Honour rediviws or An analysis of Hono and Armoury by MATT: CARTER Esq  
London printed for Henry Herringman 1660  
And Are to be Sold by Henry Herringman at the Anchor on the lowest side of the New-Exchange  
ANDREW COLTEE DUCAREL L.L.D. Doctor's Commons.  
A POSSE AD ESSE.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE. WILLIAML d. marquis AND Earl of HERTFORD, Baron SEYMOUR AND BEAUCHAMP.  
MY LORD.  
THat I have preferred so slender a Volume to Your Honourable Patronage, is no more than the Subject of it (which is Honour) erects; as Your Lordship is known of the first and greatest of those that challenge a concernment therein; yet not more eminent by that of Your blood, then of the inward Nobleness of Your Virtues, whereof the World hath received unmatchable testimonies. These reasons as they oblige me to this presentment; so I cannot but hope will also plead pardon for the trouble it brings a long with it; and (that once obtained) I am assured of the preservation of this imperfect Essay, under the powerful Protection of your Lordship's name: Of the infinite Honourers whereof, none is more ambitious to be known such, than  
My LORD, Your Honours most humbly devoted Matt. Carter.   

TO THE READER.  
READER,  
THe unhappy Causes of the present neglect of this most noble knowledge, are of so high nature, as will not endure to be named: the ill consequents (in the imminent degenerateness of this Age) so manifest, that they need not. In this declining condition of Honour, nothing is more requisite than the means of its preservation; amongst which this being one, and that not inconsiderable, gave me occasion of busying myself in this design.  
Such books as have been already published, by persons eminent in this kind, are of large bulk, and some of them too tedious to the most ingenious Student. The more they comprehend, the less apt for memory: especially when enlarged with tedious impertinencies, and doubtless more difficult for the apprehension of every Reader; to which, Method that is most discernible in brevity is the most excellent help. That which I have herein followed, is to treat first of the degrees of Honour, and then of Armoury; and that although concisely, yet I hope so clearly, and fully, that any person of ordinary capacity may hereby be able to blazon a Coat of the greatest difficulty; the only care being in observing the terms given to things born, and the manner of posture, and position. Some errors have escaped both the Press, and theGraver, which the Reader may at his leisure rectify by the Errata at the end; so let him peruse seriously, and censure modestly; and then I shall wish him Farewell.   

Of HONOUR in General, and of its Particular Divisions.  
THe Heralds of former ages have, many of them, not only divided the nobler sort of men into several degrees, but distinguished likewise the inferior rank into four forms: But (as in some other things) in that also I shall forbear to follow their method, as not altogether so pertinent to the intentions of this compilement. It is but an easy caution in me, when I know not how few I shall 〈◊〉 by my best demerits, not to stumble into the hazard of disgusting many, by a rash enterprise in a weak endeavour; considering especially the present temper of the world.  
The great and wise Disposer of all Entities hath contrived every thing into such a Method, as in every particle of the Creation is discovered a most excellent harmony, in which that of the degrees and honorary distinctions is as admirable as any; and this is the intended scope of this 〈◊〉. Some he 〈◊〉 created to honour, and some to dishonour; 〈◊〉 a difference and variety in all things, that by a rule of contraries they might the better display themselves. Some men he hath richly adorned with Excellency, and elevated them with the sublimary glories of Honour, Nobility, and Greatness; and others again (in the same light they shine) hath he obscured with contraries of Meanness, Ignobility, and Indigency. Of the latter I shall only say, that for them to Spurn at the more honourable, because themselves are debased to an inferiority, is to kick dirt in the face of that infinitely just and wise God of our Creation. The first being the intended concernment, I forbear any farther discourse of the latter.  
Nobility (saith Sir John Fern) is thus defined, 
Fern. Glo. Gen. p. 4.  Vir Nobilis idem est, quod notus ac per omnium or a vulgatus; A Gentleman or Nobleman is he which is known, and through the Heroical virtues of his life talked of in every man's mouth. In short, amongst all men it is defined, A certain eminence of some above the rest.  
This is by the same Author distinguished into three Species, Nobility supernatural, Nobility natural, and Nobility civil or political. Supernatural, as in the heavenly Hierarchies, or sacred Principalities: And that there are orders 
Seg. Hon. mil. & civ. l. 4. c. 5.  and degrees amongst them, we must believe, or renounce our Christianity; but I leave the further discovery thereof (as too sublime) to more mature and deliberate contemplations.  
The second is Nobilitas physica, or natural Nobility; consisting in the great variety of natural creatures, obvious to our human senses. As for example, Among the Planets, the Sun is the most noble; among the Elements, Fire; among the Plants, the Cedar; among Flowers, the Rose; of Metals, Gold; of Gems, the Diamond; of Fish, the Dolphin; of Birds, the Eagle; of Beasts, the Lion; and amongst Men, the King.  
The last is Nobility civil or political, which only relates to Mankind; and though some have distinguished the generality of a Commonwealth into two divisions only, the Noble and Ignoble, the Gentry and Commonalty; yet either part are again subdivided, according to the policy of civil Government, as well as the providence of divine Ordination.  
When first this distinction came amongst us, is by some thought uncertain; but for my part, not. For doubtless it hath been continued from the first increase of Mankind in the world; for if there were Kings and Governors, certainly other distinctions, (virtue being still admired, and honoured, and some signal put 
Bartol. de Dig. l. 12.  upon it); and, Dignitas & Nobilitas idem sunt, dignity or preferment to power is that which makes a man noble.  
And that there were Kings long before the Flood, as Mr. Selden (that excellent Master of Antiquity) is of opinion, is evident by those words he inserts, which signify, that Adam, after the propagation of Mankind, was esteemed 
Seld. 〈◊〉. of Hon. c. 〈◊〉 p. 4.  nor only the Father, but Governor, in a kind of Royal or Monarchical power, during his life; and Seth his son succeeded him in the like.  
The Jews called such as were in the state of Nobiles among them, Ben Ish, or Filii viri, or 
Drus. observat. lib. 3. cap. 19  the sons of great men; And the sons of men of common rank, they termed, Sons of men, by filiihominis.  
And the Scripture in many places distinguishes men thus, as in that of the Psalm: as 
Psal. 49. 2.  well the sons of great men, as of men of common rank, both rich and poor together. And this distinction of men hath descended to us with so much severity, that our Saviour himself gave example in his Practice and Rule, in the charge he left us for it, in these words, Speak not evil of Dignities, and many other the like. And the Civil Law hath formerly been so severe in the preserving this distinction, that Gentle or Noble were prohibited the marrying. 
Fern. l. gen. p. 9  with the Ungentle or Ignoble; as the Ignoble were debarred from any honour or dignity, to hinder the evil of introducing mongrel and mechanic dispositions in the Commonwealth, and consequently such impostumated humours as is commonly the Offspring thereof, even among the greatest Nobility.  
The Law commanded, that in case a Guardian, being a Person of honour, having the tuition of a Child under age, and should marry him to the daughter of an ignoble person, it was an injury done to the whole Family, & a penalty should be inflicted upon the Guardian; the reason, for though the Husband cannot be ennobled by the Wife, yet the Issue of that Male is debased and a Mongrel; and primogenitus est totius geniturae quasi splendour & gloria; and the glory of children are their parents. 
Pro. 17. 6.   
Civil Nobility is an excellency of dignity, and fame, placed in any Nation, People, or Blood, through the virtues there showed forth, to the profit of that Commonwealth, as Sir John Fern defines it. 
Fern p. 13   
This he divides into three so 'tis: of N tions, Cities, and Families.  
These last are by the Greeks termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin Nobiles, Ingenui, and Generosi, in 
Fern. Selden p. 856  French Nobles, in the Empire 〈◊〉, among the Spaniards Hiidalgo, and Gentilhome, or Gentilhombre; and in the old Saxon, Ardel.  
Aristotle maketh four kinds of civil Nobility, 
Aristot. l. 4. de pol.  viz. Divitiarum, Generis, Virtutis, & Disciplinae.  
Cicero attributes the Crown of Generosity to the virtuous, and therefore is understood to allow of no other Nobility; and Diogenes was so 
Fern. p. 14  cynical, as to term nobleness of blood a vail of lewdness, a cloak of sloth, and a vizard of cowardice: And what would he have said had he lived in our age?  
But to lay by these and many other divisions, the Philosophy of latter times have refined Civil Nobility into a triple division.  
The first by Blood, the second by Merit, the third by Blood and Merit; which last, without doubt, must receive the estimation of the most 
Segar. l 4. p. 226.  honourable. See Sir Johu Fern and Mr. Segar in his Honour Military and Civil. And also by place in the Commonwealth. And Bartholus, In the Court: his words are, Omnes 〈◊〉 
Bart. l. 1. cap. de dig. 12.  Principi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & ideo Nobiles; cum 〈◊〉 & nobilitas idem sunt.  
Nobility of Blood, saith Sir John Fern, is a Nobility drawn from the first House, and continued through the virtues of those succeeding; which the Laws and Customs of Nations have permitted the progeny and kindred to challenge as their Inheritance, though for no excellency in themselves that enjoy it. And this is the Nobility which Boetius takes notice of, 
Seg. p. 〈◊〉  when he saith, Nobilitas est quaedam laus proveniens de 〈◊〉 parentum.  
Now as Nobility by Blood and Merit is justly esteemed the most honourable, so certainly this the least; the glory they shine in, being but the reflection of their Ancestors, and not their own proper rays.  
Neither are dignities and descents of blood 
Ibid.  enough to ennoble us, for whatsoever is not within us cannot justly be called ours, but rather the graces and goods of fortune. Genus & proavos, & quae non fecimus ipsi, Vix 〈◊〉 nostra vaco.  
And certainly the Honour achieved by an Ancestor, lives in his Family as his, and to the memory of his virtues, and example of theirs; which ought doubly to oblige them to care, first, in keeping that tenderly, which their Ancestors purchased so difficulty; and to show themselves the true heirs of such noble spirits, in their due imitations of those renowned virtues.  
Therefore it is but vain for a man to boast, that he can derive the foundation of his honour from the renowned catalogue of worthy Ancestors, and himself degenerate from their heroical virtues; for at the best they blaze but another's honour, and their own shame; and may quickly be answered as Hermodius was by Iphierates, (who upbraided him with the stain of so base a parent) My House taketh beginning in me, but thine taketh end in thy 
Fern p. 1.  self.  
And our Nation hath produced too many that deserve the saying of Lycurgus, whose Soldiers bragged much of the Nobility of Hercules being derived to them; he told them, Herculeses nobility would avail them nothing, except they did those things whereby Hercules became Noble.  
The second is, Nobleness of proper Virtue, 
Noble by Merit.  achieved by Merit; which is certainly to be esteemed above the other: for a Country's safety dependeth upon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, counsel, and courage of the virtuous; when the 〈◊〉 boastings of an authentic Stock, where virtues fail, do add nothing to the relief of a Commonwealth in time of need.  
The Romans attired their Knights with a Ring for faithfulness, a Buckle for steadfastness, and a Bracelet for industry, as signs of virtue; not of sloth, the appropriated privilege of succeeding Nobility.  
And in all Nobility, Author & 〈◊〉 à quo primum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in signia profecta sunt, & homo novus fuit: The first achiever in any stock whatever, was a new man ennobled for some demerit; Sir John Fern. And all men will judge him that was the original of a family more honourable, than him that succeeded him two or three descents, not adding to that honour by any merit of his own.  
Now these two qualities meeting in one man, is it that maketh the perfect Gentleman; and such a man ought to be preferred before all 
Nobility mixed, Sir J. Fern.  others in the receiving of Dignity, Office, or Rule, in the Commonwealth.  
Wherefore by the Laws of Arms anciently, these seven circumstances were regarded in the chioce of a Captain or Leader; his Age, his Virtues, his Faith or Allegiance, his Knowledge in Martial Discipline, his Authority, his good Fortune; and lastly, his Blood and Gentry.  
And anciently none were admitted into the Inns of Court, but who were Gentlemen of Blood, be their Merits what ever; as the Foundations of some of 〈◊〉 do yet show.  
Therefore it is the best Patrimony a Father can leave his Son, to bequeathe him the glory of his merits, with the state of Gentility; And the best honour the Son can do to the deceased Parent, is, to continue his name in that estate which his Ancestors left him, and by imitating the virtues that obtained it, to preserve it without a stain.  
Which consideration hath been the occasion to stir up many generous spirits to a noble contention, and commendable emulation, to exalt the worthiness of their family's fame.  
What those virtues are that must thus ennoble men, Sir John 〈◊〉 hath taken too much care, I think, in demonstrating; for whose sake I shall take as little: First, he tells you of all the Cardinal virtues, and then what they are; which I am so confident as to believe, every man understands, that knows any thing: But I shall take up this conclusion, as that from them, as a true Fountain, these Rivers must flow; for there is such a connexion and chain of affinity in these virtues, that none may be severed from the rest, and that man may be truly said to be virtuous; though, Like as the body is conserved by the nourishment of the four Elements or Complexions, so that the extinguishment of any one of them is destruction to the body; yet the constitution of that body is generally termed from the predominancy of some one of them that is most erninent in him: So, the virtues of a man may be esteemed from the paticular discovery of someone more eminent. But if we will make any difference in the merits of Atchieument, it may be best done in short, by taking notice only of Prudence and Fortitude, from whence that general opinion of the world, that Merit was only by the Pike or Pen, is derived.  
And though it has ever been a dispute, to which of these the precedency should be allowed; yet, I think, a little reason will decide it, For though there hath been so much of Honour allowed in all Ages to Prudence, yet we ever found the first succession of Honour was from the achievements of Fortitude, as in the example of the Roman Statues; and at this day the public example of the Shield, whereon all, both Civil and Military, do illustrate their achievements, which should be enough to end that controversy; though some have been very violent in a dispute to prefer the Doctor to be before the Knight.  
To obtain estate of Gentility by learning, and discovering the secrets of Heaven, is very honourable certainly; but to achieve it by service in his Sovereign's Wars, the defence of the Church, King, and Country, is of all most excellent and worthy. In which case, War is permitted by the Law of God, taught us by the Law of Nature, and commanded by the Laws of all Nations.  
Sir William Segar, when he speaketh of the 
Segar l. 4 c. 15.  Nobility allowed to Prudence, disposeth it in the second Place: And Sir John Fern, speaking of learning, gives it the same; only of all under that genus, when the degree of the Doctor of Divinity differenceth; he saith, It excelleth all other degrees in Learning in four respects; first, the excellency of the subject it treateth of; secondly, for the dignity of the matter, treating of things beyond reason of Philosophy, or the reach of Human Wisdom: thirdly, the excellency of the end whereunto it is ordained: lastly, the worthiness of the Author's authority, receiving it not from mortal men, as all other Sciences, but from the Spirit of God.  
Now a man may be ennobled by Leters Patent 
Seld. Tit. of Hon. c. 8 p. 853. p. 832.  from his Prince, though he have not the Superior Titles added; as by the example of Jo. the King stone, who was by Patent from K. Richard the second received into the state of a Gentleman, as you may see at large in Mr. Selden's Titles of Honor.  
As also in another example of Hen. 6. 〈◊〉 
Rot. Vasco. 24 Hen. 6. M. 7. N. 3.  by the word Nobilitamus, creates Bernard Angevin, a Burdelois, a Gentleman: and a latter of K. James to a Hollander.  
Which examples makes him divide Honour into Nativa and Dativa.  
There were Codicilli 〈◊〉 in the Empire, by which men were entitled to the Honours of Nobles.  
And there have been Edicts made in France 
Sel. p. 870.  for the like ennobling of Sentry, the form whereof Mr. Selden's Book sets forth at large.  
There is a whole Title, De honorariis condicilliis 
C. Theod. l. 6. 〈◊〉. 21. l. 1.  in Theodosius his Code, and some Laws concerning them, as ancient as Constantine.  
There is another kind of Nobility, and that 
Sir J. 〈◊〉  is called Nobilitas adoptiva, a Gentility arising from adoption; when a Gentleman of Blood, and Coat-armour, for some special affection (though neither allied to his Blood, or a Gentleman otherways) adopteth a stranger to be his son, and constituteth him to succeed, as well in his Estate of Gentry, as to his Name and Possessions.  
An example of the like, also of great Antiquity, 
Form. l. 3. p. 382. Edit. Rom. 1621.  in Salustius Tiberius, à 〈◊〉 his formulari, where the greatest part of a Gentle Family assembling, do by consent adopt a stranger that hath well deserved of them to be of their Family, as if he were descended of a Male from among them, creating him a Gentleman, to be reputed De domo & agnatione ipsorum; and granted him also their Arms, and limited the whole honour to him, and the Heirs of his body.  
But this creation cannot make him a Gentleman by birth, as it is in Spain a proverb, The King cannot make an Hidal go: he may be Nobilis, but not Generosus; which Mr. Selden defines to be qui, bono genere ortus, non degenerate, which the Dutch have the word 〈◊〉 for, which is wellborn in English.  
But this word Generosus hath been in use amongst 
Seld. Tit. of Hon. c. 〈◊〉 f. 858.  us but since the time of Hen. 8. since when it hath been constantly used for a Gentleman of what sort soever, if he had no title above it: the word Gentleman being before generally used in the like nature in Writs, Plead, and the like, though they were Latin.  
This word Gentleman, did first rise from the word Gens or Gentes, which the Christians in the Primitive times used for all such as were neither Jews nor Christians; which our English Translators turn Gentiles; as the French, Payens for Pagans; the Dutch, Heyden, or Heydenen, for Heathen.  
So afterward, the same word and Gentiles was used in the Empire, for all such as were not Cives Romani, or Provincials.  
But it is more reasonably resolved, that the word Gentleman is derived from this origination.  
That the Northern Nations, framing their words out of Latin to make up their Provincial or Roman Tongues, so esteemed the word Gentilis, by which they found themselves styled 
Seld. Tit. of Hon. pag. 862. pag. 864.  in the Latin, that they now made it in those Tongues a distinction or note of Honour, for such of them as were of more eminent quality; ambitious, it seems, to be honoured with that very name, with which the Romans had before in scorn expressed them. By which means Gentil-hommes became generally a word amongst the Provincials for Nobiles.  
So that from the word Gentil homme, 〈◊〉 
Ibid. p. 865.  Gentilhombre, (which we received from the French, for till the Normans we had it not) we made out this word Gentleman, which was before called AEdel.  
This Nobilis or Gentleman (as before we find) is a general denomination for all that come under the notions of Honour, (for indeed it is our vulgar genus, for those also that are distinguished by higher Titles) but to those that are not more properly, the Species whereof I shall a little further look into.  
Of the Doctor of Divinity, I spoke before; the next is the Doctor of Law, which hath also held a dispute of precedency with the Knight, but to less purpose than the other; the same reason that held in the major, must of necessity in the minor. Besides, admit the great benefit and necessity of Laws in a Common-weal for the preserving of peace; yet we must acknowledge, that the peace which produced those Laws was the effect of the Sword; and neither is Peace able to protect those Daws, nor those Laws Peace, without the assistance of Military Authority.  
And so necessary is the profession of Arms, 
Sir John 〈◊〉, p. 37  that no Commonwealth, no City, no public Society, can subsist without it.  
Aristotle, when he speaketh of the constitution of a well-governed City, in the first place calleth Soldiers the true Citizens; And at the same time faith, Ea Respublica tyrannidem 〈◊〉, quae fortes & saptentes minimè honorat.  
Plato, in the institution of his Commonwealth, appoints one sort of men (far more excellent than the rest) whose office should be the taking up of Arms for the defence of the other Citizens, to which he allowed many privileges; and that they should be more honourable than any other state of people. Sir John Fern determines thus, In artibus militaribus, vel in actu indiffer enti, data paritate Militum 
Ibid. p. 36.  & Doctorum, etc. semper praefertur 〈◊〉 Miles Doctori, & sic de singulis, de gradu in gradum.  
And the same Author understands this rule to extend also to the Sergeant at Law, as to the Doctor at Law.  
Neither can I any way derogate in other respects from the honour due to a Doctor at Law; for they are to be preferred in the second place below a Knight, that is, next the Doctor of Divinity, out of the respect due to the Law itself; And what respect hath always been given to it, you may see by these of the Fathers, Quid enim 
Aug. the Civ. Dei. lib. 4. cap. 4  sunt regna, nisi latrocinia, remotâ 〈◊〉 quae est legum effectus?  
And again, Justitia regentis est utilior, 〈◊〉 
Cypr. lib. the 12. Abusionibus.  fertilitas 〈◊〉, solatium pauperum, haereditas filiorum, & sibimetipsi spes futurae beatitudinis. This Doctor, as well as the Doctor of Divinity, hath for his honour many Ceremonies and Tokens of Honour appropriated to his Creation or Commencement.  
As first, a Book, in token of his Learning. 
Sir John Fern.  Secondly, a Habit, which is called Biretrum, 〈◊〉 bis rectum. Thirdly, a Ring, to show how he is espoused to Philosophy and Science. Fourthly, in token he is a Doctor he must sit in a Chair, which hath been thus described: It ought to be foursquare; in the forepart should be painted a Youngman of great strength, noting labour and love, to work and to finish; on the hinder part two Virgins, called Care and Vigilancy; on the right side a Youngman well girded, carrying in his arms things of small value, to signify the mean estate of wealth; and on the left, a man running away, to show that the study of Science requires a volunary exile from all relations. The fifth Ensign is a Girdle about his loins, with these words, Take this Girdle, and gird thy loins with a bond of Faith, so that thy body may be adorned with all virtues, that thou mayst seem before God and man perfect in thy degree.  
Lastly, a Kiss, with these words, Take the 
Ibid.  Kiss of Peace, in token thou shalt ever seek to preserve the bonds of Concord in thy Faculty.  
The next place amongst these honours is due to the Doctor of Physic, which being the very perfection of natural Philosophy; and from the necessity of it in a Commonwealth, is allowed the name of Liberal, and not Mechanical Science.  
To this Profession also is admitted the bearing of Arms; but in that case the Herald ought always to be careful, to have regard in the designment to the 〈◊〉.  
Which bearing of Arms is the 〈◊〉 badge of all Honour, as in its due place shall be set forth.  
Neither are the rest of the Liberal Sciences debarred from the like privileges, according to the excellency of the Professors. To which is adjoined Poetry, which among Ancients 
Poetry.  hath been honoured with the style of Sacred; and Poets called Prophets by the title of Vates.  
St. Austin give them this character, Poetae 
Ibid.  Theologi dicti fuerunt, cum de diis immortalibus multa scriberent, quales Orpheus, Musaeus, & Linus.  
How they have been honoured of Princes is evident in every Chronologie; amongst which, that of Alexander is most 〈◊〉: With Homer will I sleep, with Honour will I wake; Homer is a fit companion for Alexander. The Ensign usually given to a Poet Laureate is the Swan, signifying pureness of style, the Bird of Venus, and consecrated to the Muses; and sometimes a Pegasus, as to Michael Drayton: See his tomb in Westminster.  
To this I must join, and indeed should give the precedency to that sister-Art of Painting, than 
Painting.  which none hath received more honour in the World, though too Mechanically slighted amongst us; which hath been the reason we have not arrived to that excellency that some other Kingdoms have done in it: For, 〈◊〉 is the true spur to perfection.  
This hath been for its sublimity reckoned with much honour among the liberal Sciences, by many Princes; nay, Pliny calls it plainly, a liberal art, whose reasons not his own only, 
Vid. Paul Lomazzo p. 14.  but modern times have approved: & much reason there is to give it that honour, since its performance is by the exact engagement of Geometry, Arithmetic, Perspective, and indeed all points and species of natural Philosophy; besides the remembrance of the great estimation it was in amongst the Grecians, whose Kings (many of them) were proud in professing the Art.  
And then the law amongst the Romans, that no man should undertake it but such as were Gentlemen; because the brain of a clown must be too dirty, and muddy to arrive at excellency in it. They were also to be of estate; that the labouring for a livelihood, might not take them off from industrious study for perfection.  
Other examples, that Princes have given of their delight in it, is declared in the Ingenuity of Francis and Emanuel, Kings of France; and many German Princes since. Under which genus I wish the Ingenuity of our Nations, like as others, would also comprise that species of Graving, an art too noble to be so much slighted as it is amongst ingenuous men. History also being 
History.  esteemed a witness of time, a light of truth, a mistress of life, and a messenger of antiquity, deserves from its Country the grateful return and reward of its merits.  
In general; if any person be advanced by 
Sir John 〈◊〉 Ferne.  lawful commission of his Prince to any office, dignity, or public administration, be it either ecclesiastical, military, or civil; so that the said Office comprehends in it, dignitatem, vel dignitatis titulum, he ought to be matriculated into the rank of Gentility.  
In the State Ecclesiastical are, Patriarches, Primates, Archbishops, and Bishops; all which by custom of the Realm, and Royal grants of 〈◊〉 Princes, are invested Barons, and admitted to the high Court of Parliament: But more of that in its due place.  
Also are admitted to the state of Gentility, Vicar's Generals, Guardians of Spiritualties; Deans of cathedrals, Arch-Deacons (called 〈◊〉 Episcopi,) Chancellors, Treasurers, and Chauntors in every Episcopal Sea, so Sir John Ferne; as also Doctors, Provosts, Deans, and Governors of all Collegiate Assemblies.  
In the Military or Marshal Government, the high Constable, Lieutenant-general, Marshal, Admiral, Major General, Quartermaster-General, Treasurer of the Army, Guardians of Frontiers, 
Ibid.  the Master of the Horsemen, or grand Essquire, the Master of Artillery, the Colonel, Serjeant-Major, Captain and Provost; and indeed all that receive Commission from their Prince.  
In the Civil or Political estate; the Chancellor, Precedent, Treasurer, Judges, Justices, Chief-officers of the Pallace-Royall, Secretaries of State, Mayor, Provosts, and Bailiffs of Incorporate Cities and Towns.  
And since from the seat of Royalty and Majesty, all honours do flow, it is no reason this Fountain should by any restriction be limited, neither is it; for as before in the discourse of Gentility, by Patent it is signified, so there is another sort of Gentility, made by the Prince, which as it is by Patent, aught to have taken place there; but being by purchase only, and not of merit, is esteemed of all the most inferior, and therefore to be set in the lowest degree.  
The King, saith Sir John Ferne, may also create a Gentleman, and give him Coat-Armour to 
Sir John Ferne. p. 61.  bear, although he be unworthy of the same, but, saith he again, est haec quaedam fucata Nobilitas & non ver a nec essentialis, it is but a counterfeit Nobility, so that this Gentility brings the purchaser little more than the shadow of Honour, to shroud him from the name of Plebeian, and these Gentlemen by the strictness of the Laws of Honour, are excluded from the privileges 
Ibid.  of Gentility.  
Then, saith Sir Wil Segar, a simple subject being 〈◊〉 a Gentleman, by the Prince's grant, and does not exercise the qualities beseeming that dignity, aught to be deprived of his Title.  
This consideration made Sigismond the Emperor, answer one soliciting for such honour; I can, said he, make thee rich, or exempted with privileges; But, without virtue or noble desert, it lieth not in Caesar's power to make a Gentleman.  
And the retort of a Gentleman to a Knight, (which myself known) was not amiss, being to the same purpose, who said, It was more honour to be a Gentleman and no Knight, then to be a Knight and no Centleman, the Knight being then a Knight merely by purchase, without any desert at all in him: too many whereof are 〈◊〉 in our Nation.  

Privileges due to Gentility.  
NOw since others, as Sir Jo. Fern, and Sir Wil Segar, have been so punctual in discoursing the privileges due to Gentility, I cannot but touch upon it a little, before I pass to the next degree of Nobleness, which is the Esquire.  
The privileges, as they have laid them down, are these.  
1. Pro honore sustinendo, if a Churl, alias Peasant do detract from the Honour of a Gentleman, he hath a remedy in law, actione injuriarum; but if by one Gentleman to another, anciently, combat was allowed.  
2. In crimes of equal constitution, a 〈◊〉 shall be punished with more favour than a common person; provided the 〈◊〉 be not Heresy, Treason, or excessive Contumacy.  
3. The many observances and ceremonious respects, that a Gentleman is, and aught to be Honoured with by the ungentle.  
4. In giving evidence, a Gentleman's attestestation 
Bart. in l. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  is to precede a Clown's.  
5. In election of Magistrates, and Officers by vote; the suffrage of a Gentleman shall take place of an ignoble person.  
6. A Gentleman ought to be excused from base services, impositions, and duties, both real and personal.  
7. A Gentleman condemned to death, ought 
Ibid. li. de capitu.  not to be hanged but beheaded, and his examination taken without torture.  
8. To take down the Coat-Armor of any Gentleman, deface his monument, or offer violence to 〈◊〉 Ensign of the deceased Noble, is as to lay buffets on the face of him alive; and punishment is due accordingly.  
9 The Clown may not challenge a Gentleman to Combat, quia conditione impares.  
Many others there are, but it would be too 
Ferne p. 86. 〈◊〉. of 〈◊〉  tedious to insert them, I refer the Reader to Sir John Ferne, his Glory of Generosity.  
For the protection and defence also of this civil dignity, they have discovered three Laws provided: the first, Jus Agnitionis, the right, or Laws of Descent for the kindred of the Father's side: the second, Jus Stirpis; for the whole Family: the third, Jus Gentilitatis, a Law for the descents in Noble Families. Which Tully esteemed the most excllent, of which Law a Gentleman of blood and Coat-Armor perfect possessing virtue was only privileged.  
To the making of which Gentleman perfect, in his blood, was required, a lineal descent on the part of his Father's side, from Atavus, Abavus, Proavus, Auus, and Pater; and as much on his Mother's line: then is he not only a Gentleman of blood perfect, but of ancestors too. The obscurity and neglect of which Laws hath introduced other sorts of Gentlemen amongst us, which are men taking the style of Gentleman being neither of blood nor Coat-Armor; which style only serves to hurry them to an unruly pride, when indeed it is but rude and false Honour, and is by Sir John Ferne termed apocryphate, and debarred of all privileges of Gentility. These Gentlemen, nomine, non re, he calls such of the Students of the Law, Grooms of the Sovereign Palace, sons of Churls made Priests or Cannons, etc. and such as have received degrees in the Schools, or born office in the City; so that by that they are styled by the title of Master, yet have no right to Coat-Armor.  
As to the Student of the Law, Sir John Fern allows him the best assurance of his Title of Gentleman, of all these irregular and untriall Gentlemen, (as he terms them;) for so much as in some Acts of Parliament he is named with the Title of Gentleman, yet he saith, that he is also debarred from all honour and privilege of the Law of Arms.  
But those Students were anciently by customs of the Inns of Court, (as I showed before) to be weeded out of the Societies, if by chance any were crept in; and none to be admitted but Gentlemen of Coat-Armour; 
Vid. Fortescue de laud. Ang. cap. 49.  by which excellent Rule the younger sons of Gentlemen would have the privileges and benefit of that study, to maintain and support them, as it is in the Empire of Russia, and many other Nations; when as now every Clown, that can but pick up so much money at the plough tail, as shall fit his son up for that study, receives the benefit, and the Gentry of the Nation frustrated of that support; which causes so much decay amongst them, that younger sons of Gentlemen, (being thus destitute of employment) are commonly the objects of much pity, either for the suffering, or doing much evil; and the Commonwealth in general, much prejudiced by the insultancy of such mongrel spirits, in eminent preferments; which they too often come to, more by insinuated favour, than real desert: And indeed not in that case only, but in Church preferments also; and by this means is it, that so much corruption and abuse is the daily leprosy both of the Civil and Ecclesiastical State.  
The Romans were so careful of the preservation 
Sir John Feign, p. 95.  of Honour, that they had a custom by which the children of noble Persons unprovided for should be maintained out of the common treasury: which custom, though all ages have most infinitely applauded, our Nation hath so absolutely exploded, that the Gentry are in all cases hindered as much as may be of all preferments that should give it them, without burden to the Commonwealth: But it is to be hoped, succeeding times will produce better manners.   

Of the Esquire.  
THe division of these Dignities of Honour, was anciently but into twelve parts; but the addition of Knight Baronet hath made them thirteen: The six first only Noble, as, the Gentleman, Esquire, Knight Bachelor, Knight Banneret, Knight Baronet, and Baron: The other seven Princely, and are allowed Crowns and Coronets; as the Viscount, Earl, marquis, Duke, Prince, King, and Emperor. Sir John Ferne placeth the Viscount in the first division, but I think improperly, in regard of his Coronet.  
Of the lowest of these enough is said, the next is the Esquire, according to my intended method.  
The Esquire, or Escuyer, is called in Latin Armiger, but more anciently Scutiger, from the office of bearing a Shield as an attendant upon a Knight, and were (militaris ordinis) candidati in the field, because they served not as Knight's Bachelors, nor Bachelors, which was 
M. Seld. Tit. of Ho. p. 555.  then a distinction. The etymology of the word will something signify as much, being from Scutum in Latin, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek, which is a Shield, from the ancient way of making it in leather. Armiger nuncupatus est qui Domini sui 〈◊〉 bajulat, ipsisque 〈◊〉 cingit, saith Sir Henry Spelman in his Glossarium, p. 50. Neither came this title in 
* Cam. fol. 176.  honorary amongst us till the reign of Richard the second: though the Title as to office was much ancienter amongst us, yet the ancientest mention of it is in 
† lib. 4. p. 507.  Order Vitalis, speaking of William Fitz-Osberne Earl of Hereford, and Odo Earl of Kent in the time of the Conqueror. Nam Armigeros suos immodicas praedas, etc. facientes.  
Dr. Argentre, Precedent of the Parliament of 
Ad 〈◊〉. Brit. Art. 88  Rheims, speaks thus of them: Esquires are, Qui scutums Ducibus aut Patronis praeferebant, posteriùs et Strateres, qui Dominos in equos tolleren, & equos regerent. Is qui primus inter coeteros gradus Nobilitatis. And Verstegen tells us, the Teutonick word was Scyld-knapae, which is a 
Versed. p. 322. Sir Tho. Smith de Rep. Aug.  Shield-serviture; but some have since gotten another distinction for the title, which is, that they are Gentlemen, bearing Arms and Armouries, in testimony of Nobility, or race from whence they are come.  
Sir Edward Cook 
* p. 667. 〈◊〉  in his Exposition upon the Statute of 1 Hen. 3. chap. 5. (of Additions) saith, that the word Esquire, Armiger, or Scutiger, in legal understanding is derived ab armis quae clypeis gentilitiis honoris insignia gestant. In which sense, as a name of estate and degree it was used in divers Acts of Parliament before the making of that Statute, and after also.  
But by this the Honour of the title is lost, and every Gentleman of Coat-Armor shall have as great a share in it as themselves; which in truth hath not been since the dividing the Gentility into these two divisions; when this title of Esquire was made a legal and appropriated addition.  
Of these, there are four sorts: By Creation, 
Sir John Ferne. p. 100  by Birth, by Dignity, and by Office.  
Esquires by Creation are sometimes made by Patent, as one Jo. de Kingston was by King Richard, as I mentioned before, being received into the state of a Gentleman, and made an Esquire, 
Camb. de Ordin. p. 117. & de reliquiis p. 23. Spel. Glos. p. 51.  and sometimes by the giving of a collar of SS. by the King, as an ensign of the title. Eúmve (saith Sir Henry Spelman) argentatis calcaribus donaverit. Which silver Spurs were given by the King, as the Gold was to the Knight, to difference the Honour; from whence they are called White-spurs.  
There is commonly given to him also an addition to his paternal Coat, or a new Coat, if he owned none before, which is due to the descendants only of his body, not related to any of his line besides; and the eldest son of that 
Segar p. 224. ibid.  Coat-Armor is ever an Esquire.  
Esquires by birth, are the eldest sons of Knights, and their eldest sons successively.  
Sir John Ferne, and Sir Henry Spelman call all Esquires, that being the sons of Lords, are not allowed the title of Lords: but Sir Henry Spelman 
Spelm. p. 10. c. 2. ibid.  again, Propriè natalitio jure Armigeri dicuntur, Equitum auratorum filii primogeniti; & ex ipsis haeredes inperpetuum masculi.  
Those by Office, are such as bearing high Offices in the Commonwealth or King's Palace, have not the augmentation of Knighthood or Lordship. Such are the Sergeants at Law, 
Segar. Ferne.  Sheriffs, Escheators, the Sergeant of every Office in the Court. But these are only the possessors of that dignity; it dying with them: And not only so, but if he lose his Office, that is a Gentleman by Office; he lo seth his Gentility also.  
And this ennobling by Office was also among the Saxons, and hath so continued among them, saith Mr. Lambert, If a Churl so thrived, that he had fully five Hides of Land of his own, a Church, and a Kitchen, a Bellhouse, and a Gate, a Seat, a several Office in the King's Hall, than was he the Theynes right worthy. Amongst which sort of Esq those four of the King's body are the principal, which (he saith) are to be esteemed above the elder sons of Knights. And indeed in all processions of State, 
Spel. p. 51. Segar. l. 4. p. 246.  they go before the Master of the Jewell-house, all Judges or Sergeants at the Law.   

Of Knighthood in general, and of the Knight Bachelor.  
OF the distinctions by Knighthood there are many in other parts of the World; but in England only these, Knights Bachelors, Knights of the Bath, Knights Bannerets, and Knight's Baronet's, and Knights of the Garter.  
The word Knight, as Mr. Selden saith, coming from the Saxon 〈◊〉, which signified puer, or servus, as Dienaknecht is yet among the Dutch, for a manservant. So Tenants by Knight's service were called Milites, or Chivalers, 
Seld. Tit. Ho. p. 769. Camb. Brit. p. 170.  because their service was military. Knights (saith Mr. Cambden) who of our English Lawyers are termed also in Latin Milites, and in all Nations almost besides, took their name of Horses. The Italians call them Cavalari, the French Chevaliers, the Germans Kutters, and our Britan's in Wales, Margagh, all of Riding. Englishmen only term them Knights, by a word, that in old English-language, as also of the Germane, signifieth indifferently a Servitor, or Minister, and a lusty young man. Hereupon it cometh, that in the old written Gospels translated into the Saxon, we read, for Christ's disciples, Christ's leorning knights. And elsewhere for Client or Vassal 〈◊〉. And Bracton (our ancient civil Lawyer) maketh mention of Rad Cnyhts, that is Servingmen, who had their Lands with this condition, that they should serve their Lords on Horseback, and so by cutting off a piece of the name, (as our delight is to speak short) this name of Knight remained with us. But whence it came that our Countrymen should, in penning the Laws, and all Writings since the Norman Conquest's time, term those Knights in Latin Milites, that is, Soldiers, was transferred unto those that conversing near about the Prince's person bore any of the great Offices in the Prince's Court or Train.  
But with us, I conceive, those were first so called, who held any Lands or Inheritances in Fee, by this Tenure, To serve in the War, for those Lands were termed Knights Fees: and those that elsewhere they named Feuditary, that is, Tenants in Fee, were heat called Milites, that is, Knights; as for example, Milites Regis; Milites Archiepiscopi Cantuar. Milites Comitis Rogerii; Comitis Hugonis, etc. for that they received those Lands or Manors of them, with this condition, to serve them in the Wars, and to yield them fealty and homage; whereas others, who served for pay, were simply called Solidarii (from whence the word Soldier) and Servientes.  
This Title coming to be a reward or degree 
Segar. ch. 1 p. 51.  of Honour, is thought to be in imitation of the Equestris Order in Rome, to which men were only advanced for extraordinary virtue, and notable merit: who only were admitted to beautify the Caparizons of their Horses & their Armour with Gold, from whence they were called Equites aurati.  
In which time, all sorts of men were distinguished in their degrees by some garb or habit; as some by their clothes, some by cutting their hair, etc.  
The Roman Knights also were allowed to wear a Chain of Gold, and therefore called Torquati, from Manlius Torquatus, who wore the first, obtained by him in a victory in France, which is by us yet imitated in the collar of S S. by which it is easily collected, that the true institution of it was a reward of Honour and Valour, not Sloth and Riches. And therefore all men thus ennobled, ought either to be deserving by action before, or by endeavour and good service after; and to be else esteemed unlawful possessors of that Honour, at what rate soever purchased.  
The first account of Ceremonies (that we 
Will. of Malmsb. the gest. Reg. l. 〈◊〉. c. 6. Seld. 〈◊〉. of Hon. p. 773. p. 778;  have) at the creating a Knight, is in the example of King Alfred, Knighting his grandson Athelstan; and after the continuance of them (it seems) grew more precise and customary, by Feasts, giving of Robes, Arms, Spurs, and sometimes Horse and Arms; until our later times produced the new, yet usual Ceremony, of a stroke over the shoulder with a Sword, with these words, Sois Chivaler au nom de Dieu, by the King, or some by his Commission, though the Spur hath lately been observed also.  
Another manner of Creation there hath been also among the Saxons before the Conquest, which was by sacred Ceremonies, showed by one 
Ibid. p. 779  Ingulphus, that lived in the time of the Conquest, by a solemn Confession, a Vigil in the Church, receiving of the Sacrament after an offering of the Sword on the Altar, and redemption of it; then the Bishop, Abbot, or Priest putting it on him, made him a Knight, with many prayers, called Benedictiones Ensis.  
To this Order or degree of Honour, an Infant may be admitted, though he be a Ward, and 
Bract. 〈◊〉 36. Cook 5. Jacobi part. 6.  then (till a late Act of Parliament ordained otherwise) his Wardship was free, both of person and estate; but now their lands are not. And there were feudal Laws for, and at, the making the eldest son of a Lord a Knight, as there was also for the marrying of the eldest daughter, as in the Charter of King John, which was money raised on the Tenant. But any man in the order of Priesthood is debarred the Honour of Knighthood of the Sword, cum eorum militia sit 〈◊〉 mundum, carnem, & diabolum. So Sir John Fern.  
Though I find, that anciently they have been allowed it, but not without first laying aside their Spiritual Cures, and applying themselves to a Secular life. So Matthew Paris, Dei natalis Johannem de Gatesden Clericum, & multis ditatum 〈◊〉, (sed omnibus ante expectatum resignatis, quia sic oportuit) Baltheo cinxit militari. And then the persons that gave this Honour were sometimes subjects (without any superior authority granted to them) as well as Sovereigns, though long since it hath been an appropriated privilege of the Crown. Landfrank 
Selden. p. 772.  Archbishop of Canterbury made William the second a Knight in his Father's life-time. But the name of Bachelor added to it seems not to 
Mat. Patis  have been till the 33 of 〈◊〉 the third.  
Sir John Fern also tells of Ensigns that anciently were marks of Knighthood, as a Ring on the thumb, a Chain of Gold, and gilt Spurs. All which tokens of his Honour he was as carefully to preserve, as a Captain his Banner, which (according to the rules of Arms then) if he once lost basely in the field, he was 〈◊〉 of flying any more again, till he had regained the same or another from the Enemy.  
To which end it was carefully to be provided, 
Sir 10. Fern Glo. of Genere.  that such men as were endowed with this Honour, should have these Accomplishments, He ought to be faithful and religious, just in his engagements, valiant in his enterprises, obedient to his Superiors, expert in Military affairs, watchful and temperate, charitable to the poor, free from debauchery, not a boaster with his tongue, ready to help and defend Ladies, especially Widows and Orphans: and he ought to be ever in a readiness, with Horse and Arms, and to attend the command of his Sovereign in all Wars, both Civil and Foreign; the neglect where of is a crime as great, as to fight against him, and merits at the least a shameful degrading And formerly when the King hath been to make a Knight, he sat gloriously in his State, arrayed in cloth of Gold of 
Cam. Brit. p. 74.  the most precious and costly bodkin-work, and crowned with his Crown of Gold: and to every Knight he allowed or gave a hundred shillings for his Harnessements, etc.  
And Knights in this manner dubbed made 
pag. 175.  this esteem thereof, that in it consisted the guerdon of their Virtue and Valour, the praise of their House and Family, the memorial of their Stock and Lineage; and lastly, the glory of their Name.  
There are many privileges belonging to that Dignity; and Mr. Selden speaks of a Law, that a man was to be punished with the loss of a hand, that should strike a Knight; yet he says, he remembers no example of the practice of it, which I think is the greater honour to the Dignity, as being a shame, that any such Law should be the guard of a man so honoured with Arms, and appropriated to the Sword.  
Against a Knight in the War, runneth no prescription.  
The Office of a Coroner in former times being honourable, none were capable of it but a Knight.  
By ancient Custom, none were admitted to 
Vid. Stat. de An. 23. H. 6. c. 15.  the House of Parliament, but who were Milites gladiis accincti.  
Many other privileges there were appropriated to them, according to the rules of Honour, and custom of the Nation, as well as requisites in them; which more at large may be understood in Sir Will. Segar's Honour Military 
Seg. lib. 2. lin. 2.  and Civil.  
Where is to be found the severity in degrading them. When if any Knight at any time had been corrupted with money by his Prince's Enemy; or committed any other notable fact against Loyalty and Honour; he was apprehended, and caused to be armed from head to foot, and on a high Scaffold in the Church he was 
Vid. Mills fol. S 〈◊〉. 4 Ed 4. 20  placed; and after the Priests had sung some funeral Psalm, as though he had been dead; first, they took off his Helmet, to show his face, and so by degrees his whole Armour: and then the Heralds crying out, This is a disloyal Miscreant; with many other ignoble Ceremonies, he was thrown down the Stage with a rope. This he mentions to have been about the time of King Arthur. We have many examples of latter times also of degrading Knights, for dishonourably absenting from the service of the King, and other treasons; with which seizing on all that he had (except one Horse; ne, qui dignitate factus est Eques, cogatur pedes incedere: for in all Countries, the Title is related to a Horse, from serving on Horseback;) and also by 
See Stow in Anal. p. 693. & 694. edit. vet. in 4.  the cutting off their Spurs from their heels, taking away his Sword, reversing his Coat-Arms, and the like; as in the degrading of Sir Ralph Grace. See more at large Sir William Segar, Mr. Selden, and Sir John Fern.   

The Creation Robe of a Knight of the Garter  
IT is ever to be observed, that when the word Knight is found without any addition of distinction, it is meant by the Knight Batcheler. Of the Order of the Bath, the first that are taken notice of is in 〈◊〉, who gives an account of 46 made by Henry the Fourth: But Mr. Selden is of an opinion, they were long before.  
Mr. Upton (in a Manuscript which Mr. Bish (a Gentleman much deserving of Honour from our English Gentry) hath since very 〈◊〉 illustrated and published) takes notice of this Order in these words, Creantur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 modis, etc. Creantur in alio modo Milites per Balneum, qui modus multùm observatur in Anglia, & in 〈◊〉 Regnis. He lived in the time of Henry the sixth.  
The Honour is invested with a great deal of noble Ceremony, as is seen by the example of Henry the seventh, when he sent Writs to divers Lords and Gentlemen, to come up to the making Henry his second son Knight of the Bath, Ad ordinem Militia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suscipiendum, 
Dor. Cl. 〈◊〉 20 Hen 7. 20 Sep.  juxta antiquam consuetudinem in creatione usitatam.  
When one is to be made a Knight of the Bath, he coming up to the Court, is very nobly received by the Officers and Nobles of the Court; where he hath two Esquires appointed to wait on him, who convey him to a Chamber, where is to be Music before he cometh to the Tubs; then they unclothe him, and put him naked into the Bath, where, if 
For K. of the Bath, see Far. f. 65. 5 Book.  there be any other Knights of the Order in the Court, they come in their Order and salute him, and after discourse concerning the Order, they sprinkle some of the water on his shoulder, and so depart. Then the Esquires convey him to a bed, where he is dried, and then he putting on his clothes, they put over them a long grey coat like a Hermit's weed, with long sleeves, and a hood; then the Knights return to him again, and lead him to the Chapel, where he receives a cup of spiced Wine, and with that salutes the Knights, who after leave him there, only with his Esquires and Priest, where he performs a Vigil till almost day, with Prayers and Offerings. After this, and some repose in his Chamber, the next morning, where are Robes provided for him; the Knights wait on him again, and do service to him in his making ready; one giving him his doublet, another his breeches, another combs his head, etc. Then with Music he is brought to the Hall in the Court on Horseback, accompanied with those Knights and Esquires, where the Marshal meets him. Then the King coming to the Hall, commands a Lord to put on his right Spur, and making a cross upon his knee, rises up and kisses him, and so another the left. Then the King puts the Sword about him himself, and smiting him on the shoulder, says, Be a good Knight, and kisses him. Then with the Music he is conducted again to the Chapel, where he goes to the Altar, and performs some Ceremonies, maketh protestation for the performance of the Orders of Knighthood. Then the King's Cook comes to him with a knife in his hand, to demand his fee; and tells him, That if he do any thing against the Orders of Chivalry, he will cut his 〈◊〉 off from his heels. Then he is habited in a blue Gown with Maunches open, like a Priest, and so led again to the Hall.  
The particular manner is more at large set down by Sir William Segar, in his Honour Military and Civil, and Cambden's Britannia. They are distinguished ordinarily by the wearing of a red Ribbon cross the left shoulder, as Knights of the Garter by the blue. And have this privilege above all Knights, their sons are free from Wardship: as in the example of the Heir of Sir Thomas Wise of Essex, which was a Cause in Chancery, and the Heir Victor.   

Of Bannerets.  
THis was anciently an Order in France, and (excert that in England they are not created by Parent, not the Title Hereditary,) the same: The creation is almost the same with theirs, by the solemn delivery of a Banner, 
Mr. Seld. fol. 790.  charged with the Arms of him that is to be created, and cutting or tearing off the end of 
Camd. Brit. p. 171  a Pennon or Streamers, to make it square into the shape of a Banner, are called by some Equites vexillarii.  
Sir William Segar relates the Ceremony thus; He is led between two other Knights into the presence of the King or General, with his Pennon of Arms in his hand, and there the Heralds 
Seg. f. 69.  declare his merit, for which he deserves to be made a Knight Banneret, and thenceforth to display a Banner in the field. Then the King, or General, causes the point of his Pennon to be rend off; and the new made Knight returns to his Tent, the Trumpets sounding before him.  
A Banneret thus made may bear his Banner displayed, if he be a Captain, and set his Arms thereon, as other Degrees above him.  
And although the Knight Baronet be an honour given by Patent, and made hereditary; yet, by Decree of King fame's it is established, 
Rot. pat. 10. Jacob par. 10. membr. 8.  that all such Bannerets, as shall be made by the King's Majesty, his heirs and successors, under their Standard, displayed in an Army Royal in open War, the King personally present; for the term of the lives of such Bannerets, shall for ever take place and precedency as well before all other Bannerets, as the younger sons of Viscounts, and Barons, as also before all Baronet's; but not otherwise.  
And this Order was of so great estimation, 
Seld. p. 〈◊〉  that divers Knights Bachelors and Esquires served under them; which Title, it seems, in many ancient Writs, hath been mis-writ Barronets, as in a Patent to Sir Ralph Fane, a Knight Banneret under Edward the sixth, he is called Barronettus for Bannerettus; which Title of Baronet was not amongst us till King James.   

Of Baronet.  
THe Title of Baronet was erected by King James, in the ninth year of his Reign: He made divers on the 22 day of May, whose Patents were all of one form, without any difference at all; the 〈◊〉 or Argument being for the propagating a Plantation in Ulster 
Pat. 9 Jac. part 48.  in Ireland, to which the aid of these Knights was ordained; the words run thus, 〈◊〉, ex certa scientia & mero 〈◊〉 nostris, Ordinavimus, ereximus, constituimus & creavimus quendam statum, gradum, dignitatem, nomen & titulum Baronetti (Anglice of a Baronet) infra hoc Regnum nostrum Angliae perpetuis temporibus duraturum. Their aid was the maintenance of thirty Soldiers in that Province for three years. Their Titles were to descend to the heirs male of their body, and to take place before all Knights Bachelors, Knights of the Bath, and Knights Bannerets, (the other Degree before specified, being afterward made) and that the name of Baronet in all Writs, Commissions, and Style, should be added to his Surname; and that the addition of Sir should precede in all mentionings of his name (as the Title of Lady and Madam to the Wives of them) and their Successors; and that they should take place according to the priority of the date of their Patents inter se, and so to their successors. In which Patents also, the King did engage for himself and successors, that there should be but two hundred of them made; and that there should be never any degree of Honour established, that should take place between the Baronet and Baron; and if for want of heirs male, the Title in any should fall, there should never be any created in their room, but that the Title should diminish, to the honour of them remaining, and be by that means reduced to a 〈◊〉 number.  
And afterward a Commission was ordained 
Sel. f. 827.  under the great Seal, for filling up the number, who had instructions also enacted; among which, they that desired to be admitted into the dignity of Baronet's, must maintain the number of thirty Foot-Soldiers in Ireland for three years, after the rate of eightpences sterling a day; and a years pay to be paid in (at the passing of the Patent) to the Exchequer.  
And again, That they must be of good reputation, and descended of a Grandfather, at least, by the father's side, that bare Arms; and have also a certain yearly revenue of one thousand pounds de claro.  
They were to take bond also for the true payment of that maintenance, and to appoint one particular Treasurer for it, that it might not come into the King's Exchequer.  
After this, many being made, it was also ordained 
Pat. 10. Ja. par. 10. n. 18.  by the King, That they and their descendants, being of full age, should be Knighted; and that they should in a Canton or Inescutcheon, as they pleased, bear the Arms of Ulster, which is Argent, a sinister hand, and Gules.  
There are many other Orders of Knighthood, almost in every Nation; some appropriated to the Country, and some of more excellency, as is that of the Garter, whereof in another place I shall speak with the rest; but these Titles have an estimated honour due to them, greater or less, according to 
Segar. l. 2. c. 3. p. 53.  the quality of the creator: for the Knight made by the King, shall be preferred before a Knight made by a Prince of meaner title. So all Emperors, Kings, and Princes, acknowledging no lawful Superior, may make Knights; as also some Commonwealths, as the State of Venice and Genoa: The Pope's also sometimes do make Knights, calling them after their own names, as, Chevaleri de San Pedro, San Paulo, 〈◊〉, etc. And so much for Knights may serve in this place.   

Of Barons.  
THis word Baron is very variously interpreted, 
Albert. Rosu dicti.  as first, that it comes from the word Baria in Greek, which signifies Authoritas gravis. Bracton interprets it, Robur belli. Again, saith Sir Henry Spelman, the word Baro is the same in Latin with Virro, whose derivation is from Vi, Force; and from thence, Sunt & alii potentes sub rege qui dicuntur Barones, id 
Gloss. p. 79. Bract. lib. 1 cap. 8.  est, robur belli.  
And taking of it in that sense we now understand it, Sir Henry Spelman calls him, Cliens 
Gloss. p. 79.  feodalis; and Vassallus capitalis. Hujusmodi sunt (saith he) qui Pagos, Urbes, Castra, vel eximiam ruris portionem, cum jurisdictione acceperunt à Rege.  
The Creation Robe of a Baron  
This word is a general notion in England to all Lords of the Great Council of Parliament, as it is in Naples and Lombary, where all those Lords that are called Titulati, are in general styled Barons; thus dignitas Baronalis stat ut genus. This word was used by the 
Lamb. fol. 336.  Danes in the stead of Thane, which was among the Saxons a Title of Honour, and being next the King, he was called the King's Thane.  
And in the Laws of William the first, instead 
Seld. f. 87.  of the Earl, King's Thane, and middle Thane, of the Saxons times; the title of Count or Earl, of Baron, and of Valvasor are used.  
By which we understand it to have been, though not in the same name, yet notion, a Feodall honour of great antiquity; Sir Henry Spelman says, they were such as had not only Castles, Towns, or great parts of Countries in their jurisdiction, but they had their Valvasores, (Minores, I conceive; for there were then Valvasores, Majores, & Minores; Milites, & libere tenentes.) Which should signify an honour of command in the Commonwealth.  
In France, Germany, and Italy, Baronem 
Spel. Gloss. fol. 79.  vocant, qui merum mistumque Imperium habet in aliquo Castro, ex concessione 〈◊〉.  
And it hath been a common opinion, that every Earldom in times past had under it ten Barons, and every Barony ten Knights Fees holden of him: But those Knight's Fees, say other Authors, were uncertain for number.  
However, we find many Barons created in the times after the coming in of the Normans that held both of Knight's service, and of the Crown in chief; which were either Spiritual or Temporal; and it is certain, that all honorary Barons from the Conquest, till the latter time of King John, were only Barons by tenure.  
These Spiritual Barons were distinguished from the Temporal Thane, in the time of the Saxons, by holding their lands free from all secular service; excepting trinoda necessitas, (as it was called) which was, assistance in War, in building of Bridges, and Castles. Which continued till the fourth year of William the first, who then made the Bishoprics and Abbeys, 
Mr. Seld. Title of Hon. ch. 5. f. 699, 704  subject to Knight's service in chief, by creation of new tenors; and so first turned their possessions into Baronies, and thereby made them Barons of the Kingdom by tenure. That all Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and the like, that held in chief of the King, had their possessions as Baronies, and were accordingly to do services, and to sit in judgement with the rest of the Barons in all cases, but cases of Blood, from which they are prohibited by the Canon-Law.  
This Honour of Baronady is of three kinds; 
Seg. lib. 4. fol. 223.  by Tenure, by Creation, and by Writ.  
Barons by Tenure are the Barons Spiritual, as I said before, which are reputed Peers of the Realm, and were ever first in nomination, and take place on the Prince's right hand in Parliament, and have been capable of temporal 〈◊〉, and some of them are accounted Count Palatines in their Jurisdictions.  
And by tenure Temporal, which are such as hold their Honour, Castle, or Manor, as the head of their Barony, per Baroniam, which is Grand Serjanty. By which tenure, they ought 
Coke par. 2. pag. 5.  to be summoned to Parliament. See Bracton, lib. 5. fol. 351. & 357. But he is no Lord of the Parliament, until he be called by Writ to the Parliament.  
These Barons by renure in the time of the Conqueror, and after, were very numerous; and 〈◊〉 his time, as I conceive, distinguished into Majores & Minores, and summoned accordingly to Parliament: the Majores by immediate Writ from the King, the others by general Writ from the high Sheriff at the King's command.  
But these had also another distinction, which was; the first, were called only Barons by tenure then, and the last Tenants in chief, which were after quite excluded the Parliament, as Mr. Cambden says, in the reign of Henry 
Camden. fol. 122.  the third, by a Law made, that none of the Barons should assemble in Parliament, but such as were summoned by special Writ from the 
Sel. f. 712.  King.  
And that King Edward the first summoned always those of ancient Families, that were most wise; but omitted their sons after their death, if they were not answerable to their parents in understanding.  
But Mr. 〈◊〉 opinion is, that not long after the Grand Charter of King John, the Law for excluding all Tenants in chief was made.  
From whence came that other dignity of Barons by Writ, the King summoning whom he pleased, though he were but a private Gentleman or Knight, as many Seculars, Priors, Abbots, and Deacons also; all which have been since omitted, that held nothing of the King in chief, or Grand Tenure.  
This title of Baron by Writ is by some esteemed only temporary, pro termino Parliamenti; but that cannot be, for the ceremony of his admittance signifies more than a titular or temporary Honour, which is this; He is first brought by the Garter-King at Arms in his Sovereign Coat, to the Lord Chancellor, between two of the youngest Barons, who bear the Robe of a Baron; there he shows his Prescript, which the Chancellor reads, then congratulates him as a Baron, and invests him with those Robes, and sends him to take his place. Then the Writ is delivered to the Clerk of the Parliament, and he by the Garter showed to the Barons, and placed in the House; and from thence is this title allowed him as hereditary.  
Since these two sorts of Barons in the time of Richard the second, hath another been established, which is Barons by Patent, and indeed more usual in our latter times than those by Writ. He first created John de Beauchamp Steward of the household, Baron of Kiderminster to him and his heirs males of his body.  
And this coming afterwards to be the only 
See Mr. Sol. f. 748.  way of creation, they had commonly creation-mony granted them, as Sir Ralph Botiller, who had one hundred marks granted him annuity out of the County of Lincoln.  
Some of those Minores have yet remained to our memories, as the Barons of the Cinque Ports, Barons of the Exchequer, etc. and some others, which are called Barons, yet have not the honour; such are those that were created by Count Palatines, as the Baron of Kinderton, and some few others.  
As concerning the descent of this Honour, and the extension of it, it many times descends to heirs female, as when there is no special entail on the heirs male; yet than no husband of that heir female shall enjoy the style and honour in right of his wife, unless he have issue by her, as it was decreed by Henry the eighth, in the case of Mr. Wimbry, for the style of the Lord Talboyes.  
Neither shall any honour of Barony by Tenure be conveyed with the 〈◊〉 of any place from whence the title is derived, without licence immediate from the King; but all such as shall without, is absolutely forfeited and stopped, and returns again into that great Fount ain 
Cook 2. part. 80. b.  of Honour the Crown.  
Now though this dignity be not allowed the Princely distinction of a Coronet, yet is he as a Lord of the Parliament reckoned among the Peers of the Realm, and privileged amongst them in all these things, as first, in all 
〈◊〉 pleas. del. Coron. lib. 3. ch. 1.  trials of criminal causes, he is not tried by a Jury, but a Bench of Peers.  
If for Treason he be indicted, and shall stand mute, he shall be convicted, but not pressed; but if it be for Felony, his standing silent shall not 
〈◊〉 Dir 205. & 300  convict him.  
Upon any trial of Peers, the Lords that are to give Verdict, are not, like a Jury, put upon their Oaths, but upon their Honor.  
A Peer of the Realm is not to be Empanelled 
Fitz. nat. br. 165.  in any Jury, but what concerns the King's Enquiry.  
Neither are they to be arrested by any Warrant 
Lamb. Just. l. 2. c. 1. fol. 17  of Justice of Peace, either for the peace or good behaviour.  
Neither is he to be put upon his Oath, upon any appearance he shall make in Court; but his Honour to be esteemed as binding.  
And whereas all Burgesses of the Commons 
Dier. 315.  House are sworn to Supremacy, the Barons of the Upper-House of Parliament are not; with 
5 Eliz. c. 1  many other privileges.  
But it is to be noted, that by these are only meant, to Lords of the Parliament, not to the sons of Dukes, Marquesses, or Earls, during the life of their fathers. Nor to any Baron of another Kingdom in this, though under the same allegiance, who are not triable out of their own Kingdom, unless they enjoy some honour in this.  
The form of creating a Baron is in this manner. The King sitting in state in the Presence-Chamber; First, the Hetalds by two and two, and their Garter Principal King alone proceed, bearing in his hand the Patent of creation; next to him a Baron bearing the Robes; and then the Person to be created followeth betwixt two other Barons. Being entered the Chamber of Presence, they make their obeisance to the King three times. Garter then delivereth the Patent to the Lord Chamberlain of the household, and he to the King, and the King to one of his Principal Secretaries of State, who readeth it, and at the word Investimus, the King putteth on him the Baron's robe; so soon as the Patent is read, it is to be delivered to the King, who gives it him that is created. Then he returning thanks for his great honour, withdraws in the same manner he came in, the Trumpers sounding, and so he goes to dinner. Where, after the second service is gone up, the Garter with the rest of the Heralds cometh near the Table, where first pronouncing Largesse, with a loud voice he declareth the King's style in Latin, French, and English; and then standing somewhat further off, pronounceth Largesse again, with the style of him that is newly created.  
In which form was William Cecil created 
Mills de Nob. pol. vel liv p. 58.  Lord Burghley, 15. of Febr. 13. Elizab.   

Of the Viscount.  
THis word in Latin is Vicecomes, which is interpreted from the office of the person who was one, cui Dominus (hoc est, Comes) committit vices suas, sive gubernationem castri, saith Sir John Ferne.  
The Title is derived from the same Order in France: which there were only first substitutes to Earls, till, getting themselves first in power, got also to have the title honorary and hereditary, between the Earl and Baron, it being the same word which signifieth our Sheriff, and began not with us, till about the 18. year 
Pat. 18. H. 6. par. 2. m. 21.  of Henry the sixth, who then created John Lord Beaumond Viscount Beaumond, by Letters patent.  
Though Sir John Fern tells us of it in the time of Henry the first, and King Stephen; and though the Elder sons of Dukes are styled Earls during their father's life time, (so the Eldest sons of Marquesses are styled by their Father's Vicounties and Baronies, and called Lords, and the younger sons saluted with Lord) yet it is by 〈◊〉 only.  
To this degree, is allowed a Surcoat, Mantle, 
Rat. pet. 4. 〈◊〉 par. 1.  Hood, and a Circulet, without either flowers, or points, as in the discourse of Armoury shall 
Sir Wil Segar. f. 821.  be seen, and is created with the same ceremony, those above him are.   

Of the Count or Earl.  
THe next precedency is an Earl, called in Latin, Comes: and thence is an English word Count, which word Comes we have from the example of the Romans; amongst whom 
Segar. fol. 220.  they used it for the title of sundry offices.  
Coke defines them thus, Dicuntur Comites, 
Instit. par. 2. fol. 5.  quia à Comitatu, five à societate nomen sumpserunt; qui etiam dici possunt consuls a Consulendo, etc. But John of Salisbury, who writ in the time of Henry the second, says thus, Comites dici à 〈◊〉 participatione.  
And the word Earl we had from the Saxons, from whence, till we borrowed the word Honour, we used the word Earl for gentle or noble, and Ethel, which was sometimes abridged to el, so that of Ear-ethel, it was Ear-el, and by abbreviation Earl, which the Dutch called Eorle. 
〈◊〉 fol. 315.  Amongst the Germans, they have the word Grave for it, as Palsgrave, Landgrave, Reingrave, etc. from the word Gerefa, by abbreviation Gereve, and Grave, as also Reve, from whence our Shierreve, or Shirriffe, as some do 
Ib. f 325.  abbreviate it. Which word in the Teutonick, signifies a Disposer or Director.  
Others have, That the word with the Saxons, was Erlig, and Ethling, and used for the same office of Ealderman was before; and the 
Cam. rem. 6. 15.  word Ealderman, which now is writ Alderman, was transferred to a lower degree; who used the word also Thegon or Thaine for Baron, as I said before. But the word Ealderman, and Ethling, it seems, did only signify them according to Civil power, and the word Heretoga, from whence Hertshog, for their Military power; the former word being no more than 
Seld. fol. 605.  Senior, or Senator.  
This title of Ealdermen continued, for Deuces, Principes, & Comites, until Canutus' reign, when 
Ibid fol. 609.  the word Earl was brought in, and the other lost, as to that Honor.  
What the Jurisdiction of the Ealderman in those times was, and how absolute, or large, is to me yet uncertain: though large it was, doubtless, because of the several Offices that were under them; but as it hath remained since the Conquest, we find more reasonable satisfaction. Their possessions were sometimes the whole Territories they derived their Title from, and sometimes not; but some particular 〈◊〉, or place in it. We find also, that both it, and Thane were honorary, and feudal Titles.  
Upon the coming in of the Normans, this word was turned into Comes, or Count, since when it hath remained. And this word in the Empire, was given to Quotquot è Comitatu Principis 
Spelman, 〈◊〉 fol. 〈◊〉.  erant, to all that were admitted to society of the Prince. So the 〈◊〉 styled them in War, Commilitones, in the Court Comites.  
The dignity is of divers kinds, for an Earl 
Ib. f. 109.  acknowledging no Superior, is equal to a Prince.  
This Title, as it continues since the Conquest, is either local, or personal. Local, as from the denomination of some County, or other Territory; and Personal, that hath its being in some great Office, as Earl-Marshal, and the like.  
Those local are also simplices, and Palatine: 
Selden. fol. 639.  which last retain the same constitution, the Saxons time allowed them; which is Juraeregalia, or merum, & mixtum Imperium, and could make Barons under them, as those of Chester, Lancaster, the Bishoprics of Durham and Ely.  
Hugh Lupus, had the County Palatine of 
See Sir Jo. 〈◊〉.  Chester, given him by the Conqueror, Ita liberè ad Gladium, 〈◊〉 ipse Rex tenebat Angliam ad Coronam. Who governed the County forty years, he created eight Barons, and built the Abbey of Chester.  
Lancaster was made a Palatinate, by Edward the third, as says Sir William Segar, and had 
Hon. Mil. & liv. fol. 641.  Barons, Chancery, and Seal; and so had the Bishoprics of Durham and Ely. The office of those Barons, being to sit in Council, and Judgement, with the Earl.  
To the County Palatine of Chester, 〈◊〉 been Chamberlains, who supplied the place of Chancellor, Justices, before whom the causes that should else belong to the King's Bench, and Common Pleas, are triable; a Baron 
Seld. title of Honour, ch. 5. f. 641.  of the Exchequer, a Sheriff, and other offices proportionably to those of the Crown at Westminster, which being since reserved in the Crown, is given to the Prince of Wales, when he is created. This County had this honour, I conceive, out of regard to the great trust, was reposed in the first Earl, which was to subdue, and keep in order the British, or Welsh after the Conquest.  
Of those that are not Palatine, we find their Creation also as ancient as the Conquest, William theConqueror, made Alan Fergent thenDuke 
Ib. fol. 646 & Camd. Brit f. 591.  of Brittaign, Earl of Richmond, by a Patent.  
The Creation Robe of a marquis   

Of the marquis.  
THis word marquis at the first was used to all Earls and Barons, that were Lords Marchers, or Lords of Frontiers; and came afterward into a Title of special dignity, between that of Duke and Earl: beginning in the time of Richard the second, who created Robert de Vere (Earl of Oxford) marquis of Dublin, Per gladii cincturam, & circuli aurei suo capiti positionem; The form of the Patent was then, and many ages since very various, but it is now regulated to one method; which is the same in a manner with that of Earl, only the word Marchio is put in the place of Comes: the ceremony of Creation much at one, and the title hereditary; the annuity 
Seldens title of Honour, pag. 761.  money in their Patent is forty marks.  
And here, by the way, I cannot but observe one note of Mr. Seldens; that John Beaufort Earl of Somerset, modestly refused to be made marquis of Dorset, by Henry the fourth, because the title was then so strange, and new in the Kingdom.  
The marquis is honoured with a Coronet of gold flurred, the points and flowers of equal height; whereas of the Earls, the pearled points are much longer than the flowers. His Mantle also doubled Ermine, as is the Earls also; but the Earls is but of four, and the Marquesses is of five: the doubling of the Viscount, is to be understood, to be but of Miniver, or plain white Fur, so is the Barons; the Barons of two, the Vice-counts of three doublings. 
Segar. fol. title of Honour, pars Latina.    

Of the Duke.  
The Creation Robe of a Duke  
Where, by the way, one note is proper to be understood, that as he was here created without any Ceremony, except the girding with a Sword, so in all other degrees of honour, where a lesser degree is conferred on a person of a greater, there needs nothing but mere Patent, without any ceremony of creation.  
But John, son to Edward the third, being created Duke of Lancaster, had a Cap of fur added to the ceremony, and succeeding times have had the Sword, Crownet, and Verge of Gold, a Surcoat, Mantle and Hood, and a Ducal cap doubled Ermine, but not indented, and is honoured with the style of, Gracious and Excellent.  
These if they be of Royal line, are reputed 
〈◊〉. fol. 219.  as Archdukes. It is also allowed, that a Duke tantum, shall take place before any Lord, that is both marquis and Earl; but a Duke, that is marquis, or Earl besides, shall precede him.  
The Duke, marquis, and Earl at their creation have a sword put over their shoulders, which the Vice-count and Baron have not.   

Of the Archduke.  
THis title is of near relation to the other, 
Segar. fol. 214.  but not found in any place, save in the house of Austria, the addition of which word Arch, is from the Greek word Archos, which is as much as Princeps in Latin. So he taketh place of all other Dukes; and he is allowed a Surcoat, a Mantle, and a Hood of Crimson Velvet, at his Creation: He hath also a Chapeau, or Ducal Cap doubled Ermine indented; with a Coronet about the same, and an arch of Gold, with an Orb, and Verge of Gold.  
Of these titles, the Duke, marquis, and 
Sir John Fern. fol. 138.  Earl are esteemed Princely; especially the two last: These also are allowed to bear their Crests with Helmets, the Beaver directly forward, whereas a Gentleman, Knight, and Baron, bore them with half the Beaver seen.   


The Creation Robe of the Prince of Wales  The Prince.  
THe next, and first, immediately subordinate to the Crown, amongst these radiant Stars is, The Prince, who in England only is the Prince of Wales, the firstborn of the King.  
These in the Saxons time were called Cliton's, and clitunculi, from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Illustrious.  
But, since it hath been a title of creation for honour to the rising sun, there were none created in the Nation, but the King's eldest son; who are in all Nations honoured above all other subjects, and amongst some, as in Spain, have been called King's during the life of their Fathers, 
Ludovic. de Molina de Hisp. primogen. lib. 3. c. 6.  because of his so near a relation to the Crown, that if the Father die, he is ipso 〈◊〉 Rex, there being no interregnum, though he be not crowned.  
In a Statute of the second, of Henry the fourth, it is provided, that the Prince may give his honourable Liveries of signs, to the Lords, or to his menial Gentry; and that the said Lords, may wear the same, as they wear the King's Livery; and that the Menials of the Prince, may wear the same as the King's menials; but this hath been since abridged.  
So likewise by a Statute of the 25. of Edward the third, chap. 2. it is declared, that to compass, or imagine the death of the King's eldest son, and heir, is, Crimen laesae Majestatis, high Treason, as also to violate the wife of the King's eldest son.  
And again, see Coke, 8. part. 28. The Prince shineth with the beams of his Father, and is holden to be one person with him.  
Yet doth he acknowledge a reverence, not only as to a Father, but Sovereign, and to that 
Lamb. per. Kent, fol. 364.  purpose continues that Motto, which the Black Prince took up, (Ick dien) I serve.  
He is called Princeps, quia principalis in strenuitate post regem, saith Sir William Segar.  
The first, that we read of in England, was Edward, eldest son of Henry the third, and after him, the eldest son of the King hath been ever by Patent, and Ceremonies of Instalment, created Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, and Flint, being born Duke of Cornwall.  
The Prince, or first born of the King in France, is called the Dauphin; in Spain, l' Infanta.  
There are, in other Countries, Princes by Creation, as the Prince of Piedmont, the Prince of Orange, and many others, but these are also now become hereditary, and in some Countries, all the Royal line are styled Princes.  
When he is created, he is presented before the King in Princely Robes, who putteth about his neck a Sword bend-wise, a Cap and Coronet over his head, a Ring on his middle finger, a Verge of gold in his hand, and his Letters Patents after they are read.  
His Mantle is once more doubled than the Dukes, and his Coronet of Crosses, and Flowers de Luce, and his Cap of State doubled indented.   

The King.  
THe King is the next, and in our Nations the highest, being subordinate to no sublunary power, as those of Spain, Portugal, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 97.  and other Kingdoms of Europe, and other parts of the world, are. He is the true Fountain from whence all these Rivulets and swelling Streams of Honour spring.  
He is called Rex, (from whence the word Rego came) and King amongst us, from the Saxon word Koning, and Kuning. To say any thing of the Original of the Government here, were in vain, for it is unknown; only I may say, that none can produce any thing to assure any Government before it; and what I spoke in the beginning concerning the first 
Fetn Glory of Generosity.  institution of it universally, is sufficient: Besides, these times have said enough to that purpose.  
He hath ever been of great reverence amongst 
Segar. 〈◊〉. Mil. & Civil.  these Kingdoms of Europe, the very Title carrying Divinity in it, being of Heavenly institution, ordained by God himself; the Bond of Peace, and the Sword of Justice.  
He is God's Vicegerent, and to be obeyed accordingly, both in Church and State: If good, he is a blessing; if bad, a judgement.  
He is styled Pater Patriae, & Caput Reipub: and for that the protection of his Subjects lies in his breast, the Militia is annexed to his Crown, and the Sword as well as Sceptre put into his hand.  
He hath power of pardoning where the Law 
Coke 3. fol. 238.  condemns, even Parliament-Attainder.  
The things that belongs to Justice and Peace are annexed to the Crown, nor can they be separated.  
The Parliament, in the behalf of Henry the 
Bracton: de acqui. rerum. Dom. l. 24. in 1. 7. 11.  eighth, writ thus to the Pope: His Royal Majesty is the Head, and the very Soul of us all; his Royal majesty's cause is the cause of us all, derived from the Head upon the Members; his griefs and injuries are ours, we all suffer equally with him.  
Mr. Camden speaks thus of him, The King 
Camd. Brit f. 105  is the most excellent part of the Commonwealth; next unto God, he is under no vassalage; 
See Bract. also, lib. 1. chap. 8.  he takes his investiture from no man, he acknowledges no Superior but God.  
In England, France, Spain, Denmark, and 
Seld fol. 123.  other Kingdoms, they are styled Kings, Dei gratia, by the grace of God.  
Which hath been an ancient custom in these Nations, in the same or the like words, as in the style of King Ethelbald: Ethelbaldus divina 
Ingul. hist fol. 484. ib.  dispensatione Rex Merciorum (An. 716.)  
Kenulphus, Dei misericordia, Rex Merciorum.  
Beoredus, largiente Dei gratia, Rex Merciorum.  
Ego Edwardus Dei gratia Rex Anglorum. 
Ib. f. 510.   
Ego Wilielmus Dei beneficio Rex Anglorum.  
And the Kings of England since, by a Bull 
26 Hen. 〈◊〉 chap. 1.  from Rome, in the time of our obedience to the Pope, have been styled, Defenders of the Faith; and by Act of Parliament, of Henry the eighth, (to whom that Bull was sent) had the title of Supreme Head of the Church of England annexed.  
As the King of France is styled, Rex Francorum Christianissimus; the King of Spain, Rex Catholicus, or Catholica Majestad, Catholic Majesty; and the Emperor, Defender of the Church.  
It is the manner of Kings also to write in 
Sold. Title of Honor. chap. 7.  the plural number, which is God's own style, as Mandamus, Volumus, Facimus, etc. And indeed, in the Scripture we often find them called gods, and in that sense may be styled Divi, or Dii, quia Dei vicarii, & Dei voce judicant. 
Ibid. f. 44.  Mr. Selden speaks thus upon this subject: Man, as a civil creature, was directed to this form of subjection; As if the sole observation of 
Ibid. fol. 4.  Nature had necessarily led the affections of men to this kind of state. Whence it is also, that while others of the most curious in Philosophy tells us of Angels, and the Supreme 
Her. Trismegist.  Heavens being immediately Governed by the Maker of all things; of the Planets and other Stars being ruled by the Sun; and the separated Souls, and the Air, being subject to the Moon; they add together, that upon Earth, Kings are in like sort of Government; as if natural reason had first ordained them on earth, by an unavoidable imitation of the Creator's providence, used in that institution of Government in the Air, Starrs, and Heaven. Neither do the ancientest Gentiles speak of those elder times, than with clear supposition of Monarchy, even in the Infancy of the world. And though divers of the chiefest States of the old Grecians were in their most flourishing times Democracies, or Optimacies; yet the more ancient States there, were in every place Monarchies, as is expressly noted 
Paus. in Boeoticis. Seld. f. 11.  by Pausanias. They are honoured in all salutations, not only with kissing the hand, but bowing the knee also, in acknowledgement of their superiority to all.  
Some are of opinion, that this kind of Salutation came first to Rome, from the old customs of the Asiatic Kingdoms. For when the Persians meet, you may know whether they be equal or not, for in salutation they kiss each other; but if one be somewhat inferior, they kiss only the cheek; but if one be more ignoble, he falls down adoring the other, and passing by one another he turns his back, as unworthy to look him in the face, that is so much above him in honour.  
The Ceremonies at his Coronation are many, and in England more than any other Countries, As the anointing with Oil, the sacred Consecration (which is to no other Kings but France, Sicily, and Jerusalem); and his Crown fell on his head with many Religious Ceremonies, which Spain, Portugal, Arragon, and Navarre, etc. have not; besides the Ensigns of Regality, which are, a Ring to signify his faithfulness, a Bracelet for good works, a Sceptre for Justice, a Sword for vengeance, Purple 〈◊〉 to attract reverence, and a Diadem triumphant to blazon his glory.  
The Ceremony of Anointing, every one almost understands to have been an. Institution as old as the Law of God almost; for though we find no special command in the Law delivered for it, yet we find examples of it in a continued succession from God's own people, and that with the holy Oil, with which none, by the command in the Law, were to be anointed, but the Priest; which Oil never wasted.  
And that this hath been no Innovation 
Seld. c. 8. fol. 149.  among us, is proved by Mr. Selden, who makes it appear to be of above a thousand years standing, before it was either in the Empire or France.  
Though they have had it in France a long time, and they say by divine Institution. 〈◊〉 upon us for their authority, the Miracle of a Dove, that brought a Vial of holy Oil from Heaven, to anoint King Clovis the 
Chopni de Dominio. lib 3. tit. 8.  first, about five hundred years since Christ; which Oil, they say, hath never wasted.  
It was the saying of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Inunguntur Reges in Capite, etiam Pectore, & Brachiis; quod 〈◊〉 ficat gloriam, sanctitatem, & fortitudinem. King's are anointed on the Head, to signify their glory; on the Breast, to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their sanctity; on their Arms, to 〈◊〉 their power.  
He is Crowned with an Imperial Crown, the Crown set on his head by the Archbishop of Canterbury, a Prerogative to that See, as it is in Spain to Toledo, in France to Rheims, and in Swethen to Upsalia.  
But this Imperial Crown hath not been long in use among us, though our Kings have have had Imperial Commands, as over Scotland, Ireland, Man, and other 〈◊〉: yet of Ireland they were but Lords, until the 33 year of Henry the eighth, he being notwithstanding as absolute a Monarch over it when he was but 
Coke 7. par. Seld. fol. par. 1. c. 8.  Lord of Ireland, as when he was styled King.  
The Crowns formerly were but the same in a manner with that of an Earl now.  
Neither is it to be found, that any such thing as a Diadem was in use at all, till the time of Constantine 〈◊〉 Great, the distinction before being some kind of Chaplet, or, which is most certain, a white silk Fillet about the brows, which was an ordinary way to distinguish them, as I have myself seen Statues of the Emperor, with such a kind of Fillet about the head.  
From whence is that which we read, that Alexander the Great took off his white Diadem, to cure the madness of Seleucus.  
The first that was Crowned with this kind of Imperial Crown, floryed and arched, was Henry the third, say some; but others, Henry the first: and indeed it is left disputable to me, so by me to others.  
However, it is very probable and plain, that the ancientest Ensign of Regal Authority was the Sceptre; which is every where spoken of, both in the Scriptures and profane Stories.  
There is another Ensign of their Authority, which is a Globe with a Cross, in use amongst us ever since Edward the Confessor, which is placed in the left hand, as is seen in most of their Coins; the Cross denoting his Faith, and the Globe his Empire both by Sea and 
Ibid. cap 8.  Land, as it is said of Justinian, who was the first Emperor that ever had it.  
At the Coronation of the Emperor, it is carried by the Count Palatine of the Rhine, where they call it Pomum Imperiale.  
This power, dignity, and state, hath been enjoyed by the Female sex, as heirs descending by the common right of Inheritance, and not only in our parts, but many others, as at this day in Swethen, when there is not the least punctilio of a diminution in respect of the Sex. Besides, for an addition to the honour of a King, there is the same state allowed to a Queen, during the life of her husband, as to a Queen absolute almost, and is allowed a Crown. She is called Queen from the Saxon word Cuningine, as King from Cuning, only by variation of the gender, as it was their manner in such cases.  
She is permitted to sit in State at the King's 
Seg. Hon. Mil. & Civ. lib. 4. cap. 6.  right hand, and to keep a Court distinct from the King, although she be but the daughter of an Earl. But this was in the time of King Edgbert prohibited, and so for a long time continued, by reason of Eadburgh, who poisoned her husband King Brithick of the Westsaxons. And if she be the daughter of a King Superior to her husband, she may retain the 
Jac. Rebust. de dig. lib. 12.  dignity of her father's daughter, and in this case the daughter hath preceded the mother.  
And although in these latter times, our Monarchy hath been reduced under the circumference of one Crown Imperial, no others having any other substitute Governors crowned: Yet formerly, both Scotland and Ireland had King's distinct, whilst they acknowledged homage to the Crown of England; as also the isles of Man and Wight.  
The Kings of Man were first subject to the Kings of Norway, then to the Crown of England, and after to the Kings of Scotland, and since again to the Kings of England. Dominus 
Th. Walsingham 17 Rich. 2  hujus Insulae Rex vocatur, cui fas est Corona aurea coronari. The Lord of the Isle is called King, and it is lawful for him to be crowned with a Crown of gold.  
Henry the second allowed with the same honour 
Seld. c. 3. par. 1.  Roderig of Conaght to be King, paying a homagery Tribute.  
The Lord Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, under Henry the sixth, was in the like manner crowned King of the Isle of Wight.  
Which is enough in this place as to the Dignity of a King.   

Of the Emperor.  
THe original of this Title, as it was long amongst the Romans, denoted only a General of an Army; and not till the time of Julius Caesar translated to an honorary Title, who being made perpetual Dictator, took also that of Imperator into his Title; which hath continued in his Successors until this day, and became Superior to the Title of King, that before was but substitute under it; (being 
Seg. fol. 214.  yearly created in January, and ended in September.) Which great change happened upon the Victory of Caesar against Pompey, at the Battle of Pharsalia.  
This Title was only taken up to supply that of King, which had not long before been 
See 〈◊〉. de divin. lib. 2.  thrown out by Brutus, and was supposed by the Usurper to be yet fresh in their memories, and odious amongst them; and it was long after, before they used the Title of King, though their power were as much, and the Ceremonies and Ensigns of Regality the same; and the Emperor's Throne at Rome was 
〈◊〉. ad Spartian.  called Sedile regni. But at last it grew to be as one, and then the Emperor of Rome having subjected under his Jurisdiction many Kingdoms, thought it however a title of more eminence, and so retained it. And though the title has not been so generally appropriated 
Stat. Hyb. 24 H. 8. cap. 12. & 25.  to our Crown, yet our Kings have been styled Emperors, and this Realm of England called an Empire. So have the Kings of Spain and France.  
But it is more peculiarly allowed or assumed by the Emperors of Germany, who suppose, that they have a right to the government of the whole world.  
This Empire, after it was divided to Constantinople and Rome; and then again, that Constantinople had lost it to the Turks; it was removed to Germany, and in the reign of Otho the third, the Election granted to seven Princes of Germany, the Archbishops of Mentz, Trevers, & Cullen; the Count Palatine of Rhine, the Duke of 
Segar l. 4. cap. 4.  Saxony, the marquis Brandenburg, and the King of Bohemia, then called Duke of Bohemia.  
He hath had also the Superiority allowed him by all Secular Princes; and whereas other Princes of Regal Authority are crowned with but one Crown, he is with three; the first of Iron, which he receives of the Bishop of Cullen at Aquisgrane; the second of Silver, which he receives at Modena from the Bishop of Milan; the third is of Gold, wherewith he is crowned at Rome by the Pope.  
And in latter Ages, the title of King of the Romans is given to the Heir, or him that is made, or chosen Heir of the Empire; and he is crowned, and Jura Regalia given him, though not so absolute, as not to have a dependence on the Empire. See Mr. Selden, part 2. chap, 1.  
The Ensigns of his Imperial Dignity are a Cross, a Lance, and a Sword; a Sceptre, a Mond, and a Crown; and he is styled 〈◊〉.  
The Emperor of Russia is not Crowned, but is adorned with a rich Cap of Purple; neither is the Greek Sultan, but vested with a mighty rich Tulipant. But there, though 
Leunclavius supplement, annal. Turc. Ann. Chr. 1566.  the Emperor have no Diadem, yet the sultaness is adorned with a Rich Crown or Diadem.  
Thus have I run through all the degrees of Honour, and with as much brevity as so copious a Theme would allow of; and for matter of precedency, I think the method I have taken will save me the labour, and I am unwilling to trouble the brains of the Ingenuous Reader with an unnecessary prolixity; only as to Offices of State, because I have omitted them altogether, I shall set down their places as in Princely Solemnities they are to be disposed. In which, those of the Crown are to precede all other of the Nobility that are not, except the Blood Royal.  

As the  
Lord Chancellor.  
Lord Treasurer.  
Lord Precedent of the Privy Council.  
Lord Privy Seal.   
These six also are placed next the Lord Privy Seal thus, according to their state of dignity; that is, If he be a Baron, to sit above all Barons; if an Earl, above all Earls.  

Lord Great Chamberlain of England.  
Lord High Constable of England.  
Lord Marshal of England.  
Lord Admiral of England.  
Lord Great Master, or Steward of the King's House.  
Lord Chamberlain of the King's House.   
So the King's principal Secretary being a Baron of the Parliament, hath place above all Barons; and if he be of a higher degree, according to the former rule.  
The Spiritual Nobility are thus placed.  

The Archbishop of Canterbury.  
The Archbishop of York.   

Bishop of London.  
Bishop of Durham.  
Bishop of Winchester.   
The two first are placed according to ancient dignity, and the three last by act of Parliament, and the rest of the Bishops to take their places according to the seniority of Consecration. Segar. lib. 4. cap. 24. By an Act of Parliament, An. 31. Hen. 8. See the Act in Mr. Selden's Titles of Honor.  
So all men serving near unto the Prince's Person, either Civil or Military, are allowed a precedency in pari dignitate, and themselves according to his seniority of place. As to their precedency otherwise, Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts, and Barons, are to take their places according to the antiquity of their Title, and their Ancestor's creation; and their Wives accordingly.  
A Duke's eldest son takes place as a Marquesle, but beneath him; and his Wife beneath a marchioness: and if she be the daughter and heir of a Duke, she shall go before all Duke's eldest sons wives; and however are equal to a marchioness, but to go beneath them; and the younger sons of Dukes are in equal degree with an Earl, but to go beneath him; and Marquesles elder sons, and their Ladies, to take place accordingly.  
So the eldest son of a marquis as an Earl, and the younger as Viscounts; and their Ladies and sisters to take place accordingly, as before.  
An Earl's eldest son takes place as a youngest Viscount, and the younger as Barons, their wives and sisters accordingly: Viscounts eldest sons as Barons, and their youngest sons to take place with Baron's eldest sons, above 
Seld. fol. 906.  Knights Baronet's, (by an Act of King James) and above all Bannerets, but those made by the King himself under the Slander; and all Knights Bachelors.   

Of Women.  
NOw lest I should be thought malicious to a Sex I owe much honour to, before I conclude, I shall take some short observations more than already I have. And first, that although they are not allowed to sit in Parliament, yet do they enjoy almost all privileges 
Coke 8. part. 53.  due to the other Sex.  
The honourable Feminine Dignities are, Princess, Duchess, marchioness, Countess, Vicountesse, and Baronesse. Which are either by Creation, by Descent, or by Marriage.  
This honour by Creation, as it is rare amongst us, so it is more rarely taken notice of, though 
Cart. 21. Rich. 2. mem. 12. num. 18.  many examples have been; as Richard the second created Margaret Countess of Norfolk, into the title of Duchess of Norfolk, See the Charter in Mr. Selden. Anne Bullen was created marchioness of Pembroke by Hen. 8. limited to her, and the heirs males of her body to be 
Pat. 24. Hen. 8. par. 1.  begotten, with creation-mony of twenty five pounds per annum, and the ceremony of Mantle and Coronet.  
The Lady Finch was by King James created Vicountesse of Maidston, to her and her heirs of her body; with special clause, that her heirs male should have a voice in Parliament; and afterward she was likewise made Countess of Winchester, etc.  
Of these Titles thus conferred, Sir John 
Pat. 21. Jac. part. 8 num. 4.  Fern takes no notice, though else he discourses largely enough.  
By Descent, we have continual examples: When any daughter of an Earl or Viscount shall continue a Virgin, or marry an Esquire, she shall retain that honour that springs from her father's blood, take place according; and be saluted by the Title of Lady.  
Which word Lady came from Hleafdian, or Leafdian, by contraction in the Teutonick, and so Lafdy, and thence Lady, as from Laford, Lord. The word Laf signifying bread, 
Versteg. fol. 413.  and Diana serve. It seems, from that they called those persons, that for their quality could entertain others, and distribute corn and bread to their neighbours, by that Title.  
And of old, though in the Empire, and here, the word Dominus was used in general for salutation amongst men of all sorts, yet Domina only to persons of honour amongst 
Bract. l. 3. de Coron. 116.  women; as the widows of all Tenants in chief, and daughters and heirs of all Knights, etc.  
The heirs females of any Count or Baron, 
Ib. de acq. rer. Dom. lib. 2. c. 34.  shall enjoy both the Estate divided, and Titles too, if they be to be divided; and they shall be enjoyed by their husbands, if they marry, in the right of their wives.  
So that if there be two, or three, or more sisters, to share the estate, and the honours and dignities inherent be enough, they shall enjoy every one, one; as in the case of the Earldom of Pembroke in the time of Edward the third, and now the Lord Darcy of the North, by the same right enjoys the title of the Lord Conyers.  
But this holds not; when the title is held by Jus gladii, or Knight's service; or if the Honour be in any Castle or place only, it cannot be divided, but falls and dissolves in the Crown, or left to the disposing of the King. And again, if the estate of honour and dignity be not descending to the heirs general, but entailed to the heirs male, it cannot be the inheritance of a daughter, as many times it is.  
But we may understand this the better by that more eminent demonstration of high Offices of the Kingdom, which descending by inheritance on the heirs general, have been challenged by the husbands of heirs female, in right of their wives, the Descent-male failing; as in the case of the Duke of Buckingham, in the time of Henry the eighth, challenging the 
Dier's Reports. 283. b.  Office of High-Constableship of England.  
The Office of Lord Steward descended to Blanch, daughter of Hen. Earl of Lancaster, in whose right Joh. of Gaunt her husband enjoyed it.  
So the Office of Earl Marshal descended to the house of Norfolk, by an heir female; afterward being forfeited by treason, was conferred to the Lords howard's of Arundel.  
And in this and all such Descents, where there are not dignities enough to allow a partition to all the Sisters, but the Honour shall be undividable; it shall descend to the eldest, or be disposed by the King to which he please.  
And for ennobling by birth, these rules are observed: That if a Gentleman, Knight, or Baron, do marry a wife of ignoble parents, she shall enjoy the title, name, and dignity of her husband: For, saith Sir John Fern, let the wife 
Glory of Generosity. fol. 62.  be shining and glorious with the dignities of her husband: Whereas, on the contrary, if a Gentlewoman of blood and Coat-Armor shall marry a Franklin, Yeoman, or the like, that 
Ibid.  is ignoble, having no Coat-Armor, his condition is no whit advanced by marriage in point of honour; Although let him be inferior to her 
Coke 4. part. 118. b. 6. part. 53. b. ibid.  whom she shall marry, yet she shall retain the honour, state, and dignity she was born to.  
But there is this Law for them to walk by too, that is, Si mulier nobilis nupserit ignobili, desinit esse nobilis; that is, If a Noble-woman marry with an ignoble, her nobility is extinguished; for she is under the power of her husband, and ought not to be in a condition above him: For example whereof, a case is cited of one Ralph Hayward Esquire, and the Lady Anne 
Dyer. 79.  Powes, widow of the Lord Powes.  
But I am of opinion, that (being only an acception in Court by the Adversary of the Party) this is not to be understood, but in case the person such a Noble: woman shall marry, be no Gentleman, and that she hath received the Honour she enjoyed before, from the right of a former husband, and not by descent of Ancestors; for the words of Judge 
Coke par. 1. fol. 16.  Coke run thus: Si mulier nobilis nupserit ignobili, desinit esse nobilis; & eodem modo, quo quidem constituitur, dissolvitur: That is, If a Noble-woman shall marry an ignoble husband, she ceases to be Noble, and in the same manner her honour was constituted it is dissolved.  
So as by the Laws of the Nation, an Adulteress forfeiteth her Dower, so also her honour of Nobility, if she commit adultery, either as a wife or widow; or else having received honour from her deceased husband, and shall so put him out of her mind, as to subject herself to another, by which act she wipeth both the name and memory of the former from her, she hath the sentence of forfeiture against her. So Sir John Fern, in his Glory of Generosity, fol. 62. Yet the Law is thus curious in preserving the memory of Virtue in the honour of its reward, that if a woman of noble blood do marry a Churl or Clown, and have issue by him, she being an heir, that issue shall have liberty of bearing her Coat-Armor. But Sir John Fern says, only for life, and that on a Lozenge Shield, (which is the feminine bearing) with the difference of a Cinquefoil.  
One note more I think proper in this place, which is, If a French, Spanish, or Germane woman be married to any Peer of this Realm, or other Gentleman, and be not denizoned; by 
32 of Ed. 3. 35. in the case of Gilb. Humfrevill  the Laws of the Nation, she cannot claim the privileges or titles of her husband, nor have Dower or Jointure from him.  
And thus much I think sufficient in this place as to the honour of Women; and if I have said too little, I wish I could have said more; if too much, I beg their pardons, but refer myself to the Law.  
In the next place, I should proceed to the display of Armoury, by which the infinite number of persons are distinguished, by an innumerable variety of different Ensigns, that do illustrate and appropriate their dignity and honour: But, by the way, I have stumbled on another Theme, which though it be not so much concerned in honour, yet the Kingdom is much concerned in it, as a Power; and though I need not say much, yet I cannot pass by it and say nothing.   

Of a Parliament.  
SOme not altogether knowing of that true constitution of a Parliament, may be apt to think, that its Authority is only Supreme in this Nation. But let such understand, that from this Argument, if there were none other, it is disproved; That nothing can be made greater or more excellent than the thing that makes it, Propter quod unumquodque tale est, illud majus tale. And such creatures as shall aim at a Superiority to their Creator, are to be esteemed like those Angels, that (by the same spirit) attempting the same pride, precipitated themselves from everlasting liberty to eternal chains.  
This great Council did arise from the ancient custom of, not only the Saxons, but all Nations in the world almost, who have had examples of their King's summoning the chief Peers and Nobles to consult in weighty affairs. Which Council among the Saxons was called 〈◊〉, which was a 
Seld. Tit. of Honour, fol. 632.  meeting of the chief Prelates and Peers, to deliberate about, and to consent to, what laws the King should enact: and advising in matters of State, giving Judgement upon suits or Complaints in the same Court, as is understood of the time of King Ine, (of West sex) about 711. years after Christ.  
And again, of King Ethelbert, his ordaining, 
Bed. Hist. Eccl. lib. 2. cap. 5.  Decreta Judiciorum juxta exempla Romanorum cum consilio sapientum. And when Edwin King of Northumberland, was persuaded to be a Christian, he consulted, cum Principibus & 
Ibid. lib. 2. cap. 15.  Consulariis suis. He called to Council his Princes, or Ealdermen, and Counsellors.  
And again, King Eldred, An. 948. In festo Nativitatis Beatae Mariae, all the Nobility of the Kingdom, were summoned by an Edict from the King, as well Archbishops, Bishops, and Abbots, as all of the rest of the Lords and Chief Counsellors, Thanes and Ealdormen, to come to London, to a 〈◊〉, or great Council, to consult about affairs of the whole Kingdom: As Ingulphus his words are.  
And again, in the time of Edward the Confessor, 
〈◊〉. p. 77.  the Parliament sat at London, Rex & omnes 〈◊〉 Magnates; In which Parliament, the King attaches Earl Godwin, for that he had killed his Brother Alfred, and upon his pleading, and submission, the King refers him to the Judgement of the Court: who a long while debating it, to no purpose: at last, Leofricus Consul Cestriae, probus homo quoad Deum, & Seculum, (saith the Author) spoke thus; Earl Godwin, is a gallant Person, and a man next the King, of the best birth in the Land; and it cannot be denied, but by his Counsel or Design, Alfred was slain; therefore my opinion is, that he with his son, and all we twelve Earls, that are his friends and kindred, do present ourselves humbly before the King, loaden with as much Gold and Silver, as every man can carry betwixt his arms, to offer it up with supplication, for an expiation of the crime. Which being consented unto, and done; the King considering the reference he had made to the Court, ratified their act, and his pardon.  
By which, we see their meetings was at the King's summons; their power only deliberative in giving legal force, by consenting to what he should think fit to make a Law; and to advise de arduis Reipub: not that this force given by them, is to be understood otherwise, than that, because, it was enacted by their consent, it was the more binding over them: their consent otherwise, being no whit binding over the Sovereign's will, in the enaction; for it was his Volumus that made it; and let their Consultations rise to never so powerful votes, and results; be the thing what it would, his Nolumus buried it in oblivion, which custom 〈◊〉 ever continued, as a true Prerogative of the Crown. Nay, avisera le Roy, which is but, The King will consider of it, was enough to throw a Bill out of the House. Nothing enacted by them, though by a general consent of both Houses of Lords & Commons, being of any force, and that not only before, but after the Commons were brought in; which I find to be about the time of Edw. 1. his third year of Inauguration, 
See the Statute of the year, 1273. Seld. p. 117  an. Dom. 1273. Who in the 23. year of his reign, confirmed the Magna Charta, made by Henry the third, though Mr. Selden is of opinion, The first summoning of the Commons, was in the 49. year of Henry the third.  
The style of the Statutes, running after this manner, The King hath Ordained and Established these Acts underwritten, etc. First, The King willeth, and commandeth that, etc. Signifying, the power of enacting to force, and penalty, was derived from the Volumus of the King, not the Vote of the Lords and Commons; their consent only making it of more vigour against themselves.  
If it were an Act of Indulgence, or relief to 
Anno 18. 1. Edw. 1290.  the Commonwealth, it run thus; Our Lord the King, of his special Grace, and for the affection that he bears unto his Prelates, Earls, and Barons, and others of his Realm, hath granted that, etc. And sometimes, Our Sovereign 
Stat. de 〈◊〉: An. Reg. Ed. 20.  Lord the King hath granted, and commanded at the Instance of the Nobles of this Realm, etc. No mention at all, being made of the consent of the Lords and Commons.  
Then afterwards, thus they run, Our Lord the King, by the Counsel of his Prelates, Earls, & Barons, & other great men & Nobles of his Kingdom, in his Parliament hath Ordained & 〈◊〉, etc. An. 33. Edward the first, 1307. and so along in other Statutes, the Commons not at all mentioned in the enacting any Statute; but as thus, in the beginning of Edward the third, At the request of the Commons of this Realm by their Petition made before him, and his Council in the Parliament, by the assent of the Prelates, Earls, and Barons, etc. Until the 23. of this King's reign, in a Statute of Labourers, I find the Commons not mentioned, and then the power of Ordination given to the Statute, still by the King, as thus, It is ordered by our Lord the King, by the assent of the Prelates, Farls, Barons, and other great men, and all the Commons of the Realm, summoned to this Parliament, etc.  
And in one Act of the same King, the style runs thus, The King of his own will, without motion of the Great men or Commons, hath granted and Ordained in ease of his people, etc.  
And then to signify the Constitution of the 
An. 36. Ed. 1.  Commons in Parliament, See the 37. of Edward the third, where the Statute runs thus; The King at his Parliament, etc. at the request of 
An. 37 Ed. 1. & an 7. Rich. 2. Hen. 3. Ed. 4. Rich. 3.  the Commons, and by the assent of the Prelates, Dukes, Earls, and Barons, and other Great men there assembled, hath Ordained, etc. and at the prayer of the Commons, etc. In which style, most of the Statutes run until Henry the eight.  
And for provision of the choice of the Commons, in a Statute of the 23. of Hen. 6. is set down the form of Writ, by which they are summoned, where it is also enacted, That the Knights of the Shires for Parliament, hereafter to be chosen, shall be natural Knights, or otherwise 
Vide Blow. den f. 121.  such natural Esquires, or Gentlemen of the same County, as shall be 〈◊〉 to be Knights.  
And every Knight that is elected, aught to be a resident of the place, for which he is elected: and every man that is an Elector, aught to have forty shillings of freehold, within the said County; and for the security of it, the Sheriff hath power to put them to an Oath, 
Statute 8. of Hen. 6. cap. 15.  upon the Evangelist, and the Election ought to be betwixt the hours of eight and nine in the Forenoon, and so of Burgesses.  
The form of the Writ, is this; Rex Vic' etc. Salutem, Quia nostri 〈◊〉 pro quibusdam arduis & ur gentibus negotiis nos statum & defensionem regni nostri Angliae & Ecclesiae Anglicanae concernent' quoddam Parliamentum nostrum Westm. 12. die Novemb. proxim' futur' teneri Ordinavimus, & ibidem 〈◊〉 Magnatibus Proceribus domus regni nostri colloquium habere & tractare, Tibi praecipimus firmiter injungentes, quod, facta Proclamatione in proximo tuo post receptionem hujus literis nostris tenend' die & loco predicto duos milites gladiis cinctis magis idoneos, & discret' Com' praedict' &c. & electionem illam in distinct 
Crompt. Courts 16. vid Sta. de An 〈◊〉 H. 6. cap 〈◊〉.  & apertè sigillo tuo, & sub sigillis eorum qui electioni illi 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 bis in Cancellaria nostra & locum certisices 〈◊〉. And still, before they came up to the House, they signed Indentures to be true and faithful to their King and Country, and the service thereof, upon a penalty, even to the last long Parliament of eternal infamy.  
And in the third, of Queen Elizabeth, it was enacted in full Parliament, for the safety of the Queen's Majesty, her Heirs, and Successors, and the dignity of the Imperial Crown of England, for the avoiding both of such hurts, perils, dishonour, and inconveniencies, as have before time befallen; that not only all persons should take the Oath of Supremacy, upon divers penalties in that Act specified; But also every Knight, Citizen, and Burgess of the Parliament, should take the said Oath before he entered into the said House, or had any voice there; else he should be deemed no Knight, Citizen, or Burgess for that Parliament, nor have any voice; but shall be to all intents, constructions, and purposes, as if he had never been Returned, nor Elected for that Parliament, and shall suffer all pains, and penalties, as if he had presumed to sit in the same without Election, Return, or Authority. And by King James, the Oath of Allegiance was added. Yet, notwithstanding all this limitation upon the Commonalty, Parliaments in England were ever esteemed, since Magna Charta, the greatest liberty of the Subject, none else indeed being dreamt of.  
And as it is as great a flower of the Crown to summon Parliaments, as foedera, & bellum indicere, to make War and Leagues; which is so absolute, that it is resolved by all the Judges of 
21 of Ric. 2. cap. 12.  the Land, that the King may, before he is Crowned, (if by descent the Crown be his right) summon a Parliament, or within age; as was seen in King Henry the sixth, who summoned divers Parliaments in his 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. years of his reign, yet was not Crowned till the eighth. He being then essentially King, 
Plowd. 221. 6.  without any Ceremony or Act, ex post facto; and Coronation, but a Royal Ornament.  
So the privileges of Parliament, and of the Commonwealth by Parliament, are as great: for though we thus see the great Prerogative of a King, yet many things there are, which a King in his own Kingdom cannot do without a Parliament by the Laws, by which he hath 
Bract. initio libri.  bound himself; as the making any man hereditable, or the altering the Common Law, or Customs of the Realm, though by his absolute 
Brooks prerog. 13. c. 73. & Stamff 72.  authority, he may commit any man to Prison, during his pleasure.  
Therefore, every Parliament-man, during the time of the Parliament, is privileged from 
Dyer 60. Cromptons' Courts. fol. 11.  all disturbance of arrest for debt, or the like, and the servants of any Parliament man, as much as the Kings are.  
And to this Parliament, for the further security of the good of the Commonwealth, were ever admitted certain Judges of the Land, (though they had no Vote, which sat on Woolsacks) that as the Clergy in Spiritualties, so the Judges of the Law, in things of the Law, were to advise and determine, when any difficulty did arise. That what Laws should be Enacted, might be answerable to the Will of God, and not repugnable to the Customs of the Land.  
And in our latter times, all Acts of Parliament, though made by the King, have this style; By the consent of Lords and Commons; notwithstanding the Civil Law, saith, Quod Principi placuit, Legis habet vigorem, The will of the King, is the power of the Law.   
The End of Honor.   

The Analysis of Armoury.  
I Have, with as much brevity, as so copious a Theme would admit, run through all the distinctions of Honor. In the next place, I shall with as great a contraction, lay down the emblems of those distinctions, and achievements due to Nobility, and the reward of virtue, in the methodical rules of Armoury. Bearing of Arms at this time, being the only external distinction of degrees and qualities, amongst all civil Societies and Commonwealths.  
From whence we received this custom, is uncertain, if especially, we look to the producing of it into rule and form: As it is from imitation, Sir John Fern is of opinion, that we did borrow it from the Egyptians; meaning from their Hieroglyphics.  
Others will have, that the first institution of these honourable differences, was amongst the Israelites; but however, it is not much material to this discourse, to be too inquisitive of the original in that kind, since succession of time hath converted it into another custom; which may be, for aught I know, in imitation of the Romans: who were accustomed upon triumphs or festivals, to produce the Statues of their Ancestors, as the pedigree of their Generous race.  
Which Statues were not, (as some may imagine) erected from the voluntary fancy of the parties represented, as is the leaving our Pictures behind us when we die, to our progeny; (so might every phlegmatic, mechanic do:) but they were such, as were, for some Heroic act, allowed as a public reward of virtue, which was customary amongst them.  
And truly, although every good Subject aught to be always prepared alike, to offer his body and mind unto the service of the Commonwealth, without hope or expectation of mercenary reward, honour, or glory; yet is honour a necessary perquisite to a Crown and Commonwealth, being in itself a true spur to generosity.  
Out of which respect, the Romans joined the two Temples of Honour, and Virtue, in such a manner, that no man could enter into that of Honour, without, first passing through the other of Virtue.  
Sir John Ferns opinion is, that the first that employed these Ensigns in this nature, was Alexander the Great; so to distinguish those that had done any memorable Acts, that they might urge an emulation in their fellow Soldiers.  
It is said of Epaminondas, and Othraydes, that being ready to die, they wrote their glorious exploits upon their shields themselves; to give 〈◊〉 to others, to follow their 〈◊〉 when they were dead.  
〈◊〉 believes, that Charles the Great was the first that put them into this methodical order; which doubtless, could not be, if, as Sir John Fern saith also, that Julius Caesar constituted an office of Feciales.  
But I find it in another Author, to be instituted by Numa, when he made war upon the Fidenates, a people of Latium.  
However, it is a general opinion amongst our most judicious Heralds, that the bearing of Arms, as a badge of honour amongst us, was not till about the time of Henry the third, although many coats have been 〈◊〉 in some Writers, of much longer standing; as that of Hugh Lupus, Earl of Chester, in the time of the Conqueror, a Wolveses head errased: of Gilbert de Gaunt, Earl of Kime, long before, Barry of 6. Or & Az. over all a bend Gule. Which are 〈◊〉 of by Sir John Fern: But how authentic his Authority might have been to him, to cause his insertion; or his to others, I know, not; but I shall be bold to insert one, which may chance carry some weight with it, which I shall raise from a Noble Family in the North; the family of the Hiltons, (whose antiquity, (not only by an ancient pedigree, which I have seen taken out of the Office; but by the Records of the Tower) doth produce the noblest descent that I know any Family in England;) the pedigree is too large, to be inserted in this place, else I would do it; however shall extract some notes from it, that may signify as much.  
The first, that I find recorded of the Family, was Sir William Hilton, Knight, who marrying the daughter of Sir John Grisly, Knight, (a Family long since I think extinct) had issue Adam Hilton: Which Adam living in the time of King Athelstan, gave to the Monastery of Hartlepool, a Pix or Crucifix, which was in weight twenty five ounces of Silver, and caused his Arms to be engraven on it; Arg. two bars Azure, which are yet seen upon the Gate of Hilton Castle, in the Bishopr. of Dur. where they lived, with a Moses head for Crest; the Gate and the Chapel, (which is very stately for its structure and bigness) are the only parts remaining of the ancient building. He gave unto the same Monastery, a Cope & Vestment with the Stole; and the like gift unto the two Monasteries, of Whitby and Gisbrough, with fifty seven ounces of silver to make Censors. They were five descents before the Conquest; and hath now the nine and twentieth descent surviving. In which line were twenty four Knights, eighteen whereof were in a continued succession.  
But I leave this nicety to more critical judgements to determine the thing, having for authority custom sufficient to make it a law within itself, without the derivation of any original institution. Former ages having esteemed the Laws of Heraldry with as great a veneration as any in the Nation; as indeed it ought still to be, and more especially in these, and all such times as ours, the Court of Heraldry being not only the Lawgiver to Honour, but the best record of Families and Inheritances, (though the Gentry of this Land are too dull to know it) since Coat-Armor hath been hereditary, as it hath ever since the time of Lewis Le-grosse (according to the account of Sir John Fern and Guillim:) As by one instance I shall declare; If a man being an Orphan, and, by such times as ours have been, the Records of what Estate did rightly belong to him, and from his Ancestors, may be burnt, plundered, or otherwise embeselled, and by such spirits, as such times do plentifully afford, have been obtruded from his right, and hath nothing to plead for it, this Office being the just Record of his Pedigree, would produce an Evidence sufficient, though from many generations his misfortunes have descended: More particularly of the Office in another place.  
As for the progress of Armoury, I have pitched upon the most methodical course I could, disposing it into several divisions and to every division adding its varieties, as in the succeeding Scutcheons will appear; that I have crowded many severals into one Scutcheon, is to contract the general into lesser bulk.  
The form of placing the devices of Arms on Escutcheons, is from the ancient Shields; and therefore called an Escutcheon from the word Scutum.  
They are also called Coats of Arms from the custom of the Ancients, embroidering their Devises on the Coats they wore over their Arms.  
For the form, or rules, for the shape of Shields, there can be none; for, any form that a Shield may be devised into, may be taken for the shape of an Escutcheon.  
And next, for the rules of Blazoning, there are not many, but every thing to be called according to their denomination; excepting such as by antiquity have continued other names then our vulgar Language doth now give. And again, observing a method from their several postures and positions in the Shield, which gives a several term, and must be very carefully regarded; for the adding or diminishing the least punctilio, makes the Coat so much another thing, that should another man own it, he could not be questioned for it.  
And although Sir John Fern gives this definition of it: Blazonia est recitatio, vel commemoratio alicujus virtutis; & quempiam, sub quibusdam 〈◊〉 abunde, & vere laudare, aut decorum dicere: Yet our latter times have prescribed a rule of avoiding, in any case of Blazoning, as much as may be, multiplicity of words, especially such as are impertinent: This is also 
Rules in Blazon.  called Martialling a Coat, though that is a word by some esteemed only to be used when many Coats are disposed or quartered in one Shield.  
Iterations of words are also to be avoided; and in Blazoning a Coat, the Field must ever be first expressed, and then the Charge; and in that what possesseth the greatest part, or nearest the centre of the Shield, first.  
As for the diversity of kinds of Blazon, though by no greater authority than custom of some men, there is three made, By Colours 
Sir John Fern makes 〈◊〉.  and Metals, precious Stones, and Planets; the manner of blazoning thereby, making a distinction betwixt private Gentlemen, Persons ennobled with dignity, and Royal Families.  
Or Topaz Sol Arg. Pearl Luna Sab. Diamond Saturn Gul Ruby Mars Azure Saphir Jupiter Ver Emerald Venus' Purpur 〈◊〉 Mercury Fenne Jacynth Dragon's head Sanguine Sardonix Dragon's tail  
But this is only a fantastic humour of our Nation, and for my part I shall avoid it as ridiculous, being no where in the world used but here; and not here by any judicious Herald. That I insert it, it is to leave it to those humours that will make use of it.  
For the order, according to the ancient rule I have first begun with Metals, and Colours, to which I have adjoined the 〈◊〉 the parts of the Escutcheon; distinction of Families, Bordures, and crooked Lines; because from them the honourable Ordinaries receive a various form and nomination.  
Then I have set down in one Escutcheon all the Ordinaries, which are afterward in an order, (beginning with one particular) followed in their varieties.  
Then all dead things in their order, living and verdant, according to their position and posture; also those that are composed of some kind of Celestial things, as the Sun, Moon, and Stars; all kind of Martial things, or Mechanic; or the most part of what is usually born in our English Armoury.  
In the 〈◊〉 of Arms, there is by all observed a different value; as first, that the Metals are allowed a precedency to Colours; so also is there by some understood to be more of worth in one Colour then another: Yet, for 
Colours.  my part, I am of opinion, that it is so little, as not 〈◊〉 the taking notice of; only for other men's opinions sake, I will touch at it.  
First, of the Metals; Every judgement will be ready without any argument to give Gold the pre-eminence.  
As for the colours; I think they are thus to be esteemed in point of priority, Sables, Gules, Azure, Verd, Purpure; and some do introduce Ten, but it being a bastard colour, is exempted, especially amongst English Armoury, only reserved for abatement of honour, except in one or two examples of things.  
Thus I have placed the colours, though contrary to the rules of some, as Guillim placeth yellow in the third place, & green in the fourth.  
Sir John Fern allows Gules the third honour, and placeth Sable in the fifth.  
Mr. Guillim bringeth in also another colour, called Murrey or Sanguine, but I never saw it used in an English Coat; only this and Ten are appropriated to the abatements of honour, therefore to be set apart from the rest, I think, properly.  
The next in order is Furs, which may be of one colour alone, or more than one, which Furs are supposed to have been the doublings of Mantles.  
The first of these may seem to go all under the name of Ermines, but they are distinguished by various names, according to their colours; as if as the first it be white powdered with black, it is Ermine; if black with white Ermines; if yellow with black as the Erminoys: if as the fourth black with yellow Pean: if white with black, and one red hair, Erminites. By which it is understood, how precise a man ought to be in the Blazon, or tricking a Coat, when so small a difference, as the colour of one hair, shall make a Coat another thing.  
The next is called Vayre or Verry, this being of Argent and Azure, is termed Vaire only; but if any other colours, then must it be blazoned Verry of such colours; as for example, Ermine and Gules by the name of Gressey of Darbyshire.  
The next is Potent Counter-potent, by some Varry-Copy.  
The colours whereof must be Blazoned.  
The last is but of two Counters, if called Countercomponed; but if more, then checky.  
If any of which be in a Bordure, you must say, A Border purflew of such a fur; blazoning the fur and the colours.  
Now by the way, Mr. Guillim doth hint one rule in Blazon concerning the Field (which is the surface of the Shield) which ought to be well observed for propriety of speaking; which is not to say, He beareth a field Or, or Arg. etc. but the field is Or, or Arg. etc. 〈◊〉 else he beareth Or, or Arg. Gules, or the like, etc.  
These Furs are often born in Bordures also, which are in the next place to be treated of.  
And here in one Escutcheon have I placed the Bordures; and in the several quarters the differences of brethren.  
Of Bordures, if it be plain, you must say, A Bordure Gules, or the like.  
If it be charged with Beasts, than it is blazoned, A Bordure Enurney of such Beasts; if of Birds, Enaluran of such Birds; if of Flowers, Verdoy; if of dead things, Entoyre, as of Bezanti, Mullets, or the like.  
The plain or simple Bordures have also their varieties, according to all their crooked lines. Which I shall show shortly after.  
For the charged Bordures, here is exemplified nine distinct.  
In the first is a Bordure counter-compounded Or and Gules; the second, a Bordure Purflew of Vayre, the third, quarterly composed of Ermine and Checky, Or, and Azure; the fourth, Gobbonated, Or, and Sables; the fifth, Sables Entoyre of eight Bezants; the sixth, Or, a Bordure Gules, charged with three Bendlets Sables; the seventh, Azure, Enaleuron of eight Martlets Or; the eighth, quarterly, the first Gules Enurney of three Lyoncels passant guardant, Or, the second Azure Verdoy of as many Flowerdelis: the third as the second, the fourth as the first: which, with a Field Argent, was the Coat-Armor of Henry Courtney Earl of Devonshire, marquis of Exon. This may be blazoned short, by England and France. The ninth is a Bordure Gules, Diapered, Entoyre, Enurney, Enaleuron, and Verdoy.  
This kind of Bordure may be of any two or other set number of these also.  
Now to the intent that Coat-Armor might descend to the Posterity with safety, and free from dissension of strife, Distinctions were invented, which I have here set down, to the number Nine.  
By which differences the Bearer is understood of what degree or line of Consanguinity he is; if he be of the second, third, or fourth House, and what brother of that House, by charging his Coat with the difference appertaining; and if a younger brother of a younger House, then by charging the difference of the House with difference of Line, of Fraternity: There being so much care taken for the preserving the honour of the entire Coats, that the eldest son of the first House during the life of his father (so of the rest) cannot bear it without his distinction, and, for this reason, hath 
Segar, Fern, Guillim.  the Nephew of the first (the father being dead) been always preferred before the Uncle of the second, etc. and taketh place before him.  
By the way also, we are to take notice, that if all the brethren die without issue, and leave sisters behind, as they are co-inheritors of the Lands and Estare, so shall they be of the Coat-Armor also, without any distinction at all, to either of them; because by them the name of the House cannot be preserved, they being all reckoned but as one Heir.  
Again, if they be not heirs, they are not admitted to the bearing of the Coat-Armor; for, saith Sir John Fern, Arma non transeunt ad agnatos & affines. Yet their husbands are admitted to adjoin the Arms of their wives families in the sinister side of their Escutcheons, with their own; but if they have none of their own, than not at all.  
Now there is none of those signs, but are sometimes born in Arms, as Charges of the Coat; but when they are distinctions, it is easily known by their singularity, either of place, position, or diminutive proportion.  


A, The Dexter chief.  
B, The precise middle chief.  
C, The Sinister chief.  
D, The Honour point.  
E, The Fez point.  
F, TheNombril point.  
G, The Dexter Base.  
H, The precise middle Base.  
ay, The Sinister Base.    


1, Invecked.  
2, ingrailed.  
3, Wavy.  
4, Nebule.  
5, Embattaild or Crenelle  
6, Indented  
7, Dancette    
Of these lines, the two first differ only in this, that the points of the ingrailed line are turned into the field, and the other contrary into the ordinary, that those lines do make. The two last are both one secundùm quale, only differing secundùm quantum; the one being only wider and deeper than the other.  
And when any of these Ordinaries are drawn withthese lines, the Blazoner is to say, A Bend, Chief, Pale, or what it is; Invecked, Ingrayled, Wavy, or the like: But if plain, then only to name the Ordinary with its colours, according to the following examples.  
1, A Crosse. 2, A Chief, 3, A Pale. 4, A Bend. 5, a Fez. 6, An Inescutcheon. 7, A Cheveron. 8, A Saltyr. 9, A Bar.  
The last of which Ordinaries may easily be mistaken for the same, or at least a diminutive of the fifth; but it is not: and they are distinguished by the space they possess in the field, and also by this difference, the Bar hath liberty all over the field with its diminutions; the Fez only one proper place.  
These Ordinaries according to Leigh do possess these proportions of the field.  
Cross, containeth uncharged the fifth part, but charged the third; the Chief, the third part, the Pale, the third part, the Bend, the fifth uncharged, but charged the third; the Fez, the third part, the Innescut. the fifth part, the Chever, the fifth part, the Saltyr, the fifth uncharged, but charged the third; the Bar, the fifth part.  
Of these Ordinaries, some have their diminutives, as the Bar a Closet, a Barralet; the Bend both Dexter and Sinister, the Dexter hath a Bendlet, Garter, single and double Cottises, and a Ribbon; the Sinister Bend, a Scarp, and a 〈◊〉; a Cheveron hath its Cheveronels.  
And here now I shall desire to be excused for digressing from the method of other men, especially Mr. Guillim; and first to take notice of some other forms near relating to the Ordinaries for their shape and proportion, on which are oftentimes rewards and additions of Honour placed in Coats; as also the abatements of Honour for misdemeanour, and dishonourable actions, that afterwards I may not have any thing to interrupt a methodical proceeding in the rest.  
The first of which are those, on which most commonly additions are given, which are these.  
The first is a Bordure, spoken of before.  
The second, a Quarter.  
The third, a Canton.  
The fourth, a Gyron.  
The fifth, a Pile.  
The sixth, two Flasques.  
The seventh, two Flanches.  
The eighth, two Voiders; which, saith Leigh, is the way of bearing a reward given to a Woman.  
The ninth is Ernoin, an Inescutcheon Gules, named also a Scutcheon of Pretence.  
On any of these may an addition of Honour be placed, according to the pleasure of the Prince, or the fancy of the Herald, that is left to the designing. Which reward remains to the posterity of the Achiever, and none of the descendants of his family, but his own line may bear it. In which manner I have seen the Arms of a Kingdom given to a private Subject, nay, and sometimes to a Stranger, as in the example of Sir Henry St. George Norroy King of Arms, who upon an Embassy into Sweden, was honoured by the King of the Swethes with the addition of the Arms of Swethen in a Canton.  
The marquis of Exeter gave the Arms of England in a Bordure, as in the Escutcheon of Bordures' is seen in the eighth quarter, being given him by Henry the eighth.  
Now the Laws of honour having by a continued succession of time maintained and refined these rules of Nobility, for the encouragement of brave and generous spirits: So, foreseeing the proneness of all men, being apt to fall and decline from the virtues and braveness of their Ancestors, and to bury the honour of the deceased Purchasers in the dust, than to improve the Talon of Renown Time hath entrusted them with; as a correction to such dunghill-spirits, there is provided a method of degrading them from, or giving diminutions of disgrace to the Arms of such: As the example of the succeeding Escutcheon demonstrates.  
The first, according to Mr. Guillim's rules, is a Delft Ten, due to him that revoketh a Challenge.  
The second is an Inescutcheon reversed Sanguine, for deflowering a Maid or Widow.  
The third is a point Dexter, for too much boasting his Martial acts.  
The fourth, a point in point, Sanguine, due to a Coward.  
The fifth, a point Champion Ten, to him that killeth his prisoner.  
The sixth, two Gussets Sanguine for Adultery.  
The seventh, a gore sinister Ten, for him that flies from his Colours.  
The eighth, a point plain Sanguine, for telling lies to a Sovereign or General.  
The ninth, the whole Coat of Arms reversed, and proper only to a Traitor.  
But there is another stricter punishment also for Treason, as Sir John Fern, Sir William Segar, and the Civil Laws relate, which is, that though he have many sons then living, his Arms are for ever taken away, unless by some extraordinary service his successors do regain the honour of them, and wipe away the stain; for, Eorum memoria destrui debet, says the Law.  
And in the same manner are those other stains of abatement so riveted to their Shield; when once by the Sovereign authority placed there, that neither the immediate possessors, nor succeeding owners, with their greatest force, or the all-corroding teeth of time are able to tear it away; but by virtuous demeanour to ingratiate the same hand, that put it on, to wipe it off.  
Pity it is those Rules have not been exactly observed in our latter Ages; such a severity would doubtless be a means to affrighten many, that are inclined to these abominable enormities, to apply themselves ingenuously to a gentle obedience, and plausible demeanour: For, if not for Loyalty, Honour, or the Punishment of other Laws; yet, rather than leave so great a proclamation of their 〈◊〉, to be both a plague upon their fames, and a leprosy on their posterity, they would cautiously fly from such senseless carelessness.  
Now having thus laid down the 〈◊〉 as well as the additions of Honour, I am brought by my Method to the main body of this general work of Armoury, which is the variety of bearing the Ordinaries, and after the accidents more common; as of Birds, Beasts, Fishes, Plants, Mechanical things, etc.  
And for the first (as in my estimation very reasonably) the most honourable, I begin with the Cross, and its various kinds of bearings, being more numerous by much than any of the other Ordinaries. This hath its position in the greatest and most eminent parts of the Shield; and therefore it is much to me, that Mr Guillim, and others, should place it last of all the Ordinaries.  
The Cross, if uncharged, possesseth the fifth part of the Field; but, if charged, the third. The varieties I have placed in two Shields, as first in this.  
In the first quarter is Azure, a plain Cross Or, the Coat of the Sheltons' of Norfolk.  
The second is Gules, a Cross crossed upon three Grease Or, by the name of Jones in Denbyshire.  
The third, Or, a 〈◊〉 pattec Sables, fimbriated Gules.  
The fourth Arg. a Cross Wavy voided Sable, by the name of Duckenfield in Devonshire.  
The fifth, 〈◊〉, a Cross Moline pierced Lozenge, Or, which was the Coat-Armour of Molaneux of 〈◊〉.  
This piercing a Cross, is always known from a charge on it, by the colour of it; for if it be the same with the Field, than it is supposed the appearance of the field through it; and is sometimes square, sometimes round, and sometimes Lozenge-ways; but if it be not the colour of the Field, than it is a Charge, and receives another Blazon, as hereafter will appear.  
The sixth example is Azure, a Cross patonce Or, which Leigh saith, was the Arms of King Edgbert: this differeth but little from the Cross Flory, Flurry, or Fleury; as by the next you see.  
The seventh is Arg. a Cross Flurry Gules.  
The eighth Gules, a Cross Avelane Or.  
The ninth Azure, a Cross potten fitched Or, the Coat Armour of Ethelbert, King of the Westsaxons, as saith Guillim.  
The second Escut cheon represents, as many as I have expressed in the first, and those as strange.  
The first is a Cross formy flory.  
The second is a Cross bottony.  
The third a Cross couped Or, charged with a pellet in the fez point or centre.  
And by these next examples is seen, that the Cross is many times divided into more than two parts, and sometimes all over the Field, as in this fourth, which is Or, a Cross triparted flurry Gules.  
The fifth Azure, a Cross double-parted Arg.  
The sixth is quarterly, Gules and Vert, four Pheons Arg. in Cross, their points meeting in fez. By which example may be seen, that many times, several things are born form into this, or any other Ordinary.  
The seventh is Azure, a Cross resarcelled Or. Which, saith Sir John Fern, is as it were sewed together again, after a voiding.  
The eighth is Gules, a Cross crossed Or: pierced all over the Field, which is the Arms of the Earl of Tholouz.  
The last is Argent, a Cross voided Couped Sables, by the name of Woodnoth.  
Sometimes one Cross is charged with another, which differeth from a Cross Fimbriated, thus: The size of the Frimbria, is much narrower than that appearance of the Cross, that is surmounted of another, (as Mr. Guillim saith;) but Sir John Fern saith, it is not a Cross fimbriated, 〈◊〉 when the uppermost is also charged.  
The next of these Ordinaries to be exemplified, is the Chief, which is variously born 〈◊〉 thus.  
The first Gule, a chief Argent by the name of Worksley.  
The second Ten, a chief Shapernette Ermine.  
The third Vert, a chief crenelle Argent, charged with a file Azure.  
The fourth Gules, a chief Argent, surmounted of another, Or: which, saith Sir John Fern, is a double addition of Honor.  
The fifth Gules, or a chief Azure, filleted in the nether part Argent: Now, sometimes this Ordinary is Honoured with an augmentation, which, very rarely, are any of the rest; as in the next example.  
The sixth is Or, two bars Azure, a chief quarterly Azure and Gules, on the first two Flowerdelys Or, on the second, one Lion Passant guardant of the last; the third as the second, the fourth as the first, which is the Coat Armour of the Earls of Rutland.  
And this is also sometimes charged with other Ordinaries, as in this seventh example, which is Barry of six per pale; in a chief paly of six per fez, all counter-changed, Or & Azure, between two Cantons gyronny of the first and second; an Inescutcheon Argent joining to the chief.  
The eighth is Sables, a bend, and chief Or.  
The last is Gules, two bars and a chief indented Or; by which is seen that this Ordinary is sometimes also form of the crooked lines; as all the rest are.  
The pale doth not only vary its form, as the rest with crooked lines, but hath its diminutives too; as in this example.  
The first is Gules a pale Or; the Coat Armour of the Lord Hinkley.  
The second Azure a pallet Argent, which possesseth the half part of a pale.  
The third is Or, an endorse Gules, which is the fourth part of a pale.  
The fourth is Argent, three pallets Wavy 〈◊〉.  
The fifth Azure a pale radiant rayone Or.  
The sixth Argent, three pallet Gules, in a chief Azure, a barrulet dancettee Or.  
The seventh is Argent, on a pale Sable, three cross pattees Or, within a bordure engrailed of the second, by the name of Crouch.  
The eighth paly of six Argent & Azure, fretted with a barrulet in fez Gules a chief and base of the same.  
The ninth Argent on a pallet Sable a fez Gules, and two barrulets of the second, quarterly pierced of the first.  
The bend is an Ordinary drawn of two lines from the dexter to the sinister base; and sometimes from the sinister chief to the dexter base; and have both their diminutions, and are varied as the rest, as oft as the variety of crooked lines can do it.  
The first is Argent, a bend engrailed Sables, by the Lord Fitzwater, Earl of Sussex.  
The second is Argent, a bendlet Gules, which possesseth half the bend, and according to the rule of some, should begin its upper line in the precise corner of the dexter chief, whereas the bend begins above it, as much as below it.  
The third is Or, a garter Gules, which ought to contain but the third part of the bend, and derive its lines as the bend doth.  
The fourth is Gules, a Cost, or cottiss Or; which containeth the fourth part of a bend.  
The fifth is Or, a ribbon Gules; this containeth but the eighth part of a bend, and is couped at the ends.  
The sixth is Argent, a bend sinister Vert, this bend meeting in the same field with the dexter bend, seems to make a Saltyre; but they do not: and care must be taken in the blazon of it, to begin first with that which lies next the 〈◊〉, and then to say, The one surmounted of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 other.  
The divisions of this, are first a Scrape, as in the seventh, which is Argent a Scarpe Azure.  
The eighth is Or, a battune Gules, which is most commonly couped at each end as the Ribbon is, which is commonly the stain of a 〈◊〉, when he is admitted the bearing the 〈◊〉 Armour of his Father's line: but it is not to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then in mettle, but by Bastards of 〈◊〉.  
〈◊〉 last, (which for its variety, I have inserted as rare) is Azure a bend double dancette Argent, by the name of Lorks.  
If there be more than one of these Ordinaries in a Coat, they are to be blazoned thus; if two bendlets, if more, bendy of so many as it is; and sometimes 〈◊〉 a bend with its diminutives meet in one field, as in this of Sir Edmund boyer's of Camberwel in Surrey, which is Or, a bend vayre between two Cottizes Gules.  
And sometimes these Cottizes are born without any bend between them, as in the example empald of John Marsham of Hornsplace in the County of Kent Esquire, which is Or, a Lion passant in bend Gules betwixt two bendlets Azure.  
And this manner of empaling, is a way that a man joins his Wife's coat with his; and I wish these Coats might so come together.  
Now I proceed to the Fez, according to my promised method. And first in its place and genuine nature, as in the first quarter here, which is Verry of Or, and Vert, a fez Gules by the name of Duffield.  
The fecond is Or, a fez dancette Sables, the proper Coat of Sir Thomas Vavasor.  
The third Argent, a Fez and Canton Gules, by the name of Woodvile.  
The fourth Or, a fez between two Cheverons' Sables, by the name of Lisle.  
The fifth, by the name of Blyton, is Gules, a fez Sable & Argent indented, par fez point in point, between three Owls head errased of the third.  
The sixth is Vert, on a fez Argent, a bar Sable charged with four Cheverons between three Spades of the second.  
The seventh Sable a fez Wavy Argent, between two Stars of the second, given to that honourable Person Sir Francis Duke, by Queen Elizabeth, for his service at Sea.  
The eighth is Sables, a fez 〈◊〉 at each end Or, which 〈◊〉 I have very rarely seen.  
The ninth Or, a fez Nebule betwixt three trefoils slipped Gules.  
Thus you see a variety of bearing this Ordinary: yet it shows not any diminutives, 〈◊〉 changeth its place in the field; which two only properties belong to the bar, and it only so differs from this in specie.  
As for the Escutcheon born as an Ordinary, I find very little variety, only sometimes it is called an Inescutcheon, which is when thus born, which is Ermine an Inescutcheon Gules, by the name of Hulgrave.  
And sometimes an Escutcheon, as when more than one is in the field, as thus in the second which is Argent, three Escutcheons Sable, by Sir John Loudham of Suffolk.  
Sometimes these are charged only with augmentations of honour, and sometimes the field is charged with other Ordinaries promiscuously with these as in the third, which is Or, a barruler between two bars gemels, Gules, three Escutcheons vayre, by the name of Gamolle.  
And sometimes these Escutcheons are charged also as in the last, which is Or, three Escutcheons barry of six vayre and Gules.  
The Cheveron containeth the fifth part of the field, and is not so confined to one place, but may be born in another, and also more than one in a field, but if above two, they are called Cheveronels: Guillim.  
The first example is 〈◊〉, a Cheveron Gules, belonging to the Lord's Staffords.  
The second is Or, a Cheveron in chief Azure.  
There are divers other accidents, incident to this Ordinary, as transposition, coupings, voidings, and reversing, besides it hath its diminutives, for example, the third is Ermine, a Cheveron cooped Sable, by the name of Jones.  
The fourth is Azure, a Cheveron engrailed, voided Or, by the name of Dudley.  
The fifth Argent, a Cheveronel Vert: of which there can be but three in a field.  
The sixth is Vert, a couple close Argent, which containeth the fourth part of a Cheveron, and is not born but by pairs, except a Cheveron be between.  
The seventh is Sables, a Cheveron Rompe Or, betwixt three Mullets by the name of Sault.  
The eighth is Azure, three Cheveronels brased in the base of the Escutcheon, and a chief Or, by the name of Fitz-hugh.  
The ninth is Gules, three Cheveronels reversed Or.  
The Saltyre, is an Ordinary form of a fourfold line, two from the dexter chief, extending towards the sinister base, and two towards the dexter base from the sinister chief, meeting in fez by couples in acute angles; in the nature of that which we usually call, a Saint Andrews Crosse.  
The first is Argent, a Saltyre Gules, by the ancient and Noble Family of the Gerrard's of Lancashire.  
The second is Azure, a Saltyre quarterly quartered Or, & Argent, the Arms of the Episcopal Sea of Bath and Wells.  
The third is Gules, a Saltyre Or, surmounted of another Vert, by the name of Andrews.  
The fourth is Sables, a Saltyre Argent, in the fez point an Inescutcheon Or, charged with a Cross Gules; and this, though we should allow colour upon colour, and metal upon metal, to be false Heraldry, yet is good: the last being the charge of a distinct Scutcheon, it being of pretence, and of another family.  
The last of these Ordinaries is the Bar, which though it is allowed the Honour of a particular Ordinary, yet in my opinion, is but a diminutive of the Fez, however differs only in this, that it hath the liberty of the field, and taketh place any where which the Fez cannot: this also hath its diminutives, being subdivided into a closette and barrulet.  
First of the bar, as in the first quarter of this Scutcheon, Azure three bars Wavy 〈◊〉 by the name of 〈◊〉.  
The second Argent, three Bars and a Canton Gules, by the name of Fuller.  
The third Gules, two Bars and a Chief indented, O, by the name of Hare.  
The fourth is Or, a closet Sanguine; this is the one 〈◊〉 of the bar.  
The fifth is Sables, a Barrulet Argent; this containeth the one fourth part of the Bar.  
The sixth beareth Gules on a Cheveron Arg. three Bars gemmels Sables; these are called Gemmells when they are placed in couples at a near distance, and more than two in the field in even number.  
The seventh is Ermine, three Bars couped Gules, charged with six Escollups shells, or three in the first, two in the second, and one in the last; by the name of Sabridge Court.  
The eighth is barry of ten Or, and Azure in a Canton Gules, a Chaplet Argent, by the name of Holms of 〈◊〉.  
The ninth is Barry of six on a Chief, between two 〈◊〉 party per bend, dexter and sinister two pallets, Or and Azure, over all an Inescutcheon Arg. which was the 〈◊〉 of Mortimer Earl of March.  
Thus have I run through all the Ordinaries, with their varieties of Barring in their due order, according to their usual terms of proper Blazonry.  
In the next I shall show some other forms of Charges, framed of such like lines in the Escutcheons; and then proceed to show 〈◊〉 all the partings & counterchanges.  
First then, as in this shield there is Or, an Orle Azure, by the name of Bartram Lord of Bothall.  
The second is Or, an Orle of three pieces 〈◊〉.  
The third Argent, an Orle engrailed on the inner side Gules.  
The fourth is Or, a double Tressure Flory, 〈◊〉.  
The fifth is Sables a Fret Or: by the Lord Mautravers, now quartered by the Earl of Arundel.  
The sixth Vert, 〈◊〉 Or, this with the distinction of a second Brother in a third House, is the Coat-Armor of Sir George Whitmore, late Lord Mayor of London.  
In the three last are a 〈◊〉, a Lozenge, and a Mascle.  
The Pile is an honourable bearing, though not to be reckoned among the Ordinaries, as some would have it: this hath divers ways of bearing, and is free to any place of the field; but its property is to issue from the middle chief, and extend with an acute angle almost to the middle base, and then is termed plainly a Pile: but if otherwise, you are to distinguish, as this 〈◊〉 quarterings will demonstrate.  
The first, Argent, a pile Gules; this belonged to Sir John Candoys in the time of Edward the third.  
The second is Or, three piles meeting near in the base of the Escutcheon Azure, by Sir George Brian.  
The third is Argent, three piles, one issuing out of the chief between two other transposed Sables, by the name of Huls.  
The fourth is Argent, a triple pile flory on the tops, issuing out of the sinister base in bend, Sables, by the name of Wroton.  
The fifth is Argent, a pile in bend, issuing out of the dexter chief in pale Sables, Cottised engrailed Argent.  
And here in the same Scutcheon, for their nearness of form, have I inserted the Gyron with its varieties.  
As in the sixth Gules, a Gyron issuing out of the dexter point Or.  
The seventh is Argent; two Gyrons Gules. These do always meet in 〈◊〉 with their points; and therefore 〈◊〉 is needless to name the place, only naming their number and colour.  
The eighth is Gyrony of eight pieces, Or, and Azure, a Canton Ermine by the name of Octon.  
The last is Gyrony of twelve Argent and Sables, and so are they always to be blazoned, Gyrony of so many, if they be more than two. These, I must confess, should properly have been placed among the counter-changes. But my digression is excusable, since it is so near concerned, as the single Gyron belonging properly to that place; and than that the counter-changes are so near in a concordancy, as the next discourse must bring them in; which is, to describe the partitions and counter-changes, according to the disposition of every Ordinary; and first of the partitions, as in the first next example.  
The first in this example is party per Cross, Arg. and Gules, by Sir Henry Cock of Hertfordshire; and here is to be noted, that though the mettle be more honourable, yet if the colour possess the dexter part, or chiefest part of the Field, that is first to be named.  
And, by the way, I must here observe, that some will have this to be blazoned quarterly; but certainly improperly, unless the quarters were charged; for why should this Ordinary above all the rest be denied the privilege of partition, which all have, but the chief, that in its propriety is form but of one line?  
The second quarter bears party per pale, a bend counter-changed Argent and Gules, by Sir Geofry Chaucer.  
The third party per bend, Or, and Vert, by the name of Holy.  
The fourth party per Cheveron, Sables, and Argent, by the name of Aston.  
The fifth party per Fez, Or, and Azure.  
The sixth party per Pile, in point Or, and Sables. Now the difference betwixt this and the Pile alone, is, that the lines meet at the very base of the Escutcheon, and others short; and sometimes this is changed by a Reverse, as in the next example, which is  
The seventh party per pile reversed, Or, Gules, and Sables, which is very rare for the distinction of the field into three colours, as the last is also.  
The eighth is party per Saltyre Ermine and Gules.  
The ninth is party per pale and base, Gules, Argent, and Sable.  
The counter-changes are thus, first, party per pale Or, and Gules, three roundalls counterchanged.  
The second is party per Cheveron unde, three Panthers bends erased, counter-changed Sab. and Or; by the name of Smith of Norfolk.  
The third is pally of six, a bend-pally, as many all counter-changed, Argent and Gules; which is a quartering of that honourable Gentleman the Lord Strafford.  
The fourth is barry of six party per pale indented, Argent and Gules counter-changed.  
The fifth is barry pily of eight pieces Gules, and Or, by the name of Holland.  
The sixth is paly-bendy, Or and Sables.  
The seventh is paly of six Argent, and Gules on a chief as the field as many crescents all counter-changed.  
The eighth is barry of six, Argent and Sables, indented one in the other.  
The ninth is barry bendy, Arg. and Sables.  
Thus I have run through all the bearings of the Ordinaries, both plain, and in their variety, together with the partitions and counter-changes; I shall now as concisely lay down all the Ordinary bearings, as well of Natural and Celestial things, as all Sublunaries of Beasts, Birds, Fishes, Vegetables, and Artificials, in the best method I can, according to the Blazon of Leigh, 〈◊〉, Guillim, and others, the best I could consult in this study.  

Of celestials.  
As for celestials, I shall skip over some of them, as Angels, Cherubims, and the like, because they are obvious enough to every man's judgement, when ever they are met with; as some of these examples are also.  
The first of these quarterings shows the example of Gules an Increscent Or, by the name of Descus.  
The second Azure, the Sun in its full glory, by the name of St. Clear.  
The third is Azure the Moon decrescent proper, where the difference from the first is, from the contrary position of them, which is the same in the Firmament: And by this rule, any man at the first sight may know in what state the Moon is, though he never saw an Almanac.  
The fourth is Azure, a Moon in her compliment proper.  
The fifth Or, the Sun eclipsed Sables.  
The sixth is Argent, the Moon in her Eclipse Sables.  
The seventh Azure, a Ray of the Sun issuing out of the dexter corner of the Escutcheon bendwayes proper; by the name of Aldham.  
The eighth is Gules a chief Argent, at the lower part thereof, the Rays of the Sun issuing out of a Cloud proper; by the name of Lesone of Northamptonshire.  
The ninth is Azure a Comet Or, streaming proper.  
And unto these I have added one more Escutcheon of the like bearings, because of the rareness of them.  
The first is Azure, Jupiter's Thunderbolt in Pale Or, inflamed at both ends proper, shafted Saltyre-wayes, and winged Fessewayes, Argent.  
The second Argent, a Rainbow proper, issuing out of two peteet clouds in fez Azure.  
The third Gules a chief Argent, over all an Escarbuncle of eight staves-pommette and Florette Or; which, saith Guillim, was the Coat-Armor of the Earls of Anjou, of whom was Geoffry Plantagenet.  
The fourth is Or, six firebrands, inflamed proper.  
The fifth Sables, a bend Or between six Fountains proper, by the Lord Sturton.  
The sixth Argent, a Cheveron Sables, between three flames of fire proper.  
The seventh is Sables, a Star of eight points Or, between two Flanches Ermine, and a Canton of Ulster; by Sir John Hubbart of Norfolk.  
The eighth party per bend Crenelle, pointed the one in the other Argent & Azure, four Crescents, by couples interlaced, counterchanged.  
The ninth Ermine on a chief Sab. three Crescents, arg.   

Of Beasts.  
NExt of Beafts, as, in my opinion, the most proper to order, as the more noble creatures; though, I confess, it is contrary to Mr. Guillims' Method. And of those, in the first place Lions, as the principal of them; which are diversely born, and from their several postures receive a several character of blazoning, which is cautiously to be observed, as well as in other things; and it is not difficult for any indifferent genius, without much discourse; which would but make up a tedious prolixity to little or no purpose; when Verbum sapienti sat est, is a Proverb in every man's mouth.  
The first example is of Azure, a Lion Rampant, Argent, being the Coat-Armor of Roger de Montealto, who was a Benefactor to Westminster-Abbey.  
The second is Or, a Lion Sayliant Gules.  
The third is Gules a Lion passant Guardant Or, which being the Coat-Armor of the Dukes of Aquitane, was joined with the Coat of the Kings of England, by the 〈◊〉 of Henry the second, being before two Lions, the posture and colours one; then indeed called Leopards, as they are most properly so called, (where they are not of Royal bearing) if they be more than one in a field, and Guardant, as 〈◊〉 would have it: This same single Lion passant guardant, only the colours contrary, as Or, a Lion passant guardant, Gules, says the Welsh pedigree, was the Coat-Armor of Roderick the great Prince of Wales, in the year 843. By which account, Coat-Armor hath gained a great Antiquity.  
The fourth example is of Lions passant, and not guardant, which is Gules, two bars Ermine in chief, a Lion passant party per pal Or, & Argent, by the name of Hill of Norfolk.  
The fifth is Gules, a Lion Seiant Argent.  
The sixth is Or, a Lion Couchant. Gul.  
The seventh is Azure, a Lion Dormant, Or.  
The eighth is Or, a Lion Rampant regarding Coward, Sables.  
The last is Gules, a tricorporated Lion issuing out of three corners of the field, and meeting under one head in fez Or; which was the Coat-Armor of Edward Crouchback Earl of Lancaster. Lions are sometimes with the tail elevated over the head, sometimes with the tail forked, and sometimes you shall meet with Demy-Lions, which is half Lions passant and Rampant, and sometimes heads, erased or couped; but if Cabossed, than they are ever 〈◊〉 Leopards heads, as in these examples.  
The first Azure on a chief Or, a Demy-Lion Rampant issuant out Gules, languid and armed of the first, by the name of Markham.  
The second is Azure, three Demy-Lions passant guardant, Or, languid, and armed Gules, by the name of Hammon of Acris in Kent.  
Now the French are so severe, that they will not allow the terms of Lion to any, either Whole or Demy, that are guardant; but, I think, without reason.  
The third is Or, out of the midst of a Fez, Sable, a Demy-Lion Rampant Naissant Gules languid and armed, Azure.  
Where it is proper to take notice, that if it be armed or languid by any other colour than the body, unless Gules, it is a blemish to it; but Gules, signifying blood, adds to it. So it is an abatement if it be without tongue, teeth, or claws.  
The fourth is Verry, Argent & Azure, on a pale Gules, three Leopards heads Or, by the name of Ockould.  
The fifth is Azure, three Leopards heads cooped Or. This Coat is in the Walk under Lincoln's Inn Chapel, and I think is very rare.  
The sixth is Azure a Cheveron, betwixt three Lions he ids erased Ermine, crowned Or; the Coat-Armor of 〈◊〉 worthy Benefactor of Paul's, Sir Paul Pindar.  
The seventh is Sables, three Lions tails erased Argent, by the name of Cork.  
The eighth is Gules, a Cheveron betwixt three Lions paws erected and erased within a bordure Argent, in a chief of the second, an Eagle displayed Sables, by the name of Brown.  
The ninth is Sables, two Lions paws, one issuing out of the Dexter, the other out of the Sinister point of the Escutcheon in Cheveron, Arg. armed Gules, by the name of Frampton.  
There is one rule more that hath been by some, both ancient and modern Heralds, observed, concerning the blazoning of Lions; which is, That if above one Lion be in a field, they must be termed Lyoncels, that is, young-Lyons; because the spirit of a Lion is full of Majesty, and admits no co-partnership in one Territory. But they make two exceptions to this general rule, that is, When any Ordinary parts them; and, When it is the Coat of a Monarch; to which last I must concede, from his argument which is propter Regiae Maejestatis dignitatem. But for the former, it cannot always hold according to their own argument, without an absurd contradiction. As for example; Mr. Guillim blazons a Coat thus, A fez Wavy betwixt three Lions passant, whereof three is but one barred from the other. But I must be forced to beg pardon, and to accuse him again, and by it lay down one exception more; in the Coat of Wickombe he blazons thus, Two Lyoncels rampant combant. When as in ordinary reason, according to his own argument too, being in a fight posture, they deserve the name of Lions. As I should be bold to blazon my own Coat, being the same, only the colours contrarily disposed, as Azure, two Lion's Combatant Or, languid and armed Gules.  
I confess, where I find them endorsed, as in that which he believes to have been the Arms of Achilles at the siege of Troy, I think it much reason to blazon them Lyoncels.  
For other examples of beasts, I shall only add one more, which is,  
First Argent, 〈◊〉 a Mount proper a Stag lodged Gules, by the name of Hart-hill.  
The second Arg. a Stag tripping armed and unguled Or, by the name of Holms.  
The third is Vert a Stag stripping proper Or, by the name of Gilsland.  
The fourth is Argent, an Unicorn seiant Sab. armed and unguled Or, by the name of Harling.  
The fifth Azure, a Stag at gaze Gules.  
The sixth is Vert, a fez between three Bucks, in full course Or, by the name of Robertson.  
The seventh is Argent a Lion's head erased Gules, by the name of Gowis: this is the most honourable bearing of the heads or limbs, because it is said to be torn off from the body.  
The eight is Gules, three Unicorns heads couped, Argent.  
The last is Gules, a Cheveron betwixt three Bulls heads Cabossed Argent, armed Or; by the name of Baynham.   

Of Birds.  
THe second sort of the most Noble sensitives are Fowls of the Air: all which I shall comprise in a very short example. Only, by the way, this note is to be observed; that as I have disposed them all into an order; so are they in degrees of excellency in Armoury. And again when any quick things are born, it is most commendable when born in the most generous and noble action, or the most proper to its nature.  
Of these the first is Sables a Swan with her wings expansed Arg. membered Or, within a bordure engrailed of the same, by the name of Moor.  
The second is Ermine an Eagle displayed, Gules, armed Or.  
The third is Sables, a Goshawk, Arg. perching upon a stock fixed in the base point of the shield, of the second, armed Jessed, and belled Or.  
The fourth is Gules, a Pelican in her nest with wings displayed feeding her young Or, vulned proper, by the name of Carn of Wenny in Glamor ganshlre.  
The fifth is arg. three Peacocks in their pride proper, by the name of Pawn.  
The sixth is arg. a Heron volant in fez, azure, membered, Or, between three Escoliops' shells, Sables.  
The seventh is Gules, three Cocks argent, Armed, Crested, and Jellopped Or. This was the Coat Armour of that reverend Dr. Cocks, Bishop of Ely, in Queen mary's, and Queen Elizabeth's times.  
The eighth is Gules, two wings inverted and conjoined Or.  
The last is Or, on a bend Sables, three Ostrich feathers, passing through as many escrowls of the first.  
Many other Birds, as well as Beasts, are used in the infinite variety of Coat Armour, but by the observance of these examples they will be all understood.   

Of Fishes.  
MR. Leigh observes this general rule in blazoning of Fishes, That all Fishes that are born feeding should be 〈◊〉 in blazon Vorant, or devouring: because they swallow without chewing; and that what they devour should be named,  
These are, as Beasts, born in divers postures; as Nayant, which is swimming upright, embowed, extended, endorsed, trianguled, and fretted, etc. As in this following demonstration.  
The first is Argent three Eels Nayant in pale Sables, by the name of Ellis.  
The second is Sables, three Salmon hauriant Argent, by the name of Salmon.  
The third is Azure, a Dolphin Nayant, embowed, Argent, by the name of Fitz-James.  
The fourth Argent, two Barbels Hauriant, respecting each other by the name of 〈◊〉.  
The fifth Gules, two Pikes hauria ntendorsed, Or.  
The sixth three Trout fretted in triangle Arg. by the name of Troutback.  
The seventh is Arg. two Lobsters claws in Saltyre, the dexter surmounted of the sinister Gules, by the name Tregarthick.  
The eighth is Arg. a Cheveron engrailed, 〈◊〉, betwixt three Crevices, Gules.  
The ninth is Sables, a fez engrailed betwixt three Welkes, Or, by the name of shelly.  
Thus are all manner of Shell-fish as well as others. And some times, Reptibles, and Infects, all manner of Flies and Grasshoppers; But their blazon is obvious enough to every man's judgement, that can distinguish one from another when he sees them, therefore it would be but an unnecessary intrusion in this place.   

Vegetables.  
I Shall not need here, I hope, to run over all parts of Philosophy, and Diviniry, and to tell what Trees are, and their Natures; For as they are not discourses pertinent to this place; so Mr Guillim, as well as myself might have 〈◊〉 every ingenious man as knowing as himself in it; or at least 〈◊〉: And to none other do I submit my endeavours. I shall only trouble the Reader with their various bearing, in the examples of some few, which will direct to all others,  
And herein the first is Argent, on a mount in base a Pinetree fructed proper, by the name of Pine.  
The second is Gules, the trunk of a tree in pale eradicated and cooped, Sprouting out two branches Arg. by the name of Stockden of Leicestershire.  
The third is Arg. three sterved branches slipped Sables, by the name of Black-stock.  
The fourth is Arg. a Cheveron Gules, between three garbs of the second, by the Lord Sheffield Earl of Mougrave.  
The fifth is Sables, three Lilies slipped Arg. the Coat-Armor of Winchester College.  
The sixth is Arg. a Cheveron Sables, between three Columbines proper; by the name of Hall of Coventry.  
The seventh is Arg. a fez Nebule between three trefoils slipped Gules, by the name of Thorpe of Glocestershire.  
The eight Arg. 〈◊〉 Holly leaves pendant proper, by the name of Inwine.  
The ninth, a fez Arg. three Apples transposed in base Or, by the name of Harwine of Devon.   

Of Monsters:  
ANd here before I proceed to dead and artificial things, I think it proper to take observation of some Monsters in nature, which are often born in Arms.  
And the first of these is Arg. a Griffen rampant with wings displayed Sables, by the name of Morgan.  
The second is Arg. a Wiverne, his wings displayed, and tail nowed Gules, by the name of Drake.  
The third is Sables, a Cockatrice displayed Arg. membered and Jolloped Gules, by the name of Buggine.  
The fourth is Arg. a Rearmouse displayed Sables, by the name of Backster.  
The fifth is Arg. on a bend Gules, three men's heads horned Or, by the name of Wittol, or Witwell in Yorkshire.  
The sixth is Azure, a Harpy displayed, crined, crowned and armed, Or.  
The seventh is Arg. a Mermaid Gules, crined Or, holding a Mirror in the right hand, and in the cloven a Comb, by the name of Ellis.  
The eight is Gules, a bend engrailed Arg. between three Leopard's heads Jessant Flower-de-luce, of the second, by the name of Dennys.  
The ninth is Gules, three Leopards heads vorant, as many Flower-de-luce Or, which, saith Guillim, belongs to the See of Hereford.   

Of the parts of Man's Body.  
THere are sometimes whole figures of man's body, born in Coat Armour, as for example, the arms of Sevil in Spain, which is Or, a King enthronised on his Seat Royal Azure, Crowned and Sceptred, and invested of the first the doublings of his Robe Ermine.  
The Arms proper to the Episcopal See of Salisbury, is Az. the Virgin Mary with her Son in her right arm, and a Sceptre in her left hand, all Or.  
But the like of these are very seldom seen, only the legs, arms, hands, and other desected members are often met with, as in these following examples I have demonstrated.  
The first is Gules a Saracens head erased Arg. environed about the Temples with a wreath of the second and Sables, by Mergith of Wales.  
The second is Arg. a Fez Gules, betwixt three Hearts vulned, distilling drops of blood, on the sinister side proper.  
The third is Gules, a Heart betwixt two wings displayed Or.  
The fourth is Gules, three dexter arms conjoined at the shoulders and flexed in triangle, Or, with the fist clinched Arg. by the name of Tremain of Devonshire.  
The fifth Arg. a man's leg erased at the thigh, Sables, by the name of Prime.  
The sixth is barry of six, Or & Sab. over all a pale Gules, charged with a Woman's Dug, distilling drops of milk proper, by the name of Dodge.  
The seventh is Arg. a Cheveron Sab. between three Blackmores heads couped at the shoulders proper, by the name of Ives.  
The eighth is Arg. a Cheveron Gules, betwixt three Periwigs Sab.  
The ninth is Barry nebule of six pieces, Az. & Arg. as one chief of the second, three eyes, Gul. by Delahay.  
If those drops are charged distinctly in any field, as sometimes they are, and sometimes the field all over, you are to blazon them differently according to the colour, as, if Sanguine, than Gut de Sang. which is, drops of blood. If Arg. then Gut de l' ave, drops of water.  
Or, Gut de Or, drops of Gold.  
Az. Gut de Lermes, drops of Tears. 
Guillim.   
Vert, Gut de Vert, drops of oil-olive.   

Of Artificial things.  
HAving thus cursorily run through these examples, yet I hope sufficiently enough, for the satisfaction of an Ingenuous Reader; I now come to the artificial varieties, of bearing in Coat-Armour. Which since they are as numerous almost as the conceits of ingenuity: I must be excused from inserting the infinite examples of them, yet I shall propose some, and let the eye of the observing Student make up the defects of the rest, as it may well do.  
The first is Arg. a Cheveron Gules, betwixt three ducal Caps, Azure doubled indented Ermine.  
The second is Arg. a Mantle of estate, Gules, and doubled Ermine, ouched or garnished with strings tassals of the same.  
The third, the Arms of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is Azure, a staff in pale Sol, and thereupon a cross Patree Arg. surmounted of a Pall of the last, charged with four other cross pattees fetched Sables, edged and fringed as the second.  
The fourth is Arg. on a bend Vert, betwixt six cross crosselets fitched Gules, three Crosier staffs, by the name of Pear.  
The fifth is Arg. three Chaplets Vert, by the name of Richardson of Shropshire.  
The sixth Azure, a Maunch, Or, by the name of Conyers.  
The seventh is Gules, three Garters buckled and nowed Arg. by the name of Sydemer.  
The eighth is Gules, six Annulets, three, two, and one, Or, this is quartered by the Earls of Cumberland.  
The ninth is Gules, three tassals Or, by the name of Wooler.   

Of Military things.  
IN the next, are those that represent examples of Military things born in Armour, both of Land and Sea.  
As first Arg. a Tower triple towered, Sab. chained transverse the port Or, by the name of Oldcastle.  
The second Or, a Castle 〈◊〉 towered Gules, the port displayed of the field leaved, Arg.  
And here is to be noted, that it is never blazoned a Castle, but when it extendeth itself cross the whole field, and sometimes you shall find a single Tower not turretted, as the first, in the Coat of Sir Richard Mansfield.  
The third is Gules, three single arches Arg. their capitals and pedestals by the name of Arches.  
The fourth Or, a bridge of three arches in fez Gules, masoned Sables, the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 proper, on it a fane Arg. by the 〈◊〉 of Trowbridge of Trowbridge.  
The fifth Sables, a Cheveron between three tents Arg. by the name of Tenton.  
The sixth Arg. a sweep Azure, charged with a stone, or by the name of Magnal.  
The seventh Or, a pillar Sables, enwrapped with an Adder Arg. by the name of 〈◊〉.  
The eighth is Arg. three battering 〈◊〉 bar-wayes proper, headed, Az. armed and 〈◊〉 Or, by Robert 〈◊〉 Earl of Lyndsey.  
The ninth Azure, three murdering chainshots Or, this is quartered by the Earl of Cumberland.  
There are many other things born; as tiltspears, sometimes with penoncels, and sometimes without; Drums, Fifes, Trumpets, Cannons, Bows, Arrows, and the like: but their blazon is easy to every eye, that knows any thing of Armoury.   

Of Maritine things.  
OF things belonging to the Sea, I have these examples.  
The first Gules, three pieces of Masts cooped with their tops Arg. by the name of Cromer.  
The second Gules, three Sails Arg. by the name of Cavil.  
The third Azure, a Rudder of a ship Arg.  
The fourth Gules, an Anchor in pale Arg. the crospiece Or, by the name of Goodred.  
The fifth Or, a Lighter- 〈◊〉 in fez Gul.  
The sixth Gules, the hull of a Ship, having only a main Mast, and a top, without tackling Or. This, saith Guillim, is the Coat-Armor of the Duke of Alasco in Polonia.  
The seventh is Arg. a ship with three masts a sail furled and hoisted to the main top shrouded Sables, by the name of Mercers.  
The vl his Azure, a Galley passing under sail, Or.  
The ninth is Arg. a Cheveron Gules, between three Murriours Azure, by the Lord Brudenell.   

Of Mechanical things.  
THe last example, that I shall insert, is of other more ordinary Mechanical things.  
The first is Arg. a Cheveron between three Palmer's scrips Sables, the tassels and buckles Or, by Sir Henry Palmer of Kent.  
The second is Gules, a Cheveron between three Irish Broges, Or.  
The third is Sables, three Pickaxes Argent, by the name of Pigot.  
The fourth is Arg. a fez between three pheans Sables, by the name of Rowdon of Yorkshire.  
The sixth is Sables, three bells Arg. by the name of Porter.  
The sixth is Azure, three Howboys between as many cross crosselets Or, by the name of Bourden.  
The seventh is Or, on a bend Az. three Katherine Wheels Arg. by the name of Rudhall.  
The eighth Az. three levels with their plumets, Or, by the name of 〈◊〉.  
The ninth is Arg. three bezants, on a chief 〈◊〉, by the name of 〈◊〉.  
And here we are to take notice, that if these roundals are charged in counter-changes as before, than they are only called Roundals: but if any other 〈◊〉, as in this example, they are of a various blazon according to their colours, as thus.  
If they are Or, than they are called Bezants, Argent, Plates, Sables, Pellets, Gules, Vorteuxes, Lightblew, Hurts. Vert, Pomeyes, Purpure, Golps, Teune, Oranges, Sanguine, Gules.  
And thus much I think sufficient to be said of the examples of Charges in Coat-Armor. In the next place, I am to show the differences of Helms, which distingnish in some part the honour of the bearer in his degree. The Crowns and 〈◊〉, differing more particularly the highest degrees of Nobility, I shall also exemplify in the conclusion of this discourse; and I hope shall raise, in some measure, a relation to the old proverb, Finis coronat opus.   

Of Helmets.  
THe differences of Helms is always expressed, when the Crest is given: and by this difference a Gentleman is known in his degree by his hatchment, as much as these following examples 〈◊〉.  
These Helmets are sometimes called cask and timbers; by the French, Helenum; by the Romans, Cassidem; by the Greeks, Galeam, a Covering for the head in time of war; and our manner of bearing crests on them is from their ancient fancy of adorning their Helmets with some kind of monstrous Device: as the Head or mouth of a Lion, the paws or horns of certain beasts; to appear more terrible. And that which we call Mantle, is not, as some do ridiculously suppose, the Vestment which they usually had to wear over their atms in War; or, as some would have it, to secure their shield from weather; but from this original, that Princes and chief Commanders used to adorn their Helmets (according to their qualities) with rich buckles, studs, and circlets of gold, garnished with rich and costly stones, and on the top or crests of them, wreaths of corded 
Favin p. 1. ca 3. fol. 24  〈◊〉; being the Liveries of their Ladies and Mistresses, as also some curled 〈◊〉 of hair, and those cordon's (like waving scarves) dangled down behind them on the Cruppers of their Horses, the ends being fairly tasselled and enriched, many times with Pearls and precious Stones: and thus especially they rid upon days of Triumph.  
But in Germany and many other places where the laws of Honour and Armoury are severely obsetved, a mean Gentleman or new Achiever is 
Ib. p. 25.  not permitted to bear Helm, Mantle, or Crest, but by special favour.  
The first differs from the 2. in that it is a side standing helmet with the Beaver close, which is for all Esquires and Gentlemen.  
The second, is the common fashion of Knights, which is a helmet standing direct forward with the 〈◊〉 open without guards.  
The third, is a side-helmet openfaced guardevisure, which is proper for all persons of the Nobility, beneath a Duke and above a Knight.  
The fourth is the Helmet of Persons executing Sovereign Authority, which is a Helmet which is full forward openfaced, guardevisure: which belongeth also to Princes and Dukes.  
In this manner are all Degrees obviously differenced to every man's judgement in all hatchments. And, if they be above the degree of a Knight, that these do not distinguish to particulars; then they are also understood by their 〈◊〉 and Crowns.   

Of Crowns and Coronets.  
The first whereof is the Crown of the Empire of Germany, which is but little different from that of England in the second, which is Imperial too.  
The third is that Coronet of the Prince which is the same with the Kings, only the arches, mound, and cross, wanting.  
The fourth is the Crownet of an Archduke, which is the same with a Duke, the Arch only added.  
The fifth is a Crownet floral, only proper to a Duke.  
The sixth is the Crownet of a marquis, which differs thus, It is of leaves and points, the leaves or flowers above the points.  
The seventh is proper to an Earl, which hath points and flowers; but the points are above the flowers.  
The eighth is due to a Viscount, which is a Circulet or Coronet pearled, and neither flowers nor points.  
The last is the form of that Crown, which is found to be in fashion in the time of William the Conqueror. Which I have inserted to show the difference betwixt the Crown Imperial of England then, and now.  
As to the antiquity of these Crowns or Diadems, as notes of Regality: I find not any where a just authority to assure me of their Origination: but, that there were Crowns, long before Tragedies were in use, is to me very evident; though Sir William Segar is of opinion, the use of them came from thence. 
Hon. Mil. & Civ. p. 213.  Yet, that the use of them in these parts of the World, might come from the giving of Crowns in Triumph, and Laurels or Wreaths for Virtue, is very probable, which was a thing very frequent, and of very great antiquity among the Romans; and hath continued, and been exercised in the Empire since the translation to Germany, and that with much Ceremony, as in the example of Joannes Crusius, his receiving the Laurel as Stratsburgh an. 1616. See Mr. Selden his Titles of Honour, where it is at large, fol. 402.  
Which custom hath since been in these parts, and indeed long before that time were Crowns given to Poets here; as, witness the example in St. Mary Oueris Church, where one John Gower a Poet in Richard the seconds time hath a Statue crowned with Ivy mixed with Roses; but since it is more commonly used of Laurel. Though the Crown of Laurel or Bayes was first appropriated to him that triumphed for victory in the field. At which time, distinctions of Crowns were observed according to the variety of merit. As Corona Muralis, this was due to him that was first seen upon the Wall of the Enemy. Corona Castrensis, for him that made a breach in the Castle of the Enemy; the first a Crown embattled, or made with battailment being of Gold, the other of Towers; And then they had Corona Navalis, garnished with Fore-castles for service at Sea, made of Gold too.  
Then Corona Ovalis of Myrtle; for victory, gotten with little hazard: Corona Obsidialis, which was made of grass for him that had preserved an Army besieged. Corona Civica, for him that saved a Citizen from the Enemy, made of Oaken boughs: Corona Olivaris of Olive leavs, for victory in the Olympic games: And Corona Populea, for young men that were found industrious and studious in the exercises of virtues. But I find that amongst these rewards of honour, the Crown made of Ivy, called Corona Hederalis was only appropriated to the Poets; and here we see the great encouragement given to Virtue, which was an age doubtless, when it was much exercised in all its species. When virtuous moderation received an estimation in the minds of young Nobility, before 〈◊〉 voluptuousness. And Honour more aimed at by steps of Virtue, than the engrossing parsimoniousnesse, or expending profuseness of the 〈◊〉 and unsatisfying uncertainty of riches; 〈◊〉 doubtless a most Noble Age. And why should any man make himself so 〈◊〉 concerned in the true honour of his creation, as to set himself so little before the irrational 〈◊〉, as the Examples of ou idle and 〈◊〉 Age do too often demonstrate, whilst all men naturally are ambitious of honour? And why should not any man blush to be seen reaching at it (that is only the recompense of virtue) till by some virtuous testimony he hath declared his desert? Certain I am, no generous and noble spirit ever breathed in any age, that did not present some opportunities of exercising virtue in one degree or other; and the reward in some measure is ever a concomitant to Heroick and Ingenious merit. Or should it, in some case, fail the truly generous soul, though it miss its reward, yet it thinks it honour to have deserved Honour, and satisfies itself with that encouragement.  
Thus I have given a succinct account of all manner of Bearings. Some will here expect, that I should now lay down rules to discover the worth of the Achiever, by the nature of the Atchivement; as Guillim, and others have 〈◊〉. It may be conjectured, how far a Coat-Armor is more or less honourable, by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of worth in the thing born; but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 farther, from thence to a 〈◊〉 of the quality of the merit, for which that 〈◊〉 was a reward, is altogether uncertain. Therefore; for conclusion, I shall instance one Escutcheon of Examples more, which I think (though not difficult to blazon) not easily reducible to any such judgement, yet the Families well known of noble and 〈◊〉 Descent.  
The first is Sab. a Cross engrailed Or, in the dexter Cant on a mullet Arg. an Inescutcheon of Ulstre, the addition of a Knight Baronet, being the Coat-Armor of Sir, Tho. Peyton of Knolton in East-Kent, Knight and 〈◊〉.  
The second is Ermine on a chief Azure, three Lyoncels Rampant Or. The atchivement of Sir Anthony Aucher of Littlebourn in East-Kent.  
The third is barry of twelve Or, and Sable, by Sir James and Sir Thomas Thynne of Long leak in Wiltshire.  
The fourth is Arg. on a Cheveron Sab. three Escollop-shels Or, between three peelets, charged with as many Martlets of the first; all within a border Vert, by Anthony Hammon of St. Albon in East-Kent Esq.  
The fifth is Arg. on a bend Az. three 〈◊〉 heads cabossed Or. On an Escutcheon of pretence, Arg. a Cheveron Sab. betwixt three Ravens, by Thomas Stanley of Cumberlow in Hertfordshire Esq the paternal coat his right by descent, (with the distinstion of the third house) of the Earls of Derby, the Escutcheon of pretence as by match with the daughter and heir of Sir James Enyon of Flower in Northamptonshire.  
Where observe, that although a man marry the daughter and heir of a Coat-Armor, yet he hath not the power of quartering it, but only to impale it, or bear it thus in an 〈◊〉 of pretence; the liberty of quartering, being in the heir, who enjoys both their Coats by right of blood. Observe also, that if any thing be thus hid by an addition either Canton or Escutcheon of pretence, it is notwithstanding to be nominated, That no detriment be to the Coat.  
The sixth is Gules, three barbed arrows Arg. headed Or, by Edward Hales of Tunstal in Kent, Esq  
The seventh is Arg. a Cheveron between three Milrines, Sab. by Roger James, of Rigale in Surrey, Esquire.  
The eighth within a bordure bezanty Sab. Arg. an Imperial Eagle, by the Family of the killigrew's, in Cornwall.  
The ninth Arg. a fez Ermines between six Mullets, Sab. by Steven Penckhurst of Buxsted in Sussex, Esquire.  
And now I hope I have not passed by any one thing that can be called pertinent to this discourse without some touch: perhaps, satisfactory enough to any indifferent contemplation.   
The End of Armoury.   

The Orders of Knighthood in most places of Christendom, and in particular first of the Order of St. George in England.  
The Creation Robe of a Knight of the Garter  
AS to Knighthood in general, enough hath been already discoursed in the first part of this Treatise. I come now, to speak of the several Otders, and especially those that are called Sovereign: amongst which I must needs esteem that of the Garter, or St. George in England to be as Noble as any in the World; not from that epidemic humour of most Writers, because it is of my own Nation; but for the excellency of itself: especially, in that according to the Articles of its foundation, none are to be admitted to the Honour, but such as are Peers of the Realm.  
For the first occasion of the erecting these Sovereign Orders of Knighthood, above the more common, was, that as all Honours were instituted for the reward and encouragement of deserving persons, so these for persons of more eminence, or more excellent merit, to receive a character that might in a higher nature than ordinary blazon their merit to the world.  
And that Order or fraternity must needs be esteemed of greatest honour, where the King shall submit himself to the badge of it.  
This Order of the Garter we find to be instituted by Edward the third, after a return from the Wars against the French and Scots, with eminent victories. The occasion Sir William Segar says was but slight; alluding as I conceive to the story of the King's taking up the Countess of Salisburies' Garter; Which he wearing on his own leg, caused a jealousy in the Queen. And from thence received the motto life, Hony soit qui mal y pens, Evil to him that evil imagines.  
But I am of opinion that this humour arose from the French stories only, who would be apt enough to endeavour an abatement of the honour of it, lest its glory should appear too illustrious in the eye of the World; and outshine or eclipse their then blazing Star.  
And that we may a little examine the truth, let us observe the ridiculousness of the coherence of these merry scandalisers. First they differ in their time, as shall appear anon; then concerning the Lady, they take notice of to make up the pretty Romance, the mistake is very great and plain; for in some places they say it was the Queen's Garter, and if so, what needed then the Motto? But most commonly they say, it was the Countess of Salisburies' '; whom they name sometimes Alice, and sometimes Joan; when her name was Katherine, and Mistress, and after wife to the Black Prince 
Heylyn. fol. 325. & 326.  Son of the said King, as is well observed in Heylyn's History of St. George.  
By which, Froysart's error must appear very perspicuous, who was the first and most eminent Author of this mighty fable.  
monsieur Favin in his Theatre of Honour, quotes Froysart, and Polydore Virgil, for the like account. But I am apt to collect another reason from Mr. Selden's discourse (an authority that I think needs no Apology) and to think Edward the third, being to engage a field, 
Seld c. 5. fol. 792.  gave St. George for the word, (long time before, the Patron-Saint of England) in which battle he gained a great victory; which was about the year 1349. and at his return in the year one thousand three hundred and fifty, established thisOrder to the honour of St George, which agrees with the black Book of Windsor that Chronologizes it on the three and twentyeth day of April in the year one thousand three hundred and fifty, being the three and twentyeth of that King's Reign.  
And I understand not, but that the addition of the Gartet might be after added to the Ensigns of the Order: for the firstEnsign together with the Robes was the Cross of Saint George, yet in use amongst them.  
And some do add that the Garter was from a Marshal rise also, as that a leather-garter upon the left leg was a mark given to some of the eminent Commanders with promise of enriching it on those that performed honourably in the charge.  
For the account of the time according to other Authors, it is left disputable. Mr. Selden takes notice of some of the French Authors, that affirm it to be erected in Anno 1344. yet after his victories; as in the relations of the same Froysart, and Thomas of Walsingam: And Polydore Virgil, (to whom Favin subscribes) 
Fav. fol. 68 & 70.  will have it in An. 1347. Yet in another place he sets it down in the year one thousand three hundred and forty four. Oportet mendacem memorem esse.  
And one other observation I collect from some of these Authors; that the Order was established before either of these passages; only as a Seminary to draw other Knights of the world into these parts; which caused the French King to do the like the same year of another Order by way of prevention; this is averred by some. Which is, I conceive by other circumstances, a mistake upon a Just or Turnment proclaimed by the said King Edward (about the year one thousand three hundred forty and four) in all places beyond the Seas, to be held at Windsor; about which time he caused to be built a very large round table for the entertaining of such Princes and Persons of great quality, as should repair thither; when the Earl of Salisbury was so bruised at the just, that he died. At the news of which meeting; the French King suddenly after did the like, to obstruct the concourse of great soldiers and honourable Personages that this would have produced.  
The patron of this order is St. George; who suffered Martyrdom at Nicomedia, and was 
Heylyn. Hist. de St. Geo. cap. 1. fol. 142.  buried at Lydda in Capadocia according to Dr. Heylin: but Mr. Selden says, he suffered at Lydda, under Diocletian, about the 〈◊〉 of Christ one hundred and ninty. Whose fame was so great in the world, that many Temples were built to his name, as that of Justinian in Armenia; and in Venice the chief Church for the Grecians; Jo. Eucaitensis built a Monastery 
Cedton. pag. 650.  to the honour of St. George in the time of Constantine. Into which the Emperors after were wont to make a solemn procession every Saint George's day. In Carinthia, there is an Order of Knighthood of St. George, in very much esteem. And Eusebius speaks also of another 
De vit. Const. l 1. l. 32.  Order of St. George among the Greeks whose Ensign is a red Cross with this Motto Sub hec signo vinces, begun by Constantive the Great.  
When first it came into this Nation, is by the best Antiquaries left disputed; but that he hath been long honoured as Patron-Protector of England, is proved by all, and by Mr. Selden, before the Conquest; The three and twentyeth day of April, being constantly celebrated to his memory.  
And it is no marvel (saith the same Author) that so warlike a Nation should choose to themselves the name of such a soldier Saint, known by the particular name of Tropheophorus, and of greater eminence in both the Eastern and Western Churches than any other Souldier-Saint.  
The Sovereign of this order is the King of England; the number of the Fellowship is twenty six, besides the Sovereign; of which when any of them die, the place is to be supplied by another elected by the Sovereign, with the consent of the Fraternity, as it was anciently; chosen and estalled at Windsor: but since it is referred to the entire disposing of the King.  
They have many Articles confirmed, to which all that are installed subscribe; and have an oath to which they swear that, to their power, during the time they shall be fellows of the Order, they will defend the honour, quarrels, rights and Lordships of the Sovereign, and that they will endeavour to preserve the honour of the said Order, and all the Statutes of it without fraud or covin. Quinam perjurati?  
The Officers of the Order are a Prelate, which is always the Bishop of Winchester; a Chancellor Register, a King of Arms called Garter; and an Usher called the Black Rod, added by Henry the eighth.  
Their habit is a Cassock of Crimson Velvet, and a Mantle of Purple Velvet lined with white Sarsenet, on the left shoulder whereof is an Escutcheon of S. George embroidered within a Garter with the Motto: the Escutcheon is Argent, a plain Cross Gules.  
Above all, about the neck they wear a collar of the Order weighing thirty ounces of Gold Troy weight, composed of Garters and Knots enamelled, and with Roses red and white; and since the coming in of King James, there hath been an intermixture of Thistles. At this collar hangeth the Image of St. George on horseback, enriched with precious stones.  
And about the left leg they wear a Garter enameled and enriched with gold, pearl, and stones of great value with the same Motto of Hony soit qui mal y pens.  
For their ordinary Ensign they wear a blue ribbon over their left shoulder; and another on their left leg; and a Star of silver embroy dery on the same side of their cloak with the Scutcheon of St. George in the Centre of it. And sometimes at their Ribbon a George also, and then they wear it about their necks.  
Their feast is yearly at Windsor Castle on St. George's day. In which place upon the foundation of it was a Church erected with Dean and prebend's; as also thirteen poor aged Gentlemen, established to be maintained with stipends by the name of Knights of Windsor: who had appointed to them robes of cloth according to the manner of the Order, which were to pray for the Order.  

Of the Knights of the Round Table in England.  
IT is said by many writers, that the Order of the 〈◊〉 was inftituted in imitation 〈◊〉 the Round Table: but I can give no great assurance of it; only I believe it probable enough; the beginning of them both agreeing also in some kind of Analogy. This of the Round Table, (for so much as is remaining in History) appears to me to have been the most noble in the world, either before or since, for aught yet I can understand. And pity it were the memory of it should perish, as it is almost; being buried in the metamorphosis of ridiculous fables; and by that means only 〈◊〉, with the shadowy reputation of a Romance, in the minds of many, and indeed most men.  
It was erected by King Arthur, who reigned in the year of our Redemption 490. and conquered Norway, Scotland, and so much of France that he was crowned King of Paris: as both ours and the French annals testify. Of this King many fabulous things have been writ; but we may collect so much from the more serious, as may assute us that without doubt many noble and (beyond ordinary) heroic acts were performed by this generous Prince. Which caused the society of this Order to shine with so much the more splendour than the ordinary stars of this sublunary world: insomuch that it is recorded in some Chronologies, that at one time summoning them to a meeting at a place in Wales, called Carlion, or Carlignion, there resorted to him ten Kings, thirteen Earls, and many Barons, and other persons of great quality that were of the Fraternity.  
This I have also in Sir William Segar; and in 
Seg. f. 155.  a very ancient Chronicle which I have seen myself in Manuscript in that Country; which was much the same with the relations I have since met with, of this Order.  
And that these Kings were not petty Kings must be understood, since there was at that time no Heptarchy, or Provincial Kings, but all Monarchies, much in the same nature as they have been in our ages.  
This King is generally reported by Chronologers (and some of them solid too) to be taken alive from the earth; or at least miraculously disposed of, invisibly: but this is a riddle too great for me to unfold. Many of them 〈◊〉 this fable I conjecture from an Epitaph that Merlin writ on him, Hic jacet Arturus, Rex quondam, Rexque futurus. Which very thing to my Judgement must make clear that he was buried; which is their argument that he was not.  
The Order or Fraternity however, was certainly in very great repute in the world, and being only a banquet of Honour could not but whet the emulations of all generous spirits; for none were admitted to it but such as had showed their merit by some eminent exploit.  
Their place of convention was Winchester; where they had their Round Table, and at the Feast of Pentecost they always met and feasted. So saith Sir William Segar, (in whose Orders of Knighthood the articles of this Order are set down): but others are of another opinion, and tell us that Windsor Castle was the most peculiar place, where a Round Table was erected 
Heyly n-Hist. de St. Georg. fol. 318.  for their meeting, being a Castle built by the same King; and the Records of the place show us as much, though Winchester may sometimes have been the place, according as the time of 
Geof. of Munmouth.  the Kings being in progress or keeping his Court accidentally there; as sometimes it was at Carleon; and sometimes in the North.   

Knights of St. Andrew in Scotland.  
THe Scots ever since the reign of Hungus 
Aubertus Maereus, fol. 145.  the Pict have received St. Andrew for their Tutelar-Saint. Who, as it is reported in their Histories making war on the English, saw in the sky a bright Cross of St. Andrew; which is in the Shape of the Saltire, and in that battle after gained a very great victory. From which time ever since they fly that Cross in their Banners. And from thence erected the Order of St. Andrew. But I find nothing in Favin, Aubertus, Mereus, or the Scotch Writer 〈◊〉, that can satisfy me in what time it began. Only it was refined by James the fifth. Who being honoured with the Garter from England, the Toyzon d'or from the Emperor, and St, Michael from France, celebrated the Festivals of them all; and setting up their several 
Lesleus, 〈◊〉 9 pa. 193.  arms with their orders about them, over the gate of 〈◊〉, erected his own also with the order of Saint Andrew in the midst: which Order is ensigned with a Collar of Rue, and Thistles, with a Medal of St. Andrew hanging at it; and this Motto, Nemo me impune 〈◊〉.   

Of the Golden Fleece in the Empire.  
THis Order of the Toyzon d'Or was instituted by Philip Duke of Burgundy, a 1429. upon his expedition to the Holy Land, in memory of Gideon, who with three hundred men fought against, and overthrew, a mighty Army 
Favin. l. 4. fol. 14.  of the Midianites, as Favin is of opinion. Which perchance may be true: he marching upon a great enterprise with a small Army, might do it to raise courage and emulation in his Commanders.  
The Patron is St. Andrew, the Sovereign 
Segar.  the Dukes of Burgundy: the number twenty four, besides the Sovereign, all of Noble blood. Their habit is a Cassock of Crimson Velvet, and over it a Mantle of the same, lined with white; which openeth on the right fide, and is turned upon the left over the shoulder, embroidered round about with a bordure of flames, fusils, and fleeces; and a Hood of Crimson Velvet on their heads.  
The Collar of the Order is of gold, wrought with flames, fusils, and fleeces; which they are bound to wear always, upon a penalty. The power of making new is in the Sovereign only.  
And who ever enters into it renounces all other orders of Knighthood, unless the Sovereigns be Emperors, Kings, or free Princes.  
To the order belongs a Chancellor, a Treasurer, Register, and a King of Arms called Toyzon Dor.  
At the Collar hangs a golden Fleece. And formerly there was an Impress peculiar to it; which was an instrument to strike fire, with his Motto, Ante ferit, quam flamma micet.  
The Emperor Charles the fifth, being afterwards Sovereign as Duke of Burgundy, did much increase the Order.   

The several Orders of Knighthood in France.  

Knights of the Star.  
THis order I find of very great eminence 
Seld. Title of Honour ca 〈◊〉 p. 55.  in France, called the Star of the Sea; and sometimes also of the Virgin Mary. It was instituted by King Robert, a. 〈◊〉. And himself, and succeeding Kings were of the Fraternity. Their Ensign was a Star; which they wore was their Hoods, or Caps. But this Order in time grew so common, and distributed so immeritorioufly, 
Bodin. de rep. lib. 5. cap. 4.  that Charles the seventh (as 〈◊〉 at it) commanded every Yeoman of his Guard to wear a Star in like manner; which the Knights seeing, presently left it off, and so the Order fell.   

Knights of St. Michael.  
IN the stead of the Knighthood of the Star the same King Charles erected the order of of St. Michael as some suppose: but more truly Lewis the eleventh at Amboys an. 1469. upon the occasion of a Vision (as their Historians relate) of the Archangel's appearance on Orleans Bridge as their Tutelar against the English. 
Seld. pars: sec. cap 3. fol. 552.  At which time the famous Amazon, Joan of France, lived, who did many Heroic exploits, leading an Army herself in the field against the English. For which the English after having vanquished her (much to our disparagement I think) in revenge caused her to be burnt for a Witch in the Marketplace of Orleans: in which place is since a Conduit erected to her memory.  
This order of Monsieur St. Michael Archangel is of thirty six Knights, and a Sovereign, which is the King. The Cognisance of the Order is a Collar of gold made of cockleshells 
Favin l. 3. pag. 372.  and knots, with the Image of St. Michael pendant at it, which Collar ought to weigh two hundred Crowns in gold, and not above nor under.  
For the wearing of this Collar there was a very strict article; as that, Every man that did not wear it every day was to cause a mass to be said, and to pay seven shillings six pence Turnoys of forfeiture: except in Arms, and then they were permitted to wear only the Image of the Angel on a chain or ribbon: the Motto of the order is, Immensi tremor Oceani.  
To this order is established a Herald called Mon. St. Michael, a Treasurer, a Chancellor, and a Register. Their habit according to the constitution of Henry the second of France was, his doublet, hose, shoes, scabbard, hatband, and feather, all white; a Surcoat with sleeves, of cloth of silver; over it a Mantle of the same turned up over the left shoulder, and tied over the right, embroidered with a bordure like the Collar. Over his shoulder lay a hood of cloth of silver spreading over his back, the tippet hanging down before, and over all the Collar.   

Knights of the Holy Ghost, or St. Esprit.  
TO this order of St. Michael did Henry the third, in honour of Whit-Sunday, (on which day he was chosen King of Poland) institute the order of Chivaleir du benoist sante Esprit: Joining both this and the other into one, an. 1578. as they continue to this day.  
In this discourse of this order by Monsieur Favin, is set down the Oaths, Ceremonies, Pensions, Accounts, and all the duties: all which should I insert would be too 〈◊〉 for my intention. The manner of their procession to 
Hon. Mil. & Civ. lib. 2. p. 87 88, 89.  Court, and many other particulars, is set down concerning them in Sir William Segar.  
Their robe is like that of St. Michael; only of black Velvet embroidered all about with gold and silver of Flowers-de-lysse, and knots of gold between sundry cyphers of silver, and flames of gold, seamed: garnished also with a Mantle of green cloth of silver, wrought over with the same manner of embroidery with the Mantle both lined with Orange coloured Satin. The great Mantle they wear turned up over the left shoulder, and open on the right: their hose and doublet white, and black bonnets with white plumes; the Collar over all, wrought in the same manner as the embroidery. They have a cross hanging at it, with a Dove in the Centre of it, as in another place shall be described.   

Of the Order of the Jennet.  
THis by the Annals of France is reckoned the first Order that ever was instituted in that Country. But I have not given it the first place, because it is now extinguished, and its essence only remaining in the Chronologie of Fame. It was ordained by Charles called 
Fav. lib. 3. fol. 312. & Aubert. Meraeus. pag. 62.  the Tyrant, before his usurpation called Charles Martell Seneschal, or High Steward of France. Who in a battle against the Moors, gaining a Victory, had, amongst many other spoils, a great number of Genets skins, and some of the beasts; In memory of which victory he instituted this Order, about the year of our Lord 726. The number was 16. to whom he gave Collars of gold made of a triple chain enterwoven with enamelled red Roses, at the end whereof hung a Jennet of gold enameled black and red, upon a Terrasse or bank of flowers fairly enamelled: This continued till King Robert, and then the Star of the Sea eclipsed it. 
Fol. 63.   
These Knights saith Aubertus Meraeus, had other Ensigns appropriated also, as a Ring after the manner of the Romans; and certain habits for the body.  
About which time, or not long after, Charlemagne created another Order called of the Crown Royal: but that was not so much in esteem, being only for a reward of service in Friezland, the Governor of the Country having the power of creating the Knights.   

Knights of the Broomeflower; And also of the Ship.  
LEwis the ninth in his time instituted two Orders of Knighthood; one called of the Broomeflower in the Cod, and the other of the Ship, called also of the Crescent, or half Moon.  
The first he instituted at his Coronation, and it continued till the end of the reign of Charles the fifth, and extinguished with his life. The collar of the Order was composed of Cod of Broomeflowers intermixed with Lozanges enameled with flowers-de-lysse; and at it, hung a Cross formy flory, with this Motto; Exaltat humiles.  
The other of the Ship he erected upon the occasion of the second voyage into Egypt, to encourage the Nobility that went with him. The collar of the Order was interlaced with double Scallops, and double Crescents interwoven with a meddal hanging at it, with a Ship enameled under sail.  
This King Lewis returning from his voyage 
Knights of St. Lazarus.  against the Turks, an. 1554 brought home with him a Troop of Knights, called of St. Lazarus, to whom he gave large possessions: But afterwards, this Order fell again, and their revenues were given to the Knights of Malta: until the time of Henry the fourth who instituted that of Mount-Carmel, and revived 
Knights of Mount Carmel.  that of St. Lazarus.  
There are many other ancient Knighthoods recorded in France, but as they were of less esteem, so are they also out of date; and I shall only name them, most of which were more private Orders, and had subjects for their Sovereigns: There was of the Porcupine: Of 
Porcupine. Thistle. Croissant. Ermine. Cock and dog. Seld. pag. 554, 555.  the Thistle of Bourbon: of the Croissant of Anjou: of the Ermine of Britagne. Of which examine Monsieur Favin his Theatre of Honor.  
There was also an order of the Dog and Cock, appropriated to the family of Monmorency, and another of de la dame blank al' escue verd; or the order of the Fair Lady of the green Field; instituted by Jean de Boucicaut Marshal of France under Charles the sixth, who were sworn unto divers Articles, as that they should assist all Ladies, and Gentlewomen wronged in their honours or fortunes, answer challenges of Arms, supply one another's necessary absence, that if any Lady or Gentlewoman, required aid of any of them, and after any Knight or Esquire should challenge him, he should first right the Lady; and then perform the 〈◊〉 or if a challenge preceded such other accident, it was at their pleasure which to undertake first; and many more such, which would be too tedious for this place. They are at large in Mauchaut Sieur de Roman ville his history of Boucicat.    

Of Military Orders in Spain.  

Of the Order of the Lilly.  
THis Order was erected in 〈◊〉 by Garcia the sixth, of the name surnamed Naiera, in honour of the Virgin Mary; and upon a miracle so great as might make this Lily one of the primest flowers in her little garden. 
* A Book of devotion full of improbable 〈◊〉 licencedby the Church of Rome.  The substance of it this: The King having been very sick; in the extremity of his disease sent to St. Saviour de Leyra, and other places of devotion, that prayers and interercessions might be made for his recovery; In which time was discovered in the City of Naiera, (where ordinarily he kept Court) the Image of the Virgin Mary issuing out of a Lily, holding her Son berwixt her arms. And suddenly after the discovery of this, the King recovered his health; and many other miracles were done on diseased people in that place, as supposed by virtue of the Virgin Mother; whom 
Fau. l. 6. fol. 11.  they termed the Lily of the Valleys. In honour whereof the said King erected this Order, and made himself Sovereign of it, and his Successors after him. These Knights did wear on their breasts a Lily embroidered in silver; and on festival days a double chain of gold interlaced with letters M, after the manner of the Goatish letter; with an Oval meddal hanging at it with a Lily enameled.   

Knights of San Jago, or St. James.  
THis was erected by the resolution of Gentlemen, being either Barons, or men of 
Segar.  great quality, that (jupon the conquering of their Country by the Arabians) retired into the Mountains of Asturia; and residing there made an engagement of War against the Moors; agreeing upon religious Rules of Knighthood, yet reserving to themselves liberty of marriage: but this Order Favin speaks to be erected by Alphonso the ninth, an. 1158. 
Favin. l. 6. fol. 138.  and that it was confirmed in 1175, by Pope Alexander the third,  
Their Governor is called great Master, their feast is on All-Saints day; when they meet in very great magnificence, having very great revenues: their Ensign a red Cross shaped like a Sword, with an Escollops shell on it, in imitation 
Ibid. f. 137  of the badge of the Pilgrims that go to Jerusalem, and to the Sepulchre of St. James the Apostle.  
Now the great Master of this Order hath always near him thirteen Knights where ever he goes for his aid, and Council; and so all the other Orders in Spain.   

Of the Order of Calatrava.  
THis was begun an. 1158. in imitation of 
Aub Mae. foi. 99  that of St. Jago, by Don Sanctio the third, King of Toledo, and it takes it name from the place of its establishment: their habit is a black garment, and on the breast thereof a red Cross; they have many great privileges, and possessions in Spain, the form of their Cross is set down in the end of this discourse; which if we will believe Monsieur Favin, and Aubertus Maereus, is quite another than that which Sir William Segar describes.   

Knights of Alcantara.  
THese also derive their denomination from the place of their institution, and 
Segar.  living under the same orders with those of Calatrava, do wear the same fashioned Cross, only the Colour is green  
They have a very glorious Church at Alcantara in Castiglia upon the river Tago, endowed with rich possessions, where their great meetings are.  
These were first of the order of St. Julian, 
Favin. l. 6. fol. 142.  called the order of the Pear-tree, Ferainando the second King of 〈◊〉, and Gallicia, being the first great Master. 1176.   

Knights of the Band.  
SIR William Segar attributes the original of this Ordsr to Alphonso King of Spain, an. 1268. But Favin sets it down in an. 1330. 
Ibid. fol. 163, 164.  from the testimony of Don Antonio de Guevara, Bishop of Mondognedo; But by the same person Alphonso the eleventh, of which Order (that it might receive the more reputation) he enroled himself and his Son. And yet (as Favin says) None were to be admitted but younger brothers, and mean Gentlemen of poor and slender sufficiency, who must have been ten years' followers of the Court; or at the least had fought three times against the Moors.  
They wear a red Scarf or Ribon, cross the left shoulder, like our Knights of the Bath, the breadth of three inches. Their articles are too many to be inserted here. Sir William Segar and Favin have them at large.   

D' Avis in Portugal.  
THere was an Order in Portugal, erected in the year 1147. called D' Avis, by Alphonso 
Aub. Maer. fol. 119.  the first, who were seatrd in the City Ebora, and so called from the Virgin Mary, being Patroness of the City. They had a great Master, and were called Fratres, and the place of their convention was called Frieria. Their Ensign is the same Cross with Calatrava vert, and in the centre of it a Pear-tree.   

Of the Order of Jesus Christ.  
SInce, in the year 1320. was erected another Order of more esteem amongst the Portugals called of Jesus Christ, by Dionysius King of that Country, and nephew to Alphonso the tenth of Castille; to which Order was given much of the revenue of the Knight's Templars, that lay in that Country, the Kings of Portugal are ever the Sovereigns of the Order to this day: The Ensign of the Order is a red cross surmounted or intersected with another white, on a black vestment; and they have many privileges, and Articles amongst them.  
Of this order was Don Pantaleon, (Brother to the Portugal Ambassador) who was beheaded at Tower-Hill, July 10. 1654.   

Knights of Montesia.  
THis order was much about the time of those of Calatrava and received their 
Seg.  name from the place of their residence in Valentia, and do wear for their Ensign a plain cross Gules.  
This order was established in the year 1317. 
Aub. 〈◊〉.  and had much of the revenue of the Knight's Templars also, settled on them.   

Knights of Redemption:  
THese Knights called of Redemption, were erected by James King of Arragon, upon the conquering the Islands of Majorica, in the year 1212. Their Articles are many, but the chief is, they are to redeem prisoners; from whence their title is derived: their habit is a white garment, with a black cross; and their Governor is always resident at Barcco, na.   

D'Espuella D' Orada, or, Of the Goldeu Spnr.  
THere is another Order in Spain, of far more honour called 〈◊〉 D' Espuella D' Orada. Which was created with much ceremony; as bathing (like our Knights of the Bath), then being laid on a rich bed, after brought to the Chapel or Church, where he performs his Vigils, confesses, and supplicates for power to observe the duty belonging to the order; then his gold spurs are put on, and a 
Mr. Seld. Title of Honour, fol. 576.  sword girt about him, and the sword being drawn, is delivered into his right hand; in which posture standing, he takes an Oath, never to refuse to die in defence of his Law, King, and Country. And then receiving a kiss from all the rest of the order, in testimony of the amity betwixt them, he is complete.  
Other orders there are there, as that of Cavaleri Armadi, Cavaleri 〈◊〉 Alarde, and some more ancient; as the Order os the Dove or Holy Ghost in Castille; of St. Saviour of Mont Real in Arragon; but these are either out of date, or of low reputation.    

Knights of the Annunciation.  
THis Order, saith Sir William Segar, was erected about the same time with that of St. Michael, but how I shall engage my faith to this article I know not; for I find much uncertainty in the relation, the institution of St. Michael being in an. 1469. according to his own account; and of the Annunciation, an. 1434. Besides, there is a greater error yet, in computation; for Monsieur Favin, (who hath some reason in this case to be understood, and hath been esteemed authentic) affirms it to be by Amedis the fifth, called also the Green, or Verd: whom he Chronologizes to live in an. 1355. which makes a vast difference: and again Aubertus Maereus, in his Symbola Equest. Ordinum gives the honour of its birth to Amedis the sixth, Earl of 〈◊〉: by which I must confess so great an uncertainty appears, as affrights me from any conclusion; but that by their general 〈◊〉, defacto, I am assured such an Order was. And that in memory of Amedis the fifth, who most courageously defended Rhodes against the Turks, where he took the bearing of Gules a plain cross Argent, which the Dukes of Savoy have continued till this day.  
This order was first called of the snares of 
favin. l. 8. 〈◊〉. 310.  love, from the receiving from his Lady the favour of a bracelet made of her hair into love-knots, and it was constantly celebrated on St. Maurices' day, who is Patron-Saint of Savoy.  
He composed it to consist of fifteen Knights, comprehending himself a chief Master.  
The place of their celebration is the Church of Pietra, in the Castle of Bellies; unto which at the institution of this Order was given certain lands for the maintenance of fifteen Chaplains: and continually every Knight at his death gives to the Church an hundred Florins.  
And one other Article was, that at the funeral of every Knight ceremoniously performed at the Castle of Pietra, every Knight of the order should wear black; (whereas their mourning was a white Gown) and leave off the Collar for certain days: and that at the innterment of the Sovereign, every Knight according to 
Segar. fol. 66.  their seniority in order should offer up his Collar.  
Every Knight was sworn to wear this order daily, and to accept of no other.  
And that no person stained with reproach or dishonour should be admitted: or if found so after, to be degraded.  
Of these past Knighthoods, these four, of the Garter in England; the Toyzon in Burgndy; St. Michael, and of St. Esprit in France; and this of the 〈◊〉 in Savoy, are the most honourable, and yet in being.   

Of the Knight's Templars.  
THis Order as it hath been most famous in the world (though now extinct) I think aught to be preserved with an honourable memory. It was erected in a pious design, perpetrated with a glorious fame; though extinguished in an ignoble and injust stratagem, of the Devil, the Pope, and the King of France.  
Its first rise was from an accident of certain 
Vid. Aub. Maer. f. 77. & 78.  Gentlemen meeting in the Holy Land, (some say nine) an. 1117. Who hearing of the great disturbance of the Country by the incursion of Turks and swarming of Pickaroons, engaged a confederacy, with the hazard of their lives to suppress them. Which resolution being known was so approved of by the Patriarch, that he commanded accommodation for them in the Temple near the Sepulchre. And the King of Jerusalem appointed them all appertinencies for so religious an enterprise. From whence they received the name of Knights-Templars. And thus going on with much resolution and courage; many Christians came in to thrir assistance, and many brave exploits were performed by them: Insomuch that in nine years' time they had erected such a structure of honour, as set all the world at gaze, and established their Country in a happy peace. For a reward whereof, Pope Honorius, at the suit of the Patriarchof Jerusalem, prescribed unto them a peculiar Order of life; and distinguished their order by wearing a white Garment, and Pope Eugenius added a red Cross; after which prosperity they elected a Head whom they called Great Master.  
Yet not long after this, Jerusalem and a great part of the Country was lost for want of supply from other parts of Christendom. However they still made war upon the Turks for 120. years, and added new breath to the Trump of Fame, purchasing large revenues to the Order in most Kingdoms of Europe, being the exercise of love in all Christian Princes, and of emulation in every Heroic spirit: Insomuch that Vitriacus gives this character of them: they were, saith he, Leones in bello, agni mansueti 
Hist. orient. cap. 65. & 66.  in domo, in expeditione milites asperi, in Ecclesia vel ut Eremitae & Monachi; inimicis Christi duri & feroces, Christianis autem benigni & mites, etc.  
But this great glory could not shine for ever, without an eclipse; nor such favourites of fortune live without envy, as well as emulation; and their fall was so much the more sudden and violent, by how much their fame was higher. For in England, France, and almost all parts of Christendom, was it at an instant (as it were) and in one very day, by sentence of Pope Clement the first, (to satisfy the the base avarice of Philip de Beau the Roy of France) totally dissolved and suppressed.  
The pretence was upon certain Articles exhibited against them; which have been by all the world, almost not only adjudged false, but 
〈◊〉. fol. 92.  ridiculous. As that they used Pagan ceremonies in the election of their great Master: that they lost the Holy Land, (when they alone endeavoured to preserve it): that they held some Heretical opinions: that they worshipped an Image apparelled in a man's skin: and that they drunk man's blood to confirm their oath of Confederacy.  
When indeed itwas most certain, that the crime for which they suffered was their vast wealth; and their fidelity to the Patriarch, whom they owned before the Pope: cause sufficient to set the one to solicit, and the other to grant, a monstrous doom, which they suffered under; for what will not pride and avarice do?  
The Great Master himself and sixty others of the Order were committed to the mercy of fire in Paris at one time, and the rest persecuted, if not executed, in most places; all of them dying without any acknowledgement of any one allegation, and with the same Christian and heroic spirits they had lived in, and by the account of Favin (a French writer and one I think in this not too impartial) there was, at twice after, one hundred or above burned to death in Paris, all dying with innocence in their mouths; and in the same place many after.  
But as such notorious evils are ever the Ushers of God's infinite judgements, it was not far off here: for the two Knights employed in the accusation, were one hanged, and the other slain, in a short time after.  
How the Revenues prospered in the hands of the new possessors, I know not; or the possessors in the enjoyment of them; but I believe like those of Church lands in this Nation: And the account of stories and traditions I have seen and heard in particular of it, makes me with confidence say, Very unfortunately.  
Many of their Territories and Castles in some places were given to an order of Knighthood called the Joannites, Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, and particularly in England, who were after Knights of Rhodes, and lastly of Malta, being conferred by Act of 
7 of Ed. 2.  Parliament, (how taken from them I cannot say), and in Vienna by order of a great Council.   

Of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta.  
SOme have been of opinion that this Order was originally from the time of the Holy War, an. 1099. When, by the conduct 
Segar. fol. 66, 67.  of one called Peter the Hermit, Robert Duke of Normandy, Son to William the Conqueror, Godfrey Duke of Lorraine, and some other Noble persons, Jerusalem was 〈◊〉 from the Saracens; being called Knights of St. John Baptist and of Jerusalem. But it is more certainly related, that certain 〈◊〉 Christians going to visit the Holy Sepulchre, obtained leave of the Caliph of Egypt, to build a little Cottage to live in by it: paying a due tribute for their liberty as for their own residence, and for the entertaining such as should adventure to join with them in their devout life; which, Monsieur Favin relates to be Neopolitans. After this, their number so increased that they built another to entertain women, more large and stately; and enlarged their Oratory; and another for men in the nature of a College or Hospital, where they established a Rector or Master, and from the great charity among them, their religious life, and good deeds to Pilgrims, they were called brethren Hospitallers of St. John Baptist of Jerusalem.  
And upon the Conquest of the Ciry, they had great Franchises granted them, and large revenues, with liberty to manage arms, 
Favin. l. 9 fol. 388.  and were instituted to be Knights of St. John, An. 1164. And for their distinction they wore a black garment, with a white ankerd Cross, with eight points; but in War they wore a red Coat of Arms with the same white Cross See the example of the Crosses at the end of this discourse.  
After their success in the Holy War grew very famous, and that they had done very great exploits, almost over all Palestine; in the year 1308, they won the City of Rhodes from the Turks. And as valiantly maintained it against them afterwards, who four times 〈◊〉 it in vain; and the fifth time also was O taman himself repulsed, with the loss of 40000 Mahometans. But being constantly oppressed, and not encouraged with any relief from the Christians of other parts, after three month's siege they lost it, and ever since have remained in Malta.  
Into this Order no man was admitted but he was first to approve himself a Gentleman before the Rector. The Son of a Moor was not to be admitted, nor of a Jew or Mahometan, though the Son of a Prince, and a Christian himself: and they were sworn to fight for the Christian faith, to do Justice, defend the oppressed, relieve the poor, persecute the Mahometans, live virtuously, and protect Widows and Orphans.   

Of Knight's teutonics.  
THis order of the Teutonicis was founded by an Almain, who remaining in Jerusalem, after the taking of it, gave great and liberal entertainment to all Christians that came to him, and in a short time had drawn such a resort; that from thence arose a Fraternity that bound themselves under certain Articles, and elected a great Master or Governor; every man of that association, apparelling himself in white with a black cross pattee voided with a cross patonce. Which Fraternity afterwards grew a very great Order; and purchased a noble fame: But Jerufalem being taken by the Turks again, they removed, and pitched their settlement in Ptolemaida; and that being also taken by the Saracens, they retired to Germany; and engaging a War against the Prusians, they got great victories, and having the Emperors Grant for enjoying what by the sword they won, with expense of some blood, they purchased great revenues in Prusia: and built many illustrious 〈◊〉, with Churches, and some Cathedrals, establishing Bishops to them, whom they enjoined to wear the habit of the Order: this was about the year 1220. Frederick the second, being then Emperor.  
The chief Church appropriate to this Order 
〈◊〉. l. 2. ol. 105.  is Marcenburg. The Knights besides their large possessions are Lords of Livonia, and they have a Governor, which they still call the Great Master.   

Knights of St. Sepulchre.  
THis was anciently an honourable Knighthood, but it is since extinguished, and nothing but the memory of it remaining, and that inclusively in those of Malta. The Ensign 
Ibid fol. 106.  of the Order is yet extant amongst them, as a relic of antiquity; which is a double Cross, 〈◊〉, as it were, two conjoined Gules, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Segar relates: But Favin speaks 〈◊〉, as that their Cross was a Cross 〈◊〉, in each Canton of the same a small Cross plain; being the same as the arms of the Kings of Jerusalem: and from this original that Godfrey of Bullein gave great goods to 〈◊〉, especially in his last Will and Testament; by which also he ordained that himself, and the successors Kings of Jerusalem, should be buried in their Cathedral Church, which was joining to the Sepulchre; that their Patriarch should have the Prerogative of crowning them. And Baldwin his immediate successor established them an Order of Knighthood, (being before put regular Canons) appointing 
Favin lib. fol. 381.  the Patriarch of Jerusalem their Great Master: Thus Favin relates.   

Knights of St. Mary.  
THese were a religious Order, erected by 
Seg fol. 107.  certain Gentlemen of 〈◊〉, and Madonna; for which they obtained a licence of Pope Urban, but with money only, calling themselves Knights of St. Mary, but were commonly called Cavaleri de Madonna; and indeed properly enough, for whereas they professed to fight against Infidels, they lived always at home in peace, plenty, and ease, for which they gained the heroic character of Fratres gaudenti, or goodfellow Brethren.  
Their habit was very rich, and on it they wore a Cross, like that of St. John of Jerusalem.   

Knights of St. Lazaro.  
THe Knights of St. Lazaro challenge a great antiquity, so high as St. Basil; They had great possessions, and honourable reputation; but, like the Knight's Templars, were suddenly eclipsed, and had as absolutely been smothered in the Funeral crowd of obscured honour, had not Pope Pius Quartus a little revived them.  
This Order does own obedience to a great Master also, and are engaged to the observance of many Articles; especially they are to be of lawful birth, and Gentlemen by double descent, and of Christian parents; to wear a green Cross in the manner of a Cross Pattee fimbriated, as Sir William Segar describes; but Aubertus Maereus otherwise, as is exemplified hereafter.   

Of the Knights of the Bear, called also of St. Gall.  
IN the year 1213. the Emperor Frederick 
Favin. l 7. fol. 273.  the second, going in Pilgrimage to the Abbey of St. Gall, gave great privileges in acknowledgement of their assistance in pulling down the Emperor 〈◊〉, and establishing him. Whereupon also he established an Order of Knighthood, called of the Bear; which Knights were yearly to meet at the Abbey of St. Gall, on the 16. of October; where all new Knights were to receive the order from the Abbot. 
Aub Maer. lib. 2. f. 79   
This Order he called of the Bear in honour of St. Ursus that was martyred at Soleure. Unto this Order he gave a collar and 〈◊〉 of gold, at which hung a figure of a Bear enameled Sable.   

Of the Order of the Elephant.  
IN Denmark is a Military order, called of the Elephant, and also of the blessed Virgin Mary: who have for their Collar a chain of gold interwoven with Elephants and Spurs, and at it hangeth a meddal of the Virgin 
Ibid. sol. 150.  Mary, encompassed about with Rays of the Sun; at the nether part whereof hangeth another circle enclosing three nails, which 〈◊〉 term Symbola omnia Christianae 〈◊〉. Who was the Founder is left 〈◊〉: the Elephants are figured with Castles on these backs, which some do suppose to be the 〈◊〉 or designment of Christernus. 4.   

Of the Order of Mantua.  
IN Mantua, some Friars do report to be some of the blood of our Saviour kept, with a piece of the Sponge in which he received the Vinegar and Gall. Which Relics they say, do daily work extraordinary miracles. 
Favin. fol. 392.  In honour of which blood Vincentio de Gonzaga, fourth Duke of Mantua, did institute an Order of Knighthood, calling them Knights of the blood, of our Saviour Jesus Christ, making himself the Great Master of the Order; which was confirmed by Pope Paul the fifth.  
The original of it was about the year 1608. when he created fifteen Knights, giving them collars composed of Ovals of Gold, some the length one way, others another; in one of which were these words, Domine probâsti; and in the other, flames of fire, flashing about a crucible or melting-pot full of sticks of Gold; and at the same hangeth before another large Oval, wherein are designed two Angels standing upright, holding a Chalice, and pix, crowned; on the table of it, are seen enameled 〈◊〉 drops of blood; And about this Oval is this Inscription, Nihil I sto triste recepto.   

Knights of St. Stephano.  
THis Order was erected in the year 1561. by Cosmo Duke of Florence; ordaining amongst them such articles almost as those of the Order of Malta: their residence is Pisa; where the said Duke erected a Church to the honour of the Order, and is himself the Great Master.  
Other Orders of Knighthood there are, and have been in the Holy Land, and other parts: As of St Thomas Apostle; St. Katherine of Mount Sinai: Of the white Eagle in Polonia: Of the Swan in Cleveland: The Brethren Sword-bearers in Livonia: Of St. Blaze in Armenia: Of St. John of Acres, and of St. Gerian, which was instituted by Frederick 〈◊〉, to which order none were admitted but German Gentlemen. But these are all, or most of them, out of date, and not so considerable as to trouble an ingenious brain with, in this place. Favin and others have discoursed enough of them, to which (if the reader be desirous of further knowledge) I refer him. There is also another Order called of the white Dragon in Germany, erected by the Emperor Sigismond, upon a resolution of extirpating heresy and schism throughout all his Dominions, who had for their Ensign a white Dragon: and in Swethen another, which is called of the Seraphins: who had at their institution appointed them collars of Seraphins heads, intermixed with Crosses. And now, if I have not been too tedious in this discourse of Knighthood, I have I hope said enough, and conclude with the description of the several forms of their Crosses before mentioned.  
The first is of St. Esprit, the second, of St. Michael, the third of Calatrava, the fourth of St. John of Jerusalem, the fifth of St. Lazarus the sixth of the teutonics, the seventh of St. Andrew, the eighth of the Sepulchre, the ninth of Christus d' Avis.  
And so I take leave of Knighthood: and in the next place only cursorily run through the antiquity of Heralds, and the Inns of Court and Chancery with their foundations; for which last (though not very pertinent to my business,) yet I may expect an excuse, since it hath nor yet been any way done.   
The End of Knighthood.   

OF HERALD'S.  
THe word Herald (saith Verstegan) 
Versed. 〈◊〉. 321.  is derived from the Saxon 〈◊〉, and by abbreviation 〈◊〉; and Herald which in that language signifies the Champion of an Army: and growing to be a name of Office, it was given to him that in the Army had the 〈◊〉 charge of challenging to battle or combat.  
Sir Henry Spelman calls him Nuncius sacer, and speaking of the signification of the word, 
Gloss. f. 336.  says, quidam enim Herald 〈◊〉, some do write Herald, that is, Dominus celsus, an eminent Lord, some Herold, which is an old Lord; and some Heral, hoc est, says he, ministrum 〈◊〉, an Officer of an Army, which last he supposes the most proper.  
These are Officers of great antiquity (saith Dune mensis) who writes that they are as ancien as Kings, and were termed of the Romans, 〈◊〉, & Caduceatores. And doubtless thee ection of our Heralds was in imitation of them; though their authority be not so great with us, as it seems theirs was; whose Office was established by Numa Pompilius and a 
Vid. Pomp. 〈◊〉. de magist. Rom. p. 5.  college or hostel erected of twenty wise and reverend men; per quos fiebat, ut Justum indiceretur Bellum, & ut Foedere, fides pacis constitueretur: ordering that it was and should be unlawful to take arms against an enemy without their consent and appointment.  
Which Fecialians, when the popular Estate was changed into a Monarchy again, wore the Coats of Arms of Purple and Scarlet, fringed with gold, and an Eagle of the same embroidered thereon, and the Emperor's name then reigning: and they had one Principal which was called by the people Pater patratus, whom they ever reverenced as sacred, and it was a rule or law among them, that Fecialium sacra violare, nefas erat.  
Since when, as the Office now is, they have been esteemed as Ambassadors, and sometimes have been made so; however, are the Messengers of Princes and great Monarches, and what 
Favin. l. 4. cap. 4.  ever their message have been, privileged in the same degree with Ambassadors, and not only in our parts, but all over the world have been in being (though not as now in regular Office) ever since there have been Kings.  
In every City of Greece (as saith Ulpian the Interpreter of Demosthenes) they were called Ceryces, and had in much honour of all men, and maintained out of the Public Treasury.  
In Rome, and most other places they carried as Ensigns of their Office 〈◊〉 Rods in imitation of the Poetical fiction of Mercury, 
Ibid.  who is styled the Herald of the Gods: those of Rome wreathed with two Serpents; and the ancient Druids of wreaths of Vervine, imitating the same.  
In France, (where a long time this office hath been in much honour) not only 〈◊〉 
Ibid.  St. Dennis the principal King of Arms; but the other Heralds, and Pursuivants are to be of noble 〈◊〉; and Mountjoy to be of three descents, as well of his Fathers as of his Mother's side, of Noble lineage, and Coat-Armor.  
Their Office or College is in the Church of St. Anthony the less in Paris. And they are allowed the privilege of entrance into any Prince's Court; and an injury offered to them is a public injury in all parts of the world. But I do not find they were in this 〈◊〉 and establishment, till the time of 
Favin. l. 〈◊〉. c. 4 f. 36.  Philip de Valloys. The revenues of them in France was very great, as to Mountjoy in particular 2000 l. Lands in free tenure, and 1000 pound per annum stipend, as Favin relates. And the others 1000 pound per annum stipend, besides, other profits (and they are many): besides their privileges are very great, which in the same Author are at large set down: in which Author I cannot but observe the ridiculousness of their humour in the christening of their Pursuivants (for they call it christening, and the Ceremony is performed with the pouring a pot of Wine on their heads); they name them at their own pleasure, and some they call Plain-way, Jolly-heart, No-lyar, Telltruth, cheerfulness, Fair-seeming, Loftyfoot, and the like.  
But to come nearer to our own concernment, I think to proceed with the same Office in our own Nation, where they are now in less esteem, I confess, than they have been in former ages; yet have ever been honoured with messages between Potentates for matter of Honour and Arms. Ceremoniarum Ministri, as in the Coronation of Kings and Queens, instalment of Princes, and creation of Noble dignities of honour, in Triumphs, Justs, Combats, Marriages, Christen, Interments; and to attend all solemn Assemblies of State and honour, and by some of them ought the proclamations of all great matters of State to be promulged, causes of Chivalry, and Gentility are referred to their care, as in the right of bearing of Arms, in Shields, Scutcheons, Targets, Banners, Pennons, Coats, and such like; correcting of Arms in visitations: and observing descents and pedigrees of Noblemen and Gentlemen.  
They are the Protonotaries, Griffiers, and Registers of all acts, and proceedings in the Court of the High 〈◊〉 and Lord Martial of Engiand, or of such as have their authority; and in their books and Records they are to preserve to perpetual memory all facts and memorable designments of honour and Arms. They have been long established in England; but I find not that they were incorporated into a Collegiate Society till Richard the third's time; when they were incorporated by Charter, and placed at Coleharbor, from whence they often removed, until they became settled, where now at this time they are placed, by the honourable endeavour of that Illustrious family of the Howards, formerly Dukes of Norfolk, and Earls Marshals of England; the house being before called Derby house. Which was established to them in the time of King Philip and Queen Mary, and in these terms incorporated; by the names of Garter King of Arms of England; Clarenceux King of Arms of the South parts, and the Heralds and Pursuivants for ever; and to have and use a common Seal to purchase Lands to sue and be sued by.  
Edward the sixth in his third year granted them many privileges, viz. In these words: Forasmuch as sundry records and testimonies of great antiquity, and of no less credit have now lately reduced to our perfect knowledge the Kings of Arms, Heralds, and 〈◊〉 of Arms elected as persons virtuous, and for their good qualites, knowledge, and experience to serve in the affairs of the Commonwealth, have been always heretofore by Emperors, Kings, and Princes of Christian Realms upon most worthy and just considerations not only maintained and supported, as well with yearly stipends and pensions, as daily profits, advantages, and commodities, sufficient to the necessity of the decent and convenient living of them and theirs in honest state. (Which daily profits, advantages, and commodities are now lately much decayed, to their hindrance, especially in this our Realm) but also have been by the said Emperors, Kings, and Princes, enriched and adorned, time out of man's memory, with divers kinds of privileges, liberties, and franchises; as, among others, that they and every of them be free, exempt, quite, and discharged not only from subsidies, dimes, fifths, tenths, reliefs, contributions, taxes, profits, grants, benevolences, and generally from all other manner of charges, as well in time of War as Peace, in all such Realms and Dominions, wherein they made their demour; but also in all Market Towns, and all other places, from Tolls, Fines, Customs, Impositions, and Demands; and aswell from Watch and Ward in all Cities, Towns, and Castles, Borroughs, and Villages; and from the election or appointment to any Office, of Mayor, Sheriff, Bailiff, Constable, Scavenger, Churchwarden, or any other public Office in Cities, Towns, Castles, 〈◊〉, and Villages whatsoever. And forasmuch also as we understand all Kings of Arms, Heralds, etc. have always heretofore from the beginning of the Office of Arms enjoyed, and do presently enjoy, all and singular the privileges, liberties, and franchises aforesaid, with many other, in all Christian Realms, without any disturbance, 〈◊〉, or molestation; We therefore considering the same, and earnestly minding as well the advancement of the said Office of Arms, as the quiet and honest supportance of our Servants, and Ministers thereof; do, of our special Grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, by the advice and consent of our most dearly beloved Uncle Edward Duke of Somerset, and our Protector of our Realms and Dominions and Subjects, and of the rest of our Council, by these 〈◊〉, not only confess and generally approve, give, grant, and confirm to the said King's Heralds, etc. and to every of them and their successors for ever, for us and our Successors, all and singular the premises before recited, although here not recited, as have been of honourable antiquity upon just 〈◊〉 to them granted, by Emperors, Kings, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 right famous memory heretofore: But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 especially by these presents, pardon, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 utterly for us and our heirs, release the said Kings of Arms, Heralds, etc. aswell all 〈◊〉, sums of money and demands whatsoever 〈◊〉, assessed, etc.  

The Officers are thus distinguished.  Kings of Arms Garter General & indefinite. Of the south p. of Eng. Beyond Trent northw. 〈◊〉 Norroy Heralds York sometimes styled Dukes of Arms. 〈◊〉 Windsor Lancaste. Richmond Chester Pursuivants Portcullis  Blewmantle  Raugh dragon  〈◊〉 croixe.   
And there are commonly two Pursuivants extraordinary; whose names, I find to have varved, therefore I name them not.  
The Office of Garter was first instituted by Henry the fifth, and though the other received Ordination long before, yet is honoured with the precedency; and, hath the prehemimency in all Charters and Assemblies, Creations of Nobility, and honourable processions, especially all concernments of the order of the Garter either in Elections, or Funerals.  
The other of Clarenceux and Norroy by 〈◊〉 have power, Clarenceux over all England on this side 〈◊〉, Norry beyond; to enter into all Churches, Castles, Houses, and any other places to survey and review all Arms, Recognizances, and Crests; to make visitations, and to register the pedigrees and marriages of the Nobility and Gentry: and at their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or upon suit in their Office to punish with disgrace and 〈◊〉 all such as shall intrude so much upon Honour, as to usurp other men's Achievements, or fancy to themselves new, against the law of Arms; to reverse and 〈◊〉 them, and to make infamous by 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 or Sessions all such as 〈◊〉 unduly take upon them the title of Esquire or Gentleman, and such as shall use, or wear mourning Apparel, as Gown, Hoods, etc. contrary to the Order limited in the time of Henry the seventh, and to 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉 and other Artificers in the setting 〈◊〉 of Arms.  
In the execution of which commission they have power to command all Justices, Sheriffs, Mayors, Baliffs, and other officers and subjects to be aiding and assisting to them. And if upon summons any Knight, Esquire, or Gentleman do refuse to come and appear before him, and give an account of their Arms and Gentility, they have power in their respective Provinces, to summon them by a Suppaena of what penalty they think sit, before the Earl Marshal of England for their 〈◊〉 therein.  
And they have the ordering of all Funerals of the Gentry within their respective Province, from a Baron downwards, taking other Heralds in their courses with them.  
As also the ordering of all Combats, Lists, and Triumphs with the Fees belonging to them: And they have for stipend out of the Exchequer 100 marks a piece annuity.  
The six Heralds are all in equal degree, only preceding according to the seniority of their creation; their Patents, being under the 〈◊〉 Seal of England, and their annual stipend is forty marks, besides theirs profits and Fees,  
The 〈◊〉 have their Patents in like 〈◊〉, a stipend of twenty pound per annum, out of the Exchequer; but those extraordinary have neither Patent nor Fee. The Arms of the Office is Arg. a Cross 〈◊〉 between four 〈◊〉, Azure.  
The whole Company are subordinate unto the High Constable or Earl Martial of England, and by him every of them is at his first entry commended to the King, by a Bill signed with his hand. Which done, the King signs the same, and so it passes the Privy Seal and broad Seal; and, that once obtained, they are to be 〈◊〉 and created by the King himself, or the Earl Marshal, in 〈◊〉 following  
A King of Arms is brought into the King 〈◊〉 Lord Martial, led between a King and a Herald, or two Heralds, in their Coats; the other Herald's 〈◊〉 Pursuivants going before in their Coats carrying the several necessary instruments to 〈◊〉 used: on 〈◊〉 the Coat of Arms wherewith 〈◊〉 new King is to be invested, another 〈◊〉 Crown; another the Patent; another he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; another the Book and Sword: another the Book where his Oath is received; all making several 〈◊〉, and then he knelt down with those two that led him; one of which holds the Book and 〈◊〉 whereon he swears, the other speaks his Oath; then his Patent is read; and at the word Creamus, and Investimus, his Coat is put on; and at non violante nomine, etc. the the water is poured on his head, and then he is perfect.  
There is belonging to this Office a Register, Marshal, and other officers and servants; and, amongst those Painters called Heralds-Painters, every King of Arms hath power to Commission one whom he pleases, as appropriate to his business: and so much for Heralds.  
And thus much for Heraldry.   

The Names of the several Houses and Inns of Court, Chancery, and other Hostels in and about the City of LONDON.  

Two called Sergeants Inn  
1. In 〈◊〉.  
2. In Chancery lane.   

The two Temples  
Inner Temple.  
Middle Temple.   

Lincoln's Inn.  
Gray's Inn.   

Inns of Chancery  
Davies Inn.  
Furnivals' Inn.  
Bernard's Inn.  
Staple Inn.  
Clifford's Inn.  
Clement's Inn.  
New Inn.  
Lion's Inn.   

Chester's, or Strand Inn.  
The six Clerks Office or Inn.  
Cursiters Inn. The Rolls,  
Doctors Commons.  
Gresham College.  
The Exhequer Office:  
Osbournes Office.  
St. Kather. by the Tower.    

The Inns of Court and Chancery in their order.  
FIrst it is to be understood the four Colleges or Inns of Court, may be termed Collegia Jurisconsultorum, that is, Colleges of Lawyers.  
The Romans did call such houses Diversoria, ordained to entertain strangers, which in our English are called Inns: and have been acknowledged with us in England, to be the residing houses of the Noblest Peers, viz. Oxford Inn, Warwick Inn, Ely Inn; and now called Oxford house, Warwick house, and Ely house: Somewhat according to the French, whose houses of Nobility (in Paris) are called Hostels, (in Latin Hospitium) in English, Inns.  
In London and thereabouts, there are fourteen, two Sergeants Inns, four Inns of Court, and eight Inns of Chancery.  
The most ancient Inn of Court, and wherein Sergeants of Law had their first residence, was sometimes over against Saint Andrews Church in Holborn, and was known by the name of Sergeants Inn: which afterwards came to be the Scroops, who then were, & have since continued Barons of this land, and it was called Scroops june; which is called by another name, the possession being likewise altered out of that Family.  
And although the Inns of the Sergeants be somewhat ancient for time, as also of modern age too: yet it must be granted, that in respect of some others they must be respected but of a noval foundation. Yet forasmuch as they are receptacles and lodging places of the most reverend Judges, and grave Barons of the Exchequer, and other Judge, in Office, and Sergeants at Law; they are by way of decency to be reckoned in the first rank.  
That Hostel or Inn which now is commonly called Sergeants Inn in Fleetstreet, was sometime a Message appertaining unto the Dean and prebend's of York. And afterwards purchased by the Judges, and Sergeants at Law that lived in the Reign of King Henry the eighth, for a place of residence for them in Term time.  
And that other called Sergeants Inn in Chancery lane, was sometimes a Mesluage belonging unto the Bishops of See of Ely; as appear by Records.  
In these said Houses or Inns of Court, commonly called Sergeants Inn, the reverend Judges of this land, and the Sergeants at Law have for many years lived; and have been lodged within the same; Being (in very deed) although several by distance of place, yet held to be but one entire Society, or Confraternity by the name of Brethren.  
The Arms of these two Inns of Judges and Sergeants.  
First Gules two Garbs in Saltyre Or, bands Azure.  
The Second Or, an Ibis' proper, which is a bird near the colour of a Jay.  
Next to the two Sergeants Inns in order are the four Inns of Court, that is to say,  

Inner Temple.  
Middle Temple.  
Lincoln's Inn.  
Gray's Innne.   
And first of the two houses, or Societies, which are called by the name of Temples or the Templars Inn,  
The Middle Temple beareth for distinction. Argent on a plain cross Gules, the holy Lamb 〈◊〉.  
The said two Temples or the Templars Inn, are of any other of the Inns of Court the the most renowned and famous for antiquity: They were at the prime and in their original but one entire foundationand body.  
But in process of time became divided; at first founded by a religious and devout Order of Soldiers, called Templarii that is, to say Templars.  
Which Knights within the Kingdom of England purchased to themselves certain Lands in Fleetstreet, bordering upon the shore of the River Thames, and thereon (within a short time) built a large Edifice, and withal a round Synagogue, like unto a Chapel or Temple, as it is now standing; and was by Heraclius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Anno Dom. 1185. dedicated to the service of God; In which place these Templars by the space of one hundred years lived in great honour and opulency, enjoying large possessions, and those situate in the best places of the Realm; the like they had in other places; the Prelate of which Order, was ever a Baron of England.  
Now after the suppression of these Knights Templars, their College or Hostel came to the hands of Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster, who being attainted for Disloyalty and Treason, the same became invested to the Crown. And afterwards the Earls Hugo le Dispenser Earl of Chester obtained the possession of the same house; who for the like transgression was justly attained also, and then it came to Damare de Valence Earl of Pembroke, the Lusignian family in France: who lodged therein but for a small season, so that in the reign of Edward the third, the Sages and worthy professors of the Common Laws of this Realm obtained a long lease of this house for 10. l. per annum. A third part whereof, called the outward Temple, one Doctor Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter, in the days of King Edward the second, procured for a residing Mansion to him and his successors, Bishops of that See; and it was called Exeter Inn: And so continued until the days of Queen Mary, when the Lord Paget, her principal Secretary of State, and obtained the said third part called Exeter house, to him, and his heirs, and did re-edify the same. After whom the said house, or the third part of the said Templars house, came to Thomas late Duke of Norfolk, and was by him conveyed to Sir Robert Dudley Knight, al. Sutton, Earl of Lieoester, who bequeathed the same to Sir Robert Dudley Knight, his Son; and lately came by purchase to Robert Devoreux late Earl of Essex, that died in the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth; and it is called to this day, Essex house.  
And not to omit what is written touching the antiquity of the Coat of Arms belonging to this house; it is warranted by the same, was, and yet is, to be seen purtraicted in an old Manuscript, written many years since, concerning the foundation of that Order, and which Manuscript now is, or of late was in the custody of the Right Honourable Lord William Howard a lover of Nobility and honourable Arms.  
It is to be understood that before the Order of Knight Templars assumed to themselves the said Coat Armour they now wear, that they did embrace as to them appropriate this Ensign, A Horse galloping with two Men on his back.  
The which Ensign was usually engraven on their Signet or Common Seal: It hath been conjectured that the significancy thereof was, that the Original of this Order began in poverty and want: So that when they were to undertake any expedition of Christian service, they were enforced for want of ability, to ride two of them upon one horse: But it is more truly conceited that the same was rather an 〈◊〉 of Love, and Charity, and was a true Hieroglyphic of an ingenious disposition, and of a 〈◊〉 kindness, used amongst noble and freehearted Soldiers; whereof none were of greater note than this Order. Who being professed 〈◊〉 and honourable spirits when they should come to the rescue of a Christian Soldier, who might happen to be wounded, or sick, and comfortless in the field, they would relieve him, and set him behind one of them upon his own horse, and by that means convey him to some place of safety; where they should likewise take some speedy course for his relief. Neither was this work of Chariy, only practised by the Christian Knights in those ages; but it was used by the very Infidels, and Pagans, who also usually were exercised in the same works of Charity, as may be observed, and read, out of the famous and renowned Poet Ariosto; who relates, that Reginaldo and Fernand, two Knights Charlemagne did fight together, and each of them was mortally wounded, and therefore, they agreed to adjourn the Combat till another day. And that, during the space of the Parley Reginaldo's Palfrey strayed away, and could not be found; whereupon Fer nand proffered Reginaldo a part of his horse to ride upon, and willed him to mount up behind him, with assurance he would convey him safe to the place he desired, which Reginaldo accepted, and Fernand performed: This History is writ by Ariosto in the Italian language, and not unworthy observation to this intent.  
The Knight's Templars took their original about the year of Grace, 〈◊〉. and upon this occasion many Noble men, who were religiously bend, obliged themselves by special vows to serve Christ as regular Cannons in Chastity, and Obedience; and to renounce their own proper will for ever.  
The first of that Order was Hugo Paganus, and Godfrido de Sancto Hadomaro.  
Their habit was prescribed by Pope Honorius to be a white habit; and after, by order from Pope Eugenio, these Knights had their first habitation appointed them by Baldwin King of Jerusalem, near unto the holy Temple; there they were ever after saluted by the names of Knights Templars.  
This Order in process of time did grow so universally great, that many great 〈◊〉 and Towns of Christendom received their Order of the Knight's Templars, as well in this our Nation, as in other parts, where they enjoyed fair revenues and large possessions; for in England this University, called the Temple, was the feat and habitation of divers Knights of that Order. But it hath of late by the Princely donation of King James our late Sovereign been confirmed to the professors of the Common Law, under the great Seal of England.  
The Society of said the Inner Temple hath lately assumed to themselves a Pegasus, whereof in particular I spare to relate any more; for the same is vulgarly known to all.  
To the Inner House was also appropriated divers learned Legists from time to time, which in number, continuance, and gifts of Nature, did exceed every other of the said Inns of Court: And therefore was anciently termed Inner Temple Boun Pleader. Which continueth to this very day; and it is withal much esteemed of, beautified, and graced with a special Garden plot, famous for its situation, neatness and nearness of the River.  
The Ensign is Azure, a Pegasus Argent.  

Lincoln's Inn.  
This House, owning a right to the Arms as well as name of the Lacies Earls of Lincoln, have set up over the Gate the Lion Rampant purpure; committing a great mistake in that, if Sir John Fern's account of that Family of the Lacies be true, (which hath passed for authentic): for he tells us that Or, a Lion Rampant purpure was his right; but it was only a quartering, and not the paternal Coat: for his first and principal bearing was party per Cross, Gules & 〈◊〉 a bend Sables, over all a file or three Labels Arg. and this was the proper Coat of those Lacies, the other was the Coat of the Lord Nigeld or Neal, Baron of Halton.  
This Society of Lincoln's Inn, the next for antiquity, and ancient Ally to the Middle Tenple, is situate in a Street or Lane known formerly by the name of New-street, and now Chancery lane being once the Mansion-house of a Gentleman called William de Havershall, Treasurer to King Henry the third, who for disloyalty to his Sovereign, was by the said King attainted of Treason, so that thereby his house and lands became annexed to the Crown. And thereupon the King gave this house to Ralph de Nova villa, vulgo Nevil, Chancellor of England, as appear by an ancient Record: Who also was Bishop of Chichester, and kept his habitation or place of abode in that place.  
This House came afterwards to the hands of Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, by reason whereof it was called Lincoln's Inn and keepeth the style to this day. This Earl Henry deceased in that house about the year of our Lord 1310. Nevertheless this house did afterwards continue to the Bishops of Chichester until the 〈◊〉 of King Henry the eighth, and the interest thereof came by conveyance to Justice Gullyard and other Feoffees, who during his life, and after him his posterity, held it until the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth, and then Sir Edw. Gullyard Knight, (to whom the same did successively descend by Inheritance) sold the same with the Inheritance thereof to the Benchers and Society thereof.  
There is no memory of any flourishing Estates of the Students and professors of the Common Laws resident in this College, until the reign of King Henry the sixth, when it appeareth by the Rolls and remembrances of that house, that the same became somewhat to be famous. But now of late time this house hath been much enlarged and beautified, with ranks of goodly Edifices, and also with a fair and goodly Chapel. The first of the chiefest buildings thereof was begun at the cost of Sir Thomas Lovel Knight, then or before a fellow of that Society, who erected that fair Gatehouse into Chancery lane, of brick and free stone, whereupon is engraven the Arms of Lacie Earl of Lincoln, together with his own.  
The said Chancery lane is so called, for that King Edward the third, in the fifteenth year of his reign annexed the house of Covents by Patent to the Office of Chancery, now called the Rolls.   

Gray's Inn  
Beareth Sables a Griffin Rampant, Or.  
This house was sometimes the abiding Mansion of the Noble Family of Grace, from whence the name of the house is deduced. It is situate within the Manor Poorpoole, a Prebendary anciently belonging to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, London. In the reign of King Edward the third, the Gentlemen Students of that Society (as is confidently affirmed) took a Grant of this house from the said Baron Grace who lived in those days. And it is held probable that the Gray's Arms have been anciently by this fellowship maintained; and are still taken up, and kept as the proper and peculiar Ensign of that College or house, and thus the same is found portraited.  
Barry of six Arg. & Azure, a bordure quarterly Or, and of the second.  
But now of late years this honourable Society have assumed for their proper Coat Armour, or Ensign of honour, A Griffin Or, in a field Sables.   

Thavies Inn  
Beareth Azure, two Garbs, Or, on a bend Gules. On a Chief Sable, a letter T. Arg.  
Hereafter ensue the inferior Hostels ordained for Students that profess the practice of the Common Law of this Realm, to the end they may the better obtain unto themselves the understanding of the Principles & grounds of the same Laws; and be thereby the better prepared for to manage the causes of the Subjects in the several Courts of Justice within the Dominions, whether at Westminster, or elsewhere: and also by their labour, and Industry to become graduates and be the better enabled to be entered into the Inns of Court. These inferior Courts being Nurseries: and are entitled Inns of Chancery.  
And first for this Thavies Inn, It is probable that the house by all conjecture is the most ancient of all others of that nature, and it doth in that regard challenge the precedency in this rank.  
This house was in the reign of King Edward the third, (as is by 〈◊〉 to be found) the dwelling, and mansion house of one John Thavye Citizen and Armourer of London; and was by the then Apprentices of the Law held of him at a certain Rent annual, as by a Record yet to be seen in the Husting Courts of London, doth appear and may be verified for antiquity: But since that time the House hath been purchased by the Benchers or the Ancients of Lincoln's Inn, which about the reign of King Henry the seventh, to the end that there might be entertained in that place a Society of Students, practisers, and Professors of the Common Laws of this Realm. And this house still retaineth the name of the said Thavies, who was the first owner of it, as is before mentioned.   

Furnivals' Inn  
Beareth Arg. a bend betwixt six Martlets within a bordure Azure.  
This house was sometime the Mansion of Sir William Furnivall in the reign of King Richard the second, as by Record appeareth.  
He was afterwards Lord Furnival; his heir general married to Sir John Talbot, created Earl of Shrewsbury by King Henry the sixth, by reason whereof this Mansion house came to the family of the 〈◊〉, Earls of Salop: and afterwards of later years, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the same house was by the Benchers or the Ancients of Lincoln's Inn purchased for the serting into the same a Society of Students of the Common Laws, from George Lord Talbot Earl of Salop; as by sundry deeds in the possession of the late right honourable Gilbert Earl of Shrewbury doth appear.   

Bernard's Inn  
Beareth party per pale indented Ermine and Sab. a Cheveron Gul. fretty.  
This house was in the thirteenth year of the reign of King Henry the sixth, a message belonging to one John Mackworth then Dean of the Cathedral Church of Lincoln; and in that time in the holding of one Lyonel Bernard, who next before the conversion thereof into an Inn of Chancery, dwelled there. And it hath ever since retained the name of Bernard's Inn, or Bernard's house.   

Staple Inn:  
Port de vert un pacquet de doyne Arg.  
This House was sometimes belonging to the English Merchants of the Staple, as it hath been by ancient Tradition held. It is of late adorned with a convenient large Garden-plot to walk in, and is at this day rightly esteemed for the most ample and beautiful Inn of Chancery, within this Academy.   

Clifford's Inn  
Reareth Checky Or & Azure, of fez Gul. within a bordure of the third, charged with a Bezanet.  
This House albeit it followeth in an after rank from the former, yet it is worthy to be reputed amongst the formest, as being in reputation with the best, both for conveniency and quiet situation thereof, as for worth and good government; It was also sometime the dwelling house of Maccoln de Hersey, and came to the King for debts, and was after sometimes the house of the Lord Clifford, as by Inquisition, which was taken that year, and remaining on Record, doth appear, which hath these words, Isabel quae fuit Roberti Clifford, 〈◊〉 cum pertinent. quod Robertus habuit in parochia Sancti Dunstani West' in suburb. Londini etc. tenuit, & illud demisit post mortem dicti Roberti, 〈◊〉 de Bancho pro 〈◊〉 l. per annum, etc. ut pat. per Inquisitionem, cap. 18. Edwardi 3. post mortem dict. Roberti Clifford.  
This House at this day is the Inheritance of that ancient and right honourable family of Clifford's Earls of Cumberland, for which there is an annual Rent still rendered to the Earls of Cumberland for the time being.   

Clement's Inn  
Beareth Argent, Anchor without a stock in pale proper, entertaining a C. for Clement into the body thereof.  
This House sometimes was a message belonging to the Parish Church of St. Clement Danes, from whence it took its denomination; near to this house is that Fountain which is called Clements Well.  
This Anchor is engraven in stone over the gate of the first entrance into the house, and is an Hieroglyphic, figuring thereby that Pope Clement, as he was Pope, was reputed Caput Ecclesiae Romanae, for the Roman Priesthood, or Anchorage of Christendom, figured by the Anchor, and by the text C. the Sacerdotal dignity.  
Some hold that the device of the Anchor was rather invented upon this reason; of the Martyrdom of Pope Clement, as Jacobus de Voragia writeth, that he received his Martyrdom being bound to a great Anchor, and cast into the Sea by the command of the Emperor Trajane.   

New Inn  
Beareth Vert, a Flowerpot Arg. maintaining Jully flowers, Gules.  
This house is so called by reason of its then late or new Creation, being in the reign of King Henry the seventh; therefore the same is not of late a foundation, as some imagine, which is, that the late dissolution of Strand Inn, being by the Duke of Somerset Uncle to King Edward the sixth, this house in lieu thereof was instituted for the dispersed Gentlemen Professors and Students of the Common Laws of this Realm. It is certain that Sir Thomas Moor Knight, Lord Chancellor of England, in the reign of King Henry the seventh was a fellow student of this Society; and in the reign of King Henry the eighth, removed his study into that of Lincoln's Inn.  
This house was sometimes called by the name of our Lady's Inn, for that the Picture of our Lady was pourtraicted at the door thereof. And in the reign of King Edward the fourth was 〈◊〉 by Sir John Fyncaullxe, Knight, Chief Justice of England, or of the King's Bench, or 6. l. per annum, wherein he placed Students, and practisers of the Common Laws; who before that time had a house in the 〈◊〉 Bayly called St. George's Inn: the passage thereunto was over against St. Sepulchers Church, and by some is reputed to be the first and most ancient of all other Inns of Chancery: but the same house at this day is converted into several Tenements and Garden plots.   

Lion's Inn  
Beareth Checkie Or, and Arg, a Lion Salient, Sab. languid and armed Gules.  
This house received its foundation of modern time; and lately before the acquiring thereof, it was a dwelling house, known by the name of the Black Lion; and in the reign of King Henry the seventh, was purchased by divers Gentlemen, Students, and Professors of the common Laws: The first Treasurer of this Society was one John Bidwell. The greatest number of this Society are the natives of the West parts, viz Devonshire and Cornwall; but for the most part Devonshire Gentlemen.   

Chester's Inn, or Strand Inn  
Beareth Azure within a bordure Gules, three garbs, Or, in a bend of the second.  
In the reign of King Henry the eighth, this house (for that Sir Bevis St. Marrour Knight Duke of Somerset kept there his Court) was an Inn of Chancery called Strand Inn, and before that time belonged to the Bishop of Chester, after to the Bishop of Worcester, and unto the Bishop of Landaffe, with the Parochial Church of St. Mary's adjoining thereunto; All which were swallowed up in An Dom. 1549. for to build an ample and spacious Edifice to the use of the said Duke, the maternal Uncle to King Edward the sixth.   

The Six Clerks Office, otherwise called Riderminster's Inn  
Beareth Azure, two Cheveronels, Or, between three Bezants Arg. charged with. eight pellets.  
This House though it be not saluted by the name of an Inn of Chancery, as the others are, which are of like name and nature, yet is the same more properly to be called an Inn of Chancery than any of the rest; for that the Chancery Officers do there reside, namely Attorneys, commonly called the Six Clerks of the Chancery, and are to this day a society of Gentlemen well learned in the Laws: These were at the first Sacerdotal, and therefore called Clerks. And in those days when the Institution of them was first established, they were all of them Churchmen.  
This house was acquired and gotten for the society by one John Riderminster Esquire, a member thereof; who in his time was a very skilful and well Learned man, and both faithful and just, as well to his Client as to his friend. It was anciently the Inn, or the Mansion of the Abbot of Norton in Lincolnshire, and since that time it hath been the dwellinghouse of one Andrew Hersfleet, and is most proper to be called an Inn of Chancery, for the Officers of Chancery only reside there: the House is situate in Chancery lane, where the causes appertaining to Chancery are only handled and discussed.   

Cursitors Inn:  
Bears Gules on a chief Arg. two Mullets Sables, within a bordure Compone Or and Azure.  
This Edifice was, in 〈◊〉 days of Queen Elizabeth of famous memory, built by the Right Honourable and Grave Counsellor of State Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight, Lord keeper of the Great Seal of England, for the benefit and decency of a new contrived Office, now called Cursitors, therein to lodge and to keep their several Offices; These Cursitors have the making of all Original Writs; (according to the Register) which are sued out, and taken forth in causes commenced by the Students at the common Law. In times past the chief Officer of the Court of Chancery was ever a Bishop, and termed Cancellarius, because he sat in Cancellis, that is to say, in Chancels, or places letticed after the manner of Chancels in Churches, as Petrus 〈◊〉 a learned writer hath left to posterity.  
The Masters of this Court were for the most part Doctors of Divinity, and had Prebendaries in Churches, and other dignities and promotions.  
The Cursitors, or rather the Choristers, as it befitteth a Chorus, there being no honourable Cathedral or Collegiate Church la Esglise which can be well without them. And in former days both ancient and modern, the Ghostly Fathers or Confessors were examiners in Chancery, as men held most conscionable, and thereupon fittest for that function. But since in those days all the former Ecclesiastical persons, are become merely lay-men, and yet no doubt held to be as Godly, Conscionable, and Honest, as any; provided ever that they be men of skill, persons who are of great Integrity, and able of understanding.  
Nam ad pietatem requiritur Scientia.   

The College called Doctors Commons  
Beareth Gules on a bend Argent, three treefoils; within a bordure Vert.  
The Professors of the Civil Law, or the Imperial, being also in some sort Canonists and professors of the Laws 〈◊〉, have their Hostels or residing place upon St. Bennets hill, near Paul's Chain.  
This house was by the industry and cost of Mr. Henry Harvey Doctor of the Civil or Canon Law, and at that time Master 〈◊〉 Trinity 〈◊〉 in Cambridge, and Dean of the Arches, instituted for the Company and Society of the said Doctors, professors of the same study.   

Gresham College  
Beareth Argent a 〈◊〉 Erminoys between three Mullets Sables.  
This famous work, and most worthy College situate in Bishopsgate street, had its foundation laid by that worthy Merchant Sir Thomas Gresham Knight, about the year of our Lord 1579. who ordained therein seven Lectures of seven several Arts to be there publicly read, 〈◊〉. Divinity, Civil Law, Phyfick, Rhetoric, Astronomy, Geometry, Music. And this to be performed by seven several persons, learned professors thereof; only in the time of the Terms at Westminster.  
The annual stipendiary to every Lecturer is 50. l. by annual pay, and each of the Lecturers hath a convenient lodging provided for his use there in the same College.   

The Office of the Remembrancers of the Exchequer at Westminster  
Beareth, Or, a Cheveron Gules, and a Canton Ermine in a bordure Compony, Argent and Azure.  
This house wherein now the King's Remembrancer keepeth his Office was sometimes anciently the Inn belonging to the Barons of Stafford, & was in former time called Staffords Inn, which said house, and that other in Ivy-lane, where Mr. Osborn the King's Remembrancer keepeth his Office, or rather the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer, and the house called Hospitium Johannis de 〈◊〉 Laurentio, wherein 〈◊〉 Brainthwait Sergeant at the Law, 〈◊〉 his abode and dwelling in Amen-Corner, the Bishop of Elyes house, now Stationers-hall; the Three Tuns Tavern, the Bullhead Tavern, the Chamber belonging to Diana, the next house to Doctor's Commons called the old Camera 〈◊〉, were of ancient times the lodging for the Residents, and Canons, and prebend's of St. Paul's, who belonged unto that famous Cathedral Church of St. Paul.   

St. Katherine's Hospital  
Beareth party per fez, Gules and Azure: in 〈◊〉 a Sword bar-wise Argent, pomelled and hilt Or: in point a demi Catharine wheel of the fourth.  
By the Licence of the Prior of the Covent, and the Society of holy Trinity in London, the said Hospital called St. Katherine's was founded by Queen Matilda wife to King Stephen.  
The ground whereon this Hospital is 〈◊〉, was then the proper inheritance of the said Prior and Covent, and the said Hospital was after enlarged by Queen Elinor Wife to Edward the first, and after Philippe Wife to Edward the third, founded there a Chancery, and it hath been of late a free Chapel or Hospital for poor sisters.   
FINIS.   

ERRATA.  
Page. 41. l. 4. a mistake in the last quarter of the cut. p. 52. a mistake in the cut, the eighth quarter should have been the last.