dipse.  charged on the first quarter. Dipsas genus Aspidus, quae Latinè Situla dicitur: quia quem momor derit, siti perit. This is the least of all Serpents, and is so little, that uneath he is seen when men tread on him: and his venom slayeth ere it be felt: and he that dieth by that venom, feeleth no soar. And so Lucan writeth.  
Signiferum iuuenem Tureni sanguinis album  
Torta caput retro Dipsas calcata remordet, 
Lucanus.   
Vix dolor aut sensus dentis fuit.  
The field is Gold, an Hyder proper. This Serpent hath many heads, 
Hydre.  & such an one was seen in a Marreis called Lerna, in the Province of Arcadia. Haec Latinè excedra dicitur: because that if one head be cut of, three other grow out of the place thereof. Sed hoc fabulosum est. For it is perfectly to be read, that Hydra was a place casting forth waters, which wasted, and destroyed a City nigh thereunto. And in this Hydra, if one head of the stream were stopped, by and by many other streams did break forth. Which when Hercules perceived, he burned the place, and so stopped the courses of the water. And therefore it is said, that Hercules did kill Hydra the Serpent with five heads. Nam Hydra ab aqua dicta est.  

Hydros.  Hydros aquatilus Serpens à quo icti obturgescunt, cuius quidem morbum Boam dicunt: eo quod fimo bovis remedietur.  

Serpent.  This Serpent I have descried, as wringled into a wreath. Which he useth so to do in the winter season, by reason of his natural coldness. And in the summer, or heat, he looseth himself, and then his bit, or sting is deadly. Nam quando sunt frigidi, nullum tangunt. And their venom, or poison hurteth more in the day time, then in the night. Torpent enim noctis Algore & merito: quia frigidi sunt nocturno roar. The Serpent is a beast of great quantity. For as Magestenes writeth, there be so huge Serpents in Indie, that they swallow, and devour all whole, both Hearts, and Bulls. In Italy, in the time of Claudius Caesar, was a Serpent slain, and in his womb was found a whole child. Alexander the Great, in his Epistle, which he wrote to Aristotle his master, 
Serpents cristati.  De Situ Indiae, reporteth, that he saw there cristed Serpents, some having two heads, some three. Columnarum grossitudine aliquando proceriores, oribus, squamisque suis humum atterentes. Quorum pectora cum trisulcis linguis fauces exertabant, scintillantibus veneno oculis, quorum halitus quoque erat pestifer. Isidore saith, that there be many kinds of Serpents, as, Admodicae, Elephantiae, Chamedrachontes, etc.  
The Serpent, for that he deceived our first mother Eve, was cursed of God, above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. 
Gene. 3.  And therefore upon his belly shall he go, and dust shall he eat all the days of his life. In naturalibus bonis, 
Ibidem.  quae nobis, et irrationabilibus videmus esse communia, vivacitate quadam sensus Serpens excellit. unde & legitur. Serpens autem erat sapientior omnibus pecoribus terrae. The Serpent's head being stricken of, yet if it escape with the length of two fingers, it nevertheless liveth. unde & totum corpus obijcit pro capite ferientibus. No beast moveth the tongue so quickly, as the Serpent doth, so that thereby he seemeth to have two, or three tongues, when it is but one.  
Serpents autem diu vivere dicuntur: adeo ut deposita vetere tunica, senectutem deponere, atque in iwentutem redire perhibeantur. It is said, that a Serpent dare not touch a naked man. Plurimis verò eorum adversatur saliva hominis.  
There is a little Serpent, 
Serpens Sacer.  which of some is called a Sacer, which great Serpents, and mighty, flee, and avoid. He is but one cubit long, Species hirsuta. Quicquid momorderit, continuò circiter putrescit.  
The Delphine hath the name, because he followeth man's voice, or for that he will hearken, & delight to heareth tune of the Simphoni: and therefore he is called a Symphone, because he hath great liking in harmony. No fish in the sea is more swift than the Delphin. For oftentimes they are seen to leap over ships: whose leaping so, & playing in the sea, betokeneth that some tempest is at hand. Hi propriè Simonides nominantur. 
Isidorus, li. 12 ca 6. Etymo.  Est & Delphinum genus in Nilo dorso serrato, qui Crocodylos tenera ventrium secantes interimunt.  
The Delphine is most meek, loving, & gentle, not only towards his own kind, but also towards men, & children. When as Arion that excellent Musician & player of the Lute should have been drowned for his money, 
Arion.  which he had gotten by his art, of the shipmen which should have carried him into his country: The Delphins, which a little before he was cast into the sea, had heard him so sweetly play upon his Lute, received him, & one of them taking him upon his back, 
Herodot. li. 1. Histor.  brought him safe unto the shore. Leonicus de var. Histor. Li. 1. ca 53. doth report, that he saw a Delphine quickly to come at the accustomed call of a child, and to take him on his back, and oftentimes so to carry him through the sea, Collati in se beneficij memor.  

Alciat. lib. 1. Emble. 11.  This noble fish knoweth by the smell, if a man drowned in the sea, did eat of his kind. And if the dead man hath eaten thereof, he than eateth him anon. But if he did not eat, he mightily defendeth, and keepeth his body from devouring of other fish: and shewing it, he bringeth the corpse to some cliff or dry land with all his power. 
Arist. de animal. cap. 48.  Their love also towards their own kind manifestly appeareth, in that one of them being taken at Caria, a great multitude of other Delphynes came together unto the haven, & tarried there unto the fisherman which did take the Delphyne let him lose again, whom they all received joyfully, and so returned with him into the Sea. Paruos item Delphinos magnus aliquis semper comitatur custodiae causa.  
The field is verte, 
Whale.  a whale nayante Argente, pellet Sable. This fish is called a whale for his hugeness or greatness of body: which is, as it were a mountain or hill. Such was the whale that swallowed jonas the Prophet, his womb or belly was so great, that it might be called hell: For the Prophet sayeth. Clamavi de tribulatione mea ad Dominum: & exaudivit me de ventre inferi.  
U. Beareth Gold, 
Balene.  a Balene hariante, Azure. The Balene is a fish great and huge, much like to the whale, & is so called, because of his outcasting and shedding of water, for they throw water higher than other great fishes of the Sea. Such a like fish or rather a monster called Balaena, appeared aswell in the sight of the Tyrians as the Macedons, at the siege of tire, which lying upon his back above the water, came towards the mole or peer which Alexander the great had caused to be made against the city of tire: 
Q. Curtius. lib. 4.  and beating the water, he lifted up himself at the head of the Mole, and immediately dived under the water again, some time appearing above, and sometime underneath, and when he came near the walls of the city vanished out of sight.  
The field is of the Dragon's head, 
Belue.  a Belue, Lune. This is a great fish in the Sea, and is called Belua. He casteth out water at his iowes, with vapour of good smell, and other fish when they feel the same, pursue him whotely, and delighting after the smell, they enter and come in at his iowes: whom he devoureth, & so feedeth himself with them.  
The water Horse of the Sea, is called an Hyppotame, for that he is like an Horse in back, main, and neaing: rostro resupinato a primis dentibus: cauda tortuosa: ungulis binis. He abideth in the waters on the day, and eateth corn by night: & hunc Nilus gignit.  

Crocodile.  W. His field is Mercury a Crocodyle d'Ermyne.  
The Crocodile is so called, because he is of the colour of Safron. He liveth partly on water, partly on land, & is in fashion like a Dragon, but he hath small eyes, very long teeth like to a saw, and lacketh a tongue, and moveth only th'overmost jaw, & not the neither, and hath great nails and strong on his feet: there hath been seen of them twenty foot long, and the skin of his back is unpenetrable. He devoureth not only men, but also beasts. Hunc pisces quidam serratam habentes cristam tenera ventrium desecantes interimunt.  

Euydros.  Enydros, a little beast so named, for that he frequenteth the waters, is enemy to the Crocodile, whom if he find sleeping, he first tumbleth and walloweth himself in dirt and mire, and so entereth through his mouth into his belie, and freting or piercing all his inward parts, he cometh forth on live out of his bowels leaving him dead. 
Crocodilum augeri quandiu vivat.  He liveth long, and groweth bigger and bigger, as long as he liveth.  
The field is verte, on a scutcheon gold, a Phagion nayante, gules.  

Phagion, or Pagre.  This fish the Grecians call fagrum, because he hath so hard teeth, that he eateth oysters in the Sea. And therefore he is also called Dentrix, for the multitude and greatness of his teeth, and as it were a fish strongly toothed.  
He beareth Argente, 
Mullet.  three Mullettes nayante, propre.  
A Mullet is a fish of mean quantity, having two barbs or warts on the neither lip, the colour toward green, with some yellow lines.  
The field is of the Sun, 
Vermante.  a Uermante, iovis.  
A Uermante is a fish of colour blue, and is in length lx. cubits, which hath such strength, that when Elephants do come into the water and do drink, he will take one of them by the nose, and pluck him into him.  
Y. Bears verte, 
Muscule.  a Muscule nayante, between two bars gemewes d'Argente.  
This is a little fish, which guideth the whale, that he do not run on the rocks.  
The field is of the jacinthe, a pile in point d'Ermyne, between two Zyphes hariante, 
Ziphe.  Lunae.  
This is a fish which is named a sword fish, and hath in his nose a bone, like to the scabbard of a Sword▪ There is an other fish, named in Latin Gladius, and he is so called, eo quòd rostro maiori nato sit, & ob hoc naves perfossas mergit.  
This Chymere is a Beast or monster having three heads, 
Chimere.  one like a Lion, an other like a Goat, the third like a Dragon, fingunt & Chymeram triformem bestiam: ore Leo, postremis partibus Draeco, media Caprea. Quam quidam Philosophi non animal, sed Cilitiae montem esse aiunt, quibusdam locis Leones & Capreas nutrientem, quibusdam ardentem, quibusdam plenam serpentibus. Hunc Bellerephōtes habitabilem fecit, 
Isidorus. li. 11. cap. 3. Etym.  unde Chymeram dicitur occidisse.  
This Bellerophontes, or Bellerophon the son of Glaucus, king of Ephyra, a man of much beauty and proness, was ardently beloved of Stenobea, the wife of Pretus king of Ephyra, 
S. Tho. Elirt.  next after Glaucus, when she desired him to commit adultery with her, he fearing the vengeance of jupiter, god of hospitality, and remembering the friendship her husband had showed him, refused, and put her away from him: which she disdaining, and being in a wood rage, accused him to her husband, that he had ravished her: but he like a sober man, would not slay him in his own house, but delivering him letters to his wives father, sent him into Licya, who perceiving the mind of Pretus, encouraged, & sent Bellerophon to destroy the two monsters, Solymos, and Chimaera, that he might be slain under the colour of a valiant enterprise. But he achieving it nobly, returned with honour. This history followeth more largely set forth in the Latin tongue by Stockhamere, in his Commentaries upon the Emblems of Alciate. Embl. cxj in these words.  
Bellerophon filius Regis Glauci, adolescens insignis pulchritudinis & summè virtutis, quem Praetus regno privatum, sibi servire jussit. Staenobea vero uxor Praeti eum adamavit, & ut secum stuprum committeret, solicitavit: ille vero lascivam foeminam repulit, unde spreta mulier exardens, & dolore repulso indignata, coram Rege, falso illum accusavit, quasi eam fuisset oppressurus: Rex autem hoc audito, & inique ferens, nolens tamen de illo domi paenas sumere, misit eum ad socerum suum Regem Licyae, addita epistola qua crimen continebatur. Rex ille, lectis litteris indignatus, varijs hostibus & periculis Bellerophontem, ut periret, obiecit. Ille vero semper victor evasit, tandem etiam in ultionem criminis missus, ut Chymeram monstrum maximo sub periculo interficeret. Ascendit igitur ille astute admodum Pegasum aequum alatum celerrimum, 
Strab. lib. 8.  quem ex interfectae Medusae sanguine natum fingunt: atque de eo expeditionem sumpsit contra Chimeram, quam devicit ac interemit, ob hoc laudem nanciscebatur maximam, adeoque ut Rex ille Lyciae alteram suam filiam ei in uxorem dederit, quod audiens uxor Praeti seipsam occidit. Monemur cuncta mala, iniquos etiam & perversos superandos esse, & supprimendos animi virtutibus, magnanimitate, consilio, & prudentia.  
th'eagle hath principality over all fowls, and is most liberal and free of heart. For the pray that he taketh, whiles it be for hunger, he eateth not alone, but setteth it forth in common to all the fowls that follow him: and therefore oftentimes other fowls frequent his company, for hope and trust to have some part of his pray. But when the pray that is take is not sufficient for himself, than as a king, that taketh heed of a commonalty, he taketh the bird that is next unto him, and giveth it among th'other, and serveth them therewith. The Eagle hath that name Aquila, of sharpness of eyen. He is right strong, bold, & hardy, far passing the strength and boldness of other birds: and his strength is most in wings, tallance, and beak. Also he hath many feathers, and therefore he conteaneth moche lightness. The sign of th'Eagle displayed thus with two heads, after the common opinion, begun to be borne in standards, ancients, and Banners, in Charles the great his time, 
Wolfangus Lazius Romanor. Regis Historiographus.  to declare his empire both in the orient and Occident. Or rather as Wolfangus Lazius reporteth, in the time of Constantyne the great, which of one public weal of the Romans, obtained and made two th'one at Rome, and the other at Constantinople.  
The Eagle is a bird, very great, regal, and noble, quae volucrum Regina dicitur, quia altissimè volat: & iovis ales, vel quia sola contra Solis radios apertis atque immotis oculis volando obtuitum non flectit: vel quia solam nunquam fulmine tactam fertur: ideoque etiam iovis Armiger a Poetis appellatur, ut Higin. lib. 2. The Eagle is of such sharp sight, that flying above the Sea so high, as with man's eyes, she can scarcely be seen, yet she seeth the fish swim in the Sea, and descending tormenti instar, she taketh her pray, and flieth therewith to the shore. She is right cruel against her own birds, when as looking against the sun, they close their eyes, for than she supposeth they be not her own birds, and so ut degeneres excludit. The said coat appertaineth to master john Dister.  
The Eagle in age hath darkness, and dimness of eyen, 
pliny.  with heaviness of wings. And against these evils, she is taught by kind, to seek a well of springing water: the same found, she than flieth up into the air, as far as she may till she be full hot by heat of the Sun, and by travel of flight, so that through such heat, the pores of her body been opened, and the feathers chafed: and she then falleth suddenly into the well, and there the feathers been changed, and the dims of her eyen is thereby wiped away and purged: and thus she recovereth her pristinate vigour and strength. There be also diverse other kinds of Eagles, and of sundry names, as shallbe declared hereafter.  
The Eagle called Almachor, 
Egle Almacher.  is full quick and sharp of sight, who taking her birds directeth their sight even against the Sun, which if they do not steadfastly behold, she forthwith beateth them. And if any of their eyes do chance to water in looking against the Sun, that bird she slayeth, although he went out of kind: and the bird that steadfastly beholdeth the sun, and whose eyes doth not water, him she loveth, liketh and feedeth.  
Th'eagle Amachell taketh her pray on the water, 
Eagle Amachel.  and is dread of no fowls, saving such as have their living and conversation in the waters only: and is much degenerate from the nobility and kind of those Eagles which take their pray in the air and on the earth. Also this Eagle hath one foot close and whole, as the foot of a Gandre: and therewith she ruleth herself in the water, when she descendeth from an high for her pray: and her other foot is a clove foot, with full sharp clees, with the which she taketh and holdeth her pray.  
The Eagle Athat, 
Eagle Athat.  is a gentle Eagle, and thinketh long time of her birds, for when they fly, she flieth with and about them, taking heed of them: & is ready to withstand other fowls, if so be they come to grieve or annoy her birds: and therefore is more kind than other Eagles be to their Birds.  
The Falcon, saith Isidore, is called Capus, à capiendo. Hunc nostri Falconem vocant: eò quòd incuruis digitis sit. He is a Royal fowl, and desireth pray, and useth to sit on his sinister fist, that beareth him. He is a gentle bird, bold, and hardy: and hath little flesh in comparison of his body, but greatly arraide with feathers. For Aristotle saith, Falcula avis pennis plurimum valet. And therefore she is more light to flee. The Falcon, if he fail of his pray at the first sight, as it were for shame, he fleeth about in the air, and then uneath he cometh to his lords hand. For he holdeth himself overcome, and not kindly borne, if he take not the fowl that he fleeth unto. This said Coat is borne by the name of Faukener.  
This is a bird of egypt, Habitans in solitudine Nili fluminis. unde & nomen sumpsit. The Pelican fervently loveth her birds. 
Pelican.  Yet when they been haughty, and begin to wax hore, they smite her in the face, and wound her, and she smiteth them again, and slayeth them. And after three days she mourneth for them, and then striking herself in the side till the blood run out, she sparpleth it upon their bodies, and by virtue thereof they quicken again. Hieronymus. Pelicani (inquit) quum suos à serpent filios occisos inveniunt, lugent, seque et sua latera percutiunt, & sanguine excusso, corpora mortuorum sic reviuiscunt. Volaterranus saith, the Pelican to be the same, which Pliny calleth Platea.  
This is a bird of Arabia, and so called, 
Phoenix.  Quòd colorem Phoeniceum habeat: vel quòd sit in toto orb singularis, & unica. Name Arabes singularem, & unicam Phaenicem vocant. This bird (as Isidore saith) liveth above five hundred years, and when she perceivethe herself so aged, gathering the twigs, and dry branches of sundry sweet smelling trees, she maketh thereof, as it were a Beacon: and turning herself thereupon towards the hot beams of the Sun, she clappeth her wings in such wise, that she kindleth fire about her, burning herself, and so she riseth again of her own ashes.  
Alanus speaketh of this bird, 
Alanus.  and saith, that when the highest Priest Onyas had builded a Temple in the great City of Heliopolis in egypt, to the form and likeness of the Temple in jerusalem, and the first day of Easter, 
Vnicae semper avis.  when he had gathered much sweet smelling wood, and set it on fire upon the Aultare to offer Sacrifice: even then to all men's sight, came suddenly such a bird, and fell into the middle of the fire, and was there burnt anon to ashes, and the ashes remained still, and were diligently kept, and preserved by the commandment of the Priest. And within three days, of these ashes was bred a little worm, which took the shape of a bird at last, and did fly into the wilderness.  
This bird is white of colour, and hath no part of blackness. His kind is marvelous. For if a man which hath been long holden with great sickness, be like to die, this bird than turneth away his countenance from him. But if the sick man shall escape the death, this bird than fixeth his sight earnestly on him, & beholdeth him cheerfully.  
Aristotle saith, that the Crane is a civil bird, Quia sub Duce degit. 

crews ubi pugnent cum Pygmies.  
Arist. de animal. li. 8. ca 12   Cranes flee into very far Countries, Quae ex Scithicis campis ad paludes Aegypto superiores, unde Nilus profluit, veniunt, quo in loco pugnare cum Pygmeis dicuntur: Non enim id fabula est, sed certè genus tum hominum, tum etiam equorum pusillum (ut dicitur) est, deguntque in cavernis, unde nomen Trogloditae à subeundis cavernis accepere. Cranes do many things wisely, as Aristotle saith, Libro de Animalib. 9 Cap 10.  
Gallus à castratione vocatus. Inter caeteras enim aves huic soli testiculi adimuntur. Veteres enim abscisos gallos vocabant. The Cock breedeth a Precious stone called Allectricium, like to that stone that hight Calcedonius. And because of the same stone, the Lion dreadeth, and abhorreth him, & especially if the Cock be white. For the Lion dreadeth a white Cock, as Pliny saith. The Cock above other birds, is ensigned with a peculiar Crest: Sic enim institutam, ut nec caro sit, 
Galli post victoriam canunt.  nec à natura carnis omnino aliena. The Cock greatly rejoiceth, when he getteth the victory over an other, and after the clapping of his wings, he singeth for joy thereof. Gloriam sentit, noscit sydera, it cubitum cum Sole, imperitat suo generi, & Regnum, in quacunque domo fuerit, exercet. The Cock is consecrate to the Sun.  
This bird in Latin is called Bubo, and hath that name of the sound of her voice: and is a wild bird charged with feathers, and seeth more clearly by night, then by day, and then she is most strong, and able to resist her enemies, who can not abide her for her shape, song, and countenance. When she is assailed of other birds, she lying upright, defendeth herself with biting, and scratching.  
She is friend to the husbandman in killing mice, which otherwise would consume his corn in the barn. Apud Augures malum portendere fertur. Nam cum in urbe visa fuerit, solitudinem significare dicunt. De qua ovidius: 
Faedaque sic volucris venturi nuntia luctus  
Ignauus Bubo dirum mortalibus omen.   
This kind of Swallows is all black, & is greatly dread of other fowls. Yea, the Eagle, and Goshawk fly from this Swallow, as it were their enemy: and dare not fall on their pray while she is fleeing abroad, dreading the biting of her. For it is thought to be venomous, as Plini saith. And this I take to be the Swallow, Quae carne vescitur.  
There been other two kinds of swallows, the one called the house Swallow, which loveth man's company: and the other which is less, loveth the sea, and maketh her neaste in the holes, and chins of Rocks. But both of them make their neaste in like, and have their tails forked as a pair of shears, and differ nothing in colour, but that the house swallow is seen to have, Sanguinis maculum in pectore.  
And in that I have described three Fountains on the Fez in the said Coat armour, 
Fountain.  I think it therefore meet to declare what a Fountain is. A Fountain is the head and springe of living water, which springeth, and runneth continually out of the privy veins of the earth, to the great nourishing thereof, and of all mankind. And therefore it is called Fons, as it were Fovens, nourishing: or Fundens, pouring, or shedding out.  
The Fountain multiplyeth all Rivers, Brooks, and streams with waters, and communicateth himself to many, hiding it from nothing: but parteth, and distributeth of his abundance, as well to pilgrims and strangers, as to all other living creatures.  
The Swallow taketh not his meat sitting, but fleeing in the air, & in making of neastꝭ is most expert & cunning: educandisque faetibus solertissima. She is full of feathers, & therefore is the most lightest, and swift in flight of all fowls. Other birds disturb her not, neither is she pray to any of them. Maria transuolat, ibique hyeme commoratur. Ovid calleth this bird, Veris praenuntia. For she is the first messenger, that showeth us the springe of the year. It is read, that in the young swallows womb been found two stones very precious. The one white, which is the Female, and the other red, which is the Male, and is more virtuous. 
Precious stones called Celidonij.  These two precious stones, are called Celedonij: and they must be taken out of the swallows womb, ere they touch the ground.  
This is a tree of victory: Proceroque ac decoro virgultu: diuturnisque vestita frondibus: & folia sine ulla successione conseruans. It is a tree noble and famous, always fair and green: and long time beautified with branches and leaves, both in winter & summer. The Prophet saith, justus ut Palma florebit. This noble tree aboundeth, and is most fruitful in India. And therefore Uespasiane the Emperor, caused to be imprinted on the one part of his coin the figure of the Palm tree, to declare thereby his triumphant victory, in subduing and conquering the whole region of jewrie.  
H. Beareth gold, 
Laurel.  a Laurel tree verte. This is also a tree of victory, and is of singular excellency, grace, and virtue. In the old time, all victorious emperors, kings, princes and captains, were crowned with garlands of Laurel tree, when they had gotten the victory over their enemies. And to the knights, soldiers, and standard bearers, which had behaved and borne themselves valiantly and stoutly in the wars, were given garlands also made of Laurel to adorn their heads, which were called Coronae militares, 
Coronae militares.  and were testimonies of their prows, noble acts, and haute courages, for ever to be remembered. The Greeks call this tree Daphnis●, 
Daphnis.  because it never leaveth his greenness. It was consecrate to the great jupiter, & to Apollo Delphicus. It is thought that this tree is never touched with lightening. And therefore the Emperor Tiberius Caesar, in thundering and lightening, used to wear a garland of Laurel tree against the smiting of the lightning. Also pliny reporteth that as the same Emperor did sit by Drusilla the Empress in a certain garden, an Eagle threw from a right high place, a fair white hen, whole and sound into the empress lap: and the hen did hold in her beak a bow of Laurel tree, full of bays. And divinors took heed to the hen, and did sow the bays, keeping them wisely, and of them came a wood, that was called Sylva triumphans, 
Sylva triumphans.  as it were the wood of worship for victory and mastery, for afterward the Emperor did bear of the Laurel tree in his hand, and did wear a garland thereof on his head. And after him many others emperors in the same wise should be crowned with Laurel tree of the same wood, when they had the victory, and these their garlands were called. Coronae triumphales. 
〈◊〉 triumphales.  Hae antiquitus è lauro erant, post fieri ex auro ceptae. Collisa in se durius duo Laurea, ignem concussu reddunt, si Plinio creditur. Idem facere Leonis ossa, plerique autumant. Sic & concursu potentiorum certum est oriri gravius periculum.  

olive.  The field is of the Sun, an olive tree, Veneris.  
This is a Royal tree, and in the Latin tongue is called Olea, the fruit Oliua, succus oleum. It is a tree of peace: for no messengers were sent to Rome, to get or obtain peace, without bearing in their hands the branches of olive tree: neither yet to proffer peace to other men. Remigius sayeth, that the dignity of this tree is known: for that in token of reconciliation between god and man, and of the peace made between them, the Dove which was sent forth by Noah out of the ark, returned again to him with a token in her mouth, 
Genes. 8.  which was an Olive leaf that she had plucked, and of none other tree. Plynie sayeth that among the Athenians, victors were crowned with Olive.  
I. Beareth Argente, an hand Gules, holding a branch of Olive propre. Diodore sayeth, that the tree which beareth the olive, is a sign of peace and tranquillity: gestantibus judicium erat pacis. The praise of peace is eloquently set forth by John Gower, in a treatise which he writ unto the noble king Henry the fourth: in these words.  

Peace is the chief of all the worlds wealth.  
And to the heaven it leadeth eke the way.  
Peace is of soul & life the man's health.  
Of pestilence it doth the war away.  
My liege Lord take heed of that I say,  
If war may be left, take peace on hand.  
Which may not be without god's sand.   

With peace standeth every creature in rest.  
Without peace, there may no life be glad  
Above all other good peace is the best,  
Peace hath himself, when war is all bestead,  
The peace is safe, the war is ever dread.  
Peace is of all charity the kaye,  
Which hath the life & soul for to way.   

My liege Lord if that the list to seche  
The sooth ensamples, what the war hath wrought  
Thou shalt well hear of wise men's speech,  
That deadly war turneth into nought.  
For if these old books be well I sought,  
There might thousese what thing the war hath do  
Both of conquest, and conqueror also.   

For vain honour, or for the worlds good  
They that whilom the strong wars made  
Where be they now, bethink well in thy mood  
The day is gone, the night is dark & fade  
Their cruelty which made them then glade  
They sorowen now, & yet have nought the more  
The blood is shed, which no man may restore.   
K. Bearethe O●, an oak tree ,  verte .   
Th'oak tree was hallowed to jupiter. Sacra iovi quercus. And it is called Quercus sive quernei ꝙ ea soliti erant dij gentium querentibus responsa dare: This tree endureth many years: sicut legitur de quercu Mambre sub qua habitavit Abraham: quae fertur usque ad Constantini Regis imperium per multae secula perdurasse. The Oak in the old time was accounted chiefest inter faelices arbores. It is a tree very high, full of boughs and branches, having a root most perfect and sure, and therefore it best abideth the blasts and shakings of all tempestuous winds: and for his mightiness and strength, is most meet for great and large buildings. The leaf of this tree in some countries never falleth away. Theophraste sayeth, that there is a kind of Oak, in agro Thurio, ubi Sybaris perspicua, quae nunquam folia dimittit. The fruit of this tree is called. 
Akecorne.  Glandula, or glans quernea, an Akre, or mast of the Oak tree: wherewith men in the old time were nourished and fed, wherefore the Poet sayeth.  

Mortales primi ructabant gutture glandem.   

Our fathers of old thought it good,  
To use acorns for their food.   
Prius enim quam frumenti usus esset, antiqui homines glande vixerunt. Boetius remembreth the same, saying, faelix nimium prior aetas. etc.  
wonderful happy was the first age of men, which did hold them contented with the fruits which the very fields brought forth, and therefore were not destroyed with filthy gluttony: but were wont easily to'assuage their hunger at even with the acorns of Okes, not knowing what wine mente, yet using the moist honey, and the clear running waters of the stream, which caused them to sleep wholesome sleeps upon the grass lying under the shadows of the high pine trees.  
The Pear hath his name, because it is shaped as the flame of the fire, for a Pear is great, hard, and broad at th'one end, and narrow and straight at th'other, as the flame of fire. Pyrus autem arbour: fructus eius pyra est. Poma pyri iumentis imposita vel si pauca, vehementer onerosa esse dicuntur. I think no more to speak of the Pear at this time, nor of the tree, but of the chevron described in the said field, which is a worthy partition, & holdeth in itself a great sovereignty.  
M. Beareth Argente, two Chevrons Sable, between three fig slips proper. 
Fig.   
The fig tree is so called, a faecunditate, because it excelleth others in fruitfulness. Nam terque quaterque per singulos annos generat fructum: atque altero maturascente: alter oboritur.  
Thus it is manifest that this tree beareth fruit three or four times in one year, and while one ripeth, an other springeth anon. Let the bearer hereof in cote armour, consider what he beareth. The learned can judge what his conditions should be.  
And touching the two Chevrons blazed, there can be no more so termed in one coat armour: for they contain the just quantity of their order in the field, for with them the field is five in all his content.  
Among all flowers of the world, the Rose is the chief, and beareth the price. And therefore the chief part of man, which is the head is oft crowned therewith, because of his virtues, sweet smell and savour, for by fairness they feed the sight, and please the smell by odour: and accord to medicine, both green and dry. Rosa a specie floris nuncupata: qd rutilanti colore rubeat. Therefore our noble and most gracious Queen doth, and for ever shall use this delectable Poesy or word. Rutilans Rosa sine spina. If I were learned thereunto, I would speak more of this flower. But being bold of pliny, the Rose shall have pre-eminence above all flowers, and next to it, the flower de luce, and the third shallbe the violet. These are the flowers wherewith the crowns of noble men ought to be adorned.  

Party per Chevron.  And whereas the field of the said cote armour is parted per Chevron, you must take the same, as one of the partitions messes, because one colour, after the manner of a Chevron, entremedleth with an other, otherwise than is used in simple partitions. And my author sayeth, that many have doubted about the Blazon of Cotes armours, when they be thus parted per Chevron of two colours: and such as have made themselves very cunning, in descriving of arms, have failed thereof: some holding one opinion, and same an other. And therefore to dissolve the doubt herein, take these next ensuing for example.  
This is as fair a cote, as may be devised of that partition: and the token borne in the field, is of his proper colour. For the Lyllye is of triple colour, whit, red, and purple, or yellow. I thought it good to add these words deux une in the blazon of this cote Armour, for that the lilies are transmuted of the same colours that the field is of, for if the field were not so parted, it needed not to have said deux une. And touching the flower, pliny sayeth, that the lily is next to the Rose in worthiness and nobleness. Nothing is more gracious than the lily in fairness of colour, in sweetness of smell, and in effect of working and virtue. 
Lilya.  Lillya lactei floris herba: unde & nuncupata quasi Liolya cuius dum candour sit in folijs: auri tamen species intus effulget.  
This flower hath his name of the strongest smell that he hath, as Isidore sayeth, and the smell thereof abateth the heat of the brain, and refresheth and comforteth the spirits. The littleness thereof is nobly rewarded in greatness of savour and of virtue. Amongst flowers, pliny setteth the violet, next the Rose, and the Lyllye: for that they be the chief flowers (he sayeth) to beutefie the crowns of noble men. Huius genera sunt tria: purpureum, album, melliwm. The three piles descried in this cote armour, which meet together in one coone of the shield, as in the point thereof, are called in Latin Pilae, which is asmuch to say as Pillars, that sustain and uphold the work which is laid upon them. 
piles.  And of the sundry bearing of such in cote armour, hereafter shall ensue diverse examples.  
Q. Beareth Argent and verte, parted per pile enuecked, 6. 
Senuye.  leaves de Senuye d'Or▪ 3.2.1. The flower of this herb is full yellow, and hath a good smell. And though all the herb in substance be keen and fervent, yet Bees love best the flowers of it, and haunt them.  
The field is gold, a Pyle in point between two slips of Merche, 
Merche.  verte. This herb in latin is called Apium, and it is so called, qd ex eo apes i caput antiquorum triumphantium coronabatur. Hercules made him first garlands of this herb. Cuius radices efficaciter pugnant contra insidias ve nenorum. This herb is always green, as Theophraste sayeth.  
R. Beareth Sable, a Pile engrailed, in bend between four flowers of Agnus castus, 
Agnus caest '.  d'Or. This herb is always green: and the flower thereof is namely called Agnus castus, for whoso useth much to smell thereunto, either man or woman, it hath virtue to keep them chaste as a Lamb. Therefore the women of Rome, used to bear with them the flower of this herb, at funerals, & in service of dead men, when they must needs live chaste, for common honesty.  
This herb Celidon hath a yellow flower, and the stalk thereof broken, smorcheth them that touch it all with yellow. And it hight Celidonia, for it springeth and bloometh in the coming of swallows. For a Swallow in the Greek tongue is called Celidon. Or else, as Isidore saith, it is so called, because it helpeth swallows birds, if their eyen be hurt, or blind. And likewise Pliny saith, that by the juice of Celidon, swallows eyes turn again to their first state, if they been hurt, or put out.  
This herb hath virtues that been noble and good, whereof ye may read in Pliny, Dioscor. and Platearius also.  
Of the sundry fashions of Crowns, given by Emperors, kings, and Princes, to their soldiers, for their good service & valiant feats done in the wars, one is named a Crown mural, which was given to him, which in the siege of a City first scaled the walls, & entered maugre the enemies, and therefore it was made like ●nbatlementes of a wall. Muralis corona ex auro conflata in sormam muralium pinnarum illi dabatur ab Imperatore exerci●us, qui prius vi & armis hostium mania transcendisset in vrbem.  
This coat armour is to be numbered, among the worthy partitions, for the soveraygnetie of the same.  
This Crown was first put on his head, which in battle on the Sea, first boarded the ship that was assailed, 
Crown naval.  and therefore it was made like to the forepart of a ship. Navali praelio qui in classem hostium armatus, primusque irruens ingressus esset, Corona aurea Navali cohonest abatur, rostro rum, aut navalium prorarum adinstar confecta. And an other Crown called in Latin Corona Castrensis, was given to him, which first entered by force into the trench of the enemy's camp, and therefore it was made, as it were set about with pails. 
Corona Castrensis.  And Paradyne sayeth, that Corona Castrensis vallaris, seu palata, ex auro confecta, donabatur ab Imperatore, seu exercitus praefecto illi, qui primus oppugnando vallum hostile occupasset. These Crowns always were of Gold. Yet note, that these and many other such like, ought not directly to be called Crowns: for although Corona in Latin, is called a Crown, so is it a Garland, a Chaplet, a company of people standing round about like a Circle, also the circle about the moon:  
Haec littera Pythagorica vocatur. See in the first book, entitled the Concords of armoury almost in the end.  
The bearer of this sign or token in arms, I mean of the crown imperial, ought always to be doing good, and to see that no harm be done to none, to be merciful, and continually exercised in the service of almighty God. For those, in whose power it is to do good, and doth it not, the Crown of honour and worship shallbe taken from them, and (as Chaucer sayeth) with shame they shallbe annulled, & from all dignity deposed. 
2. Reg. 12. cap.  When king David had gotten the city of Raba, & had put out the people that was therein, tormenting them upon saws, iron harrows, and upon ears of iron, & thrust them into the tile kill, he took their kings crown from of his head, which weighed an hundred weight of gold, and in it were precious stones: and it was set on David's head. Hereby is the power of God declared, how he dealeth even with kings, taking the crown and dignity from one, and giving the same to an other. He exalteth, and it is he, that dejecteth, he is the avenger, he is also the sparer, he can wound, and he can make whole: neither is there any that can deliver him out of his hand.  
The field of this cote Armour is Claurie, because it is of one proper colour, without any partition or change, & it is also the second quadrate Royal, for that the field is charged, but with no more tokens.  
The field is parted per Fez Dented, Venus, & Saturn, five beasauntes. 
Beasante.  3.2. A beasaunte is also called a Talente: The sundry contents whereof, the Reader may best understand in Sir Thomas Elyote his dictionary, to the which I refer him, and to master Gerard Leyghe, in his accedence of armory.  
The field is sable a fesse Cantone d'Ermyne, between two plates.  
Plates are of dignity next unto the beasauntes, 
Plates.  and are round in shape as beasauntes are, which are always of golden colour, as ye may read before. And plates are of silver, and have no similitude on them, but are form ready to coin. These of them that know not the right terms of them are called Balls: and they offend not much some time so to name them, for Pila in Latin, is not only a Pillar, or frame to be put under any work to bear the same, but it is also a Ball, or any thing round as a Ball: the which is an instrument serving otherwhile to the hand, and then it is called in latin Pila palmaria, or Pila manualis, otherwise it serveth for the foot, and then it is called Pila pedalis, a foot ball, yet are there other things round, which are neither beasauntes, plates, or balls. A bowl is a very round thing, 
Boule.  and in Latin is called Globus, and Globum, and is also a token in arms, but not of such estimation. There is also an other figure, in all parts equally round, 
Sphere or Globe.  and in Latin is called Sphaera, and is also an honourable devise in arms. And now shall ensue sundry examples to display such signs or tokens, as are round in shape and form.  
The field is Gules. 
ermine.  10. beasauntes a canton d'Ermyne. Of the Beasaunte I have spoken sufficiently before. But the canton being d'Ermyne, understand what the same is. It is one of the noble and honourable furs, used to be worn of Kings and Princes in their robes and mantles, & is the chiefest fur. In arms it is called Ermine, properly, and not silver or white, powdered with Sable, to the which term there must be had great respect, it is so frequent in armoury. In mantles, (as M. G. Leyghe sayeth) they are called doblings. It is the skin of a little beast of the land of Armeny, whereof he taketh his name. The trick of this cote armour, I did take (as I found it) in the parish Church of Lutterworth.  
Such like controversy did chance, between two valiant, knights, Sir john of Sitsilt, and Sir William of Facknaham, for raising in field the cote Armour, here, after the antic manner displayed. But the right of the bearing thereof (which they were ready to try by force of Arms) was adjudged, to Sir john Sitsilt, as to him most ryghtefully and lineally descended, by good & lawful birth: as heir of blood and of body, of james Sitsilt, Lord of Beauporte. For the truth whereof (gentle reader) here ensueth Verbatim, the copy of the very original writings, in haec verba.  
¶ james Sitsilt Lord of Beauporte, had to his ensign in the field of ten Bars silver & Azure, six excocheons sable, with as many Lions ramping, of the first incensed Gules.  
¶ Gentle Reader, note well this Blazon, and you shall plainly perceive the great knowledge of th'officers at arms in the old tyme.  
¶ C'est a tesmoigner a vous mes Seigniours, pur le determination final, deal dissension pur ung ensign d'Armes perenter Monsieur Iean de Sitsilt, & William de Faknaham Chevaliers, que l'an depuis le nestre de Dieu, mil cent quarante deux, jaques Sitsilt & says ancestors seigneurs de Beauport, a le siege de le Chasteau de Wallingford & vives & mortzillonques, & la leveront ung Ensign, tiel come l'ensigne de lour sang genereux. C'est a dire, en la champ de dize barretz d'Argent & azure, 
Pedegre ascending.  six escochcons Sables, avec tantes de Lions rampand, primer incensed Gule, Pere de jehan Sitsilt, pere de Eustace, pere de Baldwine, pere de Gerarde, pere de Robert, pere de jaques, Pere de George de Euerwike, pere de jehan, pere de cestuy jean Sitsilt Chevaler, heyer de sang & de corps de dit Iaques Seigneur de Beauport, linealment descendu par bon & loyal nestre, de que lygne le dit William n'est my. Et cest pur voier & bon droit tousiours ie seray priest de maintainer, a que fair ie moy oblige par mon seau ci affigé. Donné le quart iour d'Auril, l'an del reign du Roy Edwarde le tiers depuis le conquest. Le Siz.   

¶ The final determination of the controversy aforesaid.  
A touts Angloys & Francoys, Nous Edwarde de Beaulile, & jean de Mowbray great. L'ou grand debate & controversy ad esté parentre Iean de Sitsilt Chevalier, & William Faknaham, in le champ de Monte holitone, pur un ensign d'armes: c'est assavoir tiel, le champ de dize Barretz Argent, & azure, supportez de cinq escocheons Sables, charges ovesque tant de lions primers rampantzes incensed Gules, que ambideux clamont come lour droict par long & ancient descent a eux descendu. Et a maintainer lour quarrel pur droitriel, ambideux les parties ont eux mettre sur lour force, & vantont de cest maintainer per lour corpse. Ci est que il au please a nostre liege seigneur le Roy que justice sera fait a ces homes sans sang espandu, per voyer tesmoignes & bons semblances. Accordant a que avoins oyé & voy moltes ditez & lour escriptes, & les tesmoygnes du Roy d'Armes & dauter lieges le Roy, que le droit le dit jehan Sitsilt et bien forte maintenent le dit ensign estre son droict, come le droict de son sang genereulx. Pur que fait cest nostre final doom, q Dieu, le Roy nostre liege & nous, & le dit jehan Sitsilt defend que iames doresenavant le dit William ne soit cy hardy, challenger, claymer, ou leuer in ascun champ le Roye, ou sur ascun corse vive ou morte, in ascun leu deins les quatre mers le Roye, ou aillours par my tout Christiantye, les dites arms in ensign, pyghenoute, guydon, banyer, escocheon, targe, escu, manche, ou elm, sur pain de forfeiture, & perder son espeé trenchaut, & says piques d'Or a toutes iours. Donné le quart iour de june, l'an del Roy Edwarde le tierce, depuis le conquest, le Sept.  
The which said original writings, being written in parchment, according to the antiquity of the time, I myself have seen being in the possession of the right honourable the Lord of Burghley, to whom in blood the same belongeth, whose name being written at this day Cecil is nevertheless in Wales, both in speech and common writing used to be uttered Sitsilt or Sitsild: where the original house at this day remaineth near Aburgenny.  

Q. Curt. li. 4.  At such time as Alexander the great laid his siege to the city of tire, a certain soldier of the Macedons, as he was breaking of his bread, there appearrd therein drops of blood, which by Arystander the diviner was thus interpreted. If the blood had appeared outwardly, than it had signified ill fortune to the Macedons, but in asmuch as it was found within, it betokened destruction to the city, they went about to win.  
T. Bears ermines, on a chief Argente indented, 3. Ogresses.  

Ogresse, or Pellet.  Th'ogress is the same, that we call a Pellet of a gone, and in armoury is no other colour then Sable. Wherefore I do omit the word Sable, because it is the right and proper colour incident to a Pellet. But of the field of this cote armour (which in my judgement shall have the second dignity of the furs) this understand, that it is only to be called Ermines, and not Sable powdered with silver.  
U. Bears gules, one pile in point, 
ermine.  ermine & a chief d'Ermynes. 
ermines.  Thus of the difference of these two furs, this, and the last pagen may perfectly instruct thee, gentle reader.  
W. beareth Gules, 
hurts.  on a Fez Argente 3. hurts.  
This should always be of Azure colour, and are called hurts, for that where they appear, violence hath been showed to the bearer, and further I cannot construe of this matter. The Coat armour is Mars, and the thing contained in the field is of his power, and charged properly in a sure Fez of the Moon. These tokens (being round in figure) as are next before recited, ought well to be marked and considered, for as they differ in metal and colour, so are they changed in their names and calling. Neither are they found at any time perforate, that is to say, pierced in the midst: but they are seen to be charged sundry ways, as with Rowelles, Mollettes, Stars. etc.  
Y. Beareth ermines, a twin arrayed, Silver, crowned with a garland of violets, 
Twynne.  proper, having his hands displayed Geminus is a twin, where many children are borne at one burden, 
Geminus.  although they be three or more. And how they may be borne in cote armour, take here an other example.  
F. Beareth Mars. 3. twins with arms displayed, of the moon. Study not (gentle reader) wherefore I have blazed the twin and twins with their arms extended. Of truth it is their property even from the womb so to do, desiring the liberty of their branches. I could speak here of swadeling of children, but it belongeth not to my purpose. Wherefore I refer it to women and Physicians.  
A. Beareth Azure, a mast of a ship d'Argent, and on the chief thereof, 
Gemini.  the Stars Gemini. These the gentiles called Castor, 
Castor & Pollux.  and Pollux: whom the Grecians do call Dioscuros, and suppose that they prosper those that sail on the Sea, when they appear sitting jointly together, th'one by th'other on the cross piece, whereunto the sail is fastened. 
Paradinus. Simbol. Her●.  Si vero corum alter duntaxat eminet, malum praesagire creditur, Preterea potest sub alterius Geminorum solitudi ne intelligi, periculosam esse potentiam absque prudentia. saint Paul departed from Melite in a ship, whose badge was Castor and Pollux. Act. cap. 28.  
Thus is asmuch to say, in this field, as a sheaf of wheat. Ceres' wife of Osiris' king of Egipte, did first invent sowing of wheat, and Barley, which before did grow wild among other herbs. Prima Ceres cepit uti frugibus in Grecia, 
Ceres.  & habere segetes translatis aliunde seminibus.  
Of her, ovid maketh mention, saying.  

Prima Ceres unco glebam dimovit aratro.  
Prima dedit fruges: alimentaque initia terris.   

Which verses is thus metrized.   

First Ceres with plough did invent,  
th'earth in clots all to rent:  
And first of grain the trade she found,  
how to sow it in the ground.   
The fusil in Latin is called fusum, 
L. Monteacute.  qd per cum fundatur quod netuni est. What if the first bearer of such ensigns, did cause his wool to be spun by the folks of his household whether they were his children or servants, is this therefore any reproach to the master, since his children & household servants, yea, and he himself, is thereby clad and apparelled much the better? No certainly, reproach therein can be none, but rather an high commendation of virtuous exercise, and godly labour.  
It appeareth in the history of the acts of great Alexander, that while he was abroad in the wars, his sisters did spin, and make for him garments of woollen cloth, which they sent him as a great gift: and was worn of him at that time, and more esteemed, than all the silks, and precious vestures of the Persians. 
Persian women handle no wool.  And although the noble women in that country take nothing in more despite, then to put their hands to will, yet the sisters of the same Alexander the Great, and the noble women of Macedonia, disdeigned not to spin, and make garments thereof, not thinking the same to be any blemish at all to their nobility, or blood.  
Of the bearing also of such a token in Arms, take these further for examples.  
The field is Gules, 
Mollette.  on a Saltier Argente, five Mollettes Sable.  
This is to be taken as a spot descended from on high, and dispurpled into five points, out of one Still. This cote Armour is one of the honourable Ordinaries charged.  
D. beareth Argente, a Saltier Azure, between four ravens wings proper. 
Raven.  the Raven in Latin is called Coruus, sive Corax, and she hath that name, à sono gutturis, quòd voce coracinet. Fertur haec avis, quòd editis pullis, escam plenè non praebeat, priusquam in eyes per pennarum nigredinem similitudinem proprij coloris agnoscat. Postquam verò eos tetros plumis aspexerit in toto agnitos abundantius pascit. The Raven is enemy to the Bull, and assaileth him on all parts, but his eyes especially.  

Fret.  E. beareth Uerte, a Fret d'Argente. And to his crest upon the Helm, on a wreath Or, and Sable, a Popyniaye Purpre, bearing a twig of the Almond tree proper, mantled Azure, doubled Or. The Fret borne in this Coat armour, is found borne also of diverse noble Gentlemen, of several metal and colours. And the same is sometime seen in  armour simple, otherwhile double, also triple, and of eight pieces: and oftentimes they are multiplied over all the Shield.  
And ye must understand one great difference between Arms Bended, and these Arms, the which be made with the foresaid frets. For in Arms Bendee, the colours contained in the shield, are equally divided: and where these frets be, the field always abide the whole.  

Popiniaye.  And touching the Popyniaye, which is before described for the Crest of the said Coat armour, he is in one of his proper colours, and beareth a spray of his delight. He is called in Latin Psitacus. Munsterus in his book of cosmography saith, 
Psitacorum Regio.  that in Psitacorum regione, there be found Popinjays of incredible bigness, as exceeding in length, an arm and an half, and are of manifold colours.  
He saith also, that in the Land of Chalechute, there be Popinjays of green colour, 
Calechute.  even as green as Leeks, Alij scutulati, alij coloris purpurij. There is also such plenty of them in that country, that they appoint keepers to keep their Rice which they sow in their fields, least they do eat it up. Munsterus reporteth also, that the Popinjays of Indie, 
Indiani Psitaci.  are for the most part of green but that their head is red, or as the colour of woad, and shineth like gold. Their tongue is great and broad, Atque ideò vocaliores sunt, and utter words which may be understand.  
They learn in the first and second year, such words as are taught them, and retain them long. They drink Wine, and use their feet in stead of hands, when they take meat.  
This bird, saith Isidore, of nature useth as it were a certain salutation, Dicens: ave, vel cheer. Caetera nomina institutione discit. Hinc est illud: 
Psitacus à vobis aliorum nomina discam.  
Hoc didici per me, dicere, Caesar ave.   
The popinjay is in no country so great or big, as he is In Psitacorum regione. But those in the Land of Chalechute, are of greater praise, & estimation, although they most abound there.  
F. beareth Argent, a Bend Azure, cotized with two cotizes Sable, 
Allaundes.  on the Bend, three Allaundes heads rassed Gold, Mosseled Gules.  
And to his crest upon the Helm, on a wreath Argent, and Sable, a bears head rassed Gold, between two wings Gules, mantled Azure, doubled Argente. The signs borne in the said Coat armour, are the heads of three Allaundes, which be a certain kind of dogs of great stature passing all others, which are used to hunt the Lion, Tiger, Panther, wild Bear, & other such beasts of ravening kind. And of the same tokens borne in this Coat armour, and crest, I have sufficiently spoken, where I entreated of Beasts: and where I have here described the heads of two sundry kinds of beasts, note always, that next the bearing of the whole beast, the bearing of the head in Arms, is taken to be the most worthiest part, and most esteemed in  armour, as honourable.  
The field is Martis, a Pegasus Lunae, winged Solis. The crest a dimie Chymer, Rampante Saturn, set on a Torce, Luna and jove, mantled of the Ruby, doubled Pearl. There may be read of diverse Horses in Poetry, 
Pegasus.  as of this Horse Pegasus before blazed, that had wings for to fly, and of Sinon the Greek his Horse, that brought Troy to destruction. But this Pegasus exceeded Bucephale, and all other horses in swiftness, and celerity, because he had wings: Quem ex interfectae Medusae sanguine natum fingunt. De quo ovidius. 4. Metam. Upon this horse did Bellerophon ascend, 
Bellerophon.  when he slew Chimeram that horrible monster in Lycia, which having the head, and face of a Lion, the middle part of a Goat, and the hinder part of a Dragon, breathed, and cast forth great sparkles of fire. And therefore I have set this monster, as a crest to the said Coat armour: and as I think, not incongruently, if the circumstances of the History, of whom the same dependeth, be rightly considered.  
Also Munsterus the Cosmographer reporteth, (but supposing the same not to be true) that Pegasus is a bird in Africa, which is said to have the body, and ears of an Horse, and the wings like a Bird. Haec ille Lib. 6. Pag. 1151.  
The especial token borne in this Coat armour, is the Heart of a man, which in Latin is called Cor, derived à Graeca appellatione, which they name Cardian. Or else it hath that name of Cura, because that in it abideth all carefulness, all regard of God, and godliness, and also the cause of all knowledge and wisdom.  
The heart of man declineth more toward the left side, then of any other living creature, for to them it is set in the middle of the body. The causes of the one, or of the other, it appertaineth not here to recite. And as the same is of no very great quantity, so is it in form more round, then long. Yet in the lower part thereof it gathereth sharp, Exitque pene in mucronem.  
It is the well of life, and all feeling, and moving is therein. Amongst all members, the heart of man is most noble, and therefore it is set in the most excellent place of the body, as it is most needful. For no member is so needful to the life of man, as is the heart.  
I have displayed the said Harte pierced with Darts, to declare thereby our mortality, in that we see, if the same be stricken, wounded, or grieved with sorrow, we then can have no longer pleasure, or delight to live.  
I read also, 
Aristomenes  that Aristomenes, a man of Messene, which was called justissimus, Most just, when he was dead, was found to have his Heart all hearye. 
Harp.  The Harp is a token not unmeet to be borne in chief of the said Coat armour, being an instrument like to a man's breast. For likewise as the voice cometh of the breast, so the notes come of the Harp, and hath therefore in Latin that name Cythara, for the breast is called Cythara in Dorica lingua. This instrument is seen sometime to have four corners, but most commonly three.  
In old times haps had but seven strings, and so Virgili saith: 

Strings.  Septem sunt soni, septem discrimina vocum.   
A String in Latin is called Corda, of Cord, the heart. For as the pulse of the Heart is in the breast, so the pulse of the strings is in the Harp.  
Cordas autem primus Mercurius excogitavit: 
Isidor. Etym. Lib. 3. cap. 21.  idemque prior in neruos sonum strinxit.  
His field is of the Sapphire, a psaltery in Bend sinister, 
Sawtrie, or Psaltrie.  Topaz. His crest a wrist in Cross, Sol, set on a chapeau Mars, turned up ermines, mantled Ruby, doubled ermines. Isidore saith, that Psalterium, quod vulgo Canticum dicitur, à psallendo nominatum, hath his name of singing, Quòd ad eius vocem Chorus consonando respondeat. The Harp is like to the Psaltrie in sound, but between them this is the difference. In the Psaltrie is an hollow tree, and of that same tree the sound cometh upward, and the strings being smitten downward, Desuper: sonant. And in the Harp the hollowness of the tree is beneath.  
The Hebrews used to call the Psaltrie, Decacordon propter numerum decalogum Legis. And this Instrument hath but ten strings. The best strings for the Psaltrie are made of Silver, yet those been good, which been made of Laton.  
The wrest in Latin hight Plectrum. And whereas I described the said Wreaste in Cross, 
wrest.  yet take the same not to be two, but one wrest, because a certain hollowness must be seen at every point of the Cross, wherewith the pings of the Psaltrie must be wrested diversly, as they are of bigness. Mercurius invented the sundry kinds of strings, and he first strained them, and made them to sound.  
This Coat armour of the said Christian king, I noted as I found the same painted among the rest of the Coats of all Christian Princes, upon the cover of the font in the Cathedral church of York.  
Yet Munsterus in his book of cosmography, figureth unto the same Prince an other Coat armour: Videlicet, a Lion Rampante upon a Cross, the metal, or colours of the field, or tokens borne in the same, he describeth not. The other, as I have seen the same, is rightly displayed both of the field, and the signs borne therein. Wherefore, I mind here to speak but of the drops upon the said Cross, being blazed Guttie, and no mention made of colour: which I think needeth not to be rehearsed, for that these drops are of their proper colour, and are to be taken for drops of blood.  
And therefore in an other manner take the blazon of the same noble king his arms, who beareth Mars, on a Cross, Solis guttie. This name Christus, of the field, within a Crown d'Espines proper. The drops also here described have a spiritual interpretation, which every true, and christian heart may rightly understand, what they signify.  

Drops.  Other drops there be, as drops of rain and dew. Such drops feed, and nourish fish in the sea, make Oysters fat, and breed in them Pearls, and Precious stones, as Isidore saith, and namely the drops of the morning dew. And although a drop be most nesh, yet by oft falling it pierceth that thing, that is right hard, as this verse saith: 
Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi, sed saepè cadendo.  
The hard stone is pierced with droping,  
Not by strength, but by oft falling.   

Stillie.  The field is Uerte, Stillie, d'Argente. This is a right little part of water, or rain, departed by some violence from the whole, and is called Gutta, when it standeth, or hangeth on eavesinges, or of trees: and when it falleth, it is called Stilla: and thereof cometh Stillicidium, as it were a falling drop.  
A drop hanging, falling, or standing, is in substance most clear, round in form, small, and straight in the over part, little in quantity, and great in virtue. For it moisteth the earth that it falleth upon, and maketh it plenteous, and fruitful, feedeth, and nourisheth roots and seeds, and maketh them grow: and quickeneth, and preserveth greenness in trees, herbs, & grass. Therefore I have described these styles in their proper field.  
G. beareth Azure, a Bar Gemewe, Or, between three hands sinister, 
Sinister hand Palm.  d'Argente. The timber, a palm of an hand dexter, d'Ermyne, set on a Wreath Or, and Sable, mantled Azure, doubled Argente.  
The token borne in this Coat armour, is a left hand. For it suffereth the right hands work, and hath that name Sinistra, of Sinere. to suffer..  
And the hand hight Palma, when the fingers been streithte forth, as it were boughs, or branches sprayed.  
The Trowel is an ancient addition of armory.  
What a Manche is taken to be, I have showed in the first book entitled the Concords of armory. And touching the Margarites wherewith the said Manche is powdered. Chaucer, in his second and third books, entitled, the Testament of love, maketh a great process of them, as gems very precious, clear, and little: And thus descriveth them, (as he readeth in the works of great clerks, which entreat of the kinds and properties of things) saying, 
Margarite, or Margrit.  that the Margarite is a little white pearl, throughout hollow and round, and virtuous. And on the Sea sides in great Britain in Muscle shells, of the heavenly dew, the best been engendered: in which by experience been found three fair virtues. 
Chaucer.  One is, it giveth comfort to the feeling spirits in bodily persons of reason .2. It is profitable to health, against the passions of sorry men's hearts .3. It is needful and noble in stanching of blood, there else to moche would out run.  
The bearer thereof should be steadfast, amiable, and in peace, virtuous also, with long continuance in meekness, that mother is of all virtues: showing mercy & pity with the heart towards all men, embracing also peace, and following it. Therefore let all gentlemen suffer in no wise this jewel the Margarite to be blemished, as nigh as they may, but with heart and mind study to obtain the virtues that thereby are signified, and so through grace, for their service, they shallbe highly advanced.  

Daisy.  H. Beareth ermine, a Pale verte, semie de daisy, proper. Chaucer writeth moche of this flower in many places of his works: and in especially in his preface to the legend of good women, where he sayeth of himself being in love with this flower in the month of may.  
Leaning on my elbow and my side.  
The long day I shaped me for to abide  
For nothing else, and I shall not lie,  
But for to look upon the Deysie  
That well by reason men it call may  
The days eye, or else th'eye of the day  
The empress, and flower of flowers all  
I pray to God that fair mought she fall  
And all that love flowers, for her sake  
But natheless, ne ween not that I  
Make, In praising of the flower again the leaf,  
No more than of the corn again the sheaf.  
And the said Chaucer writeth in a goodly ballad of his also of the daisy, where he calleth it, 
daisy of light, very ground of comfort  
The sons daughter (ye hight) as I read  
For when he westreth, 
sons Daughter.  farewell your disport  
By your nature anon right for pure dread  
Of the rude night, that with his boistous weed  
Of darkness, shadoweth our emispere  
Then closen ye, my lives Lady dear.   
Flowers do well become lovers, for that they take therein delight, and therefore are of great dignity in signs armorial.  
The certain quantity of this Planet is unknown to earthily dwellers. The Son, but he shine (saith Chaucer) for son is not accounted: so virtue, but it stretcheth in goodness or profit to an other, is no virtue, but into his contrary, the name shallbe reversed.  
The field is of the Pearl, 
Spur.  two Spurs in Pale, Ruby. His crest a mollet blemished Topaz, set on a wreath Pearl, and Diamond, mantled Sapphire, doubled Topaz. Chaucer sayeth that habit, maketh no monk, ne wearing of gyite Spurs, maketh no knight.  
These were th'arms of Tydeus, 
Tydeus his Arms.  the kings son of Calcedonye, which he did bear in his shield, at the destruction of the City Thebes. The Boar is called Aper, a feritate, ablata F. littera & subrogata P. unde & apud Graecos Syagros id est ferus dicitur. This Beast is armed in his mouth with two crooked tusks, which are right strong and sharp, and the same he useth in stead of a sword, and his right shoulder is hard, broad and thick, which he occupieth as a shield to defend him withal, putting that brawn for his chief armour against his weapon that pursueth him.  
The Boar fighteth with the Wolffe, and hateth him by kind. For the wolf lieth in await for his children, & stealeth them full oft.  
The field is of the Topaz, 
Dragon.  a Dragon, emerald.  
This was th'arms of Ethyocles king of Thebes, 
Ethyocles.  which he did bear in his shield, when he fought with his brother Polymyte for the kingdom, wherefore the one of them slew the other.  
K. Beareth Azure, 
Cathedre.  a Cathedre, or chair Royal d'Or, adorned with Rubies proper. Such a chair is described by Chaucer in the third book of Fame, where he sayeth.  
Fame sat in a seat Imperial  
That made was of Ruby royal,  
Which that a Carboncle is I called.  
And there she was perpetually istalled. 
Carboncle.   

Boar's bead.  The field is Sol, a Boar's head coped Saturn.  
These were th'arms of Sir Thopas, as in the metre made of him may appear at large, in the works of Chaucer.  

crest.  And for his crest he bore a Tower  
Wherein sticked a lily flower  
Of colours all most proper.  
¶ Here note th'antiquity of Creastes.  

Annulet.  L. beareth Sable and gules parted per Fez, an Annu● let d'Or, 
Asterites.  having the gem Asterites, propre.  
This is a precious stone, and is white, and conteanethe as it were light therein enclosed, or like a Star going within it, and maketh the Sun beams white, whereof also it taketh his name. Of his virtues I need not to speak, his beauty and fairness bringeth him commendation sufficient. And of the giving of Annullettes or rings, there may be found diverse histories, amongst whom I have noted this one. 
Lucius Silla.  Lucius Sylla, being dictator of the Romans, gave unto Roscius a player in Comedies a ring of gold, which was the token of a knight at that time, as a collar or chain of gold is at this time. This Roscius, for his excellency in pronunciation and gesture, 
Roscius.  the noble Cicero called his jewel, and so much delighted in him, that he contended with him, whether Roscius could set forth one sentence in more fashions of gesture and countenance, or he express the same sentence in a more diversity of eloquent words.  
And touching the token borne in the said cote armour, if a Cross, Star, Cressante, or any flower were figured on the same Annulet, it were a great beautifying of the said Arms, and no little commendation to the bearer.  
This may be taken for a good token in arms, as of liberality, when the same is not shut. But being knit, and so borne, it is a token of avarice: for so Chaucer writeth in the book entitled the Romante of the Rose, where he sayeth.  
Avarice held in her hand.  
A purse that hounge by a band,  
And that she hid, & bound so strong  
Men must abide wondre long  
Out of the purse ere there came aught  
For that ne cometh in her thought  
It was not certain her intent  
That from that purse a penny went.  
And further the same Chaucer, saith in the said book.  
That a full great fool is he iwis  
That both rich & poor & niggard is  
A Lord may have no manner of vice  
That grieveth more than avarice.  
For nigarde never with strength of hand  
May win him great Lordship or land.  
And whoso will have friends here  
He may not hold his treasure dear.  
For by ensample tell I this  
Right as an Adamant Iwis 
Adamant.   
Can draw to him full subtly  
The iron, that is laid thereby,  
So draweth folks hearts iwis  
Silver & gold that yeven is.  
M. Beareth verte, a king armed at all points d'Argent, 
King.  bearing a sceptre and crown, Or, winged d'Ermyne.  

Mercury.  This may be taken for the God Mercury, God of eloquence, for to diverse he hath appeared, as having wings, so in histories of him may be red.  
This was the Banner of Theseus, 
Theseus.  when he came to the destruction of Thebes City, & slew Creon king thereof. And thus Chaucer writeth of the said Theseus his banner, and penon in these words. 
Penon.   
The red statue of Mars with spear & targe  
So shineth in his white Banner large  
That all the fields glitterens up & down:  
And by his Banner, borne is his penon  
Of gold full rich, in which there was ybete  

Minotaur.  The Minotaur that he won in Crete.  

Th'antiquity of bearing arms.  Thus it may appear, that arms were long borne in good order, before the siege of Troy: for the destruction of the city Thebes, was before that siege, as John Lydegate doth affirm. Chaucer also, in the tale of the knight, describeth what token Lycurge the great king of Thrace did bear in the field. 
Lycurge king of Thrace.  These be his words.  
In stead of a Coat armour over his harness  
With nails yellow, 
bears skin.  and bright as any gold,  
He hath a bears skinnne, coal black for old.  
This little History is not unworthy to be had in remembrance.  
N. beareth Sable, 
Ousle, or Blackebirde.  three Owsles d'Argente, beaked, and legged, Or. The timber, a Bull gardant, Argente, armed, and unguled Gules, set on a Wreath Sable, mantled Azure, doubled Argente.  
The Owsle, or Black bird singeth pleasantly, and therefore is oft taken, and kept in cage. This bird, although she be in all Country's black, yet in Achaiae she is white, 
Bull.  as Isidore saith. This crest for the said Coat armour, 
Isis.  is a white Bul. jupiter turned him into the similitude thereof, when loving the fair maid Isis, he could not otherwise have his will of her. This signifieth, that beauty may overcome the best.  
The wholesome doctrine of S. Paul, is of all faithful, and obedient subjects to be received and embraced: where he saith, Wilt thou be without fear of the power? Do well then, & thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God for thy wealth. But if thou do evil, then fear, for he beareth not the sword for nought. For he is the minister of God, a taker of vengeance to punish him that doth evil, etc.  

Pillars.  His field is iovis, two pillars Lunae.  
diverse Emperors, and puissant Conquerous have erected Pillars in their empires and kingdoms, for sundry, and weighty causes and purposes: some to declare the extentes, and limits of their Lands, and kingdoms, some to show the expeditions of their journeys and voyages, some to set forth the places of their burials, some to figure therein their Acts, and valiant deeds, to the encouragement of those that should succeed them to do the like. And other some have written therein the secret knowledge of certain sciences and letters, as in diverse Histories may be read. And more of Pillars ye may read in the next book following.  
This in Latin is called Rastrum militare, sive Politicum, & serveth for defence in the gatis of Cities, Castles, Portes, & Towers. For the same being loosed, or let down, it letteth, or rather oppresseth them that would enter thereby.  
Eiusmodi ad portas militare obstaculum Romae factum fuisse scribit Appianus, 
Appian.  Res Roman. Civili dissidio urgente, & Imperium sibi vendicante Sylla. Sustulit hoc maleficium Carboniana turba, quam (dum conarentur per portam Collinam irruptionem facere) Sylla repressit: laxatisque insidiarijs Rastris, intrò latebat, quorum iniuria, & lapsu, Senatores ipsi nonnulli, & qui se in Carbonianam libertatem adseruerant, oppressi sunt.  
When he is pursued of hunters, and seeth he cannot escape, he taketh stones with his hoof, & casteth against his enemies, and oftentimes hurteth them. When he is killed, there is found stones, and iron in his stomach, which he consumeth after long digestion.  
He hateth the Horse by kind. I found him figured in the cosmography of Munster, as before is described.  
Q. beareth Geules, on a Bend between two Cotizes, d'Argente, 
Siphons'.  three Siphons', Sable. Isidore saith, that the Siphon is a certain vessel, which men of the east countries use to occupy, and fill with water, especially when houses been on fire, to quench the same. The form I have described here, as Paradyne figureth it among his diuises Heroiques.  
R. beareth Saturn and Mars, parted per Pale, two Partizantes Lunae in Saltier. 
Partezant.  These weapons are commonly known, and borne about the persons of Princes, Nobles, and Captains.  

Lance.  S. beareth Silver, a Lance between two Flaunches, Sable: and on the Flaunches, two Gauntlettes, as the field.  
The especial token borne in this Ensign, is taken for a Demi-lance staff, which being the chiefest weapon of the horseman, is therefore congruently placed between two Gauntlettes, 
Gauntlet.  the most especial armour of the hands.  

Scocheon.  T. beareth Gold, on a Scocheon Gules, a key d'argent, wrapped about with a Serpent Uert. This Coat armour touching the field, is one of the honourable ordinaries charged.  
When as Quintus Fabius, 
Q. Fabius.  (being Dictator or principal captain of the Romans) had trained & drawn Hannibal & his host into a field, 
Hannibal.  enclosed about with mountains and deep rivers, where Fabius had so environed him and his army, that they were in jeopardy, either to be famished, for lack of victual, or else in flying, to be slain by the Romans, Hannibal perceiving these dangers, commanded to be brought afore him, in the deep of the night when nothing was stirring, about two thousand great oxen and bulls, which a little before his men had taken in forrageing, and caused faggots made of dry sticks to be fastened unto their horns, 
Terror and error.  and set on fire. The beasts troubled with the flame of fire, ran as they were wood up toward the mountains, whereas lay the host of the Romans, Hannibal with his whole army following in array. The Romans, which kept the mountains, being sore afraid of this new and terrible sight, forsook their places. 
Fabius.  And Fabius dreading the deceitful wit of Hannibal, kept his army within the trench, and so through policy Hannibal with his host escaped without damage. Thus ye may understand, (as I said before) how greatly histories do give light to the hid secrets of armory.  
The Eagle when he hath gathered much dust in his feathers, doth then without fear set upon the Heart, and falleth even between his branches: and beating with his wings, so stoppeth the Hearts eyes with dust, until at length he falleth headlong from some high hill or rock, and so becometh a pray to the Eagle. Industry, labour, & diligence, is to be used, when difficult, weighty, & high matters, are to be overcome.  
P. Bears Gules and Sable, parted per bend sinister, a Lion rampant d'Or, vibrante a sword d'Argente.  

pompeius magnus.  Pompey the great had such a Lion graven in his signet. vide in vitis Plutarchi.  
The field is party per baste bar undade, Argente, and Uerte, 
Ship.  a ship under sail in her ruff, Sable.  
The use of ships, and of their ordinance is known to all men.  
He beareth Or, three anchors in bend sinister, between two Gartiers, azure.  

Anchor. Admiral.  Th'anchor is especially ascribed to admirals, in signum (ut apparet) officij sui in expeditionibus, provincijsque navalibus.  
He beareth party per pale Nebule, Saturn, and Venus, two maces bellical Solis circumliged with branches of Olive, propre. The token borne in this cote armour, is called in latin Clava bellica, which being bound about, Olivae ramusculo, may exhibit unto them to whom it is offered, a sign aswell of peace, as of war, which to take, is at his pleasure to whom it is offered.  
The Harrowe is a noble addition of armory, & was borne (as Froyssarde sayeth) of William, the son of Albert duke of bavarie in his ancient, about the year of our Lord God .1390. And the same Harrowe he did advance, in his voyage with the Christians, adversus Aphricam Barbariae civitatem. The office of the harrow, is to break and resolve the hard lumps and clods of earth. Quemadmodum autem glebas, & grumos agrorum proscindit & resoluit rastrum aratorium, ita facilè est vero principi, legum, & Sanctionum, atque cautionum, seu Decretorum aequitate ditionis suae improbos, factiosos, rebels, & tumultuarios, quique contra suam autoritatem, ac dignitatem iniquè se opponunt, coercere.  
He beareth party per Chevron embatiled, Or, & Azure, three Leures, 
lure.  contrechanged of the field. The token borne in this Scocheon, is well known to all gentlemen Fawkeners. The word, or Poesy that might rightly be applied to this cote armour, is this: Spe illect at inani.  
The dexterity of Domitiane th'emperor in casting of the dart, 
Domitiane.  is worthy of remembrance: 
Dart.  who in the hunting of a certain wild beast, threw two darts at him so directly, that the beast seemed to stand having horns on his head, whereas nature had given him none. Paradyne figureth the head of the beast, as having two darts in place, where horns should grow.  
plutarch writeth, that when Scylurus Chaeronensis was about to die, 
Scilurus Charonensis.  having four score goodly children, and of great strength, he offered to every one of them a Bondell of darts or rods to break, which when they endeavoured themselves to do, they could not:  
He than said unto them, that the darts and rods so made fast and knit together, could in no manner of wise be broken. 
Bondle.  But the father unlosing the Bondle before them, did take one rod after an other, and without any great force or business, did break the same, advertising them hereby, that they all should continue and remain for ever unvanquished, and not able to be overcome, as long as they agreed, and were surely knit in brotherly love, and perfect concord. But if they divided themselves, or parted with sedition and debate, that then they should perish, and quickly fall into the hands of their enemies. A goodly example to embrace concord. 
Serpent.  By the Serpent about the darts, may be signified that which Christ spoke in the gospel to his disciples, saying. Be ye wise as Serpents etc. Therefore note, that there be many significations and secret mysteries in bearing signs and tokens of armoury.  
U. beareth barrie undie 6. pieces d'Ermine, and azure, the prore of a ship d'Or in chief gules, 
Fore part of a ship.  one hound passante, Argent. The token in this escocheon is the fore part of a ship, and is guarded with a dog on chief, as it were to watch the same. Such a like ensign did Sergius Galba the Emperor use to bear.  
W. Beareth per pale Ruby, and Diamond, an Eagle d'Ermine incorporate with a Dragon, 
Eagle, with the Dragon.  Solis.  
These are enemies always the one to the other. The Dragon greatly desiring the eggs of the Eagle, devoureth and eateth up the same: wherefore the Eagle, wheresoever he seeth him, fighteth with him, and in their fight he is often wrapped with the Dragon's tail, and so falling down, the one is destroyed of the other. Eadem elatis, ac superbioribus inter se contendentibus ruina solet usu venire.  
The Cock is a Royal foul, and naturally beareth on his head a crest of Ruby colour, in stead of a Crown or diadem. He distinguisheth times, seazons, and hours, both of the day and night, crowing, or rather singing most clearly and strongly. The Lion dreadeth the white Cock, because he breedeth a precious stone, called Allectricium, like to the stone that hight Calcedoneus. And for that the Cock beareth such a stone, the Lion specially abhorreth him. Ab Galli alitis tubaeque horologio non difficile relinquitur judicare, quantum intersit inter belli & pacis conditiones. The cock is messenger of the day light, he singeth when he hath the victory, being overcome he hideth himself. Lucemque & hominum aspectum refugit.  
W. beareth verte, an arming Sword in pale d'Argent crowned at the point in ●hefe, 
Sword crowned.  between two flowers de Lucy's d'Or. The sword in this cote armour, is a protection to the flowers therein borne.  

Tergate.  The field is Gules, a Tergate d'Or, transfixed with a Raper Argente.  
This may be taken for the ensign of some noble captain, who had valiantly behaved and borne himself in the field, with loss also of his life.  

Cross pottate.  Our master Christ, being the son of God, and God, was constrained to bear an heavy cross on his shoulder, in such fashion as is before described: wherein afterward both his hands and feet were nailed with long and great nails of iron: and the cross with his naked and bloody body, being lift upon height, was let fall with violence into a mortayse, that all his joints were dissolved. And notwithstanding all this torment, he never grudged, but lifting up his eyes unto heaven, he prayed for his enemies, saying: Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. This was the charity most incomparable of the son of God employed for the redemption of mankind.  

Pillar of porphery.  Y. His field is of the Pearl, two pillars of porphery, in Saltier.  
I need not here to blaze the colour of the Pillars, being porphery, which is a stone always of purple colour. Let the bearer thereof see that he be specially endowed with the virtue, Fortitude.  
Hannibal, 
rings sent to Carthage.  for a testimony of the victory he had of the Romans in italy, sent 3. Bushels of golden rings to Carthage, which he had taken & plucket of the hands of the Roman knights, captains and senators. Let the bearer of such a coat (as is before displayed) rejoice in adversity.  
The field is Checkey, gules, and ermines, a book Or, with clasps d'Argente.  
A Book is to be borne of him, 
Book.  which is studious of any the sciences or tongues: and which hath a certain excellency therein above others. 
Cato Vticensis.  Cato, called Vticensis, was so much inflamed in the desire of learning, that (as Suetonius writeth) he could not temper himself in reading Greek books, whiles the Senate was sitting.  
This Cato was named the chief pillar of the public weal of the Romans.  
These be water Horses, called Hippotami, and are chiefly seen in the studs of Nile, & Ganges. Munsterus describeth these beasts, and sayeth they have two hooves like an Ox, the back, main, and neiing of an Horse, a wriggled tail, & crooked teeth like to a Boar. I have charged the same beasts, but on half wise in the field, as it were passing from the water: which note well and mark, and then I doubt not but the devise of the same will content some man's fantasy.  
These are noble ensigns & of great antiquity. 
Kateren wheel.  Yet of wheels, the Katherine wheel, so called of old, is of most honour: and must be figured after an other form than those I have before blazed Willigise, archbishop of Mogunce in Germanye, assumpted for his ensign a Cart wheel, 
Cart wheel.  with this inscription: Willigise memineris quid sis, & quid olim fueris, and afterward the same wheel was given and confirmed by the Emperor, to be th'ensign of the said archbishopric for ever.  
B. He beareth d'Ermines, and Or, parted per pile in point of the chief, 
Pheon.  a Pheon, Sable.  
This partition as it is rare seen, so can it not lack (being thus charged) his due commendation.  

Insignia poetarum  The Swan is the ensign of the Poets, whose field is Azure a Swan propre. Alciate commendeth this ensign lib. i. Embl. Cutj. wherefore I refer what I could write more hereof to Stockhamer his commentaries upon the same Emblem.  
The Tench in latin is called Tinca a fish as Ausonius describeth it for the poor man's dish, 
Tenche  for that in ancient time it was a common meat for their diet, and although in these our days it is well accepted and taken for a good kind of fish, both necessary for food, and to medicine, yet in the old time, the richest men made little estimation thereof, wherefore the common people were best acquainted with the same, as the said author witnesseth in this verse or sentence.  
Quis non & videris vulgi solatia,  
Tincas norit.  
Who doth not know in each degree,  
a Tench, the commoners meat to be.  
This Tench before displayed is called Tinca marina, a Tench of the sea, and liveth neither in mud or mire, but is clean from such infectyons, and therefore is not hurtful. The foresaid field & the contents in the same, do signify the bearer to have audacity, yet in all honesty: and to be courteous with much discretion. Then sign appertaineth to the name of Roscarech, alias Roscarrocke in Cornewal. His crest a Lion rampant proper colour, armed and languid Azure, about his neck a Crownall silver, set on a Torce gold and Azure, as may appears above figured.  
The field is barrye of vitj. pieces Luna and Mars, 
Ibis'  one a canton iovis the mighty planet Sol, his crest is Ibis' head Saturn couped, erassing a serpent of the Moon, set on a wreath Topaz and sapphire, mantled Diamond, doubled pearl. Ibis is a foul of Egypt, & as Aristotle saith is in that country white and at Pelusum only black, it is an high bird, having stiff legs, and a long bill, they be carried out of Libya into Egypt with a southern wind, and do much good there to the country in killing and eating of serpents Semetipsam purgat rostro in ann aquam fundens, this bird is like unto that which is called Ciconia.  
He bear the party ꝑ pale Saturn & Mars a flower de lize Luna. 
Altion.  And to his crest upon the helm on a wreath Topaz and saphiere an Alcian volant of the Amethyst, mixed with Pearl, beaked as the Emeraud, mounted on the nest texed with the slips of the vine propre, mantled Ruby, doubled Pearl, this is a bird of the sea, little more than a Sparrow, which in the cold winter season doth lay her eggs on the sands, and when the sea is most troublous tantam gratiam divinitus habet that it becometh suddenly calm, and the storms and winds do cease until the bird have all hatched, and brought up her chickens, and made them able to flee, which is in the space of xiiij days, which the shipmen diligently mark, fearing no tempest all those days, look sebast. stockhamer his commentaries upon the xix Emblem. of Alciate. The proper colours of the said bird are as is before described. She liveth by fish, 
King's fisher.  and is taken for that which we call the kings fisher.  
He beareth Azure a chevron on chief between two decressants Argent. 
Ligurinus.  The timber, a Ligurines' head rassed vert, 
Grene finch.  bearing a thistle Or, set on wreath Argent & Sable mantled Gules, doubled Or, The bird Lugurinus feedeth much upon thistles, and of nature is enemy to the Ass, sed valet vocis amenitate, some suppose this bird to be a green finch, 
Nightingale  and as servius writeth is taken to be the Nightingalle. These devices Heroic before figured, might suffice for the proof how cote armours with their blazon heaume & timber in sundry wise be borne, to the honour and commendation of the bearer: and upon what ground they have their original, the which the officers at arms do chiefly respect in their assignments to gentlemen, and no sign or token armorial is by them devised, but the same is congruent and agreeable to the virtues and qualities wherewith the bearer is principally endowed, and with which token he also delighteth, and so he ought to take delight therein, as to defend the same (even to the death) from all challenge or vituperie, which rule of all the degrees of nobility ought never to be forgotten. But now what signification may be truly collected and gathered of any Simboll armorial, commonly called Arms, and what the colours therein do represent, by the planets or stones precious, to the renown and fame of the bearer, one plainly for example now next doth ensue, the which of bounden duty I may not omit.  
The atchevement containing the sundry coats as they are marshaled and borne by the right honourable Lord, Sir William Cecil, Baron of Broughley, and knight of the most honourable order of the Garter, is thus to be blazed.  
1 He beareth barruley of ten Argent and Azure, six Escocheons Sable. 3.2.1. charged with as many lions rampant of the first, languid Gules, borne by the name of Cecil.  
2 The field is parted per pale, Gules & Azure, a Lion rampant de Argent sustaining a tree Uert, borne by the name of winstone.  
3 Bears Sable, a plate between three towers triple towered with ports displayed de Argent, borne by the name of Cairleon.  
4 His field is Argent, on a bend between two cotizes Gules three sinquefoiles de Or, borne by the name of Eckinton.  
5 Bears Argent, a churon between three Rocks de Ermines, and is borne by the name of Walcot.  
The sixth as the first, the which, and the second are differenced upon them both with a crescent, which signifieth that he is of a second brother to both those houses, from whence in blood he is lineally descended. All which atchievementes before displayed, is within the Garter cotized of two Lions the ermine, to his crest upon an helm on a Torce Or and Azure, a garb de Or, supported with two Lions, the one Azure & the other Argent, mantled Gules, doubled Argent. To these before discrived, is added his apothegm or word. Cor vuum via una, that is, one heart, one way. The sincerity & temperance of this noble baron as there they be by his proper ensign openly signified, so his great wisdom & virtue in preferring justice, and the public weal of his country before any private affection or singular appetites, are also thereby certainly declared, the orient Pearl being so often and preciously treasured in the field and contents of his coat armour. And truly that man is most meet to be a nigh counsellor, in whom sincerity and temperance be joined with wisdom, such one shall bring to the palace of his prince, an honourable remembrance of his justice and vigilaunce, and as well to noble as to unnoble shallbe an excellent pattern and precedent.  
The shields charged with Lions are of the Adamant, a stone precious and of such hardiness, ut si super incudem positus acerrimo percutiatur malleo ante malleus & incus vulneribus acceptis dissiliant quam ipse frangatur comminaturue, nec fieri solum ictus respuit sed resistit etiam igni cuius ardore adeo non acquiescit numque incalescat si Plinio credimus adeo non feodatur ut purior fiat, attamen singularis eximiaque lapidis illius duritia calido hirci Leonisue cruor ita mollescit ut dissoluatur. 
Cece. offi. li. ●  In armory it representeth fortitude a virtue that fighteth in defence of equity, Adamas venena deprehendit, et irrita facit. The nobility of the Lion is most above all other beasts to be marveled at, in that he in his great heat, seeketh not the death of any creature that yieldeth itself unto him, juxta commune proverbum▪ parcere prostratis sic nobilis ira Leoni: The field wherein he abideth is of the Ruby party de Saphiere, two gemes very precious, and of great dignity. The Ruby doth demonstrate charity, the Saphiere loyalty, the one availing against the biting of the Scorpion, the other being marvelously effections against all venom, but of the twain, the Saphiere is most virtuous, Helinandus in his history this writeth of it. Saphirus caelo sereno similis est, caste portari vult gemmaqz gemmarum et lapis sanctus dicitur. 
Io. Ferox,  La colour & pier Saphirique, recomfort le sense de le home, & profit counter les envies, frauds, & terreurs, incitant & ꝓuoquant le home a paix et amour victore etc. The ports set open in a field Saturn, geevethe liberty both to pass forth at will, and to come in when it pleaseth, to carry forth, and also to bring in. Porta dicitur quiae potest importari vel exportari aliquid, proprie autem porta aut urbis aut castrorum vocatur. 
Isidor Etimo lib. 15. cap. 2.  The cause of their construction, is to propulse the force of the enemy, for the common safety of the country, and aught always to be in the possession or keeping of such persons, that embrace obedience and loyalty, and detest treason & treachery, and the bearing of them in coat armour, doth represent no less.  
In the fourth part is seen on a bend martial, three Cinquefoiles so called of the number of their leaves, flowers of great estimation, and worthy of bearing, for their ancienty in Arms, for they having five leaves, do represent five sundry graces, 
Isidore  as to be perfect in all senses, which are tasting, hearing, seeing, feeling and smelling, and learning must be obtained at god's hand to use these aright, for that is most needful in a ruler, who above other ought to excel in knowledge for the better government of the people. The flowers aforesaid be of Gold, 
Bartho, de ꝓpri rerum. li. 16.  which resembleth the son. Aurum est in corporibus sicut sol inter stellas, sol autem dicitur rex stellarum & lumen earum sic aurum est quasi rex rerum corporalium & mensura omnium, & quanto rubicundius tanto melius est. Or en armoury represent justice, noblesse, purity, splendure, droyture, obedience, le home delectable, tractable, clare, & equal, Now ensueth Minerva her poor placing of these Rocks, in that most ingenious game of chess, a game invented for rulers and magistrates, and not for Momus or his insensate chore, their office is known to all that can play well at the said game, as to guard the kings and Queens with all the people on the chess board, and signify in armory, vigilance in defence and surety of the prince and country. The field wherein these rocks be placed, being of the pearl, betokeneth purity of conscience, and singular good will & love even to mortal enemies.  
The Garter is de Azure celeste & Saphirique, adorned with this most noble title (Gallicis verbis) Honey soit qui male pense, which Polidore hath this in latin, vituperetur qui male cogitat.  
The Garb is of the Son royally supported with two Lions, least the malignity and cruel attemptates of the devilish rabblement, and wicked sowdanes, might devour and consume the grain of such an orient sheaff, & so altogether is with the said noble beasts (in form first displayed) right honourably defended, and valiantly guarded, whereby is uttered, how innocents are by this chivaller courteous, his travel and diligence as well in common causes as private, defended and assisted, & their causes also daily most studiously discussed, Pater est orphanorum et judex viduanum. Thus for brevity I cease any further to protract the description of the foresaid ensigns, desiring almighty god to be unto the bearer thereof, a shield and buckler, a sure castle and strong tower, for his defence against the assaults of all his enemies, that in long life, health felicity and honour, and also with one heart, one way, to god, his prince, and her laws, he may continue his estate & virtuously maintain the tokens and prizes of nobleness, as by me the collector hereof (rude and void of all eloquence) are as before simply descried, and homely uttered, yet such as they be, I eftsoons commend them, and those that here ensue to his good lordship as a chosen patron, to whom I may safely yield & commit these sundry collectyons of signs armoryal, beseeching him the same in as good part to receive, as I here again, do humbly offer them under the protection and favour of his name.  
Sapiens in populo haereditabit honorem, et nomen illius erit vivens in eternum. Ecclesiastes. 37.  

stork, Ciconia.  He beareth party per fesse Sable and Ermine, in chief a crescent between two letters of S de Argent, and to his Crest upon the Helm on a wreath, Or and Azure, a Storks head rassed Argent Pellete, between two wings Sable, beaked Gold, mantled Gules, dubled Argent. The Stork is taken to be that bird, which in Latin is called Ciconia, and is of the figure of an Heron, but is greater and is all white, saving the tops of his wings, his bill and legs be red, although I have here described them the contrary, which is but my device for example sake, they us natural enemies to serpents and do ●lea them, when they be old, their birds feed them, and provide meat for them, & volandi impotentes humeris gestant, wherefore the Image of them was the token of justice, and the ancient kings had it in the tops of their sceptres, whereby they were admonished to advance justice and piety, and to oppress injustice & cruelty, Inter omnes alias aves pietatis simbolum gerit, & de immensa earum pietate erga suos pullos refert Isidorus in lib. de natura avium Ciconiae magna cura alunt vicissim parentes iam aetate deficientes sola bonitate naturae ad id agendum impulsae inquit Aelian lib. 15. cap. 4. Of this bird came a greek word for a proverb Antepelargeni, which signifieth to be like a stork, which proverb is to exort men to be kind to their parents, or to their masters which teach and bring them up, requiting the benefit which they received of them.  
The Noble City of Excester for thensign thereof, hath in a field parted per pale Mars and Saturn, a castle triple towered Solis, supported of two Pegasus lunae, with wings undie Pearl and Saphiere, Manes and shoes of the Topaz. The crest upon an helm on a Torce Sol and Saturn, a demie Lion Martis crowned, holding a Mound, whereupon is set a cross botonie topaz, mantled Ruby, doubled Pearl.  
The true fidelity that this City hath always borne to their liege and sovereign, is most worthily reported in divers chronicles, to the great and renowned fame of the Citizens therein inhabiting, who most faithfully in the time of divers ancient princes, have manfully defended their city from the spoil of the rebellious enemy. And amongst other, under that most prudent prince king Henry the seventh, when it was environed & like to be inflamed by that traitorous rebel Perken warbeck, overcoming fire by fire, and fortifying places unfortefied, at the last, they so courageously like valiant champions, defended their ports, posterns, and walls, that after many dangerous assaults, they drove away the said Parken with the rabblement of his rebellious army. How much also & how worthily are they to be commended for their faithful servis in the time of king Edward the sixth, who being in the midst of rebels, unuitailed, unfurnished, unprepared for so long a siege, did nobly hold out the continual and dangerous assault of the rebel, for they sustained the violence of the rebellious rout, not only when they had plenty enough of victual, but also a leaven or twelve days after the extreme famine came on them, and living without bread, wear in courage so manful, and in duty so constant, that they thought it much better to die the extreme death of hunger, showing truth to their king, and love to their country, then to give any place to the rebel and favour him with aid, whose examples god grant, all cities may follow and learn to be noble by Excester, whose truth doth not only deserve long praises, but also great reward.  
He beareth vert, the wings of an Eagle de Argent, and to his crest upon the helm on a wreath Or & Azure, an head de cheval rassed de Argent, pellitie between two wings Sable, brydebled gold, set on a wreath Argent and Uert, mantled Gules, doubled Argent. It hath been & is to be seen, that Angels are painted feathered and winged, declaring unto us thereby (as I read) that they be alien and clean from all earthly cogitation, and been rapt up above to the invest contemplation of the love of god, and they are also figured having wings, to signify their swift discourse in all things, the winds are said to have wings, propter velocitatem scilicet, unde scriptura sacra dicit, qui ambulat super pennas ventorum. Paradine describeth lightning to have wings, that god of eloquence Maercurie appeared to divers winged, I suppose men in these our days have wings also, and fly contrary to nature, but I doubt they be counterfeit wings, as those whom Icarus made to fly with all, which when he had set them together with wax, 
Icarus.  and joined to his side fast and sure enough as he thought, he mounted up into the air, but so soon as the Son had somewhat heated him, and his wax began to melt, he fell down into a great river where he was drowned out of hand, the which water was ever after called by his name, Icarun mare, the like fall had Bellerophon, when he took upon him to ascend upon Pegasus the horse that had wings, now what other thing doth these signify unto us, but that no man should meddle with things above his compass.  

Candlestick. Alce.  He beareth Azure & Gules, parted with a Chevron between three Candlesticks de Argent. His crest, the beast Alce propre, leaning to an Oak Uert, set on a torse de Or and Gules, mantled Sable, doubled Or, supported with a Beaver argent, coloured & unguled Sable, and an Harpy Uert, winged de Or. The Alce described for the crest of the said coat armour, is a wild beast in the woods of Germany, in fashion & skin like to a fallow Deer, but greater, & hath no joints in his legs: and therefore he doth never lie, but lean to a tree when he doth rest him. The hunters knowing this, do saw the trees that they use to lean to, 
Beaver Fiber. Castor▪ Otter. Harpy.  half a sunder, whereby they fall down and be taken. Of the supporters, the one is a Beaver, a beast called in latin Fiber, or Castor, whose stones are used in medicine. He hath the tail of a fish, and in the residue is like to an Otter. The other assistant is an Harpy, a monstrous bird, having the visage of a maid, and talons of a marvelous capacity. I did omit to speak any thing of the tokens above blazed in the coat armour next aforesaid, which I should have first displayed, but the use of candlesticks is very well known to all men, and wherefore they serve. they be called Candelabra, a candelis quasi candelafera, 
Candelabra. Sir Peter Carew.  quod candelas ferant.  
Gold also as it is the most principal metal of all to worldly men, 
A vicene. lib. 33. cap. 4.  so it is the sovereign guide to martial affairs. For where Mars can not rule, he taketh place.  
Thus it is proved that gold is victorious, but assuredly the bearer thereof in coat armour, ought (if his field be all thereof) to be suppliant and meek.  
The Lions in the said field, are in their gentle nature, nor have any ferocity in them, being passant and ruled by the Son, who giveth them light to their travail, that they may the sooner overcome the enemy: & they considering their estate, are enemies to none, for all their haughty courage.  
The Lion liveth long, 
Clementia Leonis in prostratis  because plerique dentibus defecti reperiuntur. The Lion only of all beasts is gentle, and not lightly angry, in supplices, nam prostratis parcit, et ubi saevit, in viros prius quam in faeminas fremit, in infants non nisi magna fame adactus grassatur. Leonum animi judex est canda, sicut & equorum aures. If he be moved or stirred, Primum cauda verberat terr●m, deinde crescente ira flagellat tergum. He long retaineth his wrath, as it were patiently suffering the injury done unto him. Mars occupieth the field of the said coat armour, and the content therein is Solis, whereby prowess is signified, with desire of fame. It is borne by the name of Fitzherbert.  
1 He beareth two demie Lions passant gardant de Or, 
Hatch  by the name of Hache.  
2 His field is de Argent, 
Dillon  a Lion salient Gules, debrused with a Bar de Azure, between three cressants and as many Estoiles montans of the second: borne by the name of Dillon.  
The said coat armour is borne by the name of Strangwayes.  
1 He beareth Sable, a Chevron between three sinister hands copy de argent. This was the coat of Gilbert at Hall gate of Shireburne in Elmet, a Gentleman of ancient name and also coat armour, as is recorded of him in many writings yet apparent.  
2 His field is of Gules, a Fez between three Cressaunts the Or, borne by the name of Okeham.  
The said coat armour is borne by the name of Sacheuerell.  
Thus those prizes in coats armours, which are of many called Fusils, that is to say spindles, may aptly be taken for pillars.  
Fusille in latin, Columnae fuse, aut fusiles, and so to be blazed in arms, since that such a mighty conqueror, and prince most prudent, as Charles the great was, thought good to erect Pillars fusible of stone very preprecious, in perpetual remembrance of spinner's craft,  
This coat being charged on the Fez, beautifieth it much, so as the armory can not be but perfit and good, if it be well considered of. A water budge also parted per Pale, of the metal, and colour aforesaid, may congruently stand for a crest of the said coat armour.  
Note also, that there may be used in coat armour, partition per Squere, although it be rare seen.  

1 Argent a Chevron Gules, borne by the name of Stoket  
2 Argent, a Chevron Sable, by the name of Mordante.  
3 Or, a Chevron de Azure, by the name of Clopton.  
4 Or, a Chevron Uerte, by the name of judge.   
Of the like partition be these which follow, the fields where of occupy sundry tokens, as the reader may easily perceive the sovereignty of the same partitions.  

1 Argent, a Chevron between three Martelets Sable, borne by the name of Apton.  
2 Argent, a Chevron Gules, between three Hurts by the name of Baskervile.  
3 Gules, a Chevron Argent, between three Escallops, de Or, by the name of chamberlain.  

Pudsey.  4 Uert a Chevron between three Mulletes the Or, pierced, by the name of Pudsey:  
5 Sable, a Chevron between three Trefoils de Argent, by the name of Vurgy. 
Vurgy Viols.    
Atque altam supra, volat Ardea nubem.  
The Heron above the high clouds doth fly, so as one can scarce her decern with eye. Vocatur etiam ob id ardea, qd, ardua suo volatu petat. She maketh her nest on high trees, and hath a natural hatred to the Hawk, Sicut vicissim accipiter exitium illius continuo querít. For they skirmishing on high in the air, go about this one thing, whether of them in flying highest, can exceed the other. If the the Hawk obtain the higher place, she overthroweth the Heron vehemently, and fleeth her, but if the Heron do get above the Hawk, she defileth her with her excrement and killeth her, for her dung is poison to the Hawk, and rotteth her feathers. The said coat is borne by the name of Heron.  
These instruments are best known to such as work in Timber, and are very ancient additions in armoury.  
¶ He beareth quarterly d'or & azure 3. flowers de luce on a 
Buy. Chelcelettes.  a bend of the first & second. The said coat armour appertaineth to master john Buy.  
2 ¶ He beareth a shield quartered of the Topaz & sapphire, a Chalcelet on the first quarter Diamond.  
This bird is seldom seen, for she frequenteth the montaines, as Aristotle saith) and is long and black, like to a certain Hawk called Palumbarius, or to the bird called Ptynge, that flieth the most part by night, & taketh his pray, more Aquilae, & fighteth so cruelly with the Eagle, that they being wounden together, fall down both to the ground, and so are taken of shepherds on live. Chalcis none clare videt.  
The sign borne in this cote armour is a right hand, called in latin Dextera, and hath the name of Dare, to give, for surety of peace is given therewith: and it is also the witness of faith and trust, & hoc est illud apud Tullium fidem publicam jussu senatus dedi, id est dexteram. And the apostle Paul saith, james, Cephas, & John, which seemed to be pillars, gave me & Barnabas the right hands, (& agreed with us) that we should preach among the heathen, & they among the jews etc. The fist desplaied for the crest aforesaid, is called Pugnu▪ in Latin, because the fingers be clighte in. Pugnus autem a pugilla dictus: sicut palma ab expausis palmae ramis.  
This coat hath been borne by the name of Barkley, and whereas in the said martiale field, there is displayed three Crosses, the same do put me in remembrance of a certain miraculous fortune, which happened unto the Roman Emperor Tiberius, a prince upright in justice, 
Tiberius. Constantinus  pure in life, & clean in conscience: who governed the whole empire so prudently & sincerely, that no man was able to reprove him, if the histories which are written of him do not deceive us. Paulus Diaconus in his xviij. book, which he writ de Romanorum gestis, doth declare that this Emperor Tiberius spent so great treasures about the repairing his decayed palaces, to redeem poor captives, to build hospitals, to erect monasteries, to marry & provide for the orphans & widows, in all which he was so bountiful, that uneath he had any thing left to maintain his Royal estate & household. Truly this was a blessed necessity, for what can be better bestowed, than that which is employed in the service of Christ. And of this poverty the Emperor was not ashamed, but thought it a great glory, yet one thing grieved him moche, which was to see Sophia the empress reioi●e so much at his misery. For the high and noble hearts, which feel themselves wounded, do not so moche esteem their own pain, as they do to see their enemies rejoice at their grief. But God never forsook them that for his sake became poor, as it appeareth by this: It chanced one day that even as this Emperor Tiberius walked in the midst of his palace, he espied at his feet a marble stone, which was in form like unto a Cross: and because he thought it an unmeet thing to have the same spurned with soul feet, 
Cross  which was so victorious & triumphant a sign, he caused the stone to be taken up (not thinking any thing to be there under) and immediately after, they found an other, wherein likewise was the form of the Cross, and this being taken up, they found an other in like manner, and when that was pluck up from the bottom, there was found a treasure, which conteaned the some of two millions of ducats, for the which, the good Emperor Tiberius gave unto almighty God most high thanks: & whereas before he was liberal, now afterwards he was moche more bountiful. For all those treasures he virtuously distributed, amongst the poor and needy people. Whose treasures they were, of them I find thus written: Thesauros justiniani secundi, & Narsetis Eunuchi, utcunque congestos miraculose repperit, liberaliterque in pauperis dispensavit. Let therefore mighty princes & great Lords see, read, & profit by this example, & let them think themselves assured, that for giving alms to the poor, 
Vitis Caesarum fol. 63.  they need not fear to become poor: for in th'end, the vicious man can not call himself rich, nor the virtuous man, can count himself poor.  
The first that ever did were Ermine in his royal robes, was (as I read in an old work of Armoury) Laomedon, king of old Troy. He thought Priamus his son to wear the same, who being king in the time of the war, & great siege of troy, was ever seen when he came into the field, or when he entered into battle, to wear the said noble fur of Ermine in his cloak upon his armour. 
Hector.  His eldest son also Hector by name, was always seen in place of his father, to have upon him that mantle or cloak furred with Ermine, and in that he killed many noble men of the Greeks. Wherefore the Grecians ever said it was king Priamus, 
Priamus.  because he only in the field did first wear the same. Then the nobles of Troy ordained for Hector, an other apparel differringe moche from his fathers, that the Greeks might plainly perceive, that there was an other noble & stout warrior in Troy besides king Priamus. They used not this apparel but in time of war, 
Coats of Ermine.  because they were as little as coats, and being not long or heavy, did nothing hindre them in fighting: therefore they were called coats of arms, and of nobility, for that they were very pleasant to the sight, and to be seen far of, being all white and black. And some writers affirm, that the first arms were of Ermine, and that king Priamus was the first that bore them: alleging further that after the destruction of Troy, there came a noble man of the stock of king Priamus into Britain, 
Arms of Britain.  and there did inhabit: and therefore the duke of Britain beareth Ermine, because (say they) he cometh of that stock that first inhabited that country, and was the first Lord thereof. And so I gather, that the first bearing of Ermine in coat armour, was invented at the siege of Troy, although the ordering thereof was not in so goodly a manner then, as is now in these days.  
The Heumettes borne in the arms before descried, 
Heumettes.  do admonish the bearer. Memorare novissima. They apperteane to Daubrigecourte of Stratfelde Say.  
Why so many Lions are borne in Escocheons, Munsterus declareth in these words. Principibus enim Belgarum parantibus nowm expeditionem in Syriam, assumpserunt variorum colorum Leones, relictis veteribus insignibus. Of the bearing of Lions in sundry wise, I have spoken sufficiently in the beginning of this book.  
¶ He beareth azure, two bars embatiled, contrebatiled d'Ermine, by the name of Burnebye. 
Burnebye.   

1 ¶ Sable two bars embatiled d'Ermine.  
2 ¶ Ermines two bars embatiled contrebatiled d'or.  
3 ¶ Gules two Bars embatiled d'argent.   
This token borne in the said ensign, may also be diversly named, wherefore I read that an Herald, shall bear no blame, though he see a thing in arms, and can not well declare what it should be: being perhaps such a thing as is out of use, & not often seen or known, as an instrument, or other thing frequented in a strange land, or a tool of an handy craft's man, (as this next before descried is) or some strange tree, leaf, herb, flower, and such other: if he fail to name the same right, it is no error, so he fail not of the colours and number thereof, according to the rules of armoury. For by reason (sayeth mine author) there is no man may know all things, since so diversly they be called, and in sundry wise described or figured.  
Index Maestitiae est pullus colour, utimur omnes,  
Hoc habitu tumulis cum damus inferias,  
At sinceri animi, et mentis stola candida pura:  
Hinc sindon sacris, linea grata viris.  
He beareth Or, on a bend Gules, three Mollets de Argent.  
These bends are to be seen charged in sundry wise, as for example.  
1 Argent on a Bend gules, three Bucks heads cabazed de Or, borne by the name of Beche.  
2 Argent on a Bend Azure, three Mollets de Or, pierced, by the name of Morby.  
3 Gules on a Bend de Argent, three Trefoils slipped Uert, borne by the name of Haruye.  
4 Argent on a Bend Gules, three Escaloppes de Or, by the name of A●●orell.  
5 Argent, on a Bend Gules, three Garbs de Orge, de Or, borne by the name of Barley.  
I find also the said coat thus varied, from that which is before displayed.  
1 hath three lozenges Sables voided, on a Bend de Argent, in a field Gules.  
2 Bears Sable, on a Bend de Or, three lozenges of the first voided.  
3 His field is de Azure, on a Bend Argent, three lozenges Uerte, voided of the second. Hear I needed not to have said voided of the second which is Argent, for whensoever ye shall see either lozenge, Mascle, or other thing voided of the field, Fez, bend etc. whereon they stand, it is sufficient to say voided only, as the variation of the first and second examples next before put forth, doth manifest unto you, if ye note well the blazon of both the same.  
I read the colour of the Stork to be all white, saving the tops of his wings: his bill and legs be red. It is written of them that they have no tongues, they slay all serpents, in their age they be fed of their young birds. The Image of them borne in coat armour, is the token of justice. Of this bird came a Greek word for a proverb, Antepelargein, which signifieth to be like a Stork, which proverb is to exhort men to be kind to their parents, or to their masters, which teach or bring them up, requiting the benefit which they received of them.  
What is signified by castles and towers borne in Arms, I have sufficiently declared before.  
When ye see any flower borne in coat armour, ye may indifferently, and without breach of any rule, blaze the same by the proper colour that he is of, as the Rose, to call it a white Rose, when ye would term it d'argent: and a red Rose, when ye see it of Gules etc. The barbs of this flower have no usual words in blazon, for that they abide always of their proper colour, which is green: & environ the leaves of the flower, as it were gardinge them from falling.  
The said Saltier being of the fur called Uerrey, is always found to be d'azure, and argent, or else d'argent & azure. For (as master Gerard Leighe saith in his accidence of armory,) where the matter is doubtful, there the metal hath of right● the pre-eminence. And I find a Saltier varrey d'argent & azure, in a field gules, borne by the name of Willington. 
Willington.   
I find this coat blazed otherwise, as thus.  
¶ He beareth Sable and Ermine party per Fez, & contrecolored in 6. quarters, three Scallops argent in the first.  
Where he saith (in the first) he meaneth that the Escalloppes stand in Sable, which is first named in the blazon: and the same I do commend, for that he which used his blazon was an herald, and well learned in their mysteries.  
These coats thus parted (as aforesaid) are most commendably borne, when they are charged, but with one token, as in triangle and not with two, which to moche augmenteth the Blazon, the same abiding in so many quarters.  
These also which follow are of the like bearing in order and commixtion, with two of the honourable ordinaries.  
1 Argent, fretie, gules, a chief d'azure, borne by the name of Curteyn.  
2 Sable, fretie d'or, a chief d'ermine.  
3 Uerte, fretie d'Ermine, a chief d'argent.  
4 Or. fretie d'azure a chief d'ermines.  
5 Gules, fretie d'argent, a chief d'or.  
I here use in the blazon of these coats (Fretie) because they be of more pieces than viii. according to the rule of master Gerard Leighe in his Accidence of armory, where he treateth of coats commixte with two of the honourable ordinaries.  
He beareth gules, a Bend engrailed d'or. This was the coat armour of a noble knight named Sir William Martial. And as these bends are seen often thus engrailed, so are they found most usually plain, in this wise.  

1 Or, a bend sable, borne by the name of Bonavile.  
2 Argent, a Bend verte, by the name of Kendal.  
3 Sable, a Bend d'argent, by the name of Antingham.  
4 Argent, a bend sable, by the name of Malley.  
5 Or, a Bend dazure, by the name of Carthorpe.   
¶ What a Chevron is, & also a Crescent, I have thereof sufficiently before made mention, yet the said ensign being one of the most worthy partitions, take these also to be of the same bearing, which follow.  

1 Gules, a chevron, between 3. cressantes d'or.  
2 Argent, a chevron between three cressantes d'azure.  
3 Uert, a chevron between three cressants d'argent.  
4 Ermine, a chevron between 3. cressants d'ermines.  
5 Azure, a chevron between three cressantes d'Ermine.  
6 Or, a chevron between 3. cressants vert.   
The attire of this Bucks head, differeth properly for challenge.  
This weapon before displayed, is called Securis bellica, and the bearer Securige●, which hath been, and is an office of high credit, especial about Princes, & martial affairs. It doth demonstrate authority, to commit persons offending the laws, to the execution of death, for the surety of the prince, & quietness of the common weal.  
This is the ensign of master William Fleetewood Esquire, 
Fleetewood.  Recorder of the noble city of London.  
Also Marton beareth argent ij. Bars Gules.  
The said coat is bone by the name of Winter. 
Winter.   
Also I find Argent and Sable Checkey, a Fez Gules, borne by the name of Akelond 
A kelonde.   
These pertained to master Francis Furbisher of Don caster in the county of York, 
Furbisher  a right worshipful esquire, and just justicer: also when he lived, he was one of the Queen's majesties 〈◊〉 rabble counsel established in the 〈◊〉 parts: a 〈◊〉 which loved righteousness and 〈…〉 country doth worthily report of 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 sent days.  
This devise is strange, & moche to be marveled at, considering that the token borne therein, hath his head adorned Diadematè modo Romanorum Pontificum. It might therefore be applied to be th'engsine of some romish bishop, fraudulently aspiring thereunto, living most lasciviously, and therefore deposed worthily. That excellent clerk Bocatius, an Italiam borne, in his treatise which he writeth of the fall of Princes, maketh mention of a woman that was pope, and what befell of her, and how she was put down. The which history I will here set forth as it is translated, or rather metrized out of Latin into our English tongue, by john Lidgate, where he writeth, that after the miserable end of many notable provinces.  

¶ Came a creature  

Like a Bishop rounded & shorn,  
And as a priest she had a broad tonsure,  
Her apparel outward & vesture,  
Being a woman, whereof Bochas took good heed  
Like a Prelate shape was her weed.   

¶ She was the same that of yore agone,  
Unworthily sat in Peter's place,  
And was afterward called pope john  
A berdeles prelate, no hear seen on her face,  
Of her birth named was the place,  
Magunce a city not standing in Itaile,  
But on the Rhine, full famous of victual.   

¶ In her youth & in her tender age,  
Forsook her kin, & in especial,  
Cast she would for her advantage,  
give her to cunning, body, heart, & all,  
And in the sciences called liberal,  
In all seven by famous excellence,  
By great study she had experience.   

¶ Her name couth in many land,  
To show her cunning first when she began  
Searching provinces came into England,  
No wight supposing but that she was a man  
Came to Rome, her story tell can,  
Taught Grammar, sophistry, and Logic,  
Red in schools openly Rhetoric.   

¶ In the time of Emperor Lotharie,  
After the death as made is mention  
From mine author, if I shall not vary,  
That the pope which called was Leon,  
The said woman by election,  
Istalled was no wight supposing than  
By no token, but that she was a man.   

¶ The book of sorts after that anon,  
Of adventure turned up so down  
She was named & called Pope John▪  
Of whose natural disposition,  
F●ll by process into temptation,  
Quick with child, the hour came on her than,  
was delivered at Saint John Lateran.   

After put down for her great outrage,  
I will on her spend no more labour,  
But pass over all the surplusage.  
Of her living, and of her great error.    
Of this monster, it needeth not to show any further signification, the matter whereupon it dependeth, being known to all that be christians, and which abhor the tyranny of that romish Sea. But note hear, touching the said tripled Crown, wherewith the goats head is ensigned, I read, that the king and people of that famous city in Indie the more, called Calechut, worship the devil in a wodderfull and horrible form, most loathsome to be recited, and having a Diadem on his head, as the popish prelate's useth, and that which is more, Ternis insignitur cornibus. And this devil hath also his priests called Bramini, which do make clean and take away the spots of his body with Rose water and such odiriferous liquor, and perfume him kneeling) varijs odoramentis, yea with every thing that savoureth well: and many more other devilish ceremonies, whereof yea may read in the Cosinography of Munstre, lib. ●●de terris Asiae maioris.  
Now to conclude, of all the other signs, the which are to be found or seen in arms, as of beasts, fowls, fishes, serpents, trees, flowers, leaves, and other marvelous tokens quick and dead, I can not declare here, there be so many of them, but ye shall know generally, that for all the arms the which lightly any man hath seen in his days, ye have rules and examples in this work, sufficient as I believe to describe and blaze any of them. Therefore take heed to the instructions aforesaid, if so be they be not a general doctrine, yet shall they profit you in this art greatly: and perfect you much in the prices and tokens of armory.  
¶ A Rule or table declaring how coats of arms may be augmented, multiplied, divided and parted.   
This endeth the second book entitled the armory of Honour.   

¶ The third book entitled of Cotes & Crests.  
And marvel not of the Laurel garland, being a remedy against poison, lightning, etc. In war also borne, it is a token of peace and quietness. Perpetuo viret, Sacraeste Apollini.  
The hand here is figured, holding a pen full of ink. But the hand of Valens th'emperor, 
Gregorius Nazianzenus.  at what time he had written many letters about the exile or banishment of S. basil, and yet could not finish the same: The pen itself yielded three times no ink, notwithstanding he would not refrain from his wicked ordinance and decree, or from subscribing to the same, before that a great quaking and trembling did apprehend his hand, wherewith being hastily taken, and stricken with great dread, he than immediately rend in pieces with his own hand, whatsoever before he had begun to write. Therefore, Contra divinam potestatem, nihil potest humaena.  
The eagles head & wings within a crown on the apothegm apparante, may congruently stand for a crest to the said cote Armour, as the learned can quickly judge thereof, Christ was called Aquila, (propterque post resurrectionem ad astrae removit.  
This Gryphon, is upon a mountain in Bactria, & there keepeth gold, and other things (as he sayeth) unknown.  
This Star with the son beams, conteaneth in it a mystery of the incarnation of our saviour jesus Christ, as is red in a prose of the church.  
Sicut sydus radium, profert virgo filium, pari forma▪  
Neque sydus radio, neque matter filio fit corrupta.  
The which, is thus metrized.  
As the star showeth forth the Sun beam,  
So was a child borne of a virgin clean:  
Neither with the son beam is vitiate the star,  
Nor yet by the bearing of a son, the mother.  
Dulcia defleta modulatur carmina lingua.  
Cantator Cygnus funeris ipse sui.  
The Swan doth tune, with  
mourning breath,  
Most pleasant metres, before  
his death.  
He is a gentle and quiet bird, His mortal enemy is th'eagle, cui tamen fortissimè resistit: and therefore he deserveth such just rewards, wherewith his head is here adorned. agreeable also unto his nature. They are consecrate to Apollo, ob praesagium finis, because he divineth, or conjectureth when he shall die.  

¶ devices heroiques, of the twelve labours, performed by Hercules.  
This is a regal Lion, and a mighty, for he occupieth the field alone: and therefore he worthily deserveth the name.  
The first of the twelve labours which Hercules, son of Osiris, and king of Egypt, called Hercules Libyus performed, was (as Diodorus writeth) the slaing of a Lion in the wood Nemea, that far excelled all other Lions in greatness, which mought not be slain with metal or stone. Wherefore he was constrained to kill him with his hands.  
Hercules his third labour (taken for the common profit of mankind (was the taking of the great Boar of Erimanthus, which wasted the country of Arcadia, & all people dread him: but finally Hercules took him on live, and bearing him on his shoulders, brought him to king Euristeus.  
The fourth labour, which Hercules (of his incomparable strength) performed, was the Battle, which he had alone with a great number of those men called Centauri, that were of great strength and swift as horses. Centauris, id est hominibus aquo mixtis species vocabulum dedit: quos quidam fuisse aequites Thessalorum dicunt. sed pro eoque discurrentes in bello, velut unum corpus aquorum & hominum viderentur: inde Centauros fictos asseruerunt. Isodor. lib. 11. cap. 3. Etymol.  

Harte.  The Heart is at continual debate with the Serpent, in so much, that he pursueth and seeketh for him at his hole, where he lieth, and with the breath of his nostrils compelleth him to come out, and after he hath of long time fought with him, he eateth him. Therefore the smell of the Hearts horn burnt, driveth utterly away the Serpents. They never feal the Fever, but rather are remedied thereof by the eating of the Serpent. It is said, that Hearts flesh eaten in the morning, augmenteth man's life. If they be gelded, their horns neither fall of, nor grow. They have no gall: and in Africa there is none of them.  
He is a worthy bird to be borne in  armour. Licet Anser strepere inter olores.  
Pythagoras (as saith Boetius) was the first inventor of Music among the Grecians, which he found out by the sound of Hammers, whereof he wrote a Book, which Boetius and Apuleius translated into Latin. I cannot, neither yet dare speak any thing in commendation of the principal tokens borne in this Coat armour, 
Organ Pipes.  which are the Organ Pipes, an instrument of Music. But what say I, Music? One of the seven Liberal Sciences? It is almost banished this Realm. If it were not, the Queen's Majesty did favour that excellent Science, singing men, and Choristers might go a begging, together with their Master the player on the Organs. Yet this Coat Armour dependeth not all upon Music, 
Music.  for peradventure good counsel, which is a sweet thing, and delighteth much him which will receive the same, more than the noise of any Instrument, aught to have his merit, and commendation above all tunes, and ditties. And even so it ought to have: and therefore such a Coat Armour ought rather to be assigned to a faithful Counsellor, then to an untunable Musician. 
Hammer.  The Hammer is an Instrument well known, and to be occupied of men of diverse Sciences, but especially of the Smythe, or Ferrier. And it is called in Latin (as Isidore saith) Malleus: quia dum quid calet, & molle est, cedit & producit. The Fasce of Palm, 
Palm.  of right ought to have his Bond of Gold, and to stand within a Crown, because that it is always green. And (as witnesseth Plutarch) of that nature and property, that there can no weight, nor burden oppress it, but that it will rise under it, and stand up as it should do. Propterea in certaminibus Palmam signum esse placuit victoriae: quoniam ingenium eiusmodi ligni, est ut urgentibus, prementibusque non cedat.  
I have here caused to be figured upon the said Coat armour, a Swallow, of colour, as ye may see, on a wreath, Or, and Uerte. Aristotle saith, that there be in the isle Samo, white swallows, Quibus excaecatis, lumen iterum restituitur. Cecina Volaterranus comprehensus hirundines, nuntias belli mittebat amicis, in nidum pristinum redire solitas. They will not enter into the City of Thebes, because that City hath been so often taken, 
Swolewe.  and ransacked. They are not in danger to the Raven of other birds, Nec unquam praeda est. Therefore the Scrowe which she beareth in her beak, manifestly declareth the same, Nulli praeda, that she is pray to none. If by man's hands they be caught, they die, because they cannot be brought to feed on any thing, but that which themselves can catch flying in the air. Excaecatis Pullorum oculis, herba Chelidonia visum restituunt.  
Cyrus, king of the Persians, what time he was ready to die, gave in charge by his will to make, or ordain no other Sepulchre, or Tomb for him, but only to be buried, and laid in the earth, which bringeth forth grass, and flowers: then the which no thing can be found more excellent (que he) nor that can better become a gave.  
The coffer in Latin is called Scrinium, and is a necessary thing made for the safe keeping of jewels, or Ornaments, as also of Books, Evidences, & Records of judgements, or Enrolmentes. Plini writeth in his natural History, that among all the spoils, which Alexander the great got of Darius' king of Persia, he liked one most especially, which was a coffer of sweet ointments, very sumptuous, and of great valour, both in Gold, precious Stones, and Pearls: and shewing the same to diverse his friends and lovers, he questioned with them, to what purpose it would best serve. After diverse, and contrary reasons by them therein declared, & showed, he said, it would best serve for the safe keeping of the books of Homer, as the most excellent work for the declaration of man's mind, judging no treasure more precious than it. Ita visum est iuueni, qui se totum ad exemplar Achilles componebat. Coffers, or Cheastes are for many good purposes, and respects to be borne in armory. For diligence, and virtuous study is thereby signified, & represented, and not negligence, or niggishe keeping of worldly pelfre, and muck.  
The Bison here figured for a crest, on a Torce Argente, and Gules, is a Beast, having one horn standing between his ears, and a very long main. In shape he is like to an Heart, but in some Countries he is black. I read, that there is great store of them in Germany. Yet this is not the Beast, which some take to be the same that is named Bubalus, a Bugle, or wild Ox. For the Poet Martialis maketh them unlike, as this his Verse following doth declare: 
Illi cessit atrox Bubalus atque Bison.  
The fierce Bugle to him gave place,  
And also the Bison in his race.   
A shoe too large for thy foot,  
It cannot but thee overthrow:  
If too little, it be again,  
It vexeth thee with greater pain.  
A Shoe on a man's foot, may seem good, and ●itte, yet where it grieveth, no man can tell, but the wearer. Paulus Aemylius, Son of Lucius Paulus, a Consul most excellent among the Romans, hearing his Wife Papyria (the daughter also of a Consul) commended for her beauty, Nobleness of birth, modesty, and fruitfulness, showed his shoe to them, that praised her, and asked how they liked it. They answered, it was a good shoe, and well made. Sed qua part pedem meum distorquet, nescitis. But none of you doth know (saith he) where it wringeth me. Meaning, that he alone felt it.  
The Patten is a commendable token, and may well beseem a Coat armour. Who is the bearer hereof (as none is) in fight on foot must seem to have the mastery. Here is also seen volante on a wreath, Or, and Sable, an Agathal d'Argent, guttie, beaked, and legged, Uerte, gesante an Alimon, proper. The bird called Agathallus, hath natural enmity with an other bird, called Achanthylis: so that if the blood of them be forcibly mixed together, they will after sever each from other. The Herb aforesaid, which he beareth, is of that nature, that it will not suffer them that taste it, to be hungry.  
For the crest, here is to be seen a Bugles head, rassed d'Argente, a branch of juniper tree proper.  
This tree accustomably groweth in sandy places. The leaves and branches thereof, is continually green. It will not putrefy, or stink. Non floret: It hath no flowers. It is of the same virtue, or strength, as is the Cedar tree. The Pith thereof also is every where more sound, then is the Cedar: and the wood principally hard, as Mantuane reporteth. It is great beyond measure, and huge in Spain, and groweth best on the hills, having prick●es in stead of leaves. It is crooked, and wrapped together. Being burnt, it is very odoriferous, and purgeth the corrupted Air. It is a sweet bush in this Realm, and worthy great commendation. In London it is best sold. Who so beareth this in any sign, or token armorial, ought to be a man of an excellent, and prompt wit, apt to do justice without corruption, partiality, or favour. Wherefore this apothegm is added: Aequitas lucet per se.  
This building here described, is in our english tongue to be taken for a Steeple, which is a great building made of stone or other matter, and is formed broad, & four square beneath, and upwards small and sharp as it were the flame of fire, which endeth sharp. This is a Coat of great excellency, and who so ever should bear the same, aught in all things to be found discrete, and constant, and to abide therein.  
The Hybre which here is assigned for the Crest, is a kind of Hawks, which very seldom or never is seen to fly in the day time, but seeketh his pray in the night. Pugnat cum Aquila acriter, adeò, ut ambae mutuo assultu implexae, quandoque deferantur in terram.  
On a Torce Argent and Uert, here is ensigned two Arms, sleeves, and ruffs ermine, set within a Crown d'Or, holding in the hands proper, two Serpents, Azure.  
I read, that Iphiclus, son of Alcmene, borne with Hercules at one birth. But Hercules was gotten by jupiter, and Iphiclus by Amphitryo. And when two Serpents came to the Cradle of Iphiclus, & slew him, after when they came to Hercules, he took in either of his hands one, and slew them. Touching that the Torce is of white, and green, Darius, the king of Persia, at what time he arrayed battle against the Great Alexander, did wear a Roll of the same colours about the Diadem upon his head, called by the Persians, Cydaris.  
Our Saviour jesus, (as the Scriptures do witness) was borne in the City of David, called Bethelem, distant from jerusalem six miles, and was first called Euphrata, and signifieth in the Hebrew tongue, the House of Bread. Wherefore the Prophet saith in his Psalm, Ecce audivimus eam in Euphrata, etc. Lo, we have heard of the same at Enphrata, and found it in the Wood. The further interpretation hereof, I leave to Divines.  
The Ram here devised for the Crest, is quarterly parted S. and ermine, armed, & unguled d'Or. He is a noble beast, and best known in this Realm. Laberius the Poet calleth them, Reciprocornes, for the turning backward, and eftsoons forward of their horns. They are also called Lanicules, because they have their skin covered with will. Some report, & affirm, that of Rams horns buried, or hid in the ground, is brought forth an Herb, called Asparagus, in English, Sperage.  
Christ was called Aries, a Ram, Propter Principatum, for his Sovereignty, and Dominion.  

Ring.  The Ring is the most principal ornament to beautify the hand of man or woman. But in wearing of them oftentimes is found detestable pride, offence, and displeasure both to God, and man.. Are not oftentimes gems therein enclosed, which stir & provoke the wearer thereof to filthy lust, & abominable vices, are not oftener in place of stones (which are called precious) known to be enclosed familiar devils, serving to work nothing that is good and godly, but contrary altogether both to grace & godliness. God grant, that no Christian man be found to wear such Rings. I read in a profane history, that Gyges, servant to Caudales, king of Lydia, had a Ring of such virtue, that when the brother part thereof was turned to the palm of his hand, he was seen of no man, but he might see all things: and when he turned the Ring of the contrary part, he was himself seen openly. By the mean whereof he slew Caudales, and committed adultery with his wife: and so of a lazy shepherd, he was made a cursed king.  

Osprey.  The bird called an Osprey, is of such whiteness on his breast, and wings, that when he hovereth over any running water, or fish Poole, all the fish therein turneth up their bellies, and so he taketh his pray. He is taken to be a kind of Eagles that haunteth about the Sea.  
The Bergander is a bird of the kind of Geese, somewhat longer, and bigger than a Duck, living in the water, breeding sometime in Conye holes, sometime in hollow places in Rocks.  
This bird is here figured, bearing the herb Hiacinthe, with the flower proper. It hath leaves like a Porret, an hand breadth in height, less than a maids little finger, green of colour, the top lying down full of purple flowers, and the root round. The flower springeth out in spring time, with the Violet, and before the Rose. It is commonly called here in England, Crowetoes.  
The Crest here seen, is an Erodye Gold, Guttie, set on a Torce, Silver & Gules. Calepine saith, that the bird Erodius, is the greatest fowl that flieth, & overcometh and devoureth the Eagle. Other writ, that in time of treading, he sweateth blood.  
The field of this Coat Armour is verte, three cups covered in Pale between ij. flasques d' Or, charged with two clustres of grappes, propre. And to the Crest upon the helm, a kings head, with a Diadem crowned, set on a Chapeau Sable, turned up ermine, mantled verte, doubled Argente, cotized of two Equicerues proper, this apothegm added, sato prudentia maior.  
The torn corpse of Pentheus, and the cause of his death sufficiently displayeth all the said ensigns: who as the fables do report, was king of the Thebans, whose father was called Echion, and his mother Agave. This Pentheus despised the Sacrifice of Bacchus, the god of wine, or the drunken god, wherefore his own mother Agave cut of his head: and his sisters with the other company of women, which than did celebrate the feast and sacrifice of the said Bacchus, and tore his body all to pieces.  

Equicerne.  The Equicerne, as I read, is a beast in the Oriente, forma cerui & aequi compositum, in form or shape of an heart, and an horse joined together, having horns, & a long main to the shoulders, & a beard under his chin like unto the goat, and feet round cloven like an heart, & is as great as an heart.  
This Beast is found in Indie, about great rivers. He hath a tail like an Olyphante, in colour black, or bay.  
For the Crest it is thus assigned, upon the helm on a wreath d'Or and Sable, a Cardnell volante, beaked and legged Argente, all the rest proper, mantled verte, doubled Argente.  
This little bird is here figured, gesante a seed of the thistle, for that she liveth by the seeds of them, unde illi inditum nomen. 
Carduel●s.  She hath a red head, yellow wings, distinct with white and black. Cardnales imperata faciunt, autore Plinio, nec voce tantum, sed pedibus, & ore pro manibus. They are taught to do any thing, not only with the voice, but also with the feet and bill, in stead of hands. This Poesy is also added.  
Tendit in ardua virtus.  
The Tarandule is a beast, commonly called a Buff, which is like an Ox, but that he hath a beard like a Goat.  
Medusa, a Lady of whom fables do report, that by Minerva, her hears were turned into Adders, and they which beheld her, were turned into stones, 
Perseus.  whom Perseus, that noble knight, afterward slew.  
Almighty God, being greatly displeased with the pride of Nabuchodonozor, for that he would have his image honoured for god, suddenly transformed him into an horrible monster, having the head of an Ox, the feet of a Bear, and the tail of a Lion, who did eat hey as a Beast. And after he had done penance in that form, God being moved with mercy, and accepting for him the continual prayers of Daniel the prophet, restored him to his pristinate form, who afterward lived well, and commanded that the very god of heaven should be only honoured.  
Whoso should bear these ensigns, let him only fear, serve, obey, and give all praise, honour and glory to God for ever and ever.  
This Bird devised for the crest, hath a long bill and red legs, which drinketh as though it did bite the water. She dippeth all her meat in the water also, quem pede ad rostrum veluti manu affert, that is, which she conveyeth to her bill, as with an hand. She is most esteemed in Concagena, a part of Syria, and is taken of some to be the pelican▪ The Icon, or form of the same bird, I have caused thus to be figured, portant a water Rose propre.  
This Eagle also in the breast, is charged with a man's heart proper, wherein is contained a divine mystery.  
B. Beareth on a torse, Pearl and Ruby, a Melevete, Saturn, beaked and membered Veneris.  
This Bird is otherwise called Onocrotalus, and is like to a Swan, which putting his head into the water brayeth like an Ass. Whatsoever he eateth, he gathereth it together in his jaws, & holdeth it there long before he swalloweth it down: and that he doth especially in flying from the water.  
I read that Darius' king of Persia, what time he went into Scythia, ●yght his pavilions, at the head of a river in Thracia called Thearus, where he abode three days: and delighting at the most pleasaunts' water of the river, he set in the same place a Pillar graven, with letters of Greek, declaring his being there, with commendation of the water. Here are to be seen on this Pyllor three especial Greek Letters, Theta, Tau, and Ypsilon, every one containing in itself a mystery, to Grecians well known.  
This Bird is called in latin Platalea, she followeth water fowls, that do take fishes, and doth peck them so on the head, that they let go their pray, which she taketh, and liveth therewith.  
When it was laid unto Lysander king of Lacedemonia for a reproach, that he got more by subtlety, than by prows: he smiling said. ubi quòd vellet non assequeretur Leonis exunium, ibi vulpinum ap plicandum esse. The meaning whereof is this, that where the lions skin doth not awayle, a man must tie or sow a Fox skin unto it.  
Quo non perveninet Leonina pellis, vulpinam assuendam esse: quod sic lucidius dixeris, ubi virtus non satis potest, adhibenda est astutia.  
This Bird is most commonly seen in the Alps, and hath feet rough, as it were with the hear of an hare, whereof she taketh her name, and is called Lagopus. Nam Lagos Grecè dicitur lepus Latinè, the residue of her body is all whit, and of the bigness of a Dove: It never eateth but in place where it was bred, and never will be made tame. Pli. Ye may call it properly, an hare bird.  
This is a Fish, in the river of Ganges, and in latin is called Vermis, & is in length. lx. cubits, being blue in colour, which hath such strength also, that when elephants come unto the water to drink, heewill take one of them by the nose, and pluck him into him.  
Little Zacheus climbed up into such a tree, 
Paraph●as. Eral. in Luc. cap. 19  to see our saviour jesus Christ in the way, there as he was to pass by. Th'evangelist called it a wild fig tree, but rightly as it is there named a Sycamore, (because it bringeth forth sigges of the own right kind, that other fig trees be of, & by reason thereof, it is also called a fig of Egipte, & yet in leaf it ressembleth the Mulberry tree) frequens est apud Rhodium locis frumentarijs. It hath abundance of milk, whose fruit cometh not out, at the tops of the boughs, as figs do, sed ex ramis ipsis i out of the same boughs, and is sweet like a wild fig. Grana eius sunt minora granis ficum. Nec maturescunt nisi radantur instrumento ferreo.  
This Bird in Latin, is called Merula. Isidore sayeth, that of ancient and old time she was called Medula, eo quòd moduletur, because she singeth, others, (sayeth he) call her Merula, quia sola volat, because she flieth alone, and liveth as it were sole, she hath a yellow beak, and is always seen fly alone, and feedeth so likewise, from a black colour, she groweth to be red, she singeth pleasantly in the Summer, in winter she stamereth, ci●ca Solsticium muta. This Bird (sayeth Isidore) whereas in all places she is black, yet in achaia she is white.  
I read that Pithyus a Lydian, was so rich, and had such abundance of Gold, that he received Zerxes king of Persia, with all his whole Army, which was innumerable, and that with great magnificence: and that he gave to Darius, father to Zerxes, a Plain tree of Gold, and a vine of the same metal.  
This herb is of such virtue, that it will not suffer them that taste of it to be hungry, pliny calleth the said bird Merops, which by an other name is called Apiastra, because he doth eat bees. This bird hath a large bill, and red legs, and whose nature it is to keep their parents, which never come abroad, and to nourish them, as themself were nourished being young.  
The Sickle hath in it a spiritual mystery, the which is most godly expounded by that famous clerk Erasmus of Roterodame, in his paraphrase upon the fourth chapter of S. Marks Gospel. Therefore, who so desireth th'exposition thereof, let him resort to that place.  
ravens are enemies to Bulls, whom when they espy alone, they do strongly assail, and of all the body, they desire most his eyes. They are enemies also to the Chameleon, and kill him. Enemy to them, is a little Bird, called Easalon, which breaketh their eggs. The Raven is a noble token, to be borne in cote Armour, or crest.  
This little bird before spoken of, is of the kind of hawks, quae apparet omni tempore. She is otherwise called Butco, the least of the kind of buzzards, but more white, & industrious after her pray. It is written that these kind of Hawk, called the buzzard, hath three stones. Her Birds be destroyed by the Fox, and likewise, she killeth the Fox's whelps, if she may come by them.  
The Tarandre is a beast in body like to a great Ox, having an head like to an heart, and horns full of branches, the hear rough, and of the colour of a Bear.  
The Pine apple in Latin, is called Strobylus. The said Escaloppe is charged sufficiently enough, although it hath pleased some to charge greater tokens thereon, and the same having life, wherewith I can not like, nor as yet ●an find, either authority, or reason for the same.  
This Haucke is of a noble prize, to all Faukeners well known, & therefore (for me) they shall not only describe the nature, but also give the commendation thereof. Yet in part I will show, that rapit praedam non modo sedentem in sublimi, sed etiam volantem in aperto. He is called in Latin, Accipiter hicrax.  
Alexander the great king of Macedonia, for that on the night season he would not commit his army to the adventure of Fortune, as long as he slept himself, used this experience, when he laid him down to take his rest: A brazen pot was put under his elbow, and afterward he put forth his arm out of the bed: & held in his hand a silver ball, that when dead sleep should louse the strength of his sinews, the ringing or sound of the ball when it fell, might so break his sleep, & awake him. Hoc quidem documentum Regem illum excellentissimum a Gruibus accepisse arbitratur, quae nocturnas excubias semper exercent: & ne a somno decipiantur, lapillum altero pede sustinent: quo lapso vel plaga in extensum pedem accepta, vel sono decident is calculi expergefiunt.  
The sense hereof, is briefly declared in Latin, as next above appeareth: This apothegm added also. Plus vigila.  

Plutarch.  I read that Scylurus Chaeronensis, a man borne in that part of Grece now called Morea, had four score sons, who when he died called them afore him, and delivered to every of them a sheaf of arrows, commanding them to break the shefes incontinente: which when they mought not do, he took out of the shefes one arrow after an other, and broke them all lightly, declaring thereby unto his sons, that if they continued and agreed well together, they should be puissant: and if they varied, and were dissevered, they should be feeble and shortly destroyed. A matter not unlike hereunto may be brought forth, which is noted of pliny, of the nature of the stones, called Cycladici, which as long as they are hole, swim above the water, but being broken, they sink and are drowned. Sit igitur hoc Symbolum sagittarum fascis, a patre commeati, simulque, memoratorum lapidum haec significatio: Coniuncta, firmaque faedera eò semper firmiora, durantiora, ac certiora, ubi prudentiam ducem, & consultricem adhibeas.  
This is a noble kind of hawk, hardy and puissant, well known to all Faukeners, wherefore I need no further to describe his nature, or set forth his commendation. And other of this kind is called Gyrofalcum, a gyro & cir●uitu, quo in minores utitur, ut eas agat in praedam.  
Power (as B●etius sayeth) can not put away the biting of carefulness, nor avoid the prickings of fear: affirming that princes would fain live safely but they can not.  
There was a king of Sisill named Dionysius, that was over sad, his familiar asked him, why he was not merry: Thereupon he made a banquet, and caused his familiar to sit thereat, and a naked sword hanging over his head by a small horse hear. The man seeing the sword could not be merry for fear, to whom Dionysius said, such is my life, ever in fear, yet thou thoughtest it happy: and such is the life of kings, always in fear of some evil chance, for in hyeste authority is most jeopardy.  
This Dionysius feared so much Barber's, that his daughters were taught to shave him, and to clip his hear.  
Refer this Sword above figured, ad ultionis divinae gla dium, perpetuò supra infaelicium peccatorum ceruices, fragili, tenuissimoque filo impendentem.  
judas, otherwise called Machabeus, in his Acts was like a Lion, and as a lions whelp roaring at his pray. He fought with Appolonius, a mygh tie Prince in Syria, slew him, and almost his whole host: he took their substance, and also Appolonius his own sword wherewith he fought all his life long. Machab. lib. 1. cap. 3.  
It is written of Diogenes the Philosopher, that he died being bitten of a dog. After whose death, his scholars (to declare which of them did bear greatest good will towards him) contended who should have his body to bury it. That strife being appeased by the magistrates, they buried him honourably, & not only made over him a fair tomb, but also erected a Pillar with a dog standing thereupon, in perpetual remembrance of his death. I have caused this dog to be form like unto a water spaniel, half hearye, th' other shorn. For I have known men excellently learned, to love such Dogs, which we properly call in Latin Sagaces canes, spaniels or hounds.   
¶ Finis.   

Imprinted at London in Fleetstreet within Temple bar at the sign of the Hand and star, by Richard Cottyl. Anno 1572.  
Cum privilegio.