CAP. III.
§ 1.
HAVING particulariz’d the Religious Orders, I shall proceed to those accounted absolutely Military. Among them,
The Founder wasArthurKing ofBritain, crown’d in the Year of our Lord 516, at the Age of 15 Years; of whose incredible Courage and Gallantry, tho’ some have stretch’d too far, yetWilliamofMalmsburyis of Opinion, he was worthy to have been celebrated by true and faithful Historians, and not false and spurious Tales. He it was that long prop’d up his declining Country, and inspir’d Martial Courage into his Subjects, theSaxons, in twelve pitch’d Battles having overcome, and conquer’d divers Countries. He liv’d in so great Repute and Renown, that worthy Knights came from all Parts to his Court, as a Seminary of Military Discipline, to demonstrate their Valour in point of Arms. This gave him Occasion to select out of these, and his own Subjects, some say Twenty Four of the most Valiant, which he united in a Fellowship; and to avoid all Controversy upon Precedency, caus’d a Round Table to be made, whence the Order had its Appellation. He admitted not onlyBritains, but Strangers; and their Qualifications were to be Persons of Nobility, Dignity, and renown’d for Vertue and Valour. The Place where they were instituted wasWindsor; and those others of Note, where he and his Knights assembled, were atCaerleoninMonmouthshire,Winchester, andCamelotinCom’ Somerset; and their time of convening wasWhitsuntide. InWinchesterCastle was a large Round Table, call’d (and affirm’d to be) KingArthur’s; or at least set up in the room of one more ancient, which was destroy’d in the rebellious Times of Forty One, with other Reliques there. The Articles of their Profession (Number 12) are set down by SirWilliam Segar. We find no authentick Proof what Badge they bore, notwithstanding the Report that KingArthurhad a Shield nam’dPridwin, wherein the VirginMarywas depicted. His Sword and Lance had also their Names, one being call’dCaliburne, the otherIroneorRone. It’s not remember’d that this Order surviv’d the Founder, but rather that it expir’d with him, most of these Knights perishing with him at the Battle ofKamblan, nowCamelsford, inCornwall, where tho’ he kill’d his EnemyMordred, yet he dy’dA. D.542.
Itmay be noted, that the like Round Table grew in Estimation shortly after theNormanConquest, being permitted at Haslelades, Tilts and Turnaments,temp. Steph.andR. I.AndRoger Mortimer, Earl ofMarch, kept the Celebration of the Round Table (consisting of One Hundred Knights, and as many Ladies) with Tilting atKenelworth-Castle, inCom’ Worcest’7Ed.I. And KingEdwardIII. designing to restore it, held a Just atWindsorin the 18th Year of his Reign; and in the 19th ordain’d it annually to be kept there atWhitsontide. But it was thought fit upon divers Accounts to forbid these Assemblies, and in particular 16H.III. atShrewsbury, when the King went to meetLlewellinPrince ofWales, and in 36H.III. and at many other times.
Wereinstituted byGarcia Ximenesof the Blood of theGoths, who had formerly retir’d from the World to a solitary Life, but relinquish’d it to command an Army rais’d by theNavarrois, to deliver themselves from the Oppression of theMoors. As he was marching to encounter them,A. D.722. there appear’d to him from the Top of an Oak the Sign of the Cross, ador’d by an infinite Number of Angels. On giving Battle to the Infidels he gain’d a remarkable Victory, and the People elected him their King; and he in thankfulness to God erected this Order, investing his Nobles therewith,and oblig’d them to defend the Christian Faith, and acknowledge Obedience to his Successors, Kings ofNavarre. Time has eclips’d this Order.
WasFounded byCharles Martel, in Memory of the famous Battle nearTours,A. D.726. where he overthrew 385000SaracensandMoors, with their GeneralAbdiramo; and to reward those who had well-behav’d themselves in this Action. The great Number of rich Gennet Furr, (Ermine has since gain’d the better value) as also the Creatures themselves taken alive among the Spoils, was the Occasion of assuming the Name: But others impute it to Gennets, a kind of neat-shap’d Horses, whereof not unlikely a great Part of the Founder’s Cavalry consisted. The Knights were Sixteen in Number, and were accounted the first Order of this Nature among theFrench, which continu’d till the Institution of theStar, when it was laid aside, tho’ someFrenchAuthors question if ever the Order was in being.
ErectedbyCharlesthe Great, Son of KingPepin,A. D.802. to reward theFrizons, who had behav’d themselves valiantly in his Armies, and to encourage others to emulate their Vertue. It was so call’d from its Ensign,viz.an Imperial Crown embroider’d with Gold. The Knights were invested with the Military Belt and a Box on the Ear.
Thatthere was such an Order inFranceis related by several Writers, but they give no certain Account of its Institution.
6.The Order of St.Andrew,or theThistle,inScotland,
Isreported byJohn Lesley, Bishop ofRoss, to take beginning from a bright Cross in Heaven, in Fashion of that whereon St.Andrewsuffer’d Martyrdom, which appear’d toHungus, King of thePicts(and to theScotswhomAchaiusKing ofScotlandsent to his Assistance) the Night preceding the Battle withAthelstanKing ofEngland; over whom prevailing, they went in Solemn Procession to the Kirk of St.Andrew, to thank God and his Apostle for their Victory, promising that they and their Posterity would ever bear the Figure of that Cross in their Ensigns and Banners.Favin, in hisTheatre of Honour, relates it to be instituted upon the famous League, Offensive and Defensive, made betweenAchaiusandCharlemainKing ofFrance; to preserve the Memory of which Alliance,Achaiusadded theTressure of Flowers de Lysto the Lyon, and took for Device theThistleandRue, which he compos’d into a Collar of his Order; and for his Motto,Pour ma Defence: Yet dothMeneniusmake these the Symbols of two different Orders, one of theThistle, whence the Knights were so styl’d, and the Motto,Nemo me impune lacessit; the other call’dSertum Rutæ, orThe Garland of Rue: Nevertheless to both these Collars hung one and the same Jewel,viz.the Figure of St.Andrew, bearing his Cross before him.But there are some, saith the same Author,that refer the Institution of theThistle (the Badge of theScotchKingdom from the Times ofAchaius)to the Reign ofCharles VII.King ofFrance,when the Amity was renew’d between both Kingdoms. Lastly, Others place its Foundation 1500. Their principal Ensign is a Gold Collar, compos’d of Thistles interlink’d with Anulets of Gold, and pendant thereto St.Andrewwith his Cross, and this Epigraph,Nemo me impune lacessit. Their solemn Meeting was annually on St.Andrew’s Day, in the Church of the Town dedicated to his Name: During the Festivity, the Knights were richly habited, and wore their Parliament Robes, having fix’d on their left Shoulders an Azure Roundle, charg’d with a Saltire Argent,or St.Andrew’s Cross enfil’d in Centre, with a Crown compos’d ofFlower de Luces Or. For the ordinary and common Ensign, the Knights us’d a Green Ribbon, whereat hung a Thistle of Gold, crown’d with an Imperial Crown, within a Circle of Gold, containing the last nam’d Epigraph; and now of late they have sew’d to their left Breast an Irradiation (like that ofThe Knights of the Garter) over a Saltire Silver, the Irradiation charg’d with a Blew Roundle of St.Andrew’s Cross. Their Number consisted of Thirteen, in Allusion to our blessed Saviour and the Twelve Apostles.
Owetheir Original toRobertthe Devout ofFrance,A. D.1022. to manifest his strict Devotion to the blessed Virgin. They were in Number Thirty, inclusive of the Chief. Their Seat was in the noble and ancient House of St.Owen, call’dde Chichey, near St.DenysinFrance. This Order was of no long continuance, for being much sully’d and disgrac’d (during the Civil and Foreign Wars) by the Imitation of Persons that had neither Birth nor Merit to recommend them, KingCharlesVII. took Occasion to efface itA. D.1455. by delivering up, in a Chapter, the Ensign that he wore to the Chevalierdu Guet, Captain of the Night-watch inParis, the Lords and Princes throwing it off after it had receiv’d that Mark of Infamy; tho’ some alledge it declin’d upon the Erection ofThe Order of St.Michael, as theStarsupplanted that of theGennet.
WasfoundedA. D.1048. byGarciusVI. King ofNavarre, in Honour of the blessed VirginMary, after his Recovery from a languishing Sickness. Others relate, that prevailing against theMoors, he made a Feast in Honour of the blessed Virgin, at which he instituted this Order, electing his Brothers and Sons among the first Knights. It was esteem’d the most Illustrious of allSpain, and consisted of Thirty Eight Knights, extractedout of the ancientest Blood ofNavarre,BiscayandOld Castile. The Kings ofNavarrewere their Chief. They promis’d, at their Institution, to expose their Lives and Fortunes in Defence of the Christian Faith, the Conservation of the Crown, and Expulsion of theMoors.
Waserected 1195. byGuyofLusignan, King ofJerusalemandCyprus, after he had purchas’d that Isle of our KingRichardI. in Commemoration of so fortunate a Plantation of 15000 Persons whom he brought thither. Some question the Truth of this; however all assent, its Founder was one of theLusignanFamily. The Collar was compos’d of round Cordons of white Silk, woven into Love-Knots, interlac’d with the Letters S and R. Beneath this Collar hung an Oval of Gold, whereon was perfigur’d a Sword, the Blade enamell’d Silver, the Hilt Gold, and about the Oval thisMotto,Securitas Regni.Michelisays,Pro Fide Servanda, andGothofredus, pro integritate tuenda. Their Festivity wasAscension-Day, whereon the Founder gave it (in the Church of St.Sophia, the Cathedral ofNicosiainCyprus) to his BrotherAmaury, and to Three Hundred Barons establish’d in that his new Kingdom. There were Eight Kings ofCyprusof theLusignanLine, Great Masters; but when this Isle fell into the Hands of theTurks, this Institution ceas’d.
WasinstitutedA. D.1213. by the EmperorFrederickII. in Favour of the Abbot of St.GallinSwaben, who had assisted him in gaining the Empire. These Knights wore a Collar of Gold, at the End whereof hung a Bear Gold, mounted on an Hillock enamell’d with Black, in Honour of St.Ursusof theThebanLegion, who was martyr’d before the Temple of the Sun atSoleurreinSwitzerland. It was also call’dThe Order of St.Gall, from the Name of the Patron (aScotchGentleman, and the Apostle ofSwaben) of the Place whereit receiv’d its Appellation. The Abbot whereof, for the Time being, had Power to confer this Honour, which was done by girding with the Military Belt (the Sword being first consecrated) and putting on the Collar. It continu’d ’till theSwitzersbecame a Common-Wealth; and then the Castles of the Nobles being dismantled, it was laid aside.
Tookits Original fromLewisofFrance, to honour the Coronation of his QueenMargaret,A. D.1234. Their Habits were Cassocks of White Damask, and Violet Chaperons; the Collar compos’d of Broom-Flowers Proper, interlac’d with Flowersde Lys, hanging thereat a CrossFlorenceGold, to which was added this Inscription,Exaltat Humiles; the Founder accounting the Broom the Symbol of Humility. Their Number was at the Sovereign’s Pleasure, and this Order continu’d till the Death of KingCharlesV. Some sayCharlesVI. instituted it, and others deny the being of any such Order.
Suchan Order was of Old, in Honour of the great Atchievements of that Nation, tho’ by whom founded is unknown.Favinaffirms, St.Lewiserected this after he had instituted theBroom Flower, to animate the Nobility to accompany him in his Expedition toAfrica, 1269. Their Badge was alluding to the Name of the Order, the Figure of a Ship Pendant in an Oval of Gold; and expir’d with St.Lewisafter the first Class of Knights; but its Honour was kept up byCharles, Brother of St.Lewis, and flourish’d inSicilywith his Successors, until the Kings ofArragonobtain’d that Kingdom.
ThisOrder was erected byFlorentius, Earl ofHollandandZeland, and Lord ofFriseland; and he,A. D.1290. bestow’d the Ensigns of it, in his Palace at theHague, upon Twelve of his chief Nobility, among which wasLancenotLordHamilton, Embassador from the King ofScots. They were invested with a Collar of Gold, or Military Belt of Silver gilt, set off with Six Escallops, whereat was hung the Picture of St.Jamesthe Apostle.
Ifever any such was, it has been effac’d long since. YetFavinsays, the Princes ofClevehave born theSwanfor their Order, Devise, Crest and Supporters, to preserve the Memory of theKnight of the Swan, whose Romance he sets down. And further reports, ThatCharles GonzagaofCleve, Duke ofNevers, had a Design to re-establish it.
Wereinstituted by PopeJohnXXII. atAvignoninFrance,A. D.1320. as a Temporal Prince, being Lord Paramount of St.Peter’s Patrimony.PaulV. much augmented it. Their Badge is a plain Cross Gules, inclos’d within a Cross patee Or, hanging at a Gold Chain. PopeClementIX. 1668-9. treated Three of the Embassadors from theSwiss Cantonswith the usual Ceremonies, himself putting on the Chains, and the Captains of his Guards girding their Swords about them.
Wasinstituted byLadeslaus, King ofPoland, to honour the Marriage of his SonCasimirethe Great, withAnneDaughter ofGedimerDuke ofLithuania, 1325. The Ensign was a white Eagle crown’d.
Wasset up byAlphonsusII. King ofLeoninCastile, in the City ofVictoria,A. D.1332. (orPalencia1330. orBurgos1368. according to others) not long beforehis Coronation, the better to secure himself against his Enemies. Soon after the Solemnity was celebrated atBurgos, in the Monastery of St.Mary Royal, where the Candidates, conducted by the King to the Altar, and depositing their Arms, spent the Night in Watching and Prayer. The Morrow after Mass, they were invested with a red military Belt or Ribbon, of four Fingers broad, which came a-cross the Body over the right Shoulder, and so under the left Arm, and was the Ensign from whence they took their Denomination. This Order was chiefly to Honour the Nobility; and at first none were admitted but the younger Sons of Noblemen [excluding elder Brothers] or Persons well-descended, or Esquires, who had serv’d in Court or Camp Ten Years at least. It was anciently of great Esteem, and Kings have vouchsafed to take its Ensign; but at length it was disus’d.
InstitutedatVeniceA. D.1400. from the Example of theKnightsde la Banda, in Honour of the Inauguration of DukeMichele Steno. It consisted of a Society of particular Noblemen and Gentlemen, who voluntarily met together, and elected a Chief among themselves. They took an Oath to observe their Articles, part whereof was, the Honour of the City, where noble and splendid Regales were made; and with such like magnificent Divertisements did they entertain KingHenryIII. ofFrance, and other noble Personages. It receiv’d the greater Lustre, by the Addition of several Italian Princes; and the most conspicuous Families were receiv’d into it. Their Habit, on Solemn Days, was a Crimson Senator’s Vest appearing very splendid. Their Ensign, a Sun in a Sheild painted in their Banners. It arriv’d to such Profuseness, that in 1590. it was wholly laid aside.
Ishere reckon’d, because the Knights are dignify’d with a Title and particular Ensign of Honour at theirCreation. The Ceremony is after the Manner ofKnights Batchelors, by Dubbing with a Sword, and their Title a bare Mark of Honour, having no Laws or Statutes, or particular Obligations enjoyn’d. It had the Denomination from St.Markthe Evangelist, whose Body was translated toVenice, 828. and became the Titular Angel and Guardian of that City, his Picture being display’d in their Banners. The exact Time of its Institution is not certainly determin’d. The Badge that adorns these Knights, is, a Gold Chain put over their Shoulders at their Creation, whereat depends a Medal, on one side whereof is the Symbol of St.Mark,viz.a winged Lyon, holding in his right Paw a drawn Sword, and in his left an open Book, with this Motto,Pax tibi Marce Evangelista meus. On the Reverse, the Duke surviving is beautify’d with a particular Impress. Sometimes represented on his Knee, receiving a Standard from the Hands of St.Mark. This Medal is worn on a Cross enamell’d Blew. The Duke confers this Honour, either privately in his Chamber, or publickly in a full College. The Senate have the Power of creating this Order; and they who receive it by their Sanction, the Dignity is greater than from the Hands of the Duke himself. Absent Persons are invested by Letters Patents; and to aggrandize their Honour and Title, style themselvesKnights of St.Mark.
Wasbegun byMagnusIV. King ofSweden1334. in Memory of the Siege laid to the Metropolitan City ofUpsala. The Collar was compos’d of Seraphims and Patriarchal Crosses.
Bywhom or when founded we have no Memoirs. The Collar made up of Swords, with Belts twining round them (the Symbol of Love and Justice) the Swords somewhat inclining towards the Point, and sojoyn’d Two and Two, Point to Point, plac’d round in a Circle.
WhenLewis, King ofHungary, warr’d againstJoan, Queen ofNaples; not so much to dispossess her of the Kingdom, as to revenge his BrotherAndrew’s Death, whom thisJoan, his Wife, had strangled 1351. On the 26th ofMay, the Queen andLewisPrince ofTarantuni, being crown’d King and Queen of that Realm on the same Day, in Commemoration of so pacifick an Union, and to tear up all their Enmities, the Prince instituted this Order; into which enter’d, at that Time, Threescore and Ten Lords. Their Habit was White, and their Ensign a Knot (the Emblem of Love and Friendship) intermixt with Gold. This Order expir’d in a short Time.
AmeVI. Earl ofSavoy, instituted this Order, under the Title ofThe Collar1362. in Honour of the Fifteen Divine Mysteries of theRosary.Favin, on a mistaken Ground, calls itThe Order of the Snares of Love, in regard its Founder had receiv’d of his Lady, a Bracelet made of the Tresses of her Hair, plaited in Love-knots, and that the four Letters, afterwards interlac’d by the Founder, should signifieFrappes,Entres,Rompes,Tout. It is conspicuous enough at the first Erection it was call’d ofThe Collar, and so remain’d tillCharlesIII. orLe BonDuke ofSavoy, bestow’d on it the Title ofThe Annunciation, from the Picture of the Annunciation which he annex’d toThe Collar, 1518. The Founder appointed the Number of his Knights to be Fifteen, among whom SirRichard Musard, anEnglishman, is recorded 1434. and 1568. their Number was encreas’d to Twenty, that being solely lodg’d in the Breast of their Sovereign.RieneCastle, inBuger, was their principal Seat; they had a Chartreuse to entertain Fifteen Priests to celebrate Fifteen Masses to the Honour of the Fifteen Joys of the blessed Virgin, and to the Soul’s Health ofthese Knights; and here were their Ceremonies and Chapters held, untilCharles EmmanuelI. exchang’d it and other Places for the Marquisate ofSaluces, 1607. on the Anniversary of the Feast and Celebration of the Order (being fix’d upon the Day of the Annunciation) were translated first to the Church of St.DominickatMontmeiller, and afterwards by him to the Hermitage ofCamaldule, upon the Mountain ofTurincall’dl’Eremo Assis. The ancient Collar was of Gold, Three Fingers broad; in barbarous Characters were ingraved these Letters, F E R T, and one Knot (commonly call’d theSavoy Knot) at the end of eachFert; which, with Three other Knots entwin’d one within another, made up the Circumferencependantat the Collar without any Figure. These old Characters were suppos’d to be the Initials ofFortitudo ejus Rhodum tenuit, alluding toAmadeus le Grand, who so valiantly defendedRhodesagainst theTurks, 1310. But that this was long before the Devise of the House ofSavoy, is manifest from the Coins ofLewis de Savoy, Baronde Vaud. who dy’d 1301. the Monument ofThomas de Savoy, who dy’d 1233. whereon was lying at the Feet of hisPortraiture a Dog with a Collar about his Neck, inscrib’dFert, as an integral Word, and from a Brass Coin of the said Earl’s, on the Reverse whereof are Two Knots of the Model before spoke of, and the WordFertin the midst. There is the Ectype of a Silver Coin ofPeter de Savoy, (who erected inEnglandthe noble Pile of that Name in theStrand,temp. H.III.) wherein is represented the DeviseFertinGothickCharacters, the true Interpretation of which Word cannot be explain’d. This ancient Collar is still in vogue and daily worn, but now calledThe little Collar, fashion’d of Gold or Silver gilt, about an Inch broad, and of different weight. The Knights wear it about their Necks, close to the Collar of their Doublet. DukeCharlesIII. as he much restor’d the Splendor of this Order,Anno1518. introduc’d the larger one, only worn upon high Days. It weighs about Two Hundred Crowns, and is compos’d of the WordFert, interwoven with Knots, severed with Fifteen Roses of Gold, whereof Seven are enamell’d with White, and Seven with Red, and border’d with TwoThorns. The Figure of the Annunciation is enamell’d in various Colours,pendant at three Chainetsto another Rose-colour’d both White and Red. He first appointed the great Mantle of Crimson Velvet, his own being furr’d with Ermines, but the rest of the Knights with Miniver, fring’d and border’d withSavoy Knotsin fine Gold; under this Mantle is worn a Surcoat of fine Damask. DukeEmanuel Philibert, his Son, alter’d the Colour of the Mantle to Azure, and lin’d it with White Taffaty, of which Silk he made the Surcoats.Charles Emanuelchang’d the Mantle into anAmaranthusor Purple Colour, seeded with Roses and Flames in embroidery of Gold and Silver, and lin’d with Cloth of Silver tissu’d Blue, now in use; under which, instead of the White Taffaty Surcoat, is now worn a White Satin Suit embroider’d with Silk, the Hose gather’d upwards in the fashion of Trouses.
Wasinstituted onNew-Year’s Day1370. byLewisII. Duke ofBourbon, upon his Marriage withAnne, Daughter to the CountDaulphineinAuvergne. The first Solemnities of this Order were perform’d atNostre Dame de MaulinsinBourbonnois, where he founded a College of Twelve Canons, in Honour of the blessed Virgin; the Intent was, to corroborate his Interest for the Aid of the Duke ofOrleans, against the Faction of the House ofBurgundy, and by joyning of Flowersde Lysand Thistles (the Symbols of Hope and Courage) emblematically to express the Nobleness of his Spirit against all the Power of Fortune. He ordain’d the Number of Knights to be Twenty Six, comprehending himself and his Successors, Dukes ofBourbon, as Chiefs, and oblig’d them to wear daily a Belt, a Girdle of Watchel coloured Velvet, lin’d with Crimson Sattin embroider’d with Gold, and therein the WordEsperancecuriously wrought. The Girdle was fasten’d with a Buckle and Thong of Gold, bearded and chequer’d with Green, enamel’d in Form like the Head of a Thistle. On the Anniversary of the Festival (the Conception of our Lady) the Knights wore Cassocks or Surcoats of CarnationDamask with White Sleeves, girded as before; the Mantle of the Order was sky-colour’d Damask with broad Welts of Gold Embroidered on the Collar, and lined with Red Satin, but the Mantlet of Green Velvet, the Bonnet was also of Green Velvet; at the Point of the Band hung a Tassel of Crimson Silk and Threads Gold, the Lining of Crimson Taffaty, and turn’d up after the antique manner, whereon they had embroided the Golden Shield with the WordAllen; the great Collar was of Gold, of the weight of Ten Marks, enamelled with Green, distended like Network, which was filled with Flowersde Lys(together with the Letters of the Impress) plac’d in a Lozenge of Red Enamel; at the Bottom of the Collar, in an Oval of Gold (the Circle whereof was enamelled with Green and Red) appeared the Figure of the Patroness, the VirginMary, irradiated with Gold, and crowned with Twelve Silver Stars, a Crescent of the same under her Feet, enamell’d with Purple and Sky-colour; at the End of the Oval depended the Head of a Thistle enamelled Green, but bearded White. The Founder took an exact Patern for the Order of theGarter, with which he acquainted himself while he was Prisoner inWindsorCastle.
Wasbegun byJohnI. King ofCastileinSegovia, 1390. or, as others, 1379. to encourage his Nobles to prosecute the Noble Acts of his Grandfather KingHenryIII. but the Founder dying the same Year, before it had taken root, it became of small Continuance.
Wasinstituted byCharlesIII. King ofNaples, 1382. to preserve Amity among the Nobles, to compose Enmities and suppress Seditions. If any of these Knights, upon a Variance, refused a Reconciliation, the Ensigns were to be forfeited. Others say the Design was to advance Navigation, to which their Ensign alludes, being a Ship floating upon the Waters in the midst of a Storm, having this Motto,Non credo tempori. In theConvent of that sumptuous Church which St.Nicholas, Bishop ofSmyrna, erected, was the grand Feast held on the Anniversary of that Saint. This King appointed a White Habit for the Knights, and prescribed them laudable Constitutions; but for want of a settled Revenue, their Splendor expired with their Founder.
AlbertofBavaria, Earl ofHainault,Holland, andZeland, designing an Expedition against theTurksandMoors, instituted this Order, 1382. The Ensign thereof was a Golden Collar wrought after the Fashion of an Hermit’s Girdle, at which hung a Walking-Staff, and a little Golden Ball.
Waserected byLewisofFrance, Duke ofOrleans, 1393. to honour the Solemnization of the Baptism of his eldest SonCharles, by his Wife Daughter to the Duke ofMilain. He chose the Porcupine for his Devise, with this Epigraph,Cominus & Eminus; not only out of the aspiring Hopes conceived of this Child, but also to intimate something of Revenge againstJohnDuke ofBurgundy, his mortal Enemy; the Porcupine being an Emblem both Offensive and Defensive. Others makeCharlesaforesaid the Founder of this Order, 1430. in Imitation or Emulation of the Golden Fleece, instituted byPhilipDuke ofBurgundy. Their Number, including the Founder, was Twenty Five; their Habit, Surcoats of Violet Velvet, and over them Mantles of Watchet Velvet lin’d with Carnation Satin; the Collar was formed of Gold Chains, at the End whereof hung a Porcupine of Gold upon an enamelled Hillock of Grass and Flowers, which Creature was also embroidered on the Knights Belts.
29.The Order of theLilyorLiliesinArragonorde la Jarrade S. Maria,of the Vessel of St.Mary,
Waserected byFerdinandKing of that Country, called the infant ofAntiquera, 1403. and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.Favinranges it under the Denomination of the Title of theLooking-glass of the Blessed Virgin inCastile, instituted in Memory of a Victory KingFerdinandobtained in that Kingdom against theMoors, 1410. whence he transplanted them with him intoArragon, 1413. when he received the Crown, where it flourished under the Sons of that King, and then the Line was extinct.
Wasinstituted,A. D.1413. by the EmperorSigismond the Glorious, 1418. for the Defence of the Christian Religion, and to crush or oppugn all Hereticks and Schismaticks, and for the Satisfaction he receiv’d in conferring Peace to the Churches ofHungaryandBohemia, by the Aid of the Council ofConstance. It was in high esteem shortly after inGermany; but the Order and Founder had very near the same Period. The Knights wore daily, as their Ensign, aGreen Cross flory, on solemn Days, a Scarlet Cloak, and on the Mantlet of Green Silk a double Chain of Gold (others say a Green Ribbon) at the End of which hung a Dragon dead with broken Wings, in posture of being overcome (the Symbol of Heresy) enamelled with Variety of Colours.
ThisOrder had its Name fromToca, a Cap or Coif. The Archdukes ofAustriawere its Founders; which they enacted to engage their Subjects in Defence of the Christian Faith againstTurksandHereticks, conferring upon the Knights towards their Support whatsoeverthey acquired in the Wars, which was a respite to themselves, after almost Two Hundred Years Charges, and Military Expence; indeed the Encouragement proved so good a Bait, that they cleared their Provinces almost of allTurksandSchismaticksthat infested them. Their Badge was a plainGreen Cross, and their Habit Red.
Wasinstituted by theBohemianKings, or rather theAustrian, to be a Curb upon theTurksandHereticks, at least to prescribe the Confines of the Kingdom. The Collar of the Order had a White Eagle. These Knights flourished inGermany, in the Reigns ofSigismondandAlbertEmperors.
Wasinstituted byJohnII. King of that Realm, about the Year, 1420. to excite his Nobility to fight against theMoors, which produced so good Effect, that in a short time theMoorswere shamefully overthrown. That King granted them Privileges, gave them their Statutes and Rules; but upon his Death the Splendor hereof was greatly eclips’d. Their Ensign was a Cross composed of the Scales of Fishes. They were obliged to defendCastileagainst theMoors, to dye in Defence of the Faith, and when the King went to War they marched before him. Their Ensign was a Cross composed of the Scales of Fishes, theSpanish Scamabearing the same Signification as theLatin Squama.
Hadits Original fromPhilipII. Duke ofBurgundy, Sirnam’dthe Good, the 10th ofJan.1429. at his Marriage withElizabeth, Daughter ofPortugal, in the City ofBrugesinFlanders, to perpetuate the Memory of his great Revenues raised by Wools with theLow-Countries. Some say in Commemoration ofGideon, who with Three Hundred Men vanquished a numerous Army of theMidianites; or ofJacob’sFleece, viz. the Party-colouredand streaked Fleece, after the Example ofJasonand hisArgonauts, whose Expedition toColchoshe intended to make his Patern by a Voyage intoSyriaagainst theTurks. He founded it to the Glory of the Almighty Creator, and Redeemer, in Reverence of the VirginMary, and St.Andrewthe Apostle, who was Patron thereof, and whose Festival was celebrated on that Day, but afterwards translated to the 1st ofMay, by reason of the shortness of the Days, and the Fatigue aged Knights would find to convene in an intemperate Season. The Knights at first were Twenty Four, beside the Duke, chief and supream, who reserved the Nomination of Six more at the next Chapter; butCharlesV. encreased them, 1516. to Fifty. DukeCharlesandMaximilian, Sons to the Founder, annex’d many Privileges to them, which were confirmed, 1556. For their Habit Three different Mantles were ordain’d them at the grand Solemnity; the first Day, of Scarlet Cloth, richly embroidered about the Lower End, with Flints struck into Sparks of Fire and Fleeces, with Chaperons of the same; and the same Day, after Dinner, to proceed to Vespers in Mantles of Black, and of the Colour of Chaperons; the Day following they were to hear Mass habited as themselves thought fit; but DukeCharlesaforesaid prescribed them Mantles of White Damask for that Day’s Ceremony, and changed their Cloth Mantles into Velvet. The great Collar is composed of double Fusils, placed Back to Back, Two and Two together, in form of the Letter B, representing it both Ways, to signifyBourgoigne. And these Fusils are interwoven with Flint-stones (in reference to the Arms of the ancient Kings ofBourgoigne) seeming to strike Fire, and Sparkles of Fire between them, the Device of the Founder, at the End whereof hung the Resemblance of a Golden Fleece, enamelled proper. To the FlintParadineascribes the Motto,Ante ferit quam Flamma micet; and to the Fleece,Pretium non vile laboris. The Jewel is commonly worn in a double Chainet or Males of Gold, linked together at convenient Distance, between which runs a small Red Ribbon, or otherwise it is worn in a Red Ribbon alone. The Emperors ofGermanydescended fromPhilipArchduke ofAustria, Duke ofBurgundyand Count ofFlanders, were the Sovereigns of it, tillCharlesV. gave the Guardianship of it to the Kings ofSpain, which he perform’d on the 25th ofOctober, 1556. conferring it on his Son KingPhilipatBruxelles, when he took the Collar from his Neck, and with his own Hands put it over his Son’s Shoulders in the Presence of divers of the Knights, with this Form,Accipe, fili mi, quem e collo meo detraho, tibi præcipuum Aurei velleris torquem, quem Philippus Dux Burgundiæ cognomine bonus Atavus noster, monumentum Fidei Sacræ Romanæ Ecclesiæ, esse voluit & hujusce Institutionis ac Legum ejus, fac semper memineris: Since which the Honour of being Chief of this Order remains at this Day in that Crown.
Wasgiven byFrederickIII. Emperor ofGermany, in honour of St.Georgethe titular Saint and Patron ofGenoa. The Ensign is a plain CrossGules, and worn by the Knights at a Chain of Gold about their Neck. The Dukes ofGenoaare Chiefs thereof; and in regard their Dignity lasts but two Years, the Order is much impair’d thro the Inconstancy and Alteration of the Times.
Waserected in the City ofAnjou, 1464. or according to theSaincte Marthes,A. D.1448. byReneof the House ofAnjou, King ofJerusalemandSicily, &c. Duke ofAnjou, &c. The Intent thereof was the Honour of God, Support of the Church, and Exaltation of Knighthood; over which he declared himself and his Successors, Dukes ofAnjouand Kings ofSicily, Chiefs. He also chose St.Maurice, Knight and Martyr, for Patron, and held the first Ceremonies in the Church ofAngiersdedicated to his Name. The Symbol which the Knights wore on the right Side of their Mantle, was a Golden Crescent, whereon in Red Enamel was this WordL’oz, signifyingL’oz en Croissant, whereby they were spur’dforwards to search after the Increase of Valour and Reputation. At thisCrescentwas fasten’d as many small Pieces of Gold, fashion’d like Columns, and enamell’d with Red, as the Knights had been engag’d in Battels and Sieges; for none could be adopted into this Order, unless he had well trod the Paths of Honour. The Knights were Thirty Six, others say Fifty, in Number. For their Habit they wore Mantles of Red or Crimson Velvet, and a Mantlet of White, with the Lining and Surcoat of the same.
Waserected byFrancisI. Duke ofBretagne, to perpetuate the Memory of his Grand-fatherJohnthe Conqueror, or else in Imitation of other Orders inFrance; and thereupon he new built his Castle ofErmin. The Number of these Knights were Twenty Five. Their Habits were Mantles of White Damask lin’d with Carnation, and the Mantlet of the same. The great Collar was of Gold, compos’d of Ears of Corn inSaltire, bound above and beneath with Two Circles of Gold, imitating the Crown ofCeres, denoting the Care of Husbandry, and was sometimes calledThe Order of the Ears of Corn. At the End of this Collar hung theMus Ponticus, or Ermin, passing over a Turf of Grass diaper’d with Flowers, at the Edge whereof was imboss’d this Epigraph inFrench,Amaire, the Device of his said Grand-father, by which he made known his Courage; and rather than fail in the least Punctilio of his Word, he would undergo any Misfortune. This Order ended when the Dukedom ofBretagnebecame annex’d to the Crown ofFrance, by the Marriage ofAnne, Dutchess ofBretagne, toCharlesVIII. andLewisXII. bothFrenchKings.
Owesits Institution toFerdinandI. King ofNaples, at the Expiration of the War which he was engag’d in withJohnofLorain, Duke ofCalabria, 1463. being induc’d thereto by the Treason and Confederacy of hisBrother-in-lawMarinus Marcianus, Duke ofSessa, who design’d to murder him, and transfer the Kingdom to the Duke ofCalabria: But the Plot being defeated, instead of bringing him to Justice, he not only pardon’d him, but instituted this Chevalry, admitting therein all the Noblemen of Title and Figure in the Kingdom, and generously appointed him one of the first Knights. The Collar was of Gold, intermix’d with Mud or Dirt, to which depended an Ermin and this Motto,Malo mori quam fœdari, alluding to the clean Nature of the Animal.
Hadits Original from the same KingFerdinand, in honour of St.Michaelthe Arch-Angel, Patron ofApulia. The Habit of the Knights was a long White Mantle embroider’d with Ermins, and the Collar of Gold compos’d of the Letter O, to which hung in an Oval the EpigraphDecorum. By the Habit it seems to be the preceding Order, if that was dedicated to St.Michael.
LewisXI. King of that Realm, considering how his Affairs were entangled, to re-unite the Affections of his Nobility to himself, instituted these Knights, 1469. giving them their Denomination from St.Michaelthe Arch-Angel, the titular Angel and Protector ofFrance, in Reverence of whom their ancient Kings were wont to solemnize this Feast-day with great Magnificence, and keep an open Court. Their Number at first were to be Thirty Six, whereof the King and his Successors were Chief: But it afterwards proceeded to Three Hundred. The Collar is compos’d of Escallop-Shells of Gold, joyn’d one with another and double-banded, fasten’d on small Chains of Gold, at the End of which is annex’d an Oval of the same; and therein, on an Hillock, is the Figure of St.Michaelcombating and trampling down the Dragon. The Motto,Immensi tremor Oceani. The Habit was a Mantle of White Damaskhanging down to the Ground, furr’d with Ermin, having its Cope embroider’d with Gold, and the Border of the Robe interwoven with Escallops of Gold; theChaperonor Hood, with its long Tippet, was made of Crimson Velvet; but afterwards KingHenryII. order’d this Mantle to be Cloth of Silver, embroider’d with ThreeCrescentsof Silver, interwoven with Trophies, Quivers andTurkishBows,semiedandcanton’dwith Tongues and Flames of Fire; theChaperonsof Crimson Velvet should have the same Embroidery. Their Grand Festival was to be celebrated onMichaelmas-day, at the Church ofMount MichaelinNormandy; but after wards transferr’d toBois de VincennesnearParis. There is an Herald of Arms to attend this Order, calledMonsieur St.Michael. Upon the institutingThe Order of the Holy Ghost, not only Care was taken to preserve this of St.Michael, and to rectify it, but the Knights had the Privilege allow’d them, that if they thought fit they were made capable of receiving that ofThe Holy Ghost, which no Stranger or Native could be enroll’d in that had taken upon him any other Order. The Collar of St.Michaelmay be worn with that ofThe Holy Ghost, and it is now frequently us’d. The Evening before any receiveThe Order of the Holy Ghost, he is admitted intoThe Order of St.Michael.
KingChristianI. being atRomeupon a religious Account, PopeSixtusIV. among other Honours, invested him with this Order, in Memory of the Passion of our Saviour; and withal ordain’d the Supreme or Chief in his Successors, Kings ofDenmark.
ThisKing founded the magnificent Chapel of the Three Kings in the Cathedral Church ofRoschilt, (Four Leagues fromCopenhagen) where the Knights were to assemble upon the Death of any of their Fraternity. He admitted thereunto divers Kings, Princes and Noblemen. Its chief Ensign was the Figure of an Elephant, on whose side (within a Rundle) was a Crown of Thorns, with Three Nails all bloody, in Memory of the Passion. The Knights were oblig’d to Acts of Piety,Alms-Deeds, and certain Ceremonies, especially upon those Days on which they wore the Ensigns. KingJohnvalu’d it so highly, that he wore them on every solemn Festival. He advanc’d it to that Pitch of Grandeur, that our KingHenryVIII. andJamesV. King ofScotland, accepted it.
Hertholm, a learnedDane, in a particular Treatise of thisElephantine Order, says, The Badge was meerly Military, anciently given as a Memorial and Incitement to theDanishPrinces, who took upon them the Defence of Christianity against theMoorsandAfricans.
Heretoforethe Knights wore a Collar of Gold compos’d of castellated Elephants and Crosses, something like theCrosses ancrees(Meneniuscalls them Spurs) at which hung the Picture of the VirginMaryto the Middle, holding Christ in her Arms, and surrounded with a Glory of Sun-beams. But that long since laid aside, they now wear only a Blue Ribbon, at which hangs an Elephant enamell’d White, adorn’d with Five large Diamonds set in the Middle. These Elephants, in the Reign of KingChristianIV. had in the same Place, within a Circle, the Letter C, and in the Center of it the Figure 4, denotingChristianus Quartus.
ThisHonour is usually conferr’d on the Days of the King’s Coronation.FrederickIII. brought into use, in Imitation ofThe Garter, an embroider’d Glory of Silver Purple wrought upon the left Side of their Cloak or Vest, on which was embroider’d Two Crowns within a Rundle, bearing this Motto,Deus providebit. The late King, his Son, chang’d the Motto to,Pietate & Justitia; but all the Knights created by his Father are oblig’d to continue the former Motto.
Wasinstituted on St.Mary Magdalen’s Day, 1535. byCharlesV. Emperor ofGermanyand King ofSpain, after he had restor’dMulleasses, King ofTunis, to his Kingdom, to reward those Commanders who had behav’d themselves well in the Victory. It was the Day wherein he made his pompous Entry intoTunis, when clad in the Coat he usually wore in Battle, whereon was embroider’daBurgundian Cross, which Cross he made the Badge, and added a Steel striking Sparks of Fire out of a Flint, with this Inscription,Barbaria; and for a more ornamental Decoration, gave a Collar of Gold, whereat hung this Badge.
Wereinstituted by theFrenchKing,HenryIII. 1578. to unite his Nobles more firmly in their Obedience, to encourage them to persevere in theRomishReligion, and to illustrate the State of his Nobility. It was so call’d by reason he was born onWhitsunday, 1550. elected that Day, 1573. King ofPoland; and on that Day, 1574. came to the Crown ofFrance. It was to consist of One Hundred Knights, besides the Sovereign or Great Master, which Office is inseparable from the Crown ofFrance. A long Mantle of Black Velvet turn’d up on the left Side, and open’d on the right, was also appointed for the Habit, being at first embroider’d round with Gold and Silver, consisting of Flowersde Lysand Knots of Gold, between Three sundry Cyphers of Silver; and above the Flowersde Lysand Knots, were thickly powder’d Flames of Fire. This great Mantle was garnish’d with a Mantle of Cloth of Silver, cover’d with Embroidery made after the same Fashion, excepting only, that instead of Cyphers there were wrought Doves of Silver, and both these Robes double lin’d with a Satin of Orange-Tawney. The great Collar worn over the Mantle, was at first compos’d of Flowersde Lys, canton’d or corner’d with Flames of Fire, interwoven with Three Cyphers and divers Monograms of Silver; one was the LetterHand aGreek Lambda, both double, for the King’s Name and the Queen’s,Lovisa de Lorain; the other Two were reserv’d in the King’s own Mind. But these Cyphers were taken off the Colour and the Embroidery of the Robes by KingHenryIV. and for a Mark of his Victories, Trophies of Arms were interlac’d instead thereof, with the LetterHcrown’d (the Initial of his Name) whereout arose Flames and Sparks of Fire; and for the like Reason theHhas been chang’d intoL, both byLewisXIII andXIV. At this Collar hung a Cross richly enamell’d in the midst, whereon was figur’d a Dove in a flying Posture, as descending down from Heaven with full spread Wings: And that an Epigraph might not be wanting, some have attributed to it this,Duce & Auspice. Besides these Ornaments, the Knights wear a Black Velvet Cap, with a White Plume; their Breeches and Doublets are of Cloth of Silver, and their Shoes White ty’d with Roses or Knots of Black Velvet. The Badges ordain’d to be ordinarily worn, are a Cross of Yellow or Orange-colour Velvet, like aMaltaCross, fix’d on the left Side of their Breast, except in military Expeditions, and then they are permitted to wear them of Cloth of Silver or White Velvet, having a Silver Dove, and at the Angles or Corners, Rays and Flowersde Lysof Silver. They have a Cross of the Order made of Gold (like theMaltaCross) with a Flowerde Lysin each Angle, to be worn about their Necks in a Blue Ribbon, and to be enamell’d White about the Sides, but not in the Middle. Such as are Knights both of St.MichaelandThe Holy Ghost, are to bear the Figure of St.Michaelon one Side, and of a Dove on the other. The Anniversary is held on the first Day of the New-Year, but the first Part of the Ceremony begins always on the last Day of the Old, when it was instituted; and the Place for celebrating thereof is the Church ofAugustinFryars inParis.
Wasinstituted, 1608. byVincentio de GonzagoIV. Duke ofMantua, and II. ofMontferat, for Defence and Propagation of Christianity, and in Honour of Three Drops of Blood of our Redeemer; as also to set forth more nobly the Nuptials of his eldest SonFrancisco. It was confirm’d by PopePaulV. and consisted of Twenty Knights, the Founder and his Successors to be Great Masters. The Collar is compos’d of Ovals of Gold, some extended in Length, others in Breadth, alternately, and interlink’d with small Anulets: Those in Length have these Words rais’d in White Enamel,Domineprobasti; on the other in Breadth is a Grey Crucible fill’d with small Rods of Gold, and placed on a Trevet of Black Enamel over Flames of Fire, intimating, that they who incorporated in this Society, should hold inviolable Faith and Concord in the greatest Trials and Emergences of Life; at the End of the Collar ispendanta larger Oval of Gold, in which are figur’d two Angels standing upright, holding between them a Chalice crown’d, in the Table whereof are painted Three Drops of Bloods enamell’d Red, and round the Oval,Nihil isto triste recepto.
Owesits Institution toChristina, Queen ofSweden, about the Year 1645. in honour of a Lady of that Name, of great Beauty, Courage, Modesty and Charity. The chief Ensign is a Jewel of Gold compos’d of TwoA’s, adorn’d with Diamonds on both Sides, and join’d together by reversing one of them, being set within a Circle of Laurel Leaves wreath’d about with White, and on the Four Sides this Motto,Dolcenella memoria; which Jewel the Knights wear either in a Gold Chain, or a Crimson or Blue Ribbon, as they best like of. His Investiture is with this Ceremony: The Queen being seated under her State, an intended Knight kneels before her, when she acquaints him with her Inducements to confer on him this Honour, enumerating his Services and Merits: This done, he takes an Oath, still kneeling and holding his Hands between the Queen’s, to defend her Person from Harm, and the Persons of his Brother Knights; to incite Justice, Vertue and Piety, and discountenance its Opposers; after which the Queen puts about him (in the manner of a Baudrick) a Crimson Silk Scarf with the Jewel fasten’d thereto. To an absent Prince or Personage, she sends the Jewel, accompany’d with her Letter, which supplies the Place of a personal Investiture. Among many others have been several Kings and Princes. SirBulstrode Whitlockehas been elected Knight of this Order.