CHAP. I. Of Armes and Blazons, and their Antiquity.

THE Romaines were wont to acknowledge for Noble­men (whom properly they termed Patricians) such as their Fathers and Grandfathers had beene Senators or Knights. Thereby to learne and instruct vs, that there are two meanes, whereby to atchieue and conserue the Title of Nobility: namely, Armes, and Letters or Learning.Noblemen by Armes, and likewise by Learning. And from these two professions, are come the titles of Excel­lence, and Honor of Armes, & Knights of Learning, both in the auncient Romane right, and our owne Annales.

For, like as they which managed Armes for seruice of the Prince, did beare their titles of Honour, as Counts, Marquesses, and Dukes, for the Gouernment of Bayliwickes, places on the Frontiers, and intire Prouinces: So in the same manner, such as for their ability and capacitie in Learning, were called to the Princes seruice, and so had continued for the space of two and twenty yeares, in action of the same exercise; such a one obtained the title of Count Palatine, or Count of Learning, and ware the Pearled Circle or Collar, and Guilt spurs. According to the Pragmaticall sanction of the Emperor Theodosius the yonger, the 1.Lib. de profess. Code Theod. de Professoribus, at the Code Theodosian, dated the Ides of March, in the yeare of Grace, foure hundred, twenty six, and the nineteenth of his reigne.

Now, although that Nobility alone, is so properly called onely by Vertue, accor­ding to the truest opinion, ‘Nobilitas sola est, atque vnica virtus;’

And that the Title of Noble doth not appertaine iustly, but to him that hath walked [...]n the pathes of vertue, making himselfe to be famous by his owne industry, according [...]o the remarkeable tract of the Amorous Poet,

Yet notwithstanding, such is the case, that vse or custome hath so much preuailed, that [...]ow we call them Noblemen, as are issued or descended from Father and Grandfather, by one of the two forenamed meanes, or else by both of them together. Howbeit,More Honour for a man to be the first, then last of his race. it [...]s much more honorable to be (by one of those means) rather the First, then the last of his Race. As the Orator answered them, who were Noblemen by extraction, but Yeo­men or Plebeyans by their depraued liues. Such a one was called a Gentleman of the [...]irst Tappe (whose Lance stood at the Hay-stack) in meere contempt. ‘Ego caeteris meis maioribus virtute mea praluxi.’ And ordinarily it commeth so to passe, that the Bramble is a Queene, and the Hysope commandeth the Cedars of Libanus. So the Scripture informeth vs, as much to say, [...]hat in the Degree of Nobility, the last go before the first.

It is Vertue alone, which distinguisheth men one from another,Vertue onely maketh men Noble. and the glorie and honour acquired by our Ancestors, noted in Histories and Authenticke Marbles: but [Page 2] lost, or rather growne rustie by our negligence, through defect of imitating their Ver­tues, because

So saith the Ancient French Prouerbe, grounded vpon truth it selfe.

To serue as the burthen of the song, and for a Lesson (a thousand times repeated) to the Prince and Ploughman, to the Gentleman and peasant.

And this degree of Nobilitie, atcheeued by vertue onely, doth both acknowledge and distinguish it selfe by Armes, giuen (as a recompence thereof) by the Prince one­ly, and Blazoned (according to the naturall disposition and courage of the person en­nobled) by the King of Armes, to whom the doing thereof onely belongeth, answer­able to the rules and precepts of the Noble Art of Painting.

The Orders of Knighthood from Antiqui­ty.For this cause it is, that by the Ordinances made from all Antiquity, concerning the Orders of Knight-hood; this Article is alwayes the first. That the parties named to enter the Order of Knighthood, must stand bound by Letters, Titles, Partages, Foundation: and other Acts Publique and Authenticke: whether they be Gentlemen of three Pater­nall descents or races: And whether the Armes which they beare, haue bene borne by their Fathers, Grandfathers, and great Grandfathers. This Ordenance (practised in all times) shall serue vs as the subiect, for this our discourse of Armes.

Antiquitie of Armes and Blazons.From the Creation of the world (which was the first Age) Armes and Blazons haue bin in vse. We will verifie this vndoubted Maxime, by the particularities of each Nati­on and Prouince, and from Age to Age.

The learned Rabbines do teach vs, that before the Flood, the children of Seth, sonne to the sole Monarch of the world the Patriarch Adam, seeing that they who were des­cended of Caine, addicted themselues to all wickednesse, which was Idolatry, forgetting the worship of one onely God, Creator of Heauen and Earth: they restrained their Families within the tearmes of dutie, and perseuerance in the feare of God. And the same was continued so still by Enos the sonne of Seth, famous in the Sacred Historie for his deuotion. For this cause, the children of Caine were called the sonnes of Men and Gyants: And the other baptized with the name of Angelles, Filij Dei & Angeli qui coe­perunt orare in nomine Domini: As in Gen. 4, 26.Genesis 4, 26.

These men, to continue their Families in the feare of God, and to withdraw the chil­dren of Caine from their Idolatry, yea, to leade and guide them (by the hand as it were) to the worship and knowledge of the Almighty: They made vse to themselues of Sym­boles,visible things instructed the knowledge of them inuisible. and of Hieroglyphickes, and by the figures of Animals, Simples, brute beastes, and other visible things, which fall vnder the sense, are seene, and touched, both with the finger and the eye, they drew them by degrees to those things which were inuisible. For there is not any man, how rusticke or grosse conceited soeuer he be, who both see­ing and hearing the young birds at the breake of day, to warble (by way of thankesgi­uing) their dumbe praises and prayers: Also the An Hearbe hauing but one leafe. Helioselinum and the A stone, en­creasing & de­creasing as the Moone doeth. Selenitis, moo­uing and turning themselues, to regard and follow the motion of the Sun and Moone, with a very sweete and pleasing murmure: but he must needs confesse, that these second causes are agitated and moued to do thus, by a primary and first cause, that is to say, by one onely God, the Author of all these meruailes. The world being a booke laid open, wherein may be read (both in great and lesser Letters) the admirable effects of his Al­mighty power.

The selfesame exercise was (after the Flood) reduced into practise, by the good Pa­triarches Sem and Iaphet, to turne away the children of detested Caine from their depra­ued liues,The Arke an instructer to knowe the wor [...]ds Crea­tor. plunged euen in the gulfe and depth of all Idolatrie. For, by the Arke or ship made by Noah the Patriarch, they enstructed them to obserue the diuine prouidence, of the conseruator of the whole vniuerse, who ruled and gouerned all things therein.

[Page 3]By the representation of a thicke spreading Forrest, they vnderstood Nature, termed [...]y the Greekes Hyle, and thereby also receiued intelligence, that as from forth such a [...]orrest, the matter is taken, which serueth for the structure of many buildings:How Nature was vnder­stood. euen [...] Nature her selfe serued as a Nurserie or fruitfull Orchard, for the generating & yeel­ [...]ing all things whatsoeuer. One of which meanes, our great God made vse of, for the [...]roducting of Elementarie bodies.

The selfesame diuine Prouidence was likewise represented, by the painting of a [...]cepter, and by one Eye figured thereon: in regard that God seeth all, ruleth all, and [...]irecteth all, continuing alwayes right, that is to say, exempt, at libertie, and free from [...]l humane passions and changes.

From notion and knowledge of the Diuinitie, they went on still, and descended to [...]nferiour causes, which we call Seconds, to induce their Families, to shun, detest,Knowledge of second and in­feriour causes, and what they vnderstood by them. and [...]bhorre vice, for the embracing of Vertue, and addicting themselues to all good things. [...]y Simples, Hearbes and Rootes, they gaue instruction (euen as if it were by tablature) [...]o gouerne themselues morally, and the like by other Creatures.

By the Oxe and the Poppie, they designed Fertility: By the Pomgranate, the socia­ble and coniugall communitie of Man and Wife: By the Oliue, Peace and Tranquility: As also their contraries, by the figure of a Horse, the Symbole of warre, in regard that

By the Iuy and the Laurell, euermore beautified with flourishing leaues, they vnder­stood the immortall memorie and faire fruits of Vertue: As by the Cypresse they ac­knowledged Death and Obliuion. By the Storke they signified Honour, Loue and du­tie of Children to their parents. By the Turtle Doue they meant Chastity: As by the Goate, Lust and Impudicity. The Lyon, power and Command: The Sun, the Yeare: The Moone, the Moneth: The Starres, Night: the Fire, Day: and other such like Fi­gures, as they are made remarkeable by E. Clemens, and S. Cyrille both Alexandrians. Clemens, Alex­andrinus, & 8. Cyrill. And according to their testimony, we are taught, that the great Patriarks of the ancient Law, Moyses, Salomon, and others, made vse of these Figures, to giue knowledge (by them) of second causes: by notion whereof, we are exalted to penetrate the heauens, for comming to that of the Diuine Essence.

Zonarus, a Greeke Authour, in the first booke of his Annales, and the first Chapter,Zonar. in An­nal. Lib. 1. ca. [...] hath remarkeably set downe (following the doctrine of the Rabbines) that the descen­dants of Noah being multiplyed, and (by consequent) diuided into Families & Tribes: were knowne by their Armes, and name of the Prince from whom they descended. The same Rabbines say, that the Patriarch Noah gaue for Armes the Lyon (the Sym­bole of Command and Royaltie) to his eldest sonne Sem, and to Iaphet the youngest,Armes giuen by Noah to his sonnes Sem & Iaphet. whose linage was to acquire the title and right of Primogeniture or eldershippe, aboue his elder brother, and to command ouer the children of Cham, Gen. 9, 26, 27. and all the Nations of the earth. According to the prophesie and blessing of the holy Patriarke in Genesis the ninth Chapter. Dilatat Deus Iaphet, & habitet in tabernaculis Sem fitque Chanaam seruus [...]ius. Sem and Iaphet bare then for Armes, L'Escu d'azur vne Lyon rampant d'Or.

That in their imitation, Cham (and his sonne Chanaan, plunged in, and addicted to all wickednesse) tooke for his Armes: L'Escu de Synople vne Leopard Argente, tauele & mouchete de Sable.

That Ismael the sonne of Hagar the seruant of Abraham, tooke the same Armes:The Armes of Cham and his race. Auec la leurre verde en ses accousirements. Which also was held by his descendants, with the naturall fiercenesse and crueltie of the Leopard.

The selfesame Rabbines, expounding the nine and fortie Chapter of Genesis,Gen. 49, 8, 9. where the Patriarke Iaacob lying on the bed of death, gaue his blessing to the two Children, Heads and Princes of the twelue Tribes, and linages of Israel. There (they say) that he gaue them for Armes and deuises, that which the naturall inclination of each person, seemed best to signifie, Armes which their children and descendants retained and kept carefully. As much they say vpon Exodus and Deuteronomy, and that Moyses willing to enter the promised land of Canaan, which God had giuen them to conquer, and to demand backe from the descendants of Cham ▪ because the possessors held it by no valu­able title, Tanquam ab i [...]i [...]stis possessoribus: That he caused the children of Israel to assem­ble by Tribes, Bands, Ensignes, and Banners, which hee diuided into foure Battalions, [Page 4] or foure Corps [...] Armes.

The 4 battali­ons of the tribes of IsraelThe Banner of the Tribe of Iuda, which marched in the head of the Hoast, and wa [...] the Collonell; had vnder it the Tribes of Isachar and Zabulon, holding to the East p [...] ▪ The hoast of Reuben encamped themselues South, being followed by the Tribes of [...] meon and Gad. Towards the West, marched those of Ephraim, with the Tribes of Mnasses and Beniamin, the very least of all. And to the North, the Tribes of Da [...], [...] and Nepthaly. In the midst of these foure Battallions, marched the Priests and Leuites, bearing the Arke of the Couenant, and the Sacred vessels.

Each of these foure heads, or principall Conducters, Iuda, Ruben, Ephraim, and [...] had a Colonell before his hoast and Battalion. The Colonell of the whole A [...] was that of Iuda: Being D'Azur (c'est Bleu Celeste) au Lyon rampant d'Or.

That of Ruben, De gueulles on Belic (c'est la couleur Rouge) a l'Homme arme d' Argon [...].

The Colonels of the tribes describd with their Armes and Colours, the 4. cheefe Leaders. Ephraim had his De Sable (c'est Noir) au Boeuf passant accornue d'Or.

And Danne, hee likewise, Portoit Synople (c'est Verd) au Serpent Dragonn [...] d'Ar­gent.

In Armes, there are no more then two Mettalles, Or & Argent, Gold and Siluer: And foure Colours, Azure, Gueulles, Synople & Sable, Blew, Red, Greene, & Blacke. Mettall vpon Mettall, and Colour vpon Colour, are false Armes, if they be not quar­tered: Otherwise, they are subiect to question, and are good, beeing priuiledged by Princes and Soueraigne Lordes, and giuen vnto particular men by graunt. If not, they are false, and deserue not the name of Armes, but of fooleries, and foppish de­uises.

The other eight Tribes had their Standards, each answereable to the colour of his Colonell, but with different charge, agreeable to their greatnesse.

The standards of the other 8. tribes, & theyr Armes. Isachar portoit d' Azur a l'Asne passant d' Argent.

And Zabulon, D' Azur au Nauire arme & frette d' Argent.

They which were of Rubens Hoast, Simeon portoit de Gueulles, a deux Espees d' Argent en Sautour.

And Gad gaue likewise, De Gueulles a l'Espee d' Argent, mise en Pal, la point enchant.

Vnder Ephraim was Manasses, Qui portoit de Sable au Scepter Couronne d Or: Because hee was the eldest sonne of the Patriarch Ioseph, and hee that had the first lotte in the Land of Promise. To him appertained the Royaltie and the Priesthood▪ whereof he was despoyled, because he had not honoured his father.

Beniamin, portoit de Sable au Loup passant d'Argent.

Vnder the Tribe of Dan, was that of Aser: Qui portoit de Synople seme d'Espics de Ble [...] d'Or.

And that of Nepthali, De Synople au Cerf somme d'Or.

This is thus remarked by the Rabbines, in the place before alledged, and on the se­cond Chapter of the booke of Numbers, and the first and second Verses. Loquutus est Dominus [...]um Mose & Aarone dicens, Singuli iuxta VEXILLVM suum, & sub SIG­NIS domus Patrum suorum, castra ponant filij Israel, e Regione, & in circuitu Tabernacu [...] foederis castra pona [...]t. The Lord spake to Moses and Aaron, saying, Euery man of the Children of Israel; shall campe by his Standard, and vnder the Ensigne of their fathers house: farre off about the Tabernacle of the Congregation shall they pitch. Which passage they interprete by the nine and fortieth Chapter of Genesis, and by the [...]ick plate of their High Priest, garnished with twelue precious stones, and on each of them was engrauen the names, and the Armes of the Tribes of Israel.

They adde beside, that Iosuah hauing caused the children of Israel, to passe ouer the Flood-Iordane dry foote, he procured euery one of them, to place a great Stone vpon the banke of the sayde Flood, at the highest boundes thereof, and on each of them, was earned the Names and Armes of the twelue Tribes, to serue as a signale or me­morie vnto posteritie,The 12 stones on the bankes of Iordan, bea­ring the names and Armes of the Tribes. of that myraculous passage. And those twelue Stones, about the time when our Sauiour Christ conuersed among men, serued as titles and proofes of Nobility among the Iewes, to declare their extraction.

Saint Iohn, speaketh of the same Stones, reprehending the peoples dissolute and depraued liues; in the third Chapter of Saint Mathewes Gospell, Polens est Deu [...] de l [...] ­dictus [...]st [...] suscitare Abraha: God is able, euen of these stones, to rayse vp children to Abraham.

[Page 5] Saul in like manner, appointed to bee King ouer the Children of Israel, tooke for the Armes of his kingdome, the Ensigne Colonell of the Tribe of Beniamin, whereof [...]he was descended. And Dauid, being called in his place (as one worthier then hee) tooke that of the Tribe of Iuda, whereunto the Patriarch Iaacob, Dauid had the Armes of the Tribe of Iuda. had transferred the right of Elder-shippe, and the appurtenances of Royaltie and the Priesthoode, as it is saide in the nine and fortieth chapter of Genesis, the eight and nine verses. Iuda te laudabunt fratres tui, manus tua in ceruicibus inimicorum tuorum, adorabunt te filij Patris tui. Thou Iuda, thy Brethren shall praise thee, thine hand shall bee in the necke of thine enemies, thy fathers sonnes shall bow downe vnto thee.

The same Patriarke,Iudaes Armes blazoned by his Father. blazoning the Armes of his sonne Iuda (which the Rabbines deuise to bee D'Azur au Lyon rampant d'Or) saide: Iuda, requiescens accubuisti vt Leo, quis suscitabit eum? He shall couch downe as a Lyon, and as a Lyonnesse: who shall stirre him vp? Dauid taking the Lyon for his Armes, caused it to bee engrauen in his Signet or Seale Royall, yea, and on his monies, which helde in currant course, vn­till the declination of the Iewish Estate, according as it is set downe by Rabbi Abra­ham, in his historicall Cabala.

These Armes were conserued by the great King Salomon, who blazoning on them in the thirtie Chapter of his Prouerbes, saith: That amongest all the Creatures on earth, there are three which doe exceede and surpasse the rest. Also hee compareth them to Princes, as thus: Tria sunt quae bene gradiuntur, Pr. 30, 30, 31. & quartum quod incidet foeli­citer. Leo fortissimus bestiarum ad nullius Pauebit occursum. Gallus succinctus lumbos, & Aries; Nec est Rex qui resistat ei. The Lyon, King of Beasts, hath alwayes beene the Symbole of Royaltie, for his Generositie, conioyned with his clemencie, neuer run­ning on any Beast which is humble to him. In like manner, in a good Prince:

In the verie height of his anger, hee qualifieth it of himselfe, so soone as a Lambe is present before him, the Symbole of mildenesse and clemencie. For this cause it was, that the Diuine Poet Du Bartas, made the Lyon a Schoolemaster to Princes,The Lyon a Schoolmaster to Princes. thus:

The Assyrians (as the same Rabbines affirme) being so called of Assur son to Belus, who conquered Chaldea (afterward named Assyria) from the descendants of Nem­rod, the sonne of Chanaan; tooke for the Armes of their Monarchie,The Armes of the Assyrians Monarchie. L'Estendard verd au Belier d'Argent. Their money, stamped with a Ramme, had course through­out all the East, noted in the Scripture, in Genesis the three and thirtie Chapter, the nineteenth verse, and in the seuenth of the Actes of the Apostles, the sixteenth verse. In memorie of this Belus, represented by a Ramme, the Assyrians, Aegyptians, and other people of the East, did so reuerence that creature, as they durst not eate thereof. So we read in Genesis the sixt, the one and twenty verse, and the three and fortieth Chapter, the fiue and twentieth verse.

The same Assyrians, first Authors of Idolatrie, adored their Belus, whom they re­puted for a God; and did as much to their Queene Semiramis, wife to Ninus, called [...]elochus, placing her among the number of their Gods, charging their Standards and Banners (signed with the Leopard and Ramme) D'vne Colombe Argentee aux aisles esten­ [...]ues sur le drappean Iaune. And the selfe-same Colombe releuee d'Argent sur vne Escu de [...]in Or, was the first Armes for search and enquirie after. Semiramis in the Assyrian lan­guage, signifieth a Fowle or Bird, which serued as an apt subiect to those idolatrous people, to ranke their Queene in number of their Gods, and to say, that after hir death [...]he tooke her flight vp to heauen, with her husband Ninus. According as it is obser­ued by Diodoru [...] Siculu [...], in the third booke of his Annales, and the fift Chapter.Diod. Sicul. in Annal. l. 3. c. [...]

[Page 6]Now although this might be a lying and false discourse: yet so it is, that the Holie Scripture remarketh and designeth the Assyrians by this Doue, as it doth the Aegypti­ans by the Vulture.The Standard of the Aegyp­tians. For, the Aegyptians Portoient l'Estendard Iaune a l'Espreuier & Va [...] ­tour de Sable. It was also engrauen in the Seale Royall of Pharaoh, giuen to the Patri­arch Ioseph. So say the Rabbines, vpon the one and forty Chapter of Genesis.

The Aegyptians called the Vulture a Bird, without any addition, as for Antonomasi [...] and excellence: Because that among all the Fowles and Birds of prey, she is the most iust,Or▪ Apel. in Tract. Sac. E­gypt. Notis. imparting equally the prey, to the Fowles which follow her: so saith Orus Apollo in his Treatise De sacris Aegyptiorum notis: Plutarch termeth this Fowle an Innocent, because (saith he) it freeth a man from being offended by other creatures. Moreouer, it is the most full of pitty to her young ones, of all other Fowles that are. For, in the space of sixe and twenty dayes, abiding with them for their nourishing, she neuer lea­ueth them:A Fowle more kinde to her broode, then many Nurses to their Chil­dren. but if she want sustenance for them, she launceth her thigh with her beak, and draweth thence blood for their food and nourishment. In like manner, this Bird was vsed as the Symbole of Iustice and Piety, and many times of Royalty: to serue as a lesson or Lecture to Princes and Monarches, for being clement and kinde Fathers to their Subiects. So I say then, that the sacred Scriptures vnderstoode the Assyrians by the Doue, and the Aegyptians by the Vulture.

The Prophet Ieremie in his twenty fiue chapter,Ie [...]. 25, 38. verse thirty eight, threatning the Iewish people with the comming of Nabuchodonosor, saith, Dereliquit quasi Leo vmbra­culum suum, quia facta est terra eorum in desolationem, a facie irae Columbe, & a facie ira fu­roris eius. He hath forsaken his couert as the Lyon, for their land is desolate, because of the fiercenesse of the Oppressour, and because of his fierce anger. Nabuchodonosor was King of the Assyrians, as it is euident in Daniel, and the Kings of Iuda and of Israel, led captiue into Babylon, are remarked by the Lyon, Dereliquit Leo sub vmbraculum suum; Because that the Kings of the twelue Tribes (diuided in their Kingdomes) bare the like Armes as King Dauid had taken and appointed.

Oze [...] 11.11.The Prophet Ozea, speaking of the Assyrians, ioyned with the Aegyptians against the Iewish people, to bring them into seruitude and slauery, saith: Auolabunt quasi A­uis ex Aegypto (by the Bird he meaneth the Vulture) et quasi Columba de terra Assyriorū. They shall tremble like a Bird out of Aegypt, and as a Doue out of the Land of Assy­ria. And the same Rabbines interprete literally this Versicle of Dauid, Psalme 68.Psal. 68, 13. Si­dormiatis inter medios cleros, pennae Columbae Deargento [...]ae & posteriora dorsi eius in palleri Auri. Though you haue lyen among the pots, you shall be as the wings of a Doue co­uered with siluer, and her feathers with yellow gold. Concerning the ouerthrowe of Senacherib King of the Assyrians,4 Reg. 19, 35 and of his Army, wherein the Angel of God slew in one night, an hundred fourescore and six thousand men, as it is in the fourth booke of the Kings.

The Banner and Armes of the Persians.The Persians carried a white Banner, Chargee d'vne Aigle d' Or Esploye & Couronne, which was their principall Ensigne, as it is written by Zonaras, in his first Booke, and nineteene Chapter. And according to Xenophon, in the expedition and institution of Cyrus, the seuenth booke. Erat ei signum aurea Aquila in longa hasta suspensa, & nunc eti­am id insigne Persarum Regibus manet. And the Prophet Ozea in his eight Chapter. Ecce sicut Aquila, quae pernicitur volat, ascendet Rex cum copijs suis, & Castrametabitur contra S [...] ­crosanctum Templum Domini: Speaking of Nabuzaradan, Lieutenant Generall to the king of Persia (whom the holy Scripture vnderstandeth by the name of King, without addi­tion) which ruined the Temple of God, the Pallace Royall, and the principall houses of Ierusalem into ashes: As it is written in the fourth Booke of the Kings, the last chap­ter. [...]. Reg. 25, 9. As yet they haue the Sagittarie, as much to say, as halfe a Horse, and halfe a man, drawing a Bowe to let flye an Arrow. This Sagittarie was the stampe of their Coyne, whereon Agesilaus alluding, complaineth in Plutarch, to haue beene chased from the conquest of Asia,Pieces of gold called Daricks the Coyne of Persia. by thirty thousand Archers to the King of Persia: that is to say, by thirtie thousand pieces of Gold, called Darickes, because on the one side they had Dari­us, and the Sagittarie on the other.

Alexander the Great, hauing transferred the Monarchie of the Medes and Persians to the Greekes, retained still the white Banner, the colour and Liuerie to the Kings of Persia (so saith Plutarch, in the life of Artaxerxes) which they had borrowed from them of Iuda and Israel,Plut. [...]n vit. Artaxerxes. who went cloathed in White, according to the custome of great [Page 7] King Salomon, who shewing himselfe publiquely, vsed to weare a long white Robe: as is written by Iosephus, in the eight Booke of his Iewish Antiquities,Ioseph. in Aut. Iudaic. l. 8. c. 2 the second Chap­ [...]er.

So the most Christian Kings of France, haue retained for their Colonell the colour White, bearing the Crosse and Bauldricke or Scarfe White, whereby the French are [...]nowne in battaile from other Nations, that carry them Red, with a Crosse disguised [...]n Saultour, vnfitly applyed to Saint Andrew, whose Crosse is to bee seene at Saint Victor of Marseilles, wholly resembling those whereon our Sauiour suffered, Saint Peter, and the other Apostles Martyrs.

Alexander retaining the White Liuerie, Symbole of Royaltie,The Armes of Alexander the Great. and colour of the Dia­deme, tooke the Lyon rampant Gueulles for his Armes, forsaking the Kingly Eagle: and caused it to be engrauen in his Seale Royall. An Armes, which (in his memorie) was borne by his successors, Kings of the Parthians, Medes, Aegyptians, and other Ea­sterne Princes. Plutarch in the life of this Monarch writeth,Plutarc. in vit. Alexand. that he tooke the Lion for his Armes, because his Father Phillip of Macedon, dreamed the first night of his marri­age, that he set such a seale on his wife Olympia, as had a Lyon stamped or imprinted on [...]it. This dreame might be true, yet it came so to passe neuerthelesse, that (long time be­fore the birth of Alexander the Great, and of Cyrus King of Persia) their Empires had bin prophesied, That of the Persians, by a creature hauing the visage of a man, to de­monstrate the clemency of Cyrus: That of the Greekes, by the figure of a Lyon: And that of the Romaines, by the Royall Eagle. According as it is reported by the Prophet Ezechiel in his first Chapter,Ezek. 1, 10. enstructed by a Cherubin, which he called Chobar: Like as the Monarchy of the Assyrians (finished before) had bin represented by an Oxe.

The like was obserued in the Antiquities of young Phillip, King of Macedon, in the bignesse of a peece of three Blancks, or of a Carolus with the sword, where on the one side, was the head of the King with great bushy hayre not well combed: And on the other side, a King sitting in his chaire, leaning on a small Iaueline, and holding a Gripe or Vulture on his left fist, which serued to expresse the Antiquity of Hawking.A note for the Antiquitie of Hawking. Where­by the Rabbines vnderstood that passage in the Prophet Baruch, his third chapter.Bar. 3, 16, 17. Vbi sunt Principes Gentium, & qui dominantur super bestias quae sunt super terram? qui in Aui­bus Coeli ludunt. Where are the Princes of the Heathen, and such as ruled the beasts vp­on the earth? That had their pastime with the Birds of the Ayre. But I thinke rather, that he meant the Bird, sacred among the Aegyptians, whereof we haue spoken before. Other Antiquities are yet also to be seene, and of the like bignesse, which bee of King Perseus, hauing an Eagle on the one side, and on the other a Squire on horseback, which is the Sagittarie. This may seeme to demonstrate, that these Kings (ouer and beside the Lyon) retained both the Eagle and the Sagittarie of the Persians, as wel as the Vulture or Bird of the Aegyptians.

The Romaines tooke for the Armes of their Empire and Monarchy,The Armes of the Romaine Empire. the Royall Ea­gle, and for their Liuerie the Colour Red, as Purple and Scarlet. Their Colonell and principall Standard, which they called Labarum, was of purple, made square in forme, round about engirt with a frindge of Gold, carried on a Pike: In longa hasta, and of the same fashion as the Banners are in our parish Churches. The Heraldes and Kings of Armes called the Colour Red by foure sundry names; as Cinabre, Belic, Gueulles,The Red Co­lour had four names. and Rich colour, by reason of his brightnesse. And allowed it not to be carried, but by the Romane Emperors onely, and Caesars destined to the Empire: For others were not per­mitted to take it, but by their concession and priuiledge.

The Eagle was borne by Numa Pampilius, Seruius Tullus, and other Romaine Kings.Romain Kings carried the Eagle. Succession of times inducted the Minotaur, the Wolfe, the Horse, the Swine or Bore. These foure beasts serued for Ensignes and Standards to the Legions and Cohortes of the Romaines, vntill the time of Caius Marius, who abolished the vse of them altoge­ther, leauing the Eagle alone by it selfe, as is obserued by Pliny, in the tenth Booke of his naturall Historie, and the third Chapter.Plin. in Hist. nat. lib. 10. c. 3 Romanis Legionibus Aquilam Caius Marius in secundo Consolatu suo proprie dicauit. Erat & antea prima, cum quatuor ali [...]s, Lupi, Mino­tauri, Equi, Apri, quae singulos Ordines anteibant. Paucis ante Aquila, sola portari in aciem coeperat, relinqua in castris relinquebantur, Marius in totum ea abdicauit.

Iulius Caesar, Augustus, and their descending Emperors, Parterent de Gueulles a l' Aigle d'Or, aux aisles estendues, & a la seule Teste. Constantine the Great, hauing parted in twain [Page 8] (as it were) the Roman Empire, into that of the East, and that of the West, transpo [...] from Rome to Bizantium, although it was the Emperiall Seate: yet he called it Constan­nople, by his owne name, leauing an Exarc or Vice-Emperour as Lieutenant Generall at Rome, for guard and conseruation of the West. The Romane Eagle was then painted with two heads circled, which some termed Desplayed, and remained in common, as much to say, As Armes to the one and other Empire. Vntill the yeare of Grace, eight hundred and one,King Charle­maigne, crow­ned Emperor of the West. when King Charlemaigne (hauing by his valour wonne and conquered Italy) was crowned Emperor of the West, and honoured as he was of the Romaines, after the manner of the ancient Emperors. And for a more signale note, he wonne the Empire to the French (with deere expence of their blood) retaining in his Armes the Mettall and Colour of France, D'Azur a l' Aigle a deux Testes Esploye d'Or. A heauy burthen on the stomackes of numberlesse French, how it should bee so then, and Armes remayning for them too of the Empire, so farre as to the house of Saxon in Germany, who carried of their Mettall and Colour, namely, D'Or a l' Aigle Esploye de Sable.

By the example of Princes and Monarches, their subiects and seruants (neerest to their persons) made themselues separate and distinguished from others, by titles of Nobilitie and Armes, which conserued their Families, and makes them to appeare aboue the com­mon people. For, seeing that Vertue and Vice haue concurred from all times, and they do best distinguish their Louers, by contrarie Liueries to them here meant, euen as white from blacker It is no more then reason, that the Noble and Vertuous (by Blazons and Deuises) should be discerned from the vulgar. Moreouer, of those Nobles, the distin­ction is to be knowne by diuersitie of Armes, according to their inclination, and good or bad breeding. This is that which the Prince of Poets hath learnedly noted, of Noble by Extraction,Of Nobility by discent, vertue, and Learning. Science, and Learning, in his second Royall Boscage.

Then it is a popular errour, to say, that the inuention of Armes, of Blazons and Devi­ses, appeared not vntil within fiue hundred yeeres, and the Voyages to the East, for Con­quest of the Holy Land,The vse of Armes, practi­sed at al times, and by people furthest from vs. Religiously attempted by many famous persons: Because (in all times) their vse is made manifest, and practised by Nations, furthest of all other from our knowledge, as the Inhabitants of the Easterne Isles.

Those people, at the Funeralles of their Yngas Kings and great Lords, caused to be born before their bodies, the notes of Honour and the Trophees, which they had wonne and brought from their enemies in warre. Those Honours and Trophees were carried in the saide Funeralles, by Knights most apparant in Valiance and Nobilitie. And to this effect, exactly they kept the practise and vse of Armes and Blazons, conserued to their Families, and carried them to the enterring of their dead. So writeth Iosephus Acosta, in his fifte [Page 9] Booke of the Naturall historie of the Indiaes, and the eight Chapter.

In the fourth Chapter of the same Booke, we learne by him,The Armes of the Kinges of Peru. that the Kings of Peru ca­ried in Armes, Vne Arc en Ciel▪ auecaues deux Couleuures estendues aux costes d'iceiuy.

That the Kings of Mexico carried for their Deuise, Vne Main tenant vnepoignee de fle­ [...]hes de Rozeaux. In remembrance and memorie of the first King of Mexico, named A­ [...]cam apixtli, which signifieth in the Mexicane language, A handfull of Reeds.

That the Citie of Mexico Tenuctitl [...]n, had for her Armes;The Citties Armes of Me­xico. Vne Aigle Royale aux aisles [...]sployees, & l [...] Teste esseuee regardant, fixement le Soliel, comme pour receuoir sa chalcur, te­ [...]ne bel Oyseau de l'vne de ses serres, & de l'autre plante sur vne Tunal, & Pierre rele­ [...]e. Because that in such a posture, this Bird was found, and in the place where the Capi­tall Citie of Mexico was builded, now named New Spaine: As the said Acosta affirmeth in the same Booke, and the seuenth Chapter.

The Tlaxcal [...]ns, coniured enemies to them of Mexico, bare in their Standard & Ban­ner, Vne Grue d' Or estendant ses aisles. And this was their Armes, as it is reported in the life of Ferdinando Corteze, who vanquished the Mexicanes, and conquered their chiefe City▪ In lib. vit. Fer. Cort. Cap. 17. in Nouember, 1519. And the great Standard of the same Mexicanes, when the King himselfe in person marched to the field▪ Portoit vne Griffon Furieux deschirant, vn Tigre, qu'il tenoit soubs ses serres. A deuise erected ouer the gates of the Palace, belonging to the saide Kings of Mexico.

But what neede is there of crossing ouer so many Seas, for this Antiquitie of Armes, and to go seeke it so farre off? We haue it at our owne doores, in regard that the Aunce­stors of the Gaules and French, carried for their ancient Deuise, the Ship.The Ancient deuice of the Gaules and French.

Cornelius Tacitus, describing the Customes of the Germaines (being but badly infor­med of their Religion) hauing seene, or heard by report, from such as had beene in the voyage of Germanie, that a Ship was figured in their Temples and Ensignes; immediatly he conceyued, that they adored the Goddesse Isis. Pars Sueuorum & Isidi sacrificat, The errour & mistaking of Tacitus. Vnde causa, & or go peregrino sacro parum comperi▪ nisi quod ipsum Signum in modum Liburnicae figuratum, docet aduectam Religionem.

The men of Suaba, neighbours to the Francs Sicambrians, dwelling in the Marshes of Westphalia, Cleue, & Guelderland, with Gulich, obserued the same Religion, Customes, and Policie, as the Gaules did. And as those two Nations were one selfe same people: euen so they retained (carefully) the figure of the Shippe, which Tacitus (in his language) [...]earmeth Liburnicall, in memorie of the passage which their Ancestours made from Asia into Europe, vnder the conduct of their Prince Gomer.

For by the same subiect, the ancient money of the Gaules and Germanes,The Ancient Coynes of the Gaules and Germaines. were of two fashions and stampes on both sides. The one with a Lyon, Armes proper to Prince Go­mer (the Gaules Hercules) on the one side; and on the other an Altar, with the number of LXIIII. which represented the sixtie and foure Prouinces of the Gauls (that extended themselues so farre as Rhine) mentioned by Tacitus, in the third Booke of his Annales, At Romae non Treuiros modo; sed quatuor sexaginta ciuitates Galliarum desciuisse videbantur: And thus he saw (of Antiquities) a like number on the backe side and his figure on the o­ [...]her, stamped vnder the name of the Emperor Antoninus. And Strabo in the 4. booke of his Geography, and Dion in his 54. booke▪ vnderstood the Altar to be prepared in the Ci­ty of Lyons, whereof Iuuenal thus saith: ‘Aut Lugdunensem Bhetor dicturus in Aram.’

This should bee interpreted of the generall Altare of the Gaules, prouided stable and permanent by the Druides, within their sacred wood at the mountaine of Chartres, dedi­cated to the holy Virgin, that should bring forth the fruite of life.

The other kinde of Coine, had a Shippe on the one side,The descriptiō of the other Coyne. and a Head on the other figu­ring the Image of the Patriarke Noah ▪ or of his yongest sonne Go [...]r. A kinde of money brought into Italy by the first Gaules▪ when they went thither, and possessed it. Neuer­thelesse, the Romaines enuying the glorie and name of the Gaules: referre the inuention thereof to their King Numa Pompilius: So saith O [...]id in the first of his Fasts.

Speaking of a voyage which Saturne made to them, the Romaines hauing retayned some shadow of Gome [...] passage to the Gaules obscured (neuerthelesse) with lyes and fa­bles: but the Gaules being possessed of Italy by their Coine, brought the knowledge to [Page 10] this apparant passage. So the ancient Gaules had a sport, which they tearmed Head, or Ship: for by putting one of those peeces into a Bonnet, and then (casting them both a­loft) asked them which they would haue, Head or Ship, Caput aut Nauem. After the ma­ner of a pastime, retained to this present day, by the name of Crosse or Pile.

Tacitus taxed with ignorāce, in matters of great moment.So Tacitus (shallowly informed) seeing some figure of Frigates and Shippes, with the Gaules and Germaines, equiuocated, by interpreting them of another sort, because hee would not seeme to be deceyued. Also he is constrained to confesse his ignorance, Pa­rum comperisse, by not hauing discouered the subiect of such paintings. But as if hee had bene in Aegypt, he thought (seeing this) that it was the Hieroglyphicke of the Goddest Isis, Apul. in Miles. Methodius. Latin. Pacatus Sed. Apolinaris Beat. Rhenan. whom the Romaines vnderstood, Per peregrinum sacrum, because shee was brought to them out of Syria, and called Deum Syriam. Of whom Apuleius (in his Milesians) de­scribeth the worship and Ceremonies, as we haue learned by Methodius, Latinus Pacatus, Sidonius Apollinaris, Beatus Rhenanus, and others. Non in fignum aduectae Religionis, as Tacitus beleeued: but, In memoriam huc aduecta Nationis Gallicanae, by the passage of G [...] ­mer and his children, out of Asia into Europe.

The Citie of Paris (built in the yeare of the World, 2981. the first of Abezan of Beth­leem, Iudge of Israel, successor to Ieptah, 1325. yeares after the Flood; and before the foundation of Rome,Genebrard. in Chron. Lib. 1. 199. yeares, according to the testimony of Learned Genebrardus, Archbyshop of Aix in Prouence, in the first book of his Chronologie:) A retenu pour ses Armes le Nauire d' Argent Frette & Arme en Champ de Gueulles, as the Metropolitan of the French Nation.

Lord Maior & Sheriffes in the City of Paris.Some haue written, that Phillip Augustus, second of that name called Gods Gift, & the Conquerour, was the first inuenter of the Lord Maior and Sheriffes in the Citie of Paris, for which he had not any reason or apparance whatsoeuer. For, could it be credible, that so goodly a Cittie, the dwelling place of our Kings, euen from the first and second Lyne, should be without a Body, and Officers fit for the same. Considering, that in the Capitu­laries of Charlemaigne and his Children, mention is made (in many places) De Scabinis, of Sheriffes, who were as Gouernours and Iudges Polliticke, in the best Townes of France.

In the like errour are they, who report, that the Armes of the Ship were giuen to the said City of Paris, by the same Phillip Augustus. Considering, that from the time of the ancient Druides, the Ship had beene an Ensigne, of the said Citie of Parisians. It may be, for the reason alledged by Stephen Pasquier (treating on the same subiect) that the first li­mits of that great Cittie, represented the forme and figure of a Ship. For Paris, at her be­ginning, was no other then a Castle of pleasure, built (for the delight of Hunting) by the first Gaulish Kings, where (at this present) is the Pallace.

Afterward, the inhabitants chose their dwelling within the Isle shaped by Sein, which (in her situation) figureth the forme of a Ship, being large, and like to a Ship in her poop and hindmost part: where is erected the Cathedrall Church, her Cloysters, the Bishops Pallace, with the Hospitall. And the Prowe pointeth to the end of the Pallace Garden, now ioyning to Pont-Neuf, and full of houses, enclosing the Cittie, and liuely figuring the forme of a Ship: which among the Aegyptians, was the Hieroglyphicke of Soueraign Power, the marke or Symbole of command and preheminence: And so Paris (by good right) is called, The Queene of Citties.

The [...] Germans are all (almost descended of one countrey, yet varrie in their Armes.The verie greatest part of the Germaine Nations, albeit all (well neere) descended of one Countrie, were neuerthelesse distinguished by their Armes the Lyon, but yet by di­uers Blazons.

For the Francs or French, Le port [...]ient d'Or en champ d' Azur.

The Gothes, Ostrogothes, and Visigothes, Le portoient d'Or en champ de Gueulles. And they that dwelt in Spaine, Le porterent de Sable en champ d' Argent.

Paradine writeth, that the ancient Bourgongnons (in like manner, issued and descen­ded from Germanie, and of whom the Noble Romaine Tacitus maketh mention in his Germania) Portoient en Armes le Lyon de Sable en champ d'Argent. Wee shall shew the contrary, and the same of the Gothes in Spaine.

They of Denmarke, Portoient trois de Lyons de Synople passant l'vne sur l'autre, to shew their Balticke Sea as their descent.

[Page 11]The Alans, Vandales and Sweues, Portoient d' Argent an Chat de Sable: A Symbole of [...]bertie, so saith Methodius. Method. in lib. 4. cap. 19.

The Cymbrians had the Bull for their Ensigne, and they made one of Mettall, which [...]hey caused to be carried on a Pike in the front of their Armie.Plutarc. in vit. Ca [...]. Mar. They would sweare by it saith Plutarch in the life of Marius) and this people being subdued by the Consull Ca­ [...]llus Luctatius, the Bull was carried home to his house, as a note of the victorie which he [...]ad ouer them.

We will conclude this Chapter of Armes and Blazons, with acknowledging and distin­ [...]uishing the eldest sonnes from the yonger and inferiour.

The Eldest are knowne and discerned from the other, by the plaine Paternall Armes,Eldest sonnes giue their Fa­thers Armes, without any difference. [...]ithout any Brisure whatsoeuer, except the Father gaue them so.

It is ordinarily seene in illustrious and most Noble Houses, that the second son quar­ [...]ereth the Fathers Armes with them of his Mother. But this occasioneth confusion to [...]heir descent and Linage, if they haue store of masle children.

Others diuersifie and varie in the Chiefe,The Canton of Honor. or else in the first quarter and Canton of [...]he Chiefe, which is tearmed of Honor: Or else, Partissent, Flancquent, Entent en Poincte, [...]u mettent sur le tout.

But the most certaine knowledge is made by Brisures, The exten [...] of generation. so farre as to the seuenth genera­ [...]ion, the end of all Parentage.

It is an assured Rule, that among Masles, the eldest acknowledgeth himselfe,The eldest beareth his fa­thers Armes & he ought [...]o be acknowledged by his Father Armes: If he be not otherwise stipuled by Contracts of marriage, of donation, or of substitution, which doe extend so farre, as to the fourth [...]eyre.

And if all the Masles would beare the Fathers Armes: they ought to bee distinguished [...]ccording to degree of birth, or primogeniture, by Brisures.

For the second sonne, Doit porter le Lambeau de trois pieces: which is to be vnderstood,Distinction for the seuerall sonnes in order of Mettall or Colour, and which also ought to be obserued in all other Brisure.

The third sonne, Vnc simple Bordure.

The fourth, L'Orle.

The fift, Le Baston.

And the sixt, Le Bande.

If there be any more: the Chiefe, the first or last Canton of the Chiefe, or else, L'En­ [...]e en Poincte, will serue to be remarked.

The Assaillants or Challengers of all the younger thus borne,How Chal­lengers are to be acknowledged in their degrees. must bee acknowledged [...]y Doubles Brisures.

In regard that the eldest sonne issued of the second, ought to retaine and beare the Fa­ [...]hers Armes: Auecques leur Brisure, le Lambeau de trois pieces en Chef.

The second, Le Lambeau de quatre pieces en Chef.

The third, Pareil Lambeau mouuant de Chef.

And the fourth, Pareil Lambeau charge selon sa fantasie d' Aigles, Lyons, Croissants, Roses Aleryons, Merletes, ou Diapre.

The second sonne issuing of the first third, Portera la Bordure engreslee.

The third, Chargee de Besans, ou Torteaux.

The fourth, La Bordure Componee.

The next, Endentee, or Endenchee.

And the rest (if there be any more) Chargee de Annulets, partie de l'vn en l'autre, ou bien de Simple, ou le Double Essonier & Trescheur.

The second sonne issuing of the first fourth: L Orle, which his descendants and he may diuersifie: d'Eschicquette, Pale, Conterpale, Lozange, Frette, Fusille, Faisses, Contre-Faisse, Diuersitie of charges for their best di­stinguishing. Pairle, Viure, Cheuronne, Contre Cheuronne, Verse, Contre verse, or charged with the be­fore named Beasts, with Pannes, Macles, Mollettes, Estoiles ou de Rustres, or other varieties which may be put into Armes.

The second sonne of the first fift, and his descendants, may charge and varrie Le Baeston, as hath bin said before, and the like.

Of the second sonne, and his Assayllants of the first sixe: A la Band, which may bee Coticee, Iumelee, Bretesee, Feuillee de Six, Componee, Endenchee, ou chargee d' Animaux ou de Pannes

But it is to be held for a Rule, and an infallible Maxime in Armes, and the noble Art [Page 4] [...] [Page 5] [...] [Page 6] [...] [Page 7] [...] [Page 8] [...] [Page 9] [...] [Page 10] [...] [Page 11] [...] [Page 12] of Painting and Blazon That he which beareth least, is the best; which will serue for que­stion and enquirie.

CHAP. II. Of Scutcheons, Shields, Targets, and Buclers.

IT hath beene an ancient common Prouerbe among the French: That the Knight beginneth to Arme himselfe with his Spurres, and compleateth all with the Shield.The best way of Arming a Knight. But contrary to this popu­lar error, we will begin to honour our Noble Gentleman, that is to say, to Arme him with a Shield, and make our conclusion with the Bathe and Spurres. For, the Scutcheon or Shield, (to speake vprightly) is the essentiall note of a Nobleman, as also of an Esquire and Knight. But let vs first obserue, the structure and fashion of the Shield, and the difference thereof, from the Tar­get and Buckler.

Diod. Sicul. in Lib. 6. de Ant. Diodorus Siculus, in the sixt booke of his Antiquities, describeth the fashion of our Shields: Armae ferunt (saith he, spe [...]ing of the Celtes and Iberians, French & Spanish) Scutum ad staturam hominis longum, proque libito cuiusque ornatum. He speaketh much to the purpose, according to the Custome of the French Nation, Scutum, a Shielde, and no [...] Clypeum a B [...]ckler, common to the Italians and other Nations, otherwise (neuerthelesse) then the French, Germaines, Spaniards, and English, who neuer bare any other, then the Shield.

In like manner, there is very great difference, concerning the fashion of Scutum, Cly­peus, and Parma, the Shield, the Buckler, and the Target, among the Latines.

The Buckler, which the Romaines called Clypeum, was of round forme, yet shaping Ouall-wise,The Buckler of the Romans according to the manner of the Greekes. This is that which wee vse to call a Rondell, or round Target, in regard of the round figure. In this manner, the Greeke Palladines went to the pretended conquest of their Golden Fleece, described by Apolloni­us Rhodius in his Argonautes, Apollo [...]. Rh [...]d. on Tra. de Arg who carried their Shieldes of round forme, whereon each man had his deuice answerable to his owne fancie, and of them, those Bucklers were ter­med Bucklers of Argos.

Virg. in [...]ne [...]d [...]b. 5.So speaketh Virgill, describing the frightfull eye of the Gyant Polyphemus, great & wide as the roundure of the Sunne, when he is seene on the point of his rising in the East.

The Parma or Target.The Parma, which we call a Target, differed from the Buckler, because it was of square forme, and yet more long then large, and somewhat more narrow both aboue and be­neath, then in the middle: which enlarged it selfe more forward, then at the two endes, bowing, vaulting, or turning ouer, like to the ridge Tiles of houses.

The forme of the Buckler.The Buckler was ordinarily in containdure, no more then three foot in circumference, proper for them, termed Enfans perdus, Gentlemen of Companies, reserued for, and ex­posed vnto all desperate seruices in warre (called by the Greekes Stradiots, of the word [...],The Romaine Velites. placed in the van [...]gard of the Armie, to begin the conflict and combustion. The Romaines called them Velites, by a Metaphor deriued from the sailes of shippes, which guides them, being swolne bigge with winde. So these aduenturous Soldiers were lightly armed, for the surp [...]izall of them before.

The Buckler for HorsemenThis Buckler was likewise common to Horsemen, seruing to receyue the blowes of stones cast by Slings, Darts, and Arrowes shot from the enemie.

Three sorts of [...] on [...] Tri­arios.Now concerning three other sorts of Foote Seruitors which they had, tearming them Hastatos, Principes, and Triarios, they vsed the Target called Parma, which ordinarilie contained foure foote and an halfe in heighth, broad aboue, and beneath two foot and a [...] halfe: In such sort, as it might couer the whole man in necessitie, bending one knee down to the ground.

The manner of the French Shield.The Shield proper and particular to the French, and their neighbouring people, was broad aboue and in the midst, but finished in a point. Forma Scuti summum latius quae [...] ­ctus, atque humeri teguntur, fastigio aequali, ad imum cun [...]atior, mobilitatis causa, so sayeth Liuius in his ninth booke,Titus Liuius [...] lib. 9. speaking of the Samnites, who (made martiall by the Gaules) [Page 13] passed into Lombardie, being armed after the Gaules manner: and this was the reason, [...]y such shields were called Scuta Ligurina they contained almost the height of a man, [...]ueable at the point, because of turning and making head, on which side soeuer the ene­ [...]e appeared.

Diodorus Siculus, speaking of them belonging to the men of Geneway and Millaine, [...]aulish from all antiquitie, as Plutarch writeth in the life of [...]urius Camillus, and of [...]arcellus) in this manner describeth their Armes, that is to say, their Shields. Arma [...]ent leutora quam Romani. Operiuntur eorum corpora S [...]uto longo. Ad formam Gallorum [...]to. Our Ancestors serued themselues with Shields, finishing in the point, as well for [...]en on horse backe, as on foote; as wee finde on Marbles and ancient Monuments or [...]ombes.

These words, Operiuntur corpora longa Scuto, doe giue vs to vnderstand, that those [...]hields were so long and large,Shields ser­uing men in need for pas­sing Riuers instead of boats as a man might couer himselfe in warre against the Ene­ [...]ies darts and arrowes. And at such time as question was made, for passing and freeing [...]y great Riuer; those long and large Shields might commodiously serue their masters in­stead of boates or Gondolaes for passage. Heereof we haue many remarkeable examples, [...] Saint Gregory Victor Archbishop of Tours, the most ancient Annalist of France, and [...]ho serued as a Lanthorne, Guide, or Iacobs staffe for the discouery of the Min [...]s and vn­ [...]owne Treasures, concealed vnder goodly and venerable Antiquitie. In the third booke [...]d thirteenth chapter of his history of France: Venientes ad Mosellam fluuium, cum tran­ [...]ent illum, & detinerentur a quibusdam, relictis equis, ac vestimentis Enatantes super [...]cuto (speaking after the Romane manner, he vseth this word Parma) posite, amnem in vl­ [...]iorem egressi sunt ripam. And in the fourth booke, the thirtieth Chapter, describing [...]e siedge of Atles in Prouence, and the encounters there performed: Cum exercitus à [...]rgo iaculis foderetur, operiretur que lapidibus ab Vrbanis, ad amnem Rhodanum dirigunt, [...]que Scutis Superpositis vlteriorem ripam expectunt. The impetuous Current of that [...]eat Riuer Rhodanus carried a great number of the Enemies; so that the saying of the [...]atine Poet, speaking of the riuer Simois, carrying on her waues the miserable Troyans, [...]w it selfe then in practise.Virg. in A [...]ne­id. lib. 7.

Qui vix nandi impulsu, Scutorumque adiuti adminiculo, litoris alterius plana contingere [...]uerunt.

Vnto this present time the forme of Shieldes, large aboue, and to the midst,Shields kept in vse both for men and wo­men. haue been [...]ept in vse, but finishing in the point, as well in the Armes for men as women, which had [...]art of the moitie of those belonging to their husbands on the right side, and on the left, [...]e moitie for those women. But as for maides vnmarried, they bare none but the Armes [...]f their Father, framed Lozenge wise. And for the same reason, the Tombes of Stone, wherein anciently their bodies had enterrement, were made in the forme of a Lozenge, according to the custome obserued in Greece, on the graues of the Amazones, that is to [...]y, Noble Maides: As Plutarch obserueth in the life of Theseus; but so they ought not [...]o be made for Wiues.

And because the Shield was the principall part of Armes for a Knight;The Shield the principall piece of Arms for the same re­ [...]pect, and in regard of excellency, he is said to be armed, ab Armo, so say the best exposi­ [...]ors; because hee beareth it aloft on his arme, or on his left shoulder, which they call Armum.

So saith Virgill in deciphering his Prince, whom he maketh to haue large shoulders, as we vse to speake of large squarenesse. Armillas called Festus, ex Auro, quas Viri militares [...]b Imperatoribus donati gerunt, dictas esse existimant, quod Antiqui Humeros cum Bra­ [...]hijs, Armos vocabant.

These Shields, Targets, and Bucklers were made of thinne and yeelding boords, of Birche, Fig-tree, Linden, Willow, Elder, and Poplar, cut and framed into many pieces,How, and of what the Shields and targets were made. and afterward ioyned together one vpon another, with cloth well glued; which being throughly dried, they then vsed to couer the Shields with the strong hide of an Oxe, [Page 14] being doubled twice or thrice, for to make it the stronger. The amorous Poet make [...] his Aiax the Telamonion, to carrie a Buckler fastned and couered with seuen-doubles.

For better keeping the whole substance together, they sur-rounded the Shields, Tar­gets, and Bucklers, with a circle of yron, brasse, copper, gold, or siluer, according to the wealthinesse of the Souldier. Tacitus in the second of his Annales, speaking of our An­cestors,The ancient Order of Bos­ses in bucklers saith: Nec Scuta quidem ferro, neruoque firmata, sed viminum textus, vel te [...] & fucatas colore tabulas. In the midst or Bosse of the said Bucklers, there was ordinarily fixed a long pointed yron, which aduanced it selfe halfe a foot in height: The Romane called this pointed yron, Vmbonem. Virgil saith,

This was peculiar to Bucklers onely; for in the Greeke and Romane Targets, the [...] was not any point at all, no more then in our Shields: in which place our Ancestour pleased to imbosse some Fowle, or foure-footed beast, as Diodorus Siculus relateth in the sixt booke of his Antiquities, Strabo, Cornelius Tacitus, Possidonius and Atheneus.

Heereupon afterward, they vsed to tearme those Shields Armes, or (speaking mor [...] grossely) Armories of Cognisances. And so, such a man, and such a Lord of such a house, carried (as we vse to say) such and such Armes.How Coates of Armes be­gan to be cal­led so. Because their Shield, or Escutcheon, wa [...] charged with such or such mettall, hauing an Eagle displayed, a Lion rampant, a Bull pas­sant, or any other beast, d'Or, or d' Argent, d' Azure, Gueulles, Synople, or Sable.

And by these differences of Shield, Target, and Buckler, men learned how to make Shields and Scutcheons of Armes:How the French and o­thers should beare their shields. For the French, Germanes, Spaniards, and English ought to beare them square aboue, and so to the midst, but finishing orderly in a point; without the aduise of ignorant Painters or Caruers, who make them of bias and thwa [...] shape, and cut the point in part or wholly short, which should begin much higher. The Italians retaine the ancient forme of their Buckler in their Armes, making them Ouall-wise,The Bucklers of the Italians and not in the round forme. For vs to doe the like after the Italian manner (as those personages are figured in the magnificent Gallery at the Louure) were to mis-prise the Nation for following the fashion of Strangers, or else to condemne faire and venerable Antiquitie, because her face is furrowed with the wrinkles of age.

It is not long since I saw, that the Bretons carried square Armes, which wee call [...] Banner, The Bretons descended of Knights Ban­nerets. to shew that they are descended of the Knights Bannerets, as much to say, as of Lords: to whom for their wealth and number of seruants, the Dukes of Bretaine gaue permission to beare Bannners, and to haue Mottoes in them, as it is in France, bearing the name of Knights Bannerets. This is that whereof the Lord of Ioinuille speaketh in the life of the good King Saint Lewis: that they of the Court of Champaigne had be­yond the Seas, in seruice of the said King, lost fiue and thirty Knights, all bearing Ban­ners. And the Ceremonies obserued at the making of these Knights Bannerets, is remar­ked by Iohn Froissard, where he speaketh of the battell fought in Spaine by Messire Ber­trand du Guesclin, afterward Constable of France, for King Henry of Castile against the Prince of Wales; to whom, before the said Battell, an Englishman presented himselfe, named Iohn Chandois, the words in French are thus Englished.

Against intru­ders to be Banner-bearers.Now such as doe intrude themselues to beare a Banner, without hauing seruants suf­ficient to defend it, and meanes to support the expences thereto belonging: a mockerie [Page 15] is made of them, and they are tearmed Knights of the square Carpet: For his meanes (at the least) must be such, as to maintaine (at his owne charge) foure and twenty Gentle­men, well mounted and armed, with each one his Sergeant at the least, for they were called Seruientes, and by a word (I know not whence deriued) Matiberu [...], who with the sword, and a lacke of Maile, carried the Battle Axe, and the Shield. There are many Tombes to be seene in the Church and Cloyster of Saint Katherin [...] de Val, of the Schol­lers at Paris of these Seruientes, qualified the Kings Sergeants▪ though stiled Seriemesly R [...]ys. Their Maces of Armes (to this day retained by the hundred Gentlemen of the Kings house, with the Pentioners halberts) engrauen by them; for none but their masters are they who carry the Launce.

These Bannerets caused to be carried before them in Battell, A square Pennon, The Bannerets Pennon in battaile. armed with their Armes and Deuises, and thereby called a Banner; because it was made in the fashion of our Church-Banners, which were made the Standerds and Ensignes of the Romanes. After they were granted to beare a Banner, the Bretons cut off the point of their Shielde, and carried it square, matching so boldly with it in the front,For the execu­tion of male­factors vpon the gallowes. to shew that they were become great Gallants. This grant of bearing a Banner, brought them ano­ther priuiledge, to haue high authority of Iustice, and to execute Iustice in the right of a Baron. So the States of Bretaigne sitting at Naunes, in the yeare 1451. Peter, second of the name, Duke of Bretaigne, gaue to Messire Rolland Pean, Lord of Grand-Bois, and of the Roche-Iagu, the title of Banneret, Right of Iustice in case of a Baron, and to beare Armes in his Banner. So saith Argentre, a diligent Obseruer of all the Priuiledges and Rights.

Concerning the last Knights of the Holy Ghost, made by the late King Henry the Great (of happy memory) at the Augustines in Paris, among all the Armes of the Princes and Lords, I could not see any Armes in Banner, but those of the Marshall de Biron, Purement [...]scartelles d'Or & de G [...]eulles, and without any charge.

Those Armes in Banner were so nominated,How Arms in Bāner became so called. Concerning the word En­seigne. because of their cutting short by the point; so that they containe the same largenesse, as well in point as in chiefe.

Monarches, Princes, and great Lords (whom the Ancients of France honoured with the title of Barons) marching in warre, carried many Ensignes of their Armes and deui­ [...]es; for the worde Enseigne, is the generall name applied to the Companies, eyther of Foot or Horse.

In the first place, marcheth the Banner, a little longer then otherwise, and square in [...]orme, (yet not after the fashion of Banners in our Churches) cut off beneath,The fashion of the Banner leading the way. like vnto a [...]oufanon of Italie (the ancient Arms of the house of Bologne) is not carried by the means [...]f a Staffe, trauersing the middle backward, but by a staffe at one of the ends.

Next after followeth the great Standard, carried in the same manner, large alost,The great Standard. but [...]nishing in a round point, after the fashion of the French shield, which is cut like two [...]ound tongues diuided: And this great Standard ordinarily appeareth, and ought to be [...]f much longer extendure then the Banner.

After marcheth the Guidon, The Guidom much lesse by a third part then the Standard, and differing [...]om it in this manner: because at the point, it hath one onely round tongue, whole, and without any cutting.

In the fourth place is the Pennon, The Pennon. lesser by halfe then the Guidom, but hauing the same [...]orme and tongue. All these are ordinarily made, and fringed with the Liuerres and co­ [...]urs of the Prince, or Lord, to whose funeralls they are carried. And beside what hath [...]eene said, first of all is carried the great Standard of the Colours,The great Standard of Coulours. charged on the one [...]rt and the other, with the Patrone and Tutelary Saint of his claime or title, and his de­ [...]se. As not long since in Picardie, the three most ancient Houses thereof, carried the [...]rmes and the title Blazoned on their name.

The Coronet is of the same fashion as the Banner▪ square, but long,The Ensigne of a Horse Company. in [...] of the [...]tandard, cut by a thred directly forward, and not in descending forme, as the Banners [...]oth.

In times p [...]st, there were no [...] but Princes Sou [...]aiga [...]s, that carried the Cornet, [...]hich ought not to be charged with Armes or D [...]uise, but onely the principall Liue­rie [Page 16] of the Prince. In France it is White, in Spaine Red: in England and elsewhere▪ i [...] i [...] of the Kingdomes Colours. This Cornet ought not to be carried, but in the presence of the Soueraigne Prince: vnder which, other Princes and great Lords, haue ordinarily [...] ­sed to ranke themselues, for the conseruation thereof.

Ensignes of the Foot souldiersAs for the Infanterie, they haue Ensignes and Flagges made Banner-wise▪ the Collo­nell whereof (like to the Cornet) should be without Charge or deuise: but onely the so [...] Liuerie or Colours of the Kingdome, as we haue already sayd.

The Honour of bearing Shieldes, that is to say Armes, belongeth to none but Noble men by extraction,Who ought to beare Armes onely, & none other. or by calling and creation. And it is not yet an hundred yeares, since such as were not of Noble condition, were punished with great fines and amer [...]ements, if they but attempted to beare any.

It was permitted to them, to haue onely Markes or notes, of those Trades and Pro­fessions which they vsed: As a Tailor to haue his Sheares, a Cutler a Knife, a Shearma [...] his Cloth-sheares, a Mason his Trowell, and the Compasse or Squire, and so of other▪ Merchants (for their more honour) might beare the first Letters of their names and sur­names,Marks or notes of Tradesmen, & of Merchāts enterlaced with a Crosse: as is to be seene in many ancient Epitaphes, and as ye [...] to this day, vpon their packes or burthens of Merchandises. All these were called but Markes, they were not permitted to haue Shields, but onely Targets, hollow at the chiefe and flankes: like them which are giuen to Villages, at the Feast of the Saint their Patron, to manifest that they were not Shields.

But now adayes, the very meanest Merchant and Artizane, will counterfeyte to be Noble, and to giue Armes, for the most part falsely made, and worse emblazoned, and their cheefest excellencie,Of such as counterfeyt Gentility. when they rime and make answer to their Names. As Ville-Bichot, a Village, and the Fawne of a Hinde: Bourdin, a Bourrough and a Fallow Deere Clergeon, a Key and a Bull-rush. N [...]y moreouer, there must be some Starre or Cresce [...] (heeretofore the onely marke or note of Nobility) to shew the Diuinity of their spirit, i [...] the composition of their representations. I haue seene a counterfeyte fellow, to giue him selfe Armes D'azur a Cheuron d'Or, vpstart Com­panions will presume to giue Armes. au Croissant de Gueulles, Au hault diceluy deux Esto illes d'Argent au Chef & la Sphere Celeste soubs le Cheuron, with Crest and Mantle (extreme impudence) euen as if hee had beene Noble by foure races: there wanted but a Lad­der and a Broome, to sweepe off the Cobwebbes from the roofe-Tiles of his Fathers house.

The cause of this great error and confusionThis corruption and confusion first grew from this; that the Noble Science of Blazon [...], was negligently preserued in her auncient splendour, by Kings, Heralds, and Pursuiuant of Armes; whose principall charge (in precedent times) was, to haue especiall care, th [...] not any person should presume to beare Armes, if they were not giuen and graunted by the Prince, or retayned from his Auncestours, who had lawfull priuiledge to beare them▪ For they stoode bound, to keepe a Register of all Noble Houses, and therein to pay [...] their Armes, and describe their good actions in Warre, a Custome remaining well kep [...] to this day, in the Chamber of Accompts at Paris, in the Letters of Nobilitie which those Monarches then gaue, in the middest whereof is fairely limned, the Armes of such as were more lately ennobled. Bua returne wee now againe to our former Discourse o [...] Shields.

Of the Roman Emperours at their comming to the Empire.By example of the French, the Romaine Emperours comming to the Empire, w [...] exalted and carried on a Shield of fine or purest Gold, enammelle [...] with the Empire, th [...] is to say, De Gueulles al Aigle esploye d'Or, a deux testes. First taken by Constantine, at th [...] time of his electing Constantinople in Thrace, to bee the Imperiall Seate, the Emp [...] being then diuided, into that of the East and West. It is thus reported by Georgi [...] Pa [...] merus, in the second booke of his Collections, that he who was declared to be Augus [...] that is to say Successor in the Empire, was exalted and carried on the Imperiall Shield [...] Imperatorio Clypeo insidetis, qui Imperio destinatur. And those Shields as wel as the sword of the Emperors, were hallowed & consecrated by the Popes, who ordinarily sacred th [...] said Emperors.The Emperors sacred by the Popes. As Pope Leo did to the person of the Emperour Charlemaign, who bei [...] crowned Emperour of the West, hee charged his Shielde; d'Or de Esmaux de [...] that is to say, D'Azur au [...]esme Aigle esploye d'Or [...] deux testes Couron [...]es, [...] l'Estomac de l'Lscu de France sans nombre.

According as it was borne by his Grandfathers and Father, Pepin, Charles [...] and Pepin le [...]ef, first King of the second Lyne, the sayd Shield carrying [...] [Page 17] Crowne, in regard of the Imperiall dignity, and about it the Order of the Ge [...]et [...], insti­ [...]uted in the Noble house of France by the saide Charles Martell, Imperiall Armes, retay­ned by all the Kings of the second Lyne, and further on in the third. For Phillip Augustus [...]n some Charters, styled himselfe Emperour of the French, bearing the Golden Apple, [...]s is noted in his Picture, the last of the Kings, on the frontispeece of the Church at Paris,The Empyre translated from the Greekes to the French, in the Emperour Charlemaigne of eight and twentie there figured, maintaining (with truth) the Title of Emperour apper­ [...]aining to the King of France priuatiuely, before any other Prince, as descending of Char­lemaigne, by whom the Empire came from the Greekes to the French. And the Pope, a Germaine by Nation, Stephen, eight of the name, could not with equitie, spend largely [...]pon another mans purse, or disanull (without subiect) that which his predecessour (so many yeares before) had done, Pope Le [...], third of the name. For he ordayned (sacting & crowning Charlemaigne Emperour, in Anno eight hundred and one) that by inuesting him, his Successours the Kings of France, should hold the Empire of the West; Cur­sing, euen to the day of Iudgement (Anathemate Maranatha) all such as should dispossesse or trouble them therein.

The saide Pope Stephen, hauing crowned the Emperour Otho, first of the name (whom the Germaines tearmed Otho the Great) Duke or Count of Saxon: the saide Otho, to de­face the memorie of the French Emperours, changed the Imperiall Shield blazoned by Charlemaigne, De Esmaux de France. For, being of the house of Saxon, who,Otho the great changed the Empires armes of the French. as his Armes, Porte D'Or a trois Faissee de Sable, a la Coronne de Synople perie en Bande: He tooke L'Escu d Or a l'Aigle esploye de Sable, Armes which the Germaine Emperors haue retained [...]o this day.

We haue formerly saide, according to Pachymerus, that the Emperours (comming to [...]he Empire) were exalted vpon a Shield, according to the example of the French:Of the Empe­rors exaltation vpon a shielde at the first. let vs now see the proofe thereof.

This custome was proper and particular to the French, from whom the Greekes and Romaines deriued it by example. It is very likely, that the Kings of the Gaules (extirpa­ [...]ed by Iulius Caesar) were not receyued into the Royaltie, without many Ceremonies, see­ [...]ng we haue learned by tradition, that a Prince of the Druides, in whose person the Image of the Gaulish Kings remained, walking in publique, or holding Assembly of the Gene­ [...]all Estates of the Gaules, had alwayes carried before him, The Hand of Iustice, vppon a Cubite of Iuorie. And that comming to the saide Authoritie, the Seat whereof was kept [...]t Chartres: he was exalted vpon a Shield, and so carried about the Assembly of the sayd States.

The Hollanders, neere neighbours to the Gaules, and with whome also they did take part, being reuolted from the Romaines: established (as King) one named Brinio, The Hollan­ders exalting of their King. exal­ [...]ing him vpon a Shield, and so carrying him on their shoulders about the Campe. As it [...] obserued by the Noble Romaine Historian Cornelius Tacitus, in the fourth Booke of his Histories. Brinio, ipso rebellis familiae omine placuit. Impositoque Scuto, more Gentis, et [...]uccolentium humeris vibratus, Dux eligitur. He speaketh to the purpose More Gentis, be­ [...]ause this fashion was proper and particular to the Gaules, and to their Brethren the Ger­maines, altogether conformable in Religion, and manner of life.

Iulian the Apostata, being Gouernour of the Gaules, was by the Gaulish Legions, [...]roclaimed Emperour, at his Pallace of Thermes, in the Suburbes of Paris.Iulian the A­postata pro­claimed Em­peror. This Pal­ [...]ace comprehended (in those times) the whole extendure, where now is the Hay streete, [...]he Hostel de Clugny, the streets of the Mathurins, of Coupe-gueule (at this present Sor­ [...]onne) and of the Masons, so farre as to the gates of Saint Iames, and Saint Michaell: And after the fashion of the Ancient Gaules, exalted vpon a Shield: so speaketh his Hi­ [...]torian Ammianus Marcellinus. Impositusque Sento Pedestri, & sublatus eminens, nullo si­ [...]nte, Augustus renuntiatus est.

Hee saith Scuto Pedestri, to shewe, that it was according to the Gaules manner, and [...]ot the Romaines, because the Romaine Souldiours had the Clypeum or Buckler, and [...]he Germaines and Gaules, the Scutus or Shield. Those there, the Target, long, and [...]quare both aboue and beneath: and they heere the Shield, large aloft and at the midst, [...]he rest finishing fairely in a point. Scutum ad staturam Housinis longum, prolibit [...] cuius­ [...]ue ornatum: So saith Diodorus Siculus, in the sixt Booke of his Antiquities. For the prin­ [...]ipall Armes of French Cheualiers, was the Lance and Shield. As for the word Framea, [...]t is equiuocall, namely in the history of Saint Gregory Victor, Archbyshoppe of Tours, [Page 18] taking it for all kinds of Armes, to be vsed with the hand, Lance, Dart, Iaueline, Arrow Eques Sc [...]to, Frameaquecontentus est. So saieth Tacitus, de moribus Germanorum. The [...] Knight [...] sufficiently armed with his Shield and Lance. For the Gauls neuer went with­out Swords, which they wore in a Scarfe or Bauldricke, A dextro latere, ad finistrum [...] dente [...], saith the same Tacitus, Hanging from the right side to the left.

Difference be­tweene the Shieldes for Horse & footBut there was difference betweene the Horsemans Shield, and the French foote Soldi­ers, which Marcelinus called Scutum Pedestre, because it couered the foote Souldier from the foote to the head, and whereon (when neede required) he might safely passe the grea­test Riuers, by swimming on it, as before hath bin saide, according to the Authoritie of Gregorie of Tours, in his history of France. Whereas the Horsemans Shield was little, [...] couer the breast onely, against the dangers of the Lance. As is to be seene in Figures on Tombes and Graue stones, after the Ancient maner: And at this present day, on the great Seales of Princes and supreame Lords, represented on horsebacke, armed from foote to head, with the Shield before the breast, and the drawne sword in his right hand.

The shield the chiefe Armes for a souldier on horse and foote.Now the Shield being the principall Armes for a Souldier both on horse and foot, and an vndoubted acknowledgement, concerning the Noblenesse of his extraction: it was all the care and diligence of the Foote Souldier and Horseman, to keepe and defend it vvith the perill of his life. Because such a one as was so negligent, or such a villaine, as to suffer it to be torne from him, or to loose it in a raunged Battaile: he was abandoned of all the world, as an excommunicated person, hated, detested, excluded, and banished from all commerce with men, so that he might better kill himselfe, rather then to suruiue such a shame, as we are instructed by Tacitus. Scutum dereliquisse praecipuum flagitium, nec [...] sacris adesse (there is excommunication) aut consilium inire (diets and publike assemblies) ignominios [...] fas est. Multi superstites bellorum, infamiam laqueo finierunt. In the Salique Law (that is the Code of the Ancient French, from Pharamond so farre as to Lewes the Debonnaire) he that iniuried another, by telling him, that hee had lost or throwne away his Shield in the Hoast; he should pay six times twenty Deniers for a fine, that was three Solles, for the Sol of the French valueth forty Deniers. Si quis alteri imputauerit, quod Scutum suum proiecisset in Hoste, vel fugiendo prae timore CXX. denariorum, qui faciu [...] Solidos tres, culpabilis iudicetur.

Concerning the Salique & Ripuarie LawVnder the first Monarchs of France, at the Seats of Iustice, when the Pleas and suites were debated, contained in the Salique and Ripuarie Law, called Mallos, the place for the Assembly tearmed Mallus, (from whence came the Verbe Admallare, as much to say, as an Appealee, or defendant in an Appeale, Admallatus, Appealed:) there was vppon the Chaire or Seate of the President an Intendant of Iustice, L'Escu charge des Esmaulx, that is to say, A Shield charged with the Armes of the King; to demonstrate, that there was the Bench of Royall Iustice. The Salique Law, at the title De Reippus, concerning the marriage of Widdowes, the first Paragraph: Tunginus, aut Centenarius Mallum indicent, & in ipso Mallo Scutum habere debent & tres Sagibarones.

These Mallus or Pleas were not intended for ordinary dayes, when meetings were be­fore the first Iudges, whom we call Prouosts: but on those held by the Bayliffs, who we [...] called Countes,The titles of Officers of Iustice. in the Law Ripuarie, Chapter XC. Grauiones, Graffiones, Margraff, and Grauen in the Germane tongue, as much to say as Counts, Intendants of Iustice, who had vnder them Vicounts, particular Iudges in Cities and Townes, whose Lieutenants were also named Vicarij, Vicares (a word retained to this day in the Germane Empire) and i [...] France knowne by the name of Viguiers. But the Countes were the men, to execute the charges and commands of Iustice, they whom the Salique Law and the Capitularies cal­led Tunginos and Centenarios. And for Associates on the Seats of Iustice, they had three sufficient and honest men at the least, men of good life, without any reproach, who ser­ued to the said Counts as well for Assistants, as also Commissaries, to make the enque [...]s, Informations in causes doubtfull, in matters Ciuill and Criminall. Those Associates and Commissaries, were called in the Salique Law Sagibarones, at the title of Afatomie, that to say, of Donations. H [...]c conuenit obseruare vt Tunginus, aut Centenarius Mallum in [...] cent, & Scutum in ipso Mallo habeant, & tres Sagibarones.

Those Mallus were properly such, as in France are called Assises, or Great Session [...] because at those times,Assises or times of gene­rall Sessions: they iudged none other but causes of importance, specified in th [...] Charter of Priuiledges, granted by King Lewes the Debonnaire, Emperor, to Spanyard [...] fugitiues from Cathalogna, Roussillion, and Cerdaignia, Prouinces vsurped by the [Page 19] [...]oores. Maiores causa sunt Homicidia, raptus, incendia, depradationes, membrorum am­ [...]ationes▪ furta, latroci [...]ia, alianarum rer [...] inuasiones, qua cum viciuis criminaliter accu­ [...]is, ad Comitis Mallum venire debent.

And those great dayes of Sessions were prohibited and charged,Prohibited places where the Sessions ought not to be kept. not to bee kept in the [...]tes or Porches of Churches, or in sanctified places, which were called by our Ancients [...]ria and Paradis [...]s, and we at this time rearme Paruis, were they couered or inclosed with [...]lles, or no. Comes co [...]uenientem locum consideret & inueniat [...]bi stationem ad Mallum [...]endum constituat, Qui [...] nefas est ibi reos puniri, vbi respectu diuinae reuerentia misericor­ [...]m consequuntur. So speaketh the Ordonance of the generall Estates, held at Soissons, the yeare of Grace, 853. So that, if there were not any Paruis, couered or distinguished [...] a wall: before euery Church should be reserued a square Arpent of ground, to serue [...]sted of a Paruis, within which the Lay Iudge was prohibited to exercise his Iustice, in [...]e Ordonance of King Clotharius the first. Si sunt Ecclesia, quibus Atria clausa non sint, [...] vtraque parte parietum terrae spatium, Arpennis pro Atrio obseruetur. And those Assi­ [...], for the weightinesse of the matters in them to be handled, were not to be helde but in [...]e mornings. Placitum Comes non habeat nisi Ieiunus, so saith the Ordonance of Charle­ [...]aigne, at the fifteenth Paragraphe.

Aboue those Assises and great dayes of Generall Sessions, was the Parliament held eve­ [...] yeare (as we shall further relate in our second booke) in the open field:The Parlia­ment helde in the open field. In Campo, and [...]t of good Citties, by the Ordonance of Childebert, first of the name, with the Gone [...]ll Estates, that is to say, in the Generall Parliament held at Vtrect. Traiecti omnibus no­ [...] adunatis conuenit Campo. Notwithstanding, the Appelations of those great Sessions [...] Assises, were not concerned in the Parliament: because the Counts sentenced crimes, [...]y the last iudgement, as the Prouost Marshalles do in France. They onely consulte on [...]e State Affayres, according to the occurrences whereof, they make and publish diuersi­ [...] of Ordonances. For, from the time of the Druides, who were the Soueraigne Iudges [...]f the Gaules, the Parliament tooke knowledge of the State affayres, as well for Peace,The D [...]uides the chief Iud­ges of the Gaules. [...]s for Warre. And this generall Parliament was composed of Church-men, Nobles, [...]ukes, and Countes; that is to say, of Gouernours and Lieutenants generall and particu­ [...]r of Prouinces, and Officers of the Crowne of France, who were all held and obliged [...]nder paines) to yeelde themselues to the generall Estates: according to the Ordonan­ [...]s reiterated by King Charlemaigne. De poenis Episcoporum, Abbatum, & Comitum qui [...]d Placitum nostrum non venerint. For the Parliament was called Royall, farre differing [...]om the great Assises held by the Countes.

And the marke or signale of this generall Parliament, was a high Pole, planted in the [...]iddest of the field where the Assembly was made, on the toppe of which pole or stake,The marke of note of the Parliament. [...]as fastened the Shield Royall, that is to say, the Armes of the Kings of France, in like [...]anner as ouer the Iudges Seats.

A custome retayned by the Emperours of Germanie, as we are enstructed by Otho of [...]ustria, Archbishop of Frisinghen, in the life of the Emperour Fredericke the first, the [...]rst Booke and the twelfth Chapter. Est autem consuetudinis Regum Francorum, quae & [...]entonum, vt quotiescunque ad sumendam Imperij Coronam, militem ad trans. Alpinandum passe the Alpes to go into Italy) coegerint, in praedicto. Campo mansionem faciant. Ibi, lig­ [...] in altum porrecto Scutum suspenditur.

The Poet Guntherus Ligurinus, in the life of the same Emperour,

Thus the French made such worthie esteeme of their Shielde [...], that they exalted and [...]arried vpon them, their Princes and Monarches, comming to the Crown, to make pub­ [...]ke note thereby, that by the like ceremonies as those, Royall Maiestie was embraced be­ [...]weene their armes, as being iudged worthy of such manner of conduct. And that Nati­ [...]n, wholly generous and warlike (Gens Francorum inclyta, auctore Deo condita, Titles giuen to the French, by the great King Clouis. fortis in [...]rmis, profunda in confilio, firma in pacis foedere, corpore nobilis, candore, & forma egregi [...], [...]ndax, velox, & aspera, Titles which the Great Clouis gaue them) neuer went but armed, [...]n what place soeuer it were: holding it for an assured Maxime, that the very greatest ho­ [...]our which they could do to their Prince, was to receiue him into their Armes. Accor­ [...]ing as it was obserued by Tacitus. Honoratiscimum Assensus gen [...]inter [...]os, [...] laudare [Page 20] principe [...]: For the reasons rendered by Cassiodorus, in the tenth booke of his diuer [...] Indicamus parentes nostros inter Procinctuales gladios, More maiorum Scuto supposit [...], [...] lem nobis praestante Deo, contulisse dignitatem.

And this was the reason, why at this ioyfull comming to the Crowne, the gen [...] Parlement was assembled in the open Field, where he was exalted on a Shield, and c [...] ed on the shoulders of the chiefest persons, three seuerall times about the assembly whi [...] being done, he receiued their homages, and their oathes of fidelitie, according to th [...] ranke,The French first ruled by electiue Dukes dignity, office, and benefits. And so the French would be no longer comman [...] by electiue Dukes, in regard of the diuision, which ordinarily followeth plurality of G [...] uernors, and such as command: wherefore they established (as Soueraigne Monarc [...] ouer them) Pharamond, a Prince of equity, iust, and a keeper of his word, vertues [...] necessary in any Prince, that is desirous to haue renowne. The old manuscript Chr [...] nicle speaketh thus, Marchomirus dedit id Consilij Francis, & elegerunt Pharam [...]d [...] Marchomiris silium, & leuauerunt Regem supra secrinitum: by long haire, a note for the [...] to discerne the Princes of the blood Royall, from them that were strangers.

The Monke Aimonius Regem caterarum more nationum Franci sibi deligentes, Pha [...] mundum Marcomiri filium solio sublimanti Regio.

S. Gregorie Victor of Tours, in his second Booke and fortieth Chapter of the Histor [...] of France, speaking of Great Clouis, taken and chosen for King by the men of Colog [...] Colonienses ista audientes, & Plaudentes tam palmis, quam vocibus, eum Clypeo euectum s [...] per se Regem eleuauerunt.

Gombauld, tearming himselfe to be the sonne of King Clothaire the first, proclaim [...] King of France by the rebels which tooke his part, because they would fish in trouble [...] waters: was exalted at Briue la gaillarde in Limosin (called Briua Curetia) vpon the Shield as is auouched by Gregory of Tours in his seauenth Booke and tenth Chapter. Ibi par [...] superpositus Rex est leuatus. Sed cum tertio cum eodem gyrarent, cecidisse fertur, ita vt [...] manibus circumstantium sustentari potuisset. Hauing exalted him on the Shield, at the third time as they walked with him about the Campe, he fell so loutishly to the ground as he thought himselfe to be slaine, which was taken for an assured presage, and prog [...] sticke rule, of this supposed Princes ruine, pursued by the French, so farre as to the foundation of the Pyrenian Mountaines: where he was taken, and afterward slaine in the Ci­ty of Saint Bert [...]and de Comenges, vpon whose Reliques is yet remaining the Bourg of B [...] ­crauera, somewhat beneath the said City of Comenges.

In like manner Sigibert, King of Austrasia, sonne of that Clothaire the first, w [...] (neere to Tournay) exalted on the Shield, and proclaimed King of Soissons, in the plac [...] of Chilperic; against whom hee questioned for the Kingdome, as saith the same Gregorie.

The custome of the shield carried from Gaule into Greece.This Custome was, with the French language (to slender purpose called Greeke) carried out of Gaule into Greece, at such time as the Gaules, to the number of three hundre [...] thousand soules, vnder the conduct of Belouese, one of the Nephewes to Ambigar, King of Anuergne; about the yeare of the world, 3350. 613. yeares before the natiuitie of t [...] Sauiour of the world, Nabuchodonosor ruling ouer the Iewes, and Tarquiniu Priscus [...]e [...] ning ouer the Romaines. At which time they possessed themselues of the City of Ro [...] of the Estate of Naples and Sicilie, afterward called Great Greece; of Thrace, Macedonia, Galatia, and other Prouinces of Asia, and of the most part of the Isles of Greece: As is recorded by Titus Liuius, Plutarch, Strabo, Pausanias and Lucian in his Gaulish Hercu­les, and in his Herodotus, where he describeth the marriage of Alexander the Great, with the faire Roxana, daughter to the Satrape Oxiartes.

Zonaras and Zozimus, Greeke Authors, speaking of the eleuation of Iulian the Apost [...] ta (of whom we haue already spoken, in the passage cited by his Historian) haue well remarked this auncient custome, and practised in Thrace. The first of them writeth in the life of Iustinian, that that Prince being mortally hated of his Subiects for his extrea [...] auarice; the Pretorian Souldiors (that is to say, the Guard of the Romaine, Greeke and Latine Emperors) desired to haue for their Emperor, a poore wretched man named [...] parius, to whom giuing a new name of Anastasius: they exalted him vpon a Shield, and carried him (in a brauado) three times about the great Market place of Cons [...] tinople.

Nicephoras Gregoras, speaking of the eleuation of Theodorus, the sonne of Duca [...], ob­ [...]eth, [Page 21] that by vniuersall consent of the people, hee was proclaimed Emperour, seated, carried vpon the Shield, according to the ancient custome.

This ceremonie of eleuation of the Greeke Emperours, is particularly described by [...]opalates, in the [...]ract of the Crowne Offices of Constantinople, saying. That the new [...]perour seased on a Shield, was exalted on high, to be seene of the people, and that the [...]res before, which sustained the said Shield, were raised by the said Emperor reigning,The exaltati­on of an ele­cted Emperor in Greece. the Father of the Elected (if he were liuing) went with the Patriarch of Constantino­ [...] before; on the sides and behinde, came the Princes of blood, and for want of them, [...] principall Officers of the Empire. If it so fell out, that the new Emperour crowned [...]ng, had no father liuing, not the old Emperor likewise their places were supplied by [...] first Princes of the blood, and the rest by Princes Strangers, or principall Officers, [...]o marched immediately after them formerly named. In this order and equipage, the [...]cted Emperor was carried three times round about the field, which the Romaine [...] ­ [...]rians called Fossatum, where he descended from off the Shield, and afterward was [...]nducted into the Church of Saint Sophia, to be crowned and Sacred after the Sacri­ [...]e of the Masse, and the accustomed prayers. Postea [...]ere Imperator nouns Scuto infidens [...]altum extollitur, & spectandus exhibetur omnibus turbis stant bus inferiore loco. Te [...]ent [...]tem partem anteriorem Scutitum ipse Imperator, & Pater eius qui re [...]n [...]iatur, si i [...]viuis [...] tum Patriarcha, Latera vero, & posteriorem partem qui summas dignitates obtinen [...] [...]a Domini, & Subastores, si qui sunt, sin minus, Potentissimi Principum, & Nobilissimi.

CHAP. III. Of Helmets; And likewise of their Ornaments, Labels and Crests.

DIodorus us Siculus, describing the furniture of the ancient Gauls, speak­eth thus of their Armes for the head. Aerea galea caput muniunt paulum eminentiore, in qua cornua impressa, aut aurum, aut Quadru­pedum effigies sculpta sunt. The Gaules had for habillements of the head, Helmets, Murrians, or headpieces of Brasse, the Mezail or Beauers eleuated before the face: And for Crest, the hornes of terrestriall Animals of diuers kindes, and of Foules with wings desplaied. That which this Greeke interpreteth Galeam, the Ro­maines called Cassidem, and the ancient French Helinum, which [...]e call a Helm [...]t, following the old Law of the Ribarols, in the thirty eight Chapter, [...]here there is made some enumeration of Armes, and garments for warre, worne by [...]e auncient French: Spatham cum Cogilo, the Sword and the Ponyard, Helmum, the [...]ead piece; Beinbergas, the Greues and Tasses, &c.

Of these Murrians, Caskes, Timbres, Helmets, and Head pieces,Two kindes of seuerall Head-pieces for seruice. our Ancestors had [...]wo seuerall fashions, for the Horsemen, and for the Infanterie. For the Seruitours on [...]ote, namely the Bisognes, that is to say, fresh men, or new come Souldiors, whom the [...]omanes called Pyrones; they wore Caps or Coifes of hard boyled Leather, such as [...]laggons and Bottles were wont to be couered withall. And this kinde of couering the [...]ead, was called Galea, by the Gaulish name Galerus, a Cap or Scull Cap. And as for the [...]aske or Murrian, which the Romans called Cascidem: it was made of apt yeelding [...]lates of Iron, or of Brasse, which serueth for our better vnderstanding those passages in [...]iodorus Siculus, and Cornelius Tacitus in his Germania▪ Vix vni alter [...]us Cassis, aut [...]alea.

These Murrians of Leather, or of Iron, which in older dayes were tearmed Burg [...]ne [...]s, [...]y reason the Bourgongnons (their deadly enemies) made vse of such Armours: did or­ [...]inarily represent the Muzzell of a Lyon, a Woolfe, a Dragon, or else some other furious [...]reature to strike (as hath beene said) feare in little children.

We learne of Homer, in the tenth booke of his [...]hades that on the dayes of battaile, [...]g [...]m [...]o [...] couered himselfe with the skin of a Lyon and with the head thereof couered [...]is owne head ouer his back and shoulder [...], the skin reached down vnderneth his C [...]ss [...] ▪ [...] Virgill hath imitated the very same, in the se [...]uenth book [...] of his [...] describing [...]he equipage of a certaine man named Auentinus.

The same Poet describeth also the fashion of those Caskes of Leather.

Our Auncestors enrich them with the Hornes of diuers Beasts, or else the Probo [...] and snowts of Elephants: as yet to this present day doe the Nobles and great Lo [...] Germanie, a custome long time put in practise by them, as Plutarch writeth in the [...] Caius Marius: where he describeth their Helmets and Crests with Lyons mouthes, or other wilde and cruell beasts, as also the Homes of them, whereon, because they [...] seeme the more terrible, and greater then naturally they should be, they wore the Pl [...] of diuers Birds and Foules.

The Greekes learned of the Gaules, to sur-round their Helmets and head pieces [...] plumes of Feathers, which we tearme Mantles, or Labels of a File, and the Crest [...] Hornes: As is obserued by Euripides, speaking of Hyppomedon the Myrenian; and P [...] turch, in the life of Pyrrhus, reporting, that this Prince was knowne aboue all the Ca [...] taines of his Armie, because out of his Helmet issued out two great Hornes of a Goate [...] in the very midst of them, a high goodly Plume, wauing ouer the Helmet, which th [...] called an Armet.The ordinary adorning of the Helmet, according to the Armes of the person. The word Armet, is a diminitiue of the word Armes, because, ac [...] ding to the Noble Science thereof; it is, or ought to be, ordenarily adorned, with th [...] principallest Armes. For example, if the parties Armes be of a Lyon, an Eagle, or [...] Bull: the Helmet ought to beare as Crest, a Lyon, an Eagle, or Bull, if there be no ma [...] for enquirie.

The reason of Enqui [...]ie.Matter to be enquired is so called, in regard of Supporters (that is to say, which susta [...] the Armes) whether they be different, or no.

The Birth, or

The Office.

Concerning Birth; As all they of the famous house of Linsygnan, carrie for Cr [...] Vne Cune d'Or a la femme naissante qui se mire, & se peigne: because that this illustrio [...] Familie (the sourse of so many Kings of Ierusalem,An example alleadged. of Armenia, of Cyprus, and so ma­ny wayes allied to the most famous houses of Christendome) tooke originall and desc [...] from a great Lady of Poiton, the Lady of Melle, and of Lusignan, whence was diuide [...] the name of Mellusine, whom the auncient Romancers supposed to be a Fayrie. In [...] manner, they of the worthy house of Cleues, carried a Swanne for Crest, by being de [...] cended of the Knight of the Swan.

Concerning Office.By Office; for the dignity of the person, and namely, if he be an Officer of the Crow [...] For, to this effect, the Chauncellor, chiefe of all the Soueraigne Iustices in France, and th [...] Presidents of the Mortier, or Cap worne in the Courts of Parlement; doe carrie as Cr [...] le Mortier, as a note or marke of their Soueraigne Offices.

Crests for di­uers Officers in great place.In like manner, the Constable may carry for Crest of his Timbre, L' E' spee [...]u [...] en [...] a [...]acr [...]isee. And the Destrochere of France, the Great Maister, and the Chamberlain [...] Le [...] B [...]stons d Or aux Esmaux de France le premier en Pal, & l'autre en Bande. The Marshal [...] the Battaile Axe; the Admirall, the Anker; the Colonell of the Infanterie, La Cal [...] bla [...]che aux Poignees, & a la Trabe de France; the Maister of the Horse, Porte en L [...] [...]Espee an fourrea [...], & la ceincture Royale seme [...] de Fraunce, and in like manner other O [...] cers of the Crowne onely.

As for the Princes of the Noble blood of France, they haue no other Crest on thei [...] Tymbre and Helmet,Princes of the blood of Frāce but onely the Floure de Luce double: neither the most famous Monarches and Soueraignes of Christendome. In former times, as the Kings of France the [...] had no other Supporters, then two Angels; As also their priuate Seale or Signe [...], [...] supported by one Angell onely, and not two: euen so the Princes of the blood of Fr [...], for preheminence and dignity of the Lu [...] or Lyllie, had no other supporters but two Angels. As I have obserued in many Monasteries of their foundation, and as any man may see in the Chappel of Bourbon, neere to the Lonu [...]e. Now in regard of the Lamb [...] ­quins, which are the Plumes for ornament of the Helmet they ought not to be varied b [...] [...]ding as the Es [...]ux de [...] Arm [...], and no other colors, for otherwise they are false. Re­turne we now to our ancient Crests:

[Page 23] Titus Livius, speaking of the King of Macedon Phillip, in the seauen and twentieth [...]oke of his Romaine History, writeth, that (according to the Gaulish manner) this Prince [...]ried on his Caske, a goodly Crest of Hornes (if he were the Father of Alexander the [...]reat▪ his wife Olimpias perhaps gaue him the Blazon) In arborem illatus impetu aequi alte­ [...]m cornu Galeae ad eminentem ramum perfregit. Thus of the Greekes.

The Romaines, at their beginning as it happeneth in euery new-springing Common­ [...]ealthes: were as simple in their harnesse for warre, as in their manner of life, yea, and in [...]eir Sacrifices. For in them; they neither offred or burnt any Beasts for Sacrifice. ‘(Victima pro Victis datur, Hostia pro superabundis.)’ On the Altars in their Temples, in the shade of some tufted wood; but only the branches [...] Verueine.

This we learne of Quid in the first booke of his Fasts.

They had a custome of delight, for some dayes in the yeare, to visite one another in [...]e forme of a Masque rado, and to disguise their inuention, they would maske and co­ [...]r their faces with great leaues of Bardane, the rootes whereof do beare Burre-Dockes: [...]nd of this hearbe (hurtfull for labour) Virgill speaketh in the first booke of his Geor­ [...]cks.

The reason was, because this herbe called Lapa, had the surname of Personata: accor­ [...]ng to the testimony of Plinie and Mathiolus, in his iudgement on Dioscorides.

So in the time of their first warres, when they marched on to battaile, or else returned [...]cke with victorie: they shaddowed their Cabassets and Murrians with broad leaues of [...]anthus, an herbe renowned by Virgill, in the second booke of his Georgicks.

It is that which we call Brank vrsin, whereof Plinie in the two and twentieth Chapter [...]his Naturall Historie, Dioscorides, and the great herbalist doe set downe the proper­ [...]s.

In time following, the Romans borrowed of the Gauls, the fashion of Helmets and [...]ests of Birds, placing Hornes vpon their Armets and Murrians, as Virgill in his twelft [...]n [...]iade.

But concerning the Lambrequins of Princes and great Lords, they made vse (princi­ [...]ly) of Ostridge Plumes, for fairer embellishing their Helmets, and Chanfraines of their [...]rses for battaile. Plinie Praevia exijs oua propter amplitudinem pro quibusdam habita [...]sis, Conosque Bellicos, & Galeas Adornantes.

For want of them, they imployed in the same places, the tailes of Peacockes. Claudian his Panegyricke for the sixt Consulship of Honorius.

Some other serued their turns with Plumes of Swans, for their whitenesse, answerable Virgill.

But they were practised by Knights of honor.

Concerning the cruell and flesh-deuouring Lestrigons, couetous of humaine blood, [...]hout discretion: they couered them and their horses, with the tailes of Horses or Buls, [...]adfull for their ruddie colour, and condemned by all Antiquitie: Virgil in his seauenth [...]oke, desciphering the cruell and in humane Me [...]entius, saith: ‘Cristaque hirsutus equina.’ And for the same subiect, Virgill armed Turnus with an Helmet and Crest of a Chimera, most frightfull aspect.

[Page 24]To fixe and fasten those Plumes in the Crests and tops of Helmets: they had alwayes ready three or foure sharpe nayles; according as it is obserued by the Prince of French Poets Peter de Ronsard, in his Franciade of the Combate betweene Francus and the Gl [...] Phouerus: Thus Englished.

And the same man, in describing the Helmet and Timbre of the Gyant, giueth him [...] flash of Lightning for his Crest.

How Helmets were beautified in ancient timesIn elder times, vpon the dayes of battaile, Princes and great Lords vsed to adorne an [...] decke their Helmets (according to their qualities) with Buckles, Studdes and Circlets of Gold, garnished with rich and costly Stones, & on the top or Crests of them, wreaths of corded Silkes, being the Liueries and colours of their Ladies and Mistress [...]s, as also som [...] curled lockes of their haire. Those Cordons (like wauing Scarfes) dangled downe (be­hinde them) on the crupper of their horses, the ends of them being fairely tasselled, an [...] enriched with Pearles and precious Stones. Because vpon such dayes of Triumph an [...] Glory, they rode with like alacritie of spirit, ioy and pompe; as if it were to wedding or solemne festiuals.

Zonaras, in the first booke of his Histories, the nineteenth Chapter, and other follow­ing, describing the battaile which Cyrus the Monarch of Persia, gaue to Croesus Kin [...] of the Lydians; maketh the Prince Abradatas to be armed by the hands of his wife, t [...] faire Queene Panthea, with rich Armour, which she her selfe had beaten and forged, en [...] melled with Gold and Azure, because her husband should haue some neere resemblanc [...] to his Prince Cyrus. On the Armour was engrauen diuers Histories, which his Panth [...] couered with a Coate of Armes, composed of Tyrian Purple, embrodered curiously wi [...] Gold.

And taking her last farewell of him (for hee dyed in the battaile) shee embellished h [...] Helmet (guilded and damasked with Gold and Azure, like to his Armes) with [...] great goodly Plume of Feathers, resembling the colour of the Hyacinthe, spangled wi [...] Gold. What followeth of this Historie, is at large set downe by Xenophon, in the seauenth booke of the Institution of a Prince: most worthy to be read by Ladies of Honor, w [...] in the death of that faire and vertuous Princesse, may see a well polished Christall, of v [...] tue and Coniugall loue.

These p [...]ssages of Zonaras and Xenophon, doe enstruct vs, that the Greekes and Pe [...] ans vsed Helmets and Plumed Crests. Ouer and beside which, those men that am [...] the Romaines had won any prizes and Crownes, by their valiancie in warre: coue [...] their Helmets and Caskes, as is remarked by Virgill, in his seauenth Aeneiad.

The Poet Claudian.

And from thence it ensued as a custome, that the Helmets and Crests of Monarch [...] Princes and great Lords, which by right could carrie close Crownes, Chappeaux, a [...] Circles,Close Crowns Chappeaux and Circles. were relieued, raised or lifted vp, to be distinguished and knowne in fights [...] battailes. And for the same subiect, the Shields of their Armes were adorned and relie [...] with faire Mantles (if they were Princes, or Dukes) charged with Esmaux and Blazons [...] their Armes, which wrapped about them.

The supreme part of Kings Crownes di­stingu [...]shed.But concerning the point or top of those Crownes, they were different. For, am [...] Christian Princes, the Noble King of France had his exalted with a double Flour [...] [...] Luce. The Emperour; the Kings of England, Spaine, Sicilie, Hungarie, Bohemia, a [...] others of Poland, had their Crowns finishing in a Boule or Mounde, supporting a Cro [...] By example of the Romaine Emperors, successors vnto Constantine the Great, who [...] [...]ointed [Page 25] that his Buckler should be adorned with the Cipher and Monagrame of X. P. [...]. [...]nd his Helmet with a Crosse for Crest, so saith Prudentius.

And the same Emperors carried also the Globe, on the dayes of their pompe and so­ [...]mnities, to make it publiquely knowne, that by their beliefe in the wholesome signe of [...]e Crosse; they were Lords on the earth, which the Globe represented by his rotun­ [...]ty, and their Faith by the Crosse; on the tree whereof Iesus Christ was nailed, to de­ [...]uer the world from eternall death, according as it is written by Suidas.

We will conclude this Chapter with this aduertisement, that there are many sorts and [...]fferences of Helmets (as, in the like manner, of Crownes,Many varie [...]io [...] and differen­ces of Helmets whereof we will discourse in [...]he last Chapter of this first Booke) practised and kept more carefully, and (if it may be [...] said) more religiously in Germanie, then in all the other Kingdomes. Not permitting [...]eane Gentlemen to cut and square with Princes, nor Yeomen to counterfeit Noblemen [...] Armes, Crests and Ornaments of them. For they will not suffer a simple Souldior, [...] a new-made Captaine, to beare Helmets, Lambrequins, Crest nor Supporters,The honora­ble care obser­ued in Germa­nie. the [...]ules of the noble Science of Armes and Blazons, not being prophaned among them, as [...]ey are in other parts, through the ignorance of Heralds, Kings and Pursuiuants of [...]rmes, to whom (being learned and skilfull) it appertaineth to giue Armes and Blazons, [...]cording to the quality of such persons, as are capable of bearing them, by the leaue of the [...]oueraigne Prince, and to none other.

To Kings onely it belongeth, Porter le Heaulme an Mezail tarre de front a vnze grilles [...]o Dukes, A haults fleurons, that is to say, Soueraignes in their Countries, Nine. Others,The distin­guishing of bearing Hel­mets. [...]ukes, Marquesses, Counts and Viscounts; Seauen: the high Barons, and Knights fiue; [...]entlemen of so Noble a house, as they neither doe nor ought to Tarrer de front, may haue [...]on the side onely, that is, Trois grilles ▪ Such as are borne in lawfull and loyall marri­ [...]e, turne to the right side; but Bastards to the left (all in one manner as the placing of [...]eir Armes.) But if they be no Bastards of a Soueraigne house, hauing right to beare [...]appeaux or Circles: in this case they may be allowed to beare it, Tarre de frout.

CHAP. IIII. Of Heralds, Kings, and Pursuiuants of Armes.

AMong all the best gouerned Nations,The dignity of an Ambas­sadors place and Office. it hath euermore bin held for a maine maxime, that Ambassadours haue the place of inuio­lable persons, and euen (as it were) Sacred. Moreouer, whatsoe­uer iniuries or wrongs they receiued, were reputed to be done to the persons of those Princes that sent them. Hanon, King of the Ammonites, hauing (in contempt) shaued off halfe the beards, and cut the garments to the thighes, of the Ambassadours sent from King Dauid ▪ the Ammonites, with their King, were quite exterminated, and Rabbah, their capitall City (with all the rest be­ [...]e) consumed into ashes: As it is written in the second booke of the Kings, the tenth [...]d twelfth Chapters.

Now, although Ambassadours (to speake properly) are Spies (couered with a title full [...] honor) to obserue the actions of Princes to whom they are sent: yet notwithstanding,In what re­gard Ambas­sadors are pu­nishable. [...]ey haue no such permission granted them, as to debosh and corrupt the subiects and [...]ssailes of those Princes, to vrge priuate conspiracies, practises and threatnings, against [...]eir estates and persons. For in so doing they are punishable, according to the right and [...] of Nations, for breaking the lists and order of Hospitality: So that they are no lon­ [...]r to be held and reputed for Ambassadours, but disturbers of the publique peace and [...]iet. There is one example of the ancient Gaules (without seeking any where else) re­ [...]rted by Plutarch in the life of Furius Camillus, where speaking of the Gaules depar­ [...]g out of their originary or naturall Countrey, to the number of three hundred thou­ [...]d men, vnder conduct of the Nephewes to Ambiga [...], King of the Gaules: hee saith, [Page 26] that hauing vnthralled the Alpes, they conquered Tuscanie, and at the siege of Clas [...], [...] Romaines sent three of the Fabij to them as Ambassadours, to deale wisely with them [...] raising the siege, in fauour of the Clusians, who had requested and entreated the Romain [...] so to doe.

Treacherie most infa­mous in Am­bass [...]dors.The Ambassadours hauing deliuered their message to Brennus, Generall of the Ga [...] Armie; insted of returning backe to Rome, they went into the besieged Citie, and en [...] ted the inhabitants, to issue forth vpon the besiegers: among whom Quintus Fabius A [...] stus (one of the Ambassadours) happened to be knowne: Vpon this occasion, Br [...] ▪ calling the Gods of the Romaines to witnesse, how basely they had violated the rights [...] Nations,The reuenge of a justly of­fended Gene­rall. by being come as Ambassadours, and yet afterward to performe the action of an enemy; hauing raised the siege at Clusium, he caused the Gaules to march direct [...] to Rome, which they surprised vpon a sodaine, and sacking it, put all to fire and swor [...] but first they sent their Heralds to the Romaines, demanding him who made the offence that they might be reuenged on him. The Capitole was so narrowly besieged, that th [...] Romaines were constrained to redeeme both it and themselues, paying the ransome [...] ten thousand pounds of Gold, which Brennus brought into Tuscanie; and this Gold w [...] kept many yeares after, as a marke and especiall remembrance, concerning the dutie o [...] an Ambassadour, and the iust reuenge which the Gaules had taken, for the bread [...] thereof.

But so long as Ambassadours keepe within the tearmes of their charge, which ought [...] be maintenance of the Princes peace who sends them, with him to whom they are sen [...] ▪ In this case Sancta sunt corpora Legatorum, & inter Hostes esse debent incolumes; so said Varro, in his third booke of the Latine tongue, and the Oratour also, inueighing again [...] Verres. Their person is inuiolable, and the Prince that offendeth them, without occa [...] on; begetteth the title of an enemy, and thereby draweth warre vpon him. So the R [...] maines ruined the Citie of Corinth, because the Inhabitants had outraged their Ambass [...] dours. Vpon the same subiect, they delegued Great Pompey, to goe and make warre o [...] Mithridates King of the Parthians. Si quis Legatum Hostium pulsasset, contra lus Ge [...] ­um id commissum esse putatur, quia Sancti Habentur Legati: So saith the Ciuile Lawye [...] Pomponius, in the finall Law De Legato. Digest.

Heralds haue the same pri­uiledge as Am­bassadors.Heralds haue the selfe same priuiledge, their pe [...]ns are inuiolable and sacred: to the [...] no outrage ought to be done, neither any violence, by words or deedes.

They tooke their beginning and first originall, so soone as the Kings and Princes of th [...] world distinguished their Subiects into Nobles and Yeomen: by drawing the one so [...] neere to their persons, for their prudence and vertue, and reiecting the other from their s [...] uice and counsell, because they could not be knowne worthy, or capable.

The Assyrians, Persians, and other Nations of the East had them in honor, their Pr [...] ces making vse of their seruice. As the Rabbines haue obserued on the 41. Chapter of [...] nesis, in the aduancement of Ioseph, and on the third of Daniel. Plutarch in the life of Alexander the Great, writeth, that this mighty Monarch had for his ordenary Guard, th [...] thousand yong men, all Persians, readily fashioned and prepared for Armes, and fit [...] all honest exercises; especially speaking the Greeke tongue most elegantly. Among the [...] some were the Guards of his body; others, Gentlemen of his Chamber, Vshers of [...] Haule, Mace-bearers, Heralds, and Kings of Armes, for the executing of his commands▪

The Greekes called these Heralds Ceryces, and Irenophylaces. Dionisius Halicarna [...] tearmed them [...]: the Romaines Caduceatores, Feciales, Praecones: and the Fren [...] Kings, Heralds, or Pursuiuants of Armes, according to the interpretation of the Greek names [...] Pacis Arbitros, The effect and issue of a He­ralds charge. Guardians and Sequestrators of Peace, as their or [...] nary appellation sounded of Irenophylaces, taken from the effect and issue of their cha [...] which was, to appease differences by the waies of mildnesse, and to appoint Nations en [...] mies, before they should proceede to handy strokes.

In euery City of Greece there were two Heralds, called by honourable title C [...]ry [...] as we learne of Vlpian, Interpretor of the Oratour Demosthenes, in th [...] Oration against [...] mocrates. The honora­ble estimation of Heralds. They were honoured by all estates, in regard of their ch [...]rge, nourished [...] maintained of the publique purse, and priuiledged aboue all other Citizens, to be the [...] postles and workers of Peace, which still they councelled & maintained, inciting the peop [...] to preserue thēselues in peace, & not to seek after war. As did the traitor Herald of the [...] lantides, Lords of Athens, named Leos, who discouered the designs of his Maisters to The [...] [Page 27] Plutarche recordeth in the life of the said Prince. Hereupon, and for this reason, [...]y carried Rods and Wands, made of the branches of Palme or Oliue (Symboles of [...]ce) writhed or wound about with wooll, to demonstrate with what soft gentlenesse, [...]y ought to acquit themselues of their charge. Those Rods were called Iresione, of Ire­ [...], which signifieth to accord and make peace. They were painted between two Hornes Amalthaea, or of Abundance: because Peace, which is the best guift that God can giue [...]men, produceth all kindes of goodnesse whatsoeuer. ‘Pax aluit viteis, & sulcos condidit vnae.’ The Romaines writhed about the Caduceus of their Fecialians, two Serpents, like to that Mercurie, whom they feigned to be the Messenger, the Herald and Interpreter of the [...]ds, and who (as the Poets maintaine) going one day vpon an Embassage;Mercurie the Herald and messenger of the Gods. found in his [...]y two Serpents, which fought together. Hauing put his Rod betweene them, they [...]thed themselues about it, comming to embrace and kisse each other: And in memo­ [...] of this miracle, alwayes after, Mercurie carried his Rod writhed about with two Ser­ [...]nts, and in imitation of him, the Caduceatores, Greekes and Romaines, carried their [...]ds in the same manner. These are Poeticall fictions, which carry no probability or [...]elihood of truth, it was with the Gaules Heifers that the Romaines ploughed: for Plinie [...]serueth in the nine and twentieth Booke of his naturall History, and the third Chap­ [...], that the fashion of this Caduceus, was borrowed by the Romaines of the auncient [...]ules.

The auncient Druides, Arbitrators and Sequesters both of Peace and Warre, before [...]y gaue power to the Gaulish Kings and Princes, to march in battaile against their ene­ [...]es (which they did by the tradition of militarie Standards and Ensignes, whereof they [...]d the custody in their sacred Temples: Signa Detracta Lucis in praelium ferunt, so saith [...]citus) they sent their Heralds to their enemies, to incite and summon them to peace, and [...]aration of the iniuries receiued. Those Heralds carried their Caducean Rods, made the branches of Verneine, and thereof the auncient Druides made vse (according to the [...]timony of the same Plinie, in his fiue and twentieth booke, and ninth chapter) writhed two figures of Serpents, by a certaine proportion and fimmetrie: not for the Fables [...]biect inuented by the Greekes (ouer-bold and impudent lyers) but onely to giue know­ [...]dge and demonstration, that those Heralds interpreted the will of their Princes, being [...]rein short, sweete, well aduised, wise and subtile as the Serpent, the Symbole of pru­ [...]nce and wisedome in the sacred Scripture. A vertue necessary in euery Statesman, but [...]pecially in an Embassador; if he would worthily accomplish his charge, to the honor [...]d content of the Prince that sent him.

Orus Apollo writeth in his Hierogliphickes, that the Rod or Caduceus, writhed with [...]rpents, was the signale and noate of prouidence and wisedome: because, that among [...]creeping creatures, of a foule and earthie substance, there is not any more aduised and [...]tile, then the Serpent; who to warrant and secure himselfe from the Shepheards [...]armes, stoppeth his eares, the one with his tayle, and fixing the other firmely to the [...]ound. He purgeth his braine and cleareth his sight with a certaine Hearbe,Obseruations concerning the Serpent. the pro­ [...]ty and vertue whereof is knowne onely to himselfe. Moreouer, he knoweth how to re­ [...]w his old skin, becomming yong againe, and conseruing himselfe long in life; by eating [...]ertaine Hearbe, remarked by Plutarch, Plinie, and other Naturalists.

For this reason the Druides, consuming themselues continually in the knowledge of [...] naturall things, euen from the Cedars of Lybanus, to the Hysope, knowing the pro­ [...]rties and admirable vertues of the Serpent; caused their Heralds Rods to be so writhed. [...]his is that whereof Plinie speaketh, in the passage before alleaged, concerning the Druides [...] their Heralds. Hic complexus anguium, & efferotarum concordia causa videtur esse, qua­ [...]exterae Gentes Caducaeum in pacis argumentis circumdata effigie anguium fecerint; neque [...]m cristatos esse in Caducaeo nios est: The Greekes and Romaines learned the fashion of [...] auncient Gaules. And thereupon, for the porperty of the Serpent, to make himselfe [...]come yong againe: they feigned, that the Rod and Cadaceus of Mercurie, had the ver­ [...]e to cure diseases, and to re-seate the soule in the body, being deuided from it. And o­ [...]er wonders, whereof Homer speaketh in his fourth Odysses, Virgill in his fourth Aeneiad, [...]d the Lyricke Poet.

Those Rods and Caduceuses of the Greekes, made of Oliue branches, were na [...] Cericia [...], whereof is said in the eight Law De ver. diuis. at the Digess. Sanct [...] est quod ab iniuria hominum defensum atque munitum est. Sanctum autem dictum est a [...] minibus. Sagmina sunt autem quaedam herbae quas Legati Populi Romani ferre solebant, [...] quis eos violaret, sicut Legati Graecorum feruntea, quae vocantur [...].

The Romaines carried them of Verueine, which they called a Sacred Hearbe, and th [...] Naturalist Plinie, by the vulgar name of Sagmina, in his two and twenty Booke, the second Chapter. Interim fortius augetur auctoritas, quae quanta debeatur etiam surdis, hoc est [...] nobilibus herbis, perhibetur. Si quidem auctores Imperij Romani Conditoresque, immens [...] quiddam, & hinc sumpsere, quoniam non aliunde Sagmina in remedijs publicis fuere, & [...] Sacris Legationibus quam Verbenae. Certe vtroque nomine significatur, hoc est, Gram [...] ex arce cum sua terra euulsum. Hac semper & Legati cum ad hostes Clarigatum mittere [...] ­tur, id est, res raptas clare repetitum, vnus vtique Verbenarius vocabatur. So that of [...] hearbe, the Heralds were called Veruenaries, bearers of Verueine.

Of the excel­lency of Ver­ueine.The Greekes called Verueine Hierobotanon, and Peristereon, held by them (as well [...] by the Romaines) for the most excellent among all other hearbes. And therewith they washed and made cleane the Table of their God Iupiter, and purified their houses; by making Perfumes and Suffumigations, of the masle Incense.

So saith Virgill in his eight Eclogue. And the Greeke Priests, as also the Romaine, clo [...] thed in their linnen Albes (in imitation of the Druides) making their Sacrifices, were cro [...] ­ned with Verueine.

Saith the same Virgill in his twelfth Aeneiad. And namely, that from the time of N [...] ma Pompilius, the Disciple of Pithagoras, who was long time since those wise Druides; t [...] Romaines made no other Sacrifices, but onely with Verueine.

So writeth Ouid in the first of his Fasts.

We learne of the auncient Annalist S. Gregorie Victor, Archbishop of Tours, in h [...] seauenth Booke and two and thirtieth Chapter of the History of France, that French Heralds vsed to carry (in the deliuery of their Messages) Scepters, and consecrated Rods▪ which was as much, or rather more ceremony, then water cold or boyling, and barres [...] Iron made red hot with fire, for the iudgement of crimes, which had no proofe at all. [...] such manner were taken, chastised and punished, the Heraulds of false and supposed G [...] hauld, saying himselfe to be the sonne of Clothaire, King of France, notwithstanding their consecrated Rods, to haue them declare the motiue and subiect of their Legation before they came to King Gonthran, to whom they were sent. Post haec misit iterum G [...] dobaldus duos Legatos ad Regem Guntrannum, Cum Virgis consecratis, iuxta Ritum Fr [...] corum, vt scilicet non contingerentur ab illo, sed exposita Legatione cum responso reuerter [...] Sed hi incauti, Priusquam Regis praesentiam cernerent, multis, qua petebant explanauerum [...]

Homer giueth Scepters to Heralds (and not Rods and whisking wands) euen as to Kin [...] and Soueraigne Princes, attributing the like authoritie to them, yea, and in such sort: [...] the Grecian Princes would stand vp before them, giuing them honor and reuerence. A [...] in those times then, such as exercised the Office of Heralds, were men well borne, [...] great grauity, delicate in speech, skilfull and vertuous, which caused them to be hon [...] red and respected of euery one. In the first of Homers Iliades, King Agamemnon, Ge [...] rall of the Grecian Army, sent his two Heralds Talthybius and Euribates, to the Prin [...] Achilles, The two He­ralds of King Agamemnon, and their ho­norable respect by Prince A­ch [...]lles. for recouery of the faire Briseis, that he might restore her to her Father, the Prin [...] Chryseis. (Whereto the said Achilles shewed himselfe gracious and obedient, and entertaining the Heralds honourably, saluted them, by the name of Messengers from the gre [...] God Iupiter) the title giuen onely to God Mercurie.

And Mediators of men: he caused them to come neere him, cherishing them louingly▪ taking thē as his witnesses before the gods & men, that he forgaue & pardoned the offen [...] [Page 29] [...]his Generall, in taking from him his dearely affected Briseis, whom he had won in faire [...]rre, to the great good and aduantage of the Greekes.

It belonged to Heralds, to assemble Princes for Councell, and giue them Scepters (for [...]ne but the Gods did then weare Crownes) as we learne of Homer in the second of his [...]yssees: in the persons of an Aegyptian Herald, making an Oration to the Inhabitants [...]lthaca; and of Telemachus, receiuing his Scepter at the hand of his Herald Pisenor. [...] the third Booke, the same Telemachus and the goddesse Minerua, being entertained in­ [...] the Mannor and Pallace of the wise Prince Nestor; the Heralds gaue them water to [...]sh their hands, before they sate downe at the Table. In the fourth Booke, and diuers [...]ces else, euermore the Heralds inducted, guided, and made the way for forraigne Prin­ [...]s, arriuing at the Courts of Kings their Maisters, to see and obserue the singularitie of [...]em.

Appollonius Rhodius gaue for Herald to his Argonautes, the Heros Aethalides, whom he [...]gned to be the Sonne of Mercurie, and armed him with his Caduceus: to shew, that hee [...]s eloquent and expert, quicke in a delicate flowing stile, and sufficiently capable to ex­ [...]ute their enterprises.

Hereupon the Poets named these Messengers Heroas, which signifieth Demie Gods: And [...]eemeth, that the French name of Herauld or Herault, descended from hence, as being [...]ry difficult, to finde any where else a truer Etymologie. The Romaines called them [...]ciales, a name which Varro in his fourth booke of the Latine tongue, deriued and made descended from the word Fides: becaus [...] the Fecialians were in such degree, as the de­ [...]sitaries and Guardians of the publique Faith. Feciales dicti suut, quod fidei publicae in­ [...] Populos praeerant, Nam per hos fiebat vt iustum conficetur bellum, & vt foedere, Fides [...]cis constitueretur. Numa Pompilius, Second King of the Romaines, instituted their [...]olledge, ordaining: that it was not lawfull to take Armes against any enemy,The Heralds had a Col­ledge in Rome without [...]eir consent and appointment.

Whensoeuer these Feciales went to denounce warre, or conclude peace: they carried the one hand the Stone, consecrated to beate downe the Romaine Engine, which they [...]d to immolate in swearing Peace; Cum ‘Caesa iungebant foedera porca.’

And in the other hand a branch of Verueine. Ouer and beside these things, they car­ [...]d a certaine Vaile, made and wouen of Wooll, wherewith they wrapped and couered [...]ir heads, when they denounced warre, or deliuered their message: as, we learne by [...]us Linius, in the first booke of his first Decade. This Vaile came somewhat neare to the [...]me of them, which are vsed in Churches ouer the Images of Saints. In following time, [...]stead of thus couering their heads, they made a slit or hole in the midst of the Vaile, for [...] heads passage, and so the Vaile was equally diuided, couering the brest before, and [...]ke behinde of the Fecialian. And then it lost the name of a Vaile, and became to be [...]led a Coate of Armes: which the learned Budeus, the honor of France, on the Law [...]ctum de rerum diuis. at the Digest, called Armillas, & Spinteres.

During the estate of the Romaine Common-wealth, the Fecialians wore their Comes Armes, made of fine white Cloath, fringed with fine white silke (the Colour and Li­ [...]y of the Romaines for excellency, as yet it is of the French, and was of the auncient [...]ngs of Persia) A la Bande Iumelee; And foure Letters of Gold, S. P. Q. R. Senatus [...]ulusque Romanum. And from thence is descended the fashion of tearming Armes of ex­ [...]ency, called to enquire for Mettall vpon Mettall.

When the popular Estate was changed into Monarchie, the Fecialians of the Empe­ [...]rs wore their Coates of Armes of Purple and Scarlet, fringed with Gold,A richer alte­ration of the Heralds Coat [...] of Armes. an Eagle of [...] same (with the Emperours name reigning) embrodered thereon; Because that the [...]abre (called rich colour) was the Liuery of the Emperours, which the Romaines e­ [...]lled with their Gods. This they borrowed from the Kings of Persia, who went attired [...]he module of the high Priest of Ierusalem, at such times as the Iewes were translated, [...] detained among them in bondage and slauery. The glorious actions of Armes of Kings of Persia, were registred downe in Tablets of Cedar, gummed with Cina­ [...] ▪ which we tearme painted with red, like to the Rubrickes and titles of our Bookes, [...]t is obserued in infinite places, by Xenophon, Arianus and Quintus Curtius, treating on liues of the Kings of Persia. To whom no one durst present himselfe, or speake,Of the Kings of Persia. with words of Crimosine Silke, as much to say, as in highly exalted tearmes, [Page 30] and worthy the eare of Royall Maiesty, as we learne of Plutarch. And the magnifice [...] of those Kings of Persia, (making their ordenarie residing in the Citie called Sh [...] which signifieth Floure de Luce) is described in the Booke of Hester, the first Chapter. Th [...] in the Garden and Forrest of the King, in all parts of the Tents, and Pauillions of Azu [...] were hangings of White, Crimosine and Hyacinth colour, supported with Cords of [...] Linnen and Purple. Penaebant ex omni parte tentoria Aerei coloris, & Carbasini, & Hy [...] cinthini, sustentata funibus byssinis atque purpureis, &c.

The Greekes and the Romaines (by their example) made the Idols their Gods of t [...] wood of Cedar, and of Thyma, incorruptible, and not subiect to worme-eating: when of ensued the prouerbe, [...]uer [...] kinde [...]f Wood ser­ueth not to make gods of. Non ex quouis ligno sit Mercurius, common to the whole D [...] monomanie of the Paganes. And Plinie informeth vs, that the Greekes and Romain [...] painted and coloured the faces, neckes, hands, and whatsoeuer else was to be seene na [...] of their Idols, with the red tincture of Cynabre and Vermillion. In such sort, as it was [...] first Article of expences, which the Censors couched in their accounts (saith Plinie in [...] three and thirtie booke, the seauenth Chapter) for Cinabre and Vermillion, bought [...] transfigure their Idols. By which example, the Captaines, that came home triumphi [...] into the Citie of Rome, were painted in the same manner, so saith Plinie. Triumphan [...] corpora Minio illini solita, sicque Camillum triumphasse,

And like as the Romaine Emperors had their Imperiall Mantle, the Cassocke and Bu [...] kins of Purple,The habite of the auncient Romaine Em­perours. and of fine Tyrian Scarlet, Furred with a whitish Gray, or Ermines ( [...] now adayes goe attired the Presidents and Councellors, of the right Parlements of Franc [...] and as heretofore went the most Christian Monarchs, as well of the first, as the seco [...] and third line) In like manner, the Charters, Letters and Placards of the said Aunci [...] Romaine Emperours, which they called Rescripts, and Pragmaticall Sanctions we [...] writen with red Ink, or Vermillion or Cynabre, as is said in the Law Sacri affatus. De di [...] sis rescriptis, at the Code Affatus nostrae mansuetudinis in quacunque parte Paginarum, [...] alio vultu penitus, aut colore, nisi Purpurea tantummodo inscriptione lustrentur: scilicet [...] cocti Muricis, & triti Conchylij ardore signentur: For they were not esteemed as Ordon [...] ces, Commands and Imperiall Rescripts, being signed in any other manner. For this re [...] son,The great pre­rogatiue of Red Inke. the composition of that Inke is, (in the same Law) named Sacrum encaustum, and was not permitted to any to make vse thereof, or serue their owne turnes therewith, [...] der paine of being attainted of high treason, to be punished with death, and their goo [...] confiscated. At this day in Turkie, the Passe-ports and safe conducts of the Grand Se [...] neur, and the Mandates of Iustice, are written in Arabian Letters, with fine Cele [...] Blew and Azure; and the names of God, of the false Prophet Mahomet, and of the Gra [...] Signeur, in Letters of Gold: a magnificence retained by this people, albeit barbaro [...] ignorant and groser (then euer were any) of the Romaine Emperors, or of Constanti [...] ple. So that of one thing, which was not worthy of a Prince, the auncient Romaine P [...] uerbe arose in vse, saying: ‘Nec titulus Minio, nec Cedro Charta notetur.’

So saith Ouid, Elegia prima Tristium. But come we now againe to Heralds.

Ammianus Marcellinus, in the foureteenth booke of his History, telleth vs, that her [...] fore, Heralds and Kings of Armes, were cloathed with Coates of Armes, made acc [...] ding to the fashion, as Deacons of the Catholique Church vsed to weare. Pectu [...] tuniculam sine manicis textam, Mar as quidam nomine (vt appellant Christiani) Diaco [...]u [...] latera scripta Graeco sermone portabat, The auncient fashion of He­ralds Coats. &c. Euen so, (Silicet miscere sacra profanis) th [...] Coates of Armes for Heralds, imitated the Dalmaticke fashion, without sleeues, b [...] farre as to the elbow: bearing vpon the said short sleeues, and both before and behi [...] the Armes of the Prouinces whereof they carried name, and such Armes, with their uery, are called Enamels, of the word Ammell, which Goldsmiths worke with fir [...] the heads of Rings, when they fixe rich and costly Stones in them; Per latera scripta, Marcellinus spake to very good purpose, in mine opinion:

For like as among the Greekes, and namely in the Metropolitane and Patriarc [...] Churches of Constantinople,Order of Ec­clesiasticall or­naments in Churches. the Chasuble of Priests, the Dalmatiques of Dea [...] and the Pallium or cloake of Bishops, had the name of God wrought in capitall Lette [...] bout the hemmes or skirts: So in the same manner, the embrodered and long Tu [...] and Dalmatickes of the Romaine Emperours, as also of the Consuls, were charg [...] Gold-embrodery, with the Emperours names. For the Greekes, beside this pass [...]g [...] [Page 31] [...]arcellinus, Zonaras, Zo [...]imus and infinite other haue obserued the same. For the Em­ [...]ors and Roman Consuls, as well of the Old as New Rome; we haue Ioannes Cura­ [...]ates, in his Tract of the Offices of Constantinople: where he remarketh the garments of [...] Romaine Emperors, and likewise of their children, brethren and kinred; For so farre to the Hoods or Chapeaus, the plates and skirts were garnished with Letters of Gold. [...]gmen capitis Domini quod embella dicitur, ex margaritis est totum, Replo eius habentur no­ [...]a eius qui fert ipsam ex virgulis aureis fimbriata, Tunica honorata eius sanguinea, aut ru­ [...] ornata margaritis, quale per illud tempus optauerit.

Concerning the Consuls, we haue the testimonie of the Bourdelois Poet and Senator [...]sonius, in the gratitudes and thankefull kindenesses, which hee gaue to the Emperour [...]atian, who had honoured him with the Consulship of Rome. Palmatam tibi misi, in [...]a Diuus Constantinus parens noster in textus est. Which giueth vs to know, that the [...]loake Royall of the Emperours and Consuls, otherwise called the Mantle of Triumph, [...]ade of fine Tyrian Scarlet, and Purred with whitish Gray or Ermines; was embrode­ [...]d a hands breadth, enterlaced with names and titles of excellence, belonging to the Ro­ [...]aine Emperors. Whereby also another note may be obserued, concerning the Medales [...]d antiquefigures, of the Images of our Redeemer and the Virgin Mary, represented with [...]antles; the bordures whereof are charged with titles of excellence and honor, which [...]isedome and the Church thought fit to giue them.

Among the Heralds of France, there is one aboue all the rest, who is called Mont-Ioye, [...] stiled, at the military cry or proclamation, of the great King Clouis, Mont. I [...]ye a­boue all the Heralds of France, and the reason of his calling King of Armes of France. after he had embra­ [...]ed Christianitie: Mont Ioye Sainct Denis. As if it should be said, that the Faith preach­ [...]d and brought into France, by great Saint Denis Areopagita, was the ioy and cheareful­ [...]esse of the heart; or that that God, whom Saint Denis had proclaimed to the Gaulish [...]eople, was afterward to be his Ioue. This Herald, for his greater excellence, is called [...]ing of Armes of France; he weareth a Violet coloured Veluet Coate, with the Esco­ [...]heon or Shield of France Crowned, and entoured with the two Orders of France, on [...]he foure parts of his Coate of Armes. The other Heralds beare but simply three Floure [...]e Luces of Gold, with the enamels of France, which is of Violet coloured Veluet, and on [...]he halfe sleeues, the Armes and name of the Prouince or Duchie, whereof he is Herald, [...]nd so the rest: As Daulphine, Orleans, Aniou, Names and ti­tles of the o­ther Heralds of France. Alanson (Inheritances of the Lords and [...]onnes of France) Valois, Bourbon, Berry, Vendosme, Bretaigne or Ermine, Bourgongne or [...]oison D'Or, when these two Orders had their course in France, as heretofore the Genette, [...]he Starre, La Cosse de Genest, and Saint Michael, names and titles due to Heralds of the [...]id Orders.

And as each Prouince and generall Gouernment of France h [...]d his Herald and King [...]f Arm [...]s, hauing his name wrought in Golden Letters on the sleeues of his Coate: So [...]he King of Armes of Nauarre, Porte les Esmaux de Nauarre;The King of Armes of N [...] ­uarre, and hi [...] habit, as also of the sixe o­ther Heralds. Of Red or Crimsine Vel­ [...]et, with the Escocheon of the Kingdome Crowned, and the Order of the Lillie entou­ [...]ed about. The other sixe Heralds of Nauarre, bearing names of the Kingdomes Merin­ [...]ades; doe carrie the same enamels naked, without Crowne, and without noate of Or­der. On their halfe sleeues they beare the most, to wit; Nauarre brize, ou componne, [...]scartelle des Armes de la Merindade. For in Armes the King thereof beareth the least, [...]nd the Heralds the most, as namely; Pampelona, Viana, Estella, Tudela, Olita and Sainct Palais, Capitall of the lower Nauarre, which had (in times past) for cry or proclamation of warre, the Heralds name (then) Roncenaux, after the preuailing against the Emperor Charlemaigne, as the Spanish Romancers say. And as heretofore the Cry of warre, for the first King of Sorrabia or Nauarre, was Begorre; in remembrance,The first Kings of Sorrabia, o [...] Nauarre. that they had deri­ [...]ed their originall from the Counte of Begorre, who long time was on the Chesse-borde of Nauarre, and for whose Antiquitie, the Countie was charged to the King, but with the wages for three Launces, and halfe, instead of a whole Subside: A priuiledge granted to the Inhabitants of the said Countie, onely for their fidelity.

At Rome there was a Colledge of the Fecialians or Heralds, composed of twenty,The chiefe Herald of Rome Pater Patratus. the chiefe whereof (for excellence) was called Pater Patratus; because, by being chiefe of that Company, he ought to haue children, and his owne Father yet liuing.

In France, not onely the King of Armes Mont-ioye S. Denis, but also the other Heralds and Poursuiuants were of Noble extraction; and Mont-ioye could not be admitted,Heralds of France of No­ble descent. without making proofe of his Noblenesse by three races, as well of his Fathers Stocke, as by his [Page 32] Mothers side.Annuall Pen­ [...]ions o [...] the Heralds. There was two thousand pounds of rents in Lands and free tenure, allow­ed for the said Monioye particularly, and a thousand pounds of annuall pension. As for the other Heralds, they haue a 1000. pounds in pension, & other rights, whereof we shall speake he reafter. The Colledge and society of the said Monioy, Heralds and Pursuiuant [...] of Armes for France,The Heralds Colledge at Paris. was established in the Church of Saint Anthony the lesse at Paris ▪ where anciently were and are to be seene, the Charters and Statutes of the Officers of Armes, and the Rolles, Names and Sur-names of the said Kings, Heralds and Pursuiuants; which Charters are of the yeare, 1406.

Heralds are allowed entrance into all Courts of Princes and great Lords: and who­soeuer denieth their entrance, is held for inciuill, discourteous, and vnworthy any Noble Title.

They haue power to reprooue the vices of Knights, Esquires, and Noblemen liuing badly:Prerogati [...]es of Heralds. and if they do not correct such errors in themselues, to expulse them from Iousts, Tourneyes, and all other Martiall exercises.

They ought to counsell and aduise Princes and great Lords, to maintaine the Estate of Nobilitie, alleadging the truth of their words by their owne experience.

Such as eyther by words, deedes, or otherwise offred them any outrage; ought to make them amends in the hearing of the Colledge: otherwise, they were declared guiltie of high treason, degraded from Nobilitie, being published as ignoble and yeomen, both they and their posteritie.

Rights & dues to the Officers of Armes. At Funerals.To Monioy did appertain particularly, the Garments which the King did weare on the day of his Sacring, and before him.

To the Heralds in generall, at the Obsequies and Funeralls of Kings, Queenes, Prin­ces and Princesses, appertained the Cloakes and Chaperons of mourning, the Litters of Violet Veluet, semed with floure de Luces of gold, and the hangings of blacke Veluet in Churches and Chappells, with the Ornaments of the burning Lights, the waxe excep­ted.At Marriages. The Cloakes at marriage of the said Kings and Princes, Queenes and Princesses, pro­uided, that there were but one Coate of Armes onely displayed.

At Baptizing of Children.At Baptizing of children to the said Kings and Princes, appertained to the said He­ralds and Kings of Armes, the Vessell, Saltseller, Bason and Ewer to washe withall, the Mantles, Swathe-bands of the best, the warming-panne, the cloth of State, and Pillowes for the Infants baptizing. After Baptisme, they haue right also, three seuerall times to cry Largesse, and throw peeces of gold and siluer among the people. The like priuiledge likewise they haue, at the Sacring, Coronation, and entring of the Kings and their Wiues to their marrying.

At the foure chiefe feasts.At the foure chiefe feasts of the yeare, when the Kings keep open Court and great Re­uells, they haue then whole Largesse, and new Liueries, as also the Cup of gold, where­in the King drinketh that day.

Proclaiming of Peace.At the publication of any Peace, the City or Towne where it is published by the said King of Armes, or Herald, is to pay him a Marke of gold.

On those dayes when eyther the King himselfe, or the Lieutenant Generall of an Ar­mie doth create Knights;The Creation of Knights. beside the habits of those Nobles, they haue double wages, and whole or entire Largesse: that is to say, both crownes of gold and white money: to wit, the King of Armes to haue twice as much as the Herald, and the Herald to haue twise as much as the Pursuiuant.

Tilting daies or otherwise.On the dayes of Tourneyes, and actions of Armes, as well in fight, as to winne the loue of their Ladies; the defendants stand obliged to giue to the Heralds whatsoeuer fal­leth to the ground, and all that was carried betweene the two Lists, during the Combat, except the booke whereon the Chalengers and Defendants tooke their oathes. And the Combat or Tourney being ended, the Victors are to giue a Largesse.

Offices of the Heralds.In like manner, the said Herald ought to draw the vanquished by the heeles out of the Lists and Railes, and afterward to set downe in writing, whatsoeuer passed in the said Iousts and Tourney: to paint the Armes of the Challengers and Defendants, their Por­traitures, Titles, and Qualities, according to the truth. For this cause, it is very necessary for them, to haue seene many strange Countries, and read the histories of the World; to know the needfull formes and ceremonies, as well for the Creation of a Nobleman, as of a Knight. To be exquisite in the Noble Art of Blazons, Painting, and Limming, for bet­ter ordering the Armes of them, whom the Prince shall enoble for their Vertue, accor­ding [Page 33] to their naturall inclination to Armes or Learning. As also the propertie, nature, and condition of birds, creatures irrationall, both on the land, and in the water: the ver­tues of Plants, Trees, Flowers, Hearbs, Starres, and Planets. And from Heauen, to descend into the bowells of the Earth, there to apprehend the Nature of Mettalls, Mine­ralls, and precious Stones, as well as of the foure Elements; by whose intermixture, they may learne the composition of Colours, necessary for emblazoning according to Art, such Armes as they are to prepare, and what Creatures are to be Passant, Naissant, or Ram­pant.

To the said Officers of Armes, euery Knight Banneret that hath the meanes & power to carrie a Banner, ought to pay a Marke of Gold.The dues of Knights Bāne­rets and Cap­tains of bands to the Heralds And euery Captaine of a Companie of Foote, bearing Ensigne open in the Field; ought to pay a Marke of Siluer, due to the said Officers of Armes; for taking the names, sir-names, qualities and Blazons of their Armes, to bee set downe and depicted in the booke of the Nobilitie, of the Prouince whereof they are Heralds or Kings of Armes.

It was also within the compasse of their charge, to aduertise Knights, Esquires,What Heralds are to doe on the daies ap­pointed for battell. and Captaines, when the day of battell is appointed: on which day, the said Officers of Armes are to appeare in their best Ornaments before the white Cornet, or before the Great Standard or Banner of France, and at the brunt of violent encounter, to withdraw to some high exalted place, to make their eyes witnesses of that which is done on eyther side, and who haue carried themselues most valiantly; for making true report thereof to the King, or Generall of the Armie, after the Battell is ended, and then to set it downe in writing, that the memory thereof may remaine to posterity.

It belongeth also to them when the battell is concluded, to number the dead;Their Office after the battel to restore the Ensignes; to demand the Prisoners taken in warre, for making exchange; to summon rebellious Townes and Cities: And in case of composition, reddition, or exchange, to marche first before the Captaine or Gouernour of them, and there to giue him assurance of his person.

At Iousts, Tourneyes, Combats, or Encounters;Of apointing the field, or place for sight it is their charge to make forth the field for Battell, the Lists or the ground for Combat; to impart the Sunne equally to the Combatants at extremitie, be they Squires or Knights. And for their wages or reward, whatsoeuer falleth betweene the two Lists, appertaineth to them, as we haue already said: to wit, Horse, Armour, Armes, Plumes, Bardes, Chaufraines, Caparisons, and other Or­naments of Warre, and whosoeuer is desirous to make redemption of them, is to pay the Heralds the iust value of them.

In Combats or Fights, all the Armes and Ornaments of the vanquished, belongeth to the said Officers of Armes, and the Lists likewise the Chayres and the Cup or Bolle,Vailes of the persons van­quished. wherein the Combatants drinke each to other, after the contention shall be ended.

The Victor or Conqueror is to be conducted by them to his Chaire, with the cheerfull noyse of Trumpets and applausiue shouts of ioy, for exalting the glory, valiancie,Honor done to the Con­querour. and iust quarrell of the victorious: all (afterward) being Registred downe in writing; as the name, sur-name, quality, and Armes of the Partie. In recompence whereof, the Heralds ought to receiue sixe Markes of gold and siluer, to be distributed as formerly hath beene said.

And as for the party vanquished, they are to tread on him with their feete, as a Traitor,Disgraces done to the vanquished person. a falsifier of faith, periured and forsworne: and then both he and his Armes to be drag'd at a horse tayle by the heeles, and so cast out of the Lists with all ignominie, to be deliue­red to the executioners of Iustice. Then is the Victor to be conducted backe in Triumph to his lodging, and in the chiefe Church they are to hang vp and affixe his Armes and Shield, to serue as a memoriall of his victory to posterity.

When the King or Prince doth enoble any one, the King of Armes or the Herauld is to emblazon his shi [...]ld, and to Register him in the Charter,At the King or Princes enno­bling any mā. among the Noblemen of the Prouince, with the name, sir-name, Lordship and quality of the person: for the doing whereof, the new-made Nobleman is to pay him (by ancient right) a marke of siluer, and the new-made Knight a Marke of gold, as a dutie.

Euery King of Armes is to haue two Heralds (at the least) vnder his command and o­bedience: and euery Herald a Pursuinant onely,Two Heralds vnder euery K. of Armes. who before he may obtaine the title and dignity of a Herald, ought to serue seuen whole yeeres fully compleated.

In elder times, there were three seuerall kindes of Coates of Armes. The first was [Page 34] called Tunique as we haue obserued by Ammianus Marcellinus, Three seuerall kindes of He­ralds Coates. hauing short sleeues, and rounded beneath, which was particular for Kings of Armes.

The second was tearmed Plaque, particular for Heralds, and of the same fashion as the Tunique or Dalmatique for the King of Armes. Onely to shew the difference of Rank [...] and Qualitie; in the middest thereof hung two Pendants of silke, with faire tassels of the same colour as the Coate was made of.

The third was called a Coate of Armes, proper for Pursuiuants of Armes, which had wide long sleeues, finishing as in a point.

Heralds di­stinguished frō Kings of ArmsHeralds were (moreouer) distinguished from Kings of Armes, because Kings of Arms bare the Escutcheon crowned with the Crowne Royall, as well before as behinde, and also vpon the little sleeues. The Herald bare it but before and behinde, and on the shoulder or right sleeue, and not vpon the left. Beside, the Herald could not heare the said Escutcheon, but onely crowned with a Chappean, that is to say a Dukes Crowne, or with the pearled Circle, that is, a Counts Crowne.

Poursuiuants from the rest.As for the Poursuiuants, they ought not to beare the crowned Escutcheon, but whol­lie simple, on the left shoulder onely, and not on the right, as the Kings and Heralds doe, to shew, that they were of meaner qualitie, and may discharge themselues from the place of Poursuiuants of Armes, at such time as themselues thinke fit: but the King of Armes and the Herauld cannot doe so, or quit their places; except it be for mounting to a higher degree, as the King of Armes to be a Knight, and the Herald to the Office of the King of Armes.

Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, Counts and Viscounts Souereignes, may haue Kings of Armes: but Dukes, Marquesses, Countes and Viscounts; not Soueraignes, He­ralds onely.Of such per­sons as may haue Officers of Armes in each degree. High Barons, and Knights Bannerets, may haue Poursuiuants onely: but by the approuing and acknowledgement of some Herald. Notwithstanding, sonnes to the King, and Princes of the Blood of France, at all times haue had a King of Armes, as well in their Courts and Houses, as at their Marriages and Funeralls.

Concerning Princes Soue­raignes.We call Princes Soueraignes, such as (in Temporall occasions) do not acknowledge any Superiour: as the Dukes of Lorraine, Sauoy, Millaine, and other Potentates both of Germany and Italy, which beare not the Title of King.

Poursuiuants of Armes in their appella­tions.Poursuiuants of Armes beare not the names of Prouinces, as the Kings and Heralds doe: but onely Epethites of Gallantry, of good encountring or ioyfull tearms; as Plaine. Way, Iolly-Hart, Verdure, Cleare-sight, Bright-greene, No-lier, Tell-troth, Cheare­fulnesse, Faire-seeming, Loftie-foote, and such like pleasant tearmes. Euery Knight Ban­neret hath his Pursuiuant, whom he calleth according to his owne minde; and sends to see strange Prouinces: to take knowledge of Princes, Lords, and Gentlemen, their Ge­nealogies, Armes, and Blazons, to obserue them in Bookes and Registers.

How Pursui­uants of Arms are baptized.At solemne feasts, when Princes and Lords keepe open Courts, Pursuiuants of Armes are ordinarily baptized: for we call it baptizing, when the name of their Heraldry or Pursuiuance is first giuen them, and the Ceremonie is in this manner. After Supper, the Prince or Lord of the assembly, causeth the Herald or Pursuiuant (whom he would bap­tize) to be presented before him, he being cloathed in a Coate of fine white Serge. Then the Prince taketh a great standing guilt cup, full of Wine, and in the presence of all his Court, powreth it on the head of the Herald or Pursuiuant, giuing to the Herald the name of his Prouince, or to the Pursuiuant, what pleaseth him, with his Coate and Es­maile, assigning him some good rentage, or some Borough for his support and mainte­nance.

Froissard writeth thus. After the Battell of Auroy, Iohn de Montfort aduertised the King of England, by a Poursuiuant of Armes standing there ready, with the tidings of what had hapned. Of a Poursuiuant he made him a Herald, baptizing him with the name of Windsore, giuing him great profits and Reuenues to maintaine him: so this ceremony was called Baptizing. And both Kings and Princes instituting the Militarie Orders of Knighthood, ordained therewith a Herald of the said Order; baptizing him with the name thereof. As Lewis the eleuenth named Mont Saint Michael, the Herald of his own Order: the King of England Garter; and them of Orleans, Aniou, Bretaigne and Bourgogne; Porcupine, Cressant, Hermine and Toison d'Or, or Golden-Fleece. In France the Heraulds with their Esmaux, Portent le Sceptre Esmail le d'Azur, couuert defleurs de liz d'Or: As in o­ther kingdomes, Ils le portent des Esmaux, which are particular to them.

[Page 35]Kings of Armes and Heralds began to be respectiuely knowne,At what time Kings of Arms began to bee honored with respect in France. as also to be in great honor and authoritie, vnder the reigne of Philip de Valois, King of France, whose Court was more magnificent and full of splendor, then euer any Kings had beene in France, hee delighting to haue Iousts and Tourneyes daily. Also at that time, and long after, the charges of Kings and Heralds of Armes could not be apprehended, but by the Nobilitie, hauing made proofe of their worthinesse before the Master of the Horse of France, to whom it belonged, to order prouisions, to receiue and install any in charge. Now a daies all is so corrupt and out of order, euery Office being bought and sold: that such as holde the places of Heralds, are Clownish persons, who haue neuer seene any thing; but are so impertinent for the Noble Art of Blazons and Painting, that they know not how to de­uise the Armes of a Prince or great Lord.

At the entrance of the late King Henry the third of that name (of happy and glorious memory) made at Paris, he hauing beene called King of Poland; ignorant Painters,Ignorance of Heralds and Painters. vpon the view of Heralds (more ignorant then they) Emblazoned the Armes of Poland d' Ar­gent & de Sable, whereas (indeed) they are De Gueulles a l' Aigle d' Argent coronne d'Or. party demesme au Caualier d' Argent a l'Escu d' Azure a la Croix Patriarchale d'Or, which is of Lithuania, and the white Eagle of Poland, as wee shall better perceiue in the follow­ing discourse.

Ignorance in Heralds (who ought to be Controlless of Painters and Engrauers, and who heeretofore acknowledged them as their maisters, and had their Letters,Heralds the Controllers of Painters and Caruers. by rea­son of ignorance in the said Painters and Caruers, especially concerning the princi­ples and rudiments in the noble Art of Painting) was apparantly knowne, at the entrance of Queene Mary of Florence, wife to King Henry the great, of glorious memory. For then, the Painters deuised and blazoned the Armes of Monsieur le Daulphin (at this pre­sent King of France) the one d'Argent, and the other d'Azure, to the Daulphine, the one d'or, and the other de Synople: whereas Monsieur le Daulphine ought Porter de France es­cartele de Daulphine, qui est au Daulphine pasme Pers, that is to say, d'Azure.

The Armes of Queen Mary, purposely prepared for her entrance;Armes prepa­red for the Qu. of France. there was defect in the Arms of Florence, which some make d' Azu. a six Besans d'Or. These chiefe charged, de trois Fleurs de Lys d'Azure escartelle d' Austriche, d'Argent a la Fesse. Others, A la Bande d'Argent: and all by extreame ignorance; because Austriche porte de Gueulles a la Fesse d'Argent. And Florence, or rather the illustrious house of Medicis, Porte d'Or a cinq Tor­teaux de Gueulles. And in chiefe, the place most honourable in Armes, Le Tourteaux de France, that is to say, D'Azure a trois Fleurs de Lys, d'Or. Which King Lewis the eleuenth gaue permission to be borne by Peter de Medicis, and by his Letters Patents, dated in the moneth of May, Anno 1465. As concerning the Armes of the Citie of Florence, they beare d'Argent a la Fleur de lys fleuronne doublement de Gueulles; which King Charlemaine gaue them, so say the Citizens thereof themselues.

The same impertinence, and on the same subiect of Armes,Errors in Arms by neg­ligence of He­ralds or Pain­ters are pu­nishable. to honor the entrance of the said Queene Mary, followed at the same time. For the Painters and Sculpters entow­red her Arms with Cordeliers d'Argent, instead of Palmes. And the field whereon the said Armes were couched, Blazonne de Tanne, ou fucille morte: All noates of a Widdow Queene, and mourning for a sonne or brother of the King. For the Noble Kings of France mourne in Scarlet violetted, and married Queenes in Estamine de roze seiche, and widdowes in blacke Cypres, but heeretofore Linnen; their vailes white, whereon they were called white Queenes. As concerning Cordeliers; the Armes of Queenes, Princesses and married Ladies of high birth, ought to be entoured with Palmes, Lawrell, Myrtle,Mourning habits for Queens, Prin­cesses, &c. and order of their Armes. and such like light greene things; but widdowes with Cordeliers of siluer, which tooke beginning by the inuention of Madam Anne, Duchesse of Bretaigne, & Queen of France, a chaste and modest Princesse, who being the widow to King Charles the eight, deceasing in the floure of his age, as she did the like: she caused her Armes to be entoured with a Cor­deliere of siluer, wearing one also for a girdle about her, bestowing the like on all the Widdowed Ladies, and others that mourned in her traine for the Kings death.

Now, for such priuiledges as were granted to Kings of Armes and Heralds;Priuiledges granted to Kings & He­ralds of Arms some doe ascribe them to the King and Emperor Charlemaigne: others to Alexander the Great of Macedon, and others to the Emperor of Germanie, Charles King of Bohemia, fourth of that name, nourished from his youth in the Court of the Father of Cheualrie, Philip de Valo [...], King of France, sixt and last of that name, as heere followeth the Tenure in these words.

The Antiquity of Heralds & Kings of ArmsIt cannot be iustly said then, that Heralds and Kings of Armes were not in request, but since the time of Charlemaigne. For euen from the instant, that the descendants of Adam were distinguished into Nobles and Yeomen; there haue beene Combats, Battels, and Encounters, and consequently Heralds, deriued from the body of Nobilitie.

We read in Arianus, Quintus Curtius, and Plutarch, in the life of Alexander the Great, that that Prince hauing sent Heralds to the Inhabitants of the City of Tyre, to make peace and alliance with them: the Tyrians in a mad incensed rage, (ignorant in the Lawes of Nations) tooke the Heralds, and threw them downe headlong from the battlements of their walies into the ditches, where they were bruised in pieces. Alexander to reuenge this iniury, inuaded the City, and hauing suprized it by a long siedge, he razed it downe to the ground, although it commanded the Sea, and put all the people to the edge of the sword: Because that Heralds walked in the same pace as Ambassadors doe, for honor and assurance of their persons.

But it belongeth, that both the one and the other should gouerne themse [...] with al [...] [Page 37] modesty, without offending the Princes to whom they are sent. Sigismund, An vnmāner­ly Ambassa­dors hat nail'd to his head. first of the name, King of Poland, caused the hat to be nayled to the head of the Ambassador sent from Basilius, the great Duke of Moscouia; because hee had spoken to him with his head couered, alledging, that it was the custome in his Country of Moscouia.

During the reigne of Ferdinand King of Arragon, the Count of Orgell sent his Herald to defie him, and called to Combat the Count of Cardonna, Ammirant of Arragon. To braue whom, the said Herald came to deliuer his message at Barcellona, attired in a lin­nen cloth Coate, painted with some dishonest actions, imputed to the said Count of Car­donna, named Iohn Raymond. The foolish Herald performing his charge with al indiscreti­on, was apprehended by the command of King Ferdinand, who hindered the Combat,An indiscreet Herald iustly punished. and caused the Herald to be whipt naked with rods, through all the streets of Barcellona; a worthy chastisement for his presumptuous folly, so say the Spaniards in the life of the said Ferdinand.

Sabellicus in the eight booke of the history of Venice, and the second Decade, writeth, that the Venecians, hauing reduced the City of Vicenza v [...]der their obedience, sent their Herald to Don Vincent de Carara, commanding him from warring on the Vicentines, with sharpe words, and full of brauing Rodomontados▪ Carara much offended at his behauior, commanded the Herald to be taken, cutting off his nose and both his eares, & so sent him backe to the Venecians, with this answer; That they ought not to send him a message in such manner; declaring thereby, that Princes should manage the liues of their Heralds, and not expose them to death by iniurious messages, or of such negotiations, as are diffi­cult and dangerous in the execution.

In these cases, the wisedome of King Lewis the eleuenth may well be followed,The prouidēt care of King Lewis is the 11. in enterprises of perill. who hazarded in great enterprises, men of base and meane quality. To the end, that if they succeeded not according to his minde, and that his people fell into any ill fortune, the losse should be the lesse, where he could not auouch them, but with danger of their liues. So he would not hazard the person of his Herald, by going into England, to mooue the motion for Peace: but employed a man of silly respect, gracing his Coate with the Cor­net of a Trumpet, and giuing him the supposed name of a Herald. The same King in like manner, to mannage his affaires in Flanders, serued his turne with a vaine-glorious Barber, called Oliuer the Dane, and otherwise to armed the Wicked, calling himselfe the Vicount of Corbeill (who would needs be reputed Count of Meulant:Oliuer the Dane a foo­lish Barber.) But he was han­ged in the reigne of Charles the eight, on a Iybbet in Paris, by Order from the Court of Parlament, the twenty day of May, Anno 1493. for his notorious robberies, cruelties, and massacres: but especially, because he had vsurped the Vicountie of Corbeill, against Iohn Amyart, lawfull Lord thereof.

But if they be true Ambassadors or Heralds,Of iniuries done to true Ambassadors or Heralds. and such bad entertainment be vsed vnto them, by those Princes to whom they are sent: it might iustly, (as it hath done heereto­fore) serue as a new sparke and fire-brand of Warre. As happened, according to the te­stimony of Varro and Suetonius, betweene the Emperour Augustus Caesar, and the Ger­manes, who (contrary to the right of Nations) had put to death the Romanes Ambassa­dours and Heralds, Titurius and Arunculeius. For reuenge of whose deaths, Augustus solemnely sware, neuer to cut his haire or beard, vntill they had felt due infliction. Heereupon beganne the Warre in Italie, and namely at Millaine, in the time of King Francis the first, to reuenge the death also of his Ambassadors, Rinson and Fregose, exe­cuted by night in the City of Millaine; by report of the Lord of Bellay, and the History of Italie.

In the yeare 1527. the same King Francis the first, and the King of England, Henry the eight of that name, sent their Heralds into Spaine, to defie the Emperor Charles the fift, and to carry him the Lye, and bid him Combat. Beeing arriued at Burgos in Casti [...]e, where the Emperor then kept his Court, they had audience granted them, on Wednesday the 22. day of Ianuary, the said yeere 27. and in the Hall of Presence, the Emperour be­ing assisted with the greatest Lords of Spaine, when they spake. At entring into the Hal, Guienne King of Armes for the King of France, and Clarenceaux, Two He­ralds sent to Charles the Emperor, and their worthy carriage. King of Armes for England, presented themselues before the Emperour, about the ninth houre in the mor­ning. Their heads were bare, and their Coats of Armes hanging on their right armes, when they demanded permission to deliuer their message, with assurance and safe con­duct of their persons, for returning backe to France, without iniury or disturbance, [Page 38] which the Emperor promised them on the worde of a Prince. Guienne then defied him, on his Masters behalfe, as well by Sea as by Land, and deliuered him the Lye in w [...] ting, Signed Guienne King of Armes: dated at Paris the eleuenth day of Nouember, i [...] the said yere 1527. Guienne hauing heard the Emperors excuse, By the arrest of Rome, d [...] tention of the Pope, and the sacred Colledge of Cardinalls, tooke his Coat of Arms, & put on his body: the same Ceremonies being obserued by Clarencieux the Herald of Eng­land, who defied him likewise in his Masters name, and the Emperour gaue them their dispatche, and sent them away the said second day of Ianuary. So should Heralds and Kings of Armes gouerne themselues, when they are sent vnto Princes, and carry words of displeasing nature: to demand (first) assurance for deliuery of their message, or else, not to deliuer it all.

The Emperors answer retur­ned to the Kings of Frāce and England.The said Emperour, Charles the fift, was seauen or eight moneths in sending backe an answer to the Kings, euen vntill the tenth day of September, in Anno Dom. 1528. His Herald Golden Fleece, or Toison D'or, presented himselfe first to the King of France, in the great Hall of the Pallace at Paris, the King being assisted with all the Princes of his Blood, diuers Ambassadors and strange Lords, with an infinite number of Prelates, Peeres of France, and other. But because the Herald had discouered his message with impudence,The impu­dence of an Embassador from the Em­peror. indiscretion, and Spanish Rodomontado tearmes, in presence of the King, and cloathed in his Coat of Spaine; hee was summoned to giue his Patent for acceptation of the fight, and the field for battell.

When he had declared p [...]bliquely, that he had nothing in writing, but onely his cre­d [...]nce by word of mouth; the King denied him audience, and forbad him (before all present) on paine of his life, not to vtter or moue one word that might offend him. And so the H [...]rald of Spaine returned backe, without doing any thing.

The Ceremonies whereby the Kings Heralds of France and England made vse, for denouncing Warre to Charles the fifth, were very simple, yet very sprightly.

The manner of defiances sent to ene­mies by sun­dry Nations.The Ancient Romanes defied their enemies to extremitie, by throwing an enflamed Torche vpon their land: expressing thereby, that they would make their passage by fire and sword.

The Scythians, Tartares, and the Nations of Germanie (seated vnder the North) gaue to their Enemies the choyse of winde or sword; that is to say, eythet Peace or Warre: Peace by the winde, which causeth vs to breath; and Warre which is death, by the sword.

The Mexicanes, and people of Peru, defied Kings th [...]ir enemies, by sending them Pre­sents of Armes of defence, the Heralds rubbing their foreheads with a certaine oynt­ment, such as they embalmed their dead withall, round decking their heads likewise with plumes of feathers, such as they bestowed on the dead, before they gaue them enterring. And in making these Ceremonies, they defied them to the field, saying: Seeing you will not like of Peace, we will take away the life of you and yours: According as it is auouched by Iosephus Acosta, in his naturall history of India, the seuenth booke, and twelfth Chapter.

CHAP. V. Of Honors, and Military Recompences, Shields, Collers, Girdles, Crownes, and Rings of Gold.

THE Romanes, (a most Warre-like Nation, and the best go­uerned in all the inhabitable World) recompenced the valian­cie of their Citizens and Souldiours, with certaine Prizes of Honour: which at the first were nothing else but fruites, pro­ducted by the Earths enemie; according as Crownes were not then composed, plaited and fitted, but with simple Herbages of Gramen, Dogge-grasse, Oake, Lawrell, and other branches of Trees, as Titus Liuius writeth in the seauenth Booke of his Ro­mane History, and Plinie in his Naturall History, the two and twentieth booke, and the [Page 39] third Chapter, and onward. But as excesse and riot crept into Rome, by the aboun­dance of Conquered Prouinces; euen so in the same manner, the Prizes of Honour became changed and altered into Siluer and Gold. Nay more, those Mettalls were also releuated with the excellency of precious stones, tripled Collers, or Chaines of Gold,Plenty is the Nurse of ex­cesse. Crownes, Rings, or Horses, bredde and maintained at publique expence, became ad­ded thereunto. And then began the vse likewise of making Images and Statues (accor­ding to the life) of such men as had brauely exposed their liues in dangers, for the Cities safety and Honour. So that Amazonian Romane A Noble Ro­mane maide, that being in Hostage with Porcenna, de­ceiued her keepers, & swam ouer [...]yber to the Citie. Cloelia, was honoured with her Statue on Horse-backe, planted in an honourable place, mounted aloft in the sacred street to serue as a Mirrour or Beacon, for conduct of the Romane youth, to arme themselues with courage, casting in their faces the reproach of a cowardly or home-keeping life, as the old Latine Poet said:

Now these departments and distributions of Honors were not done but with great and good knowledge of the cause. For, although at Rome the Temple of Honour stood with open face to the East, West, South and North, as granting entrance indifferentlie,The temple of Honor at Rome. to all them that cherished vertue, as some by one meanes, and some by other: yet not­withstanding, that they might be equally vsed, or knowne after one and the same manner, the Reward and the paine (according to the quality of persons) were alwaies different; because the distribution of them ought to be different, and ruled Ad Pondus, & ad Iu­stitiam.

In the same manner, in all well gouerned Soueraigne Estates, distinct and separate by degrees of honour and preheminence, as Dukes, Princes, Marquesses, Counts,Acknowledg­ment of emi­nent persons. Vicounts and Barons; they are knowne as well by their Ornaments, as neere approach to the per­son of the Prince and Soueraigne, who for the distribution of those great honours, ought to locke them vp, and restraine them to the smallest number as possibly hee may. Hee should bestow them on his owne, as a sport or exercise of great price,How Honors and dignities ought to be distributed. earnestly wished for by all, but granted or admitted to very few; for nothing in the world doth more abase the worth of glory and honour, then when it is made common, or granted (without choyse and merit) to men of meane and wretched condition.

There are sufficient testimonies in one of the French Historians, concerning what contempt was made of the Order of the Starre, in the reigne of King Charles the seuenth, who gaue it (without choyse) to all such as offered him any seruice. The Princes & Lords disdained it, and the King himselfe abolished it from all vse, hauing giuen his Starre to the Captaine of the night watch, in the City of Paris. Another, in the learned Commen­taries of Blaise de Monluc, Marshall of France, one of the very brauest Captaines in his time, saith: That as an excellent testimony of Honour, King Henrie the second gaue him the Order of Saint Michael, which was not then prophaned, as it was in the time of Charles the ninth, when the Court was more full of Knights then it was of Horses: the Order being then so basely abused, that for giuing fiftie Crownes, any one might be made Knight of the Order of Saint Michael, without any regard or merit, neyther were those new-made Knights Gentlemen, or yet so good as the Farmers sonnes of the Countrie.

Sleiden in his second booke, obserueth the restriction made by the Emperor Sigismond King of Bohemia and Hungaria, concerning the number of Knights of his (ouerthrown) Order of the Dragon; consisting but of thirty persons (himselfe being chiefe of the Or­der) signale for vertue and well-deseruing. And the Emperour Charles the fift, whose life was of sufficient length, held but foure Chapters of his Order of the Golden Fleece, Of propha­ning Knight­hoods dignity. insti­tuted by the house of Bourgongne. It is likewise the prophaning of the Dignity of any Order (the sole prize of honour and valiancie) in conferring and giuing it indifferently, to all such as desire it, or get it (vnder-hand) by fauour, and no merit.

Amongst the Romanes, In Equite Romano Census, & Probitas spectabantur: So saith the Light of Ciuill Lawyers, the learned Cuiaux, in the one and twentie booke, and ninth Chapter of his Obseruations. Hee ought to haue goods and faculties suffici­ent to maintaine the Estate of Knighthood, and with those meanes, probitie of life. [Page 40] His reuenues ought to be foure hundred Sestertiaes, the Sestertia valuing two Assis and a [...] halfe, which made the fourth part of the Romane Denarius, which valued fiue Sols of French money, whereby the Sestertia amounted to the peece of three Blanks: so that foure hundred Sestertiaes arose yeerely to Foure score Parisian pounds, which make an hundred pounds Tournois.

The probatiō of him that was to be Knighted.Probitie or integritie, consisted in good manners, and a life without the least taxation, or reproofe, being very neere to Noble nature: whereof he was to make proofe, by An­tiquity of Triumphs, and olde duskie Images. Milites fieri non poterant, qui de genere mi­litum nati non essent. And no one could be registred downe in the Rolle of Honor, vntill he had formerly verified his Descent, to proceed from a Grandfather and Father of free condition: Constitutum ne coj jous esset, nisi coj ingenouo Patri, Auoque paterno Sestercis CCCC. Census fuisset: so saith Pliny in the three and thirtieth booke, and tenth chapter of his naturall history.

But after that the Romane Emperors had admitted into the ranke of Knighthood, all kinde of persons indifferently, as well free as enfranchised; by money or fauour; the Ho­nor of Knighthood became changed into contempt and dishonor.

Now, among the Romanes, the prizes of Honor and Recompence, were Crownes, Collers and Rings of Gold,Honourable Recompence [...] among th [...] Roma [...]. Bardes and Chanfreines for horses; Coronae Torques, Phale­ra, & Signa Militaria: and Standards, Banners, and Penons of Warre.

Concerning Crownes there were different sorts, and some more worthy then the o­ther: Aulus Gellius in the fift booke De Noctibus Atticis, numbreth seauen or eight. The first was called by the Romanes, Ouall, Oualis Corona, of the olde Latine verbe Ouare, which signifieth to reioyce, and the word Ouatio, Reioycing. This Crowne was made of Myrtle, a Shrub dedicated to the goddesse Venus:

So speaketh Virgill.

Corona Ouali [...], how bestow­ed.It was giuen to the Generall of an Armie, who without receiuing any wound, and effu­sion of bloud, had the vpper hand of his enemie: Or had beene sent against wretched slaues and Pyrates, vnworthy the exercise of Romane valiancie. This Generall might enter into Rome Triumphally; but on foote, being followed onely by the Senate (yet not on horse-backe) with the bands of the Armie.

Corona Na [...]a­lis.

The second was Corona Naualis, the Nauall Crowne, made with a Circle of gold, releuated like Prowes and Poupes of Gal­lies and Ships, of the same Mettall. It was bestowed on a Cap­taine or Souldier, that first grapled the Enemies Galley, and leapt into it.

Corona Valla­ [...]

The third was tearmed Palissado or Vallaris, made of the selfe-same stuffe, and releuated with Pales, Piles or Stakes. The Ge­nerall of the Armie gaue it to a Captaine or Souldier, who first enfranchised the Enemies Campe, and so forced the Palis­sado.

Corona Mura­lis.

Of the same temper was that called Corona Muralis, raised with Bretesches, Parapects and Battlements of gold; seruing as a Recompence & Prize for him, who first mounted on the walls of a besieged Towne or City, and there fixed the Standard, be­longing to the Generall of the Armie.

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Corona Ciuica, more esteemed then the Precedent,Corona Ciuica. Or the Cities Crowne. and made with flourishing branches of the greene Oake; was giuen by the Citizens of Rome to their fellow Citizen, who had saued a Citizens life in a siege, or in a ranged bat­tell. The ancient Romanes (as well as the wise and learned Druides) held the Oake in singular estimation, as beleeuing verily, that the fruit of this tree serued (in former times) for bread and sustenance to their elder predecessors, and that Wheate and Rie was in no practise for the vse and nouri­shing of men, but by defect of Mast or Acornes, as the La­tine Poet speaketh in his Georgicks.

Rome gaue it likewise to them, who had well deserued of the publique estate, and ma­naged matters for her conseruation. For this cause the Orator obtained it, hauing disco­uered the mine of treasons deuised by Catiline and his Complices. Iulius Caesar desired it aboue all the rest, & yet could not obtaine it;Cesar could not obtaine the City Crown, and the reason why. because he had sullied his hands in the bloud of his fellow Citizens. But the very fairest Title of Honour which the Romanes could excogitate, to illustrate the memorie of Augustus: was to call him their Father, and gaue him the Oaken Crowne: so that the Medalls and Moneyes (as well gold as siluer) of that good Emperor (vnder whose reigne the King of Kings, and Monarch aboue all Mo­narchs pleased to take birth in his humanity) had on the one side the Image of the said Augustus, and for a Legend round about, Divus Augustus Pater: And on the other side, a Crowne of Oaken leaues, sustained or carried by two Harts, Symboles of Eternity,The Moneys in Augustus Caesars tim [...]. for their exceeding long life, and vnder them a round bowle of the world, with a Scepter of Antiquity. Within the Crowne were these Letters engrauen, Ob Ciues Ser. Ob Ciues Serua­tores, on the sides these two Letters, S. C. Senatus consulto, to shew that this money was stamped by Decree of the Senate.

The Triumphall Crowne was plaited with branches of Lawrell, the Symbole of Victory;Corona Trium­phalis for Vi­ctors. and (soone after) made of the purest gold; whereupon it was named Aurum Coro­narium. It was giuen to the General, that returned home with Victory from a dreadfull enemy, by whose surprizall or ouerthrow, the Romane Estate wonne great aduantage: According to the ancient Prouerbe of our reuerend Fore­fathers; Let him haue the Honor of the Warre that bringeth home profit.

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But the most excellent Crowne of all, was Corona Gra­minea, called by the Romanes Corona Obsidionalis, obserued by Virgill in his Bucoli [...]s; ‘Qui Graminis attigit Herbam.’

Plinie in the two and twentieth booke, and third chapter of his naturall history, saith: That this Crowne was giuen by all the people of Rome; but the other, by the Emperors or by Generals of the Armie. Corona quidem nulla fuit Gra­minea nobilior in maiestate Populi Terrarum Principis, prae­mijsque gloriae, Gemmatae, & Aureae, Vallares, Murales, Ro­stratae, Ciuicae, Triumphales post hanc fuere. Caeter as Impera­tores dedere, sola Graminea ab vniuerso Exercitu seruato, Seruatori Decreta est. The Ciuica or City Crowne was giuen to him that had saued the life of a Romane Citizen: but this was giuen to the Captaine, that deliuered a whole enclosed Armie, sharpely besieged on all sides by the enemies.

The compos [...] tion of the Obsidionall Crowne.This Crowne was taken, and made of the same grasse and hearbs, which were first found in the same deliuered field. Dabatur haec viridi è Gramine decerpto inde, ibi obsess [...]s seruasset aliquis. Because, that like as the ancient Aegyptians, Greekes, and Romanes (so speaketh Porphirius in the book of Sacrifices and Magicke) made present (in elder times) of nothing else but hearbs to their gods, but afterward fruits gathered from the ground, & (in the end) liuing creatures: In the same manner, the honor and sacrifice (if it may be so said) which the Souldier rendred to his Generall, that had deliuered him from death, was to present him with the first hearbs found in the field, where hee had so happily receiued a second life▪ Summum enim apud Antiquos (so saith the same Plinie) Signum Victoria, erat Herbam porrigere Victoribus, hoc est Terra, & Altrice ipsa Humo, & humatione etiam cedere. A custome practised (saith Plinie) and deriued from the ancient Gaules, who vsed the same; by report of Caesar in his Commentaries of the Gaulish warre. In obseruing that sprightly and Warlike Nation, he saith, that while they attended the shocke and sig­nall of Battell, they would sit down on a Sod of earth, and tufte of greene grasse in their fielde of battell. And the Romanes (according to the testimony of Plinie) had not any thing in greater estimation, then Verueine, and the hearb called Dogges tooth, which is the Graminea. Auctores Imperij Romani Conditoresque immensum quidam sumpsere ex ignobi­libus herbis, quoniam non aliunde Sagmina in remedijs publicis fuere, & in sacris legationibus, quam Verbenae. Certe vtroque nomine idem significatur. Hoc est gramen ex arce cum su [...] terra euulsum: Hac (Verbenae) semper Legaticum ad hostes Clarigatum mitterentur vsi, i [...] est, res raptas clare repetitum vnus vtique Verbenarius vocabatur, as wee haue obserued in the former Chapter.

The meanest Crowne in value, but the most honora­ble.This Obsidionall Crown was the meanest in value of all the rest, but the most excellent in honor, and it was giuen to the Generall of an Armie Romane, that had deliuered his followers, and compelled the enemy to dis encampe, and sound the retreat. In the se­cond wa [...]e of the Ca [...]thagenians, Fabius Maximus, hauing deliuered the City of Rome, when it was extreamely besieged by them: by order and decree of the Senate, hee was honoured with this Crowne Graminea.

The Crowne of Peace and Concord.Ouer and besides these Crownes that were of Honor, there remained yet another, and the very simplest of all; which (in Iudging vprightly) ought to haue the prime ranke of honour and preheminence: nay, rather more; because Peace is the sacred gift of God, and the best that man can haue, or wish for, farre excelling and surpassing in felicitie, the wret­ched and miserable condition of Warre. It was a Crown composed and made of Oliue Branches, which was bestowed on him that had managed Peace and Concord, betweene two mortall enemies, and by solid discretion, brought it to a successefull conclusion, ne­uer to be dissolued.

A Poeticall [...]ontrouersie between Nep­tune and Mi­neruaIt is sufficiently known, that the Oliue is the Hieroglyphicke or Symbole of Peace, and by a queint inuention of the Poets, it was feigned, that question being moued for naming the City of Athens; the debate and controuersie hapned betweene Minerua & Neptune. To determine this difference, the gods being assembled in their Synagogue, it was ordai­ned, that the preference should appertaine to the party of the Contendants, which could bestow on men the most beneficiall gift. Neptune striking the Earth with his Mace or Trident, immediately bounded forth a goodly horse, the Symbole of Warre.

Minerua on the contrary, shee produced a flourishing Oliue-Tree, the presage of Peace.

Hereupon, by an vnanimate voyce of the Gods, the prerogatiue was adiudged to Mi­nerua, the Goddesse of Peace.

The vse of these Crownes became lost beyond measure,The Romaine Honors gre [...] out of request by the Empires declination. when the greatnesse and Ma­iesty of the Romaine Empire, began to totter and decline. And then Kings, who made a benefit of her decadence and fall, subrogated others in their stead. As namely the close Crowne for Imperiall, but altogether of a contrary fashion, to those of the moderne Em­perours, both of the East and West; as wee are enstructed by Curopalates, in notice of the one and other Empire, who sets them downe quite otherwise, then they are at this present.

NOw concerning that belonging to the Sacred Kings of the Lil­lie, The floure best beloued, which is without any Paragon:The Crowne for France. the Princes which are the yong shoots, and budding branches thereof, haue their Chappeaux and Tymbres honored on the Crest.

DVkes haue their Chappeaux, with Roses blowne and open sprea­ding.Dukes Crown [...].

MArquesses haue theirs composed of a Chappeau, and a Circle,Marquesses. three vpon one.

FOr the Count, he hath a Circle with Buttons.Counts.

ANd the Viscount with Pearles; the first is releuated,Vicounts. but this other without any releuation at all: And the Ordonance of Chappeaux and Circles, is conformable to the preheminence.

AS for the Crownes belonging to the Kings of England and Spaine, Crownes for England and Spaine. they are represented (with­out preiudice to their ranke) according to the com­mon obseruation of Geographers.

Returne we now againe to the Romaine Antiquity.

The Emperor Augustus Caesar (whose Ordonances may be taken from the Table of Royall dignity, and the degrees of honor) was long time retained in the distribution of [Page 44] them: as Suetonius telleth vs in his life, the fiue and twentieth Chapter. Dona milit [...]ri [...] aliquanto facilius Phaleras, & Torques, & quidquid Auro, Argentoque constaret, quam Vallares, ac Murales Coronas, quae honore praecellerent, dabat.

And in the three and fortieth Chapter, speaking of Chaines of Gold, whereof (often­times) he made liberall gifts. In hoc ludicro Caium Nonium Asprenatem lapsu debilitatum Aureo Torque donauit, passusque est ipsum posterosque Torquati ferre cognomen.

Caligula, to the Crownes formerly obserued, added other of his owne inuention: as Suetonius saith in his life, the fiue and fortieth Chapter. Participes Victoriae nouo genere Co­ronarum donauit, quas distinct as Solis, ac Lunae, Syderumque Specie, Exploratorias ap­pellauit.

The same Suetonius noteth (on the words of the Emperor Augustus) that he gaue, as an especiall priuiledge of excellency and honor, to his Sonne in Law Agrippa (who had won the Nauall battaile on the coasts of Sicilie, the Storie whereof is sufficiently knowne) the Blew Standard for Generals by Sea, whom we call Admirals. Marcum Agrippam i [...] Sicilia post Naualem Victoriam, Caeruleo Vexillo donauit.

Concerning Collers and Chanfraines.The fore-alleadged passage of the Emperor Augustus: Ve facilius Phaleras, & Torques, affirmeth, that those Collers and Chanfraines were his ordenarie gifts: but yet neuerthe­lesse, they were not granted at any time, except to persons of especiall merit. As is wel obserued by the learned Budeus, the honor of France, vpon the Law Finale, De Senatori­bus, at the Digest. That Torques Aurei Militibus ob rem Strenue gestam ab Imperatoribus donari solebant.

Because that this was the prize of Valiancie, and the most worthy recompence of Ver­tue. As it is said in the Chapter Ius militare, the first distinction Stipendiorum modus, Dignitatum gradus, Praemiorum honos, veluti cum Corona, vel Torques datur. For o­therwise, Iuuenall would haue improued such a distribution, as speaketh his last Sa­tyre.

For concerning men of merit and honor, such recompences were neuer enuied; but (contrariwise) worthily acknowledged, both by the adornements of their Horses, and by the Coller of the Order, as witnesseth Silius Italicus, in his fifteenth booke.

Vpon these two passages, of the Poets, and the speeches concerning Chaines of Gold in Collers, which is the true auncient note of Knighthood: we will insert here some other obseruations, collected from a farre greater number.

The honora­ble antiqui [...]ie of Chain [...]s and Rings.Among the Assyrians, A [...]gyptians, Medes and Persians, the Chaine of Gold for the necke, and the Ring of Gold for the finger, was the marke or Symbole of libertie, nobi­litie and Chiualrie. In the foure and fortieth Chapter of Genesis, Ioseph, being a slaue in the Court of Pharaoh: was proclaimed Vice-Roye of Aegypt, set at free liberty, and the Ring of Gold put on his finger, and the Chaine of Gold about his necke, by King Pha­raoh. As much was done to Mardocheus, by the King Ahasuerus, in the booke of Hester: And to the Prophet Daniell (as himselfe writeth) by the great King of Persia Nabuchodo­nosor.

We learne of Curopalates, in the booke of the Offices of Constantinople, that the Chaines of Gold giuen to Knights or Souldiors by the Romaine Emperors, were orde­narily thrice double.Of the the w [...]athes cal­led Stemma [...] Diadema His noate is very remarkeable, for thereby hee enstructeth vs, that those that were giuen in his time (which is aboue eleuen hundred years since) called Stem­ma, were formerly named Diadema: which was a head-band of pure Gold, couered with Pearles and rich Stones, and therewith were engirt the browes of the Romaine Em­perours, being made fast behinde the head, which they then called Stemma. Now concerning the word Diadema, it was taken (in his time) for a Girdle or Baudricke, pro­per onely to Knights and Souldiors, as a marke of honor, and preheminence. For this cause (saith he) Tyrants and Pagan Princes, desiring to martyrise Christian Knights, that would not offer incense to their Idols: [...] of cru­el tyrants to C [...]r [...]stian [...]. first of all, they would despoile them of their Gir­dles and Baudrickes, and afterward deliuer them to the Hangmen and Tormentors, to make them endure the tortures of Martyrdome. Obserue here how hee describeth the [Page 45] Coller, belonging to the Order of those Knights, which hee calleth Strepton, [...].

That which at this present they call Strepton, is a Coller of Gold made and wrought by the Goldsmiths hand, into the forme of a wreath or garland, composed of three chaines, Torques. Aurum ductum, implexum ex tribus quasi funiculis, quod gestabant de collo.

Now you are to vnderstand,Those Collers deriued onely from the Gaules. that the Romaines drew not the practise of these Col­lers from the Greekes, or any other Nation, but onely the Gaules, a most dreadfull Na­tion to the said Romaines, since the sacke of the City of Rome. Virgill (I will begin with his testimony, as most auncient) in the eight booke of his Aeneidos, desciphering the Gaules by their long curled lockes of goodly haire, their golden Beards, their Iacquers, Cassockes and arming Coates, Bandezen Pal de diuerses couleurs, (as yet are worne by the Guard of the Kings Gates, and the great Prouost of the Houshold) and about their necks, white as Snow, (bare, and without any necke couering, according to the fashion of the auncient Gaules) but adorned with Collers and Chaines of Gold.

Diodorus Siculus, in the sixt booke of his Antiquities, speaketh thus of the Gaules. Cir­ca collum grandes Torques gestant ex solido auro, & in digitis Annulos aureos.

Strabo, his contemporarie, in the fourth booke of his Geographie, making mention of the Chaines and Collers of Gold, as also Rings of the same mettall, which those Aun­cestors of the French wore about their neckes, and on their fingers; calleth both the one and the other, Honors of Excellence and Dignitie.

Titus Liuius exalteth one Manlius Torquatus (whom he maketh sourse and originall, of one of the greatest and most renowned Families in the Citie of Rome) for bearing the sirname of Torquatus, A Torque detracto cuidam militi Gallo ▪ by victorie in single Com­bat of a Gaulish Knight; whom Caesar and Titus Liuius (coniured enemies to that warlike Nation) make more easie to be vanquished and surmounted by their pens, then euer they could haue bin by their Armes. Thus much concerning Collers: come wee now to Rings.

The passages formerly reported by Diodorus Siculus and Strabo, haue made vs an en­trance, yea, another passage of the precedent. Manuum articulos, & brachijs armillis au­reis, exornant, & in digitis Annulos aureos gestant.

The youths of France, to the end they might attaine to the honor of Knighthood,The endea­uor of French youths to gain the honor of Knighthood. so soone as their first Armes were bestowed on them: made shew of wearing but a Ring of Iron, vntill they had made some proofe of themselues against their enemies, and brought to end some enterprise, whereby to win account and reputation. This is the testimonie of the noble Romaine Annalist Cornelius Tacitus, in describing the common manner of life of the Gaules and Germaines, ruled and gouerned by one and the same kinde of poll [...]cy. Fortissimus quis que insuper annulum ferreum (ignominiosum id genti) velut vinculum ge­stat, donec se caede hostis absoluat.

He said to very good purpose, Ignominiosum id genti, to a Nation wholly generous and magnanimious, borne to command, and not to serue; borne to subdue all the peo­ple in the world by force of Armes, and from their inuincible power, to giue and make Lawes, but not to receiue them from any person. Vndoubtedly, it was a matter very ig­nominious, to weare a Ring of Iron, the most vile and abiect mettall, that mother nature could yeelde from her fruitfull wombe: a mettall, the marke and Symbole of slauery and seruitude.

The most acceptable presents, which the round neighbouring people could send to these couragious men, to let them liue in peace (saith the same Tacitus) were the goodli­est Armours, bright and cleare shining, sprightly Horses, brauely limb'd and accoustred, with costly Bardes, Chanfraines and other furniture for the said Horses, as also rich Col­lers of Gold. Gaudent praecipue finitimarum gentium donis, magna arma, electi equi, pha­ [...]erae, Torques que. It was no wonder then, if they affected Horses, their meere nature made it sufficiently knowne: because (at all times) they haue bin obserued,The Gaules naturally affe­cted to Horses The Iron Ring a noate or marke of Slauerie. to be the most actiue, and very best Souldiors of the world.

The Ring of Iron was (as we haue already said) a noate of slauery to the Gaules and [Page 46] Germaines, to the Greekes and Romaines, who borrowed from the Gaules the difference of Rings. All Slaues (in auncient times) wore Rings of Iron, in holes bored through their eares, vpon their fingers, and very often on their feete, like miserable Gally-slaues, fastened to the chaine: and in this manner they were condemned to digge and labour in Mines. Ad Metalla, Fodinasque damnati.

Lucian, for this consideration, introduceth Prometheus, fastned on the mountaine Ca [...] ­casus, with great Iron Chaines, and on his finger a Ring of the same mettall; subiect to rust, and of no value.

Anulum aureum neque Seruus, neque Libertinus gestabat in publico, sed Anulo aureo Li­beri vtebantur; Libertini argenteo, Serui ferreo, so learned Isidore telleth vs. It was by the Ring of Iron, that Slaues were knowne, as Apuleius saith in the tenth booke of his Mil [...] ­sians. Donec iussu Magistratum ministeria publica, contrectatis nequissimi, Serui manib [...], Annulum Ferreum deprehensum, cum signosacculi conferunt.

A passage which may make vs to obserue an order well kept in auncient houshold go­uernement,A notable obseruation of Auncient Houshold go­uernment. when, to hinder the infidelity of Slaues, of vile birth, and worse breeding, as naturally inclined to all vice; those reuerend Elders lockt vp all things vnder key. For the Mothers of the Family, who had no other troubles in their heads, but loyall loue to their Husbands, and respect of the houshold (two points to be most wished in euery wise wife) did weare (on necessity) Rings of Gold. Within the table of some one of them, w [...]s [...]ngrauen certaine carracters, and a Seale on the one side, and on the other a little Key, fastened to a Chaine turning in the hand, to locke and open whatsoeuer might be subiect to pilffering. Because our auncients held this as an vndoubted maxime, Tot serui, to [...] hostes: whatsoeuer distinction may be induced of voluntary seruitude, or forced. Simi [...] semper Simia, etiam in purpura. Si sperat fore clam, rursum ad ingenium redit, so saith the prouerb [...] ▪ and the learned Comicall Terence.

Plinie in the three and thirtieth Booke, and the first Chapter of his Naturall History, saith: N [...]n [...] ci [...]i, & potus, Anulo vindicantur a rapina. In Plautus, the Mother of the Fa­mily, to keepe h [...]selfe from priuy theeues, went herselfe to Market, and at going forth of her house, lockt and made fast her Cubbords and other places of charge.

Whereof a seruant complained, detesting this dilligence, most requisite in house­keeping, to locke vp all things vnder Key, euen to the Salt-seller, as the same Plantus af­firmeth:

And Marshall in his ninth Epigrame.

A diligence which S. Clemens Alexandrinus approueth, and commendeth in a Christi­an woman, in the third Booke of his Institutions. Dat Foeminis Anulum Aureum, nec eum quidem ad ornamentum, sed vt ea obsignent, quae doni digna sunt quae custodiantur, propteres quod domus cura ad cas pertineat. Si enim rectam Paedagogi institutionem omnes probe sequ­rentur, ni [...]il opus esset Signaculis, cum omnes essent ex aequo Iusti, & Serui, & Domini. Sed quoniam ignorantia, & mala educatio praebet occasionem propensionis ad iniuriam, fuit op [...] Sigillis. A passage which well deserueth to be translated into English.

The reason why the Ring of Gold was giuen to a Christ [...]an woman.It was permitted to a Christian Woman, to weare the Ring of Gold on her hand, not for ostentation, or vaine brauery, but for necessity and care of House-keeping. It is giuen her to seale and locke vp such things as are to be conserued; because she was married, to conserue and gouerne the goods of her Husband. For, if euery one vnderstood and knew the rules belonging to a rich Oeconomie, there would be no neede of locking any thing vnder Key: because the Maister and the Seruant would walke equally alike in iustice. But by reason of ignorance in the Maister, and bad breeding in the Slaue or Ser­uant, doing vniustly to his Maister; he makes his good guard, locking all things safely vp vnder Key.

Romaine tri­umphe [...] did not weare the Ring of Gold, but one of Iron.Among the Romaines, the Generals of Armes, that had deserued to triumph, were mounted vpon a Chariot, drawne by foure white Horses; hee cloathed in a large Mantle of Tyrian Purple, imbrodered with Palmes of Gold, and the Diademe or triumphall Crowne on his head. And yet notwithstanding, it was not lawfull for him to weare Rings of Gold, but onely of Iron, the marke of Slaues, and of their basenesse. To the end, [Page 47] [...]hat on this day of brauery, they should fixe their eies on the vilenesse of the mettall, which [...]hey wore on their hands, and thereby acknowledge, the inconstancy of the affaires of the world, whom they tearmed Fortune, who had nothing for her pedestall, but a rowling Bowle.

This is that which Plinie obserued, in the three and thirtieth Booke, and first Chapter, of his Naturall History. Et quum corona ex auro Hetrusco sustineretur a tergo, Anulus ta­ [...]en in digito Ferreus erat, aequa Fortuna Triumphantis, & Serui publici Coronam susti­ [...]entis.

Concerning that which he saith of the Triumphall Crowne, made of pure Tuscane Gold: it was carried ouer the Victors head, by the publique Seruant which was behinde him (and on the same Chariot of Triumph) vnderstood to be the Executioner of Iustice, whom the Romaines held in such detestation, that he had his dwelling house farre enough off from the Citie, as the Oratour saith, and Iuuenall in his tenth Satyre, is conformable to [...]he testimony of Plinie.

This was in regard of feare, to haue the Hang-man for so neere a neighbour.

Zonoras a Greeke Author, in the second booke of his Ecclesiasticall History, hath [...]dded another notable noate. That to the Chariot of Triumph, was fastened a withy­ [...]and, a Bell and a whip: to let him vnderstand, that (being but a man) he might fall [...]nto some such inconuenience, as might cause him to be bound & whipt like a slaue, [...]nd passe through the Hang-mans hands; to the end, that he was not to be ouer-proud of his present prosperity. Malefactors condemned to punishment were led bound, [...]earing a Bell, or the Hangman for them:Concerning punishment of Malefactors. to aduertise the people walking vp and downe in the streetes, to withdraw themselues from thence, least they should be polluted by so vile company. Which custome is yet to this present day obserued [...]n Turkie, in one and the same manner: sauing that the Turkes, not hauing retai­ [...]ed the vse of Bels (which are euery where broken) haue none, in leading their con­ [...]emned to punishment. In some places of France, Spaine and Italie, offenders are led [...]o punishment with the sound of a Trumpet.

The Triumpher, being highly exalted with glory and magnificence, rustling in Gold and precious Stones, brauely glittering in his Mantle of Scarlet, and Cinabre, wherewith his naked body was made to looke red, like to the Pagans Gods, or ra­ [...]her like the Persians,The seauen Princes of the Pe [...]sian Em­pire. among whom the seauen Princes of their Empire (according [...]o the or onance of great King Cyrus) painted their faces and hands with Vermilli­on, to make themselues both more venerable and dreadfull to their Subiects, by [...]heir lookes: This Victor, adored as a Mars, when he returned from battailes in Ho­ [...]er: This Triumpher, preceded by all the Squadrons and Romaine Horse, of Kings [...]nd Princes subiugated, captiued and chained, with their lookes deiected, and fixed on the ground.

And followed by all the Romaine people, attired in fine white garments, crow­ [...]ed with Laurell, and bearing both Palme and Laurell in their hands: This magni­ [...]icent man, in the height of all his Royall pompe, was (at diuers times) stearnely ga­ [...]ed in the face, by this publique Seruant, who caused him to remember the frailtye of worldly affaires. As we learne of great Tertullian, in the three and thirty chapter of his Apologies. Hominem se esse etiam Triumphans in illo sublimissimo Curru admone­ [...]ur. Suggeritur etiam ei a tergo. Respice te, Hominem; Memento Te.

And the same Romaines, setting their Slaues at liberty, which they called en­ [...]ranchising; tooke away their Ring of Iron, and gaue them one of Siluer, and, of Slaues, they tearmed them Freemen, and their children Ingenious and Free: to whom onely it was permitted to weare the Ring of Gold: the marke of the Son of [...]he Family, returning home againe to his Father, as we reade in Saint Luke.

The Aegyptians at enfranchising their Seruants, gaue each of them a Ring of Gold: as appeareth in the Historie of Ioseph, Genesis the one and fortieth Chapter. To Captaines that had carried themselues valiantly in warre; as a recompence of honour, they gaue a Ring of Gold; within the bea [...]ill or collet whereof, was engra­ [...]en the figure of a Beetle-flye, so saith Plutarch in his Tract of Isis and O [...]is. Because [Page 48] that creature is altogether mas [...]e, and hath not any female: giuing thereby to vnderstand, that Nobilitie maketh best apparance of it selfe, by valiancy and manly courage.

Euen so among the Romaines, the Ring of Gold was numbred among the gift and recompences of honor, giuen to valiant Captaines, as Asconius Padianus witnes­neth in these words. Quadam praemia, & dona militaria, & honori, & lucro sunt, vt [...] stae, Vexilla, Phalerae; & Coronae Ciuicae. At Anuli Aurei Ingenuitatis signa sunt. Co [...] cerning Military Gifts and Recompences, some doe bring but Honor onely, and others Honor and Profit together. Iauelins, Banners, Streamers, Ornaments for Horses, and the Citizens Crowne, they onely are honorable: but Rings doe bring both Honor and Profit together, because they are the signale or marke of free con­dition,How the Ro­maine Empe­rors gaue free­dome to their Slaues. and of liberty. And this he speaketh to very good purpose, because the Ro­maine Emperours granting the priuiledge of wearing Rings of Gold to their Slaue [...] did also (by the same meane) set them at liberty, so (by little and little) gracing them with Noble titles, among the ranke of Romaine Knights.

What they did in honor to Captaines and men of warre; they afforded to Slaues by fauour,When the Ring of Gold was giuen to the Generall of an Armie. or corruption. The fashion or manner vsed by the Romaine Emperors, in giuing Rings of Gold to Generals of Armes, was with these words. Quando t [...] quidem in praelijs, in bello, in re militari versatus es, ob hasce res, Hoc Anulo Aureo Dono. To the former speeches, they added a long Oration, wherein was noted perticu­larly, the prowesse and heroicall actions (of him whom they made Knight) perfor­med in Battailes and dayes of Chiualrie, done in the sight of the chiefe of the Ar­mie, with obseruation of circumstances, perticularities of place, time, and the occa­sions, according ar the Orator remarketh, inueighing sharpely against Verres (Diuina­tione quinta ▪ who contrary to all the auncient formes, had granted the Ring of Gold to his Tabellion or publique Notarie, vtterly incapable, and vnworthy to be made [...] Knight.

By money and corruption, Slaues obtained to be made Knights; as we learne of the great Arnobius, Aduersus Gentes, in the fourth Booke. Pecunia donat Anulos, [...] priora loca in spectaculis: Because in the Theaters and Amphitheaters, they sate in th [...] places of Knights.

Plinie in his three and [...]hirtieth Booke, the first and second Chapters, noateth this corruption, somewhat reformed by Authenticall Rules: Sed hodie De iure Anulor [...] Aureorum, at the Code, whereby following the ordonance of the Emperours Diocle­sian and Maximian, the Enfranchised enioyed the place of Romaine Bourgesses, and to weare Rings of Gold. But yet debarred from the rights of Patronage, as it is said in the Law, Is qui [...]us. D [...]od. Statius obseruing this corruption, spake very effectually to a Slaue, made Noble, and a Knight.

And before him, Petronius Arbiter, desciphering the riot and excesse of the Slaue Trimalcion. Habebat in minimo digito sinistrae manus, Anulum Grandem Subauratum, ex­tremo vero articulo digiti sequentis minorem, vt mihi videbatur Totum Aureum, sed pl [...] ferreis velut Stellis ferruminatum. He taxeth him, with deriuing from Slauery to Nobility; which the Ring of Gold declared: distinguished with small Stars of Iron, o [...] the next finger to the little, on the left hand.

The Physi [...]i [...]n fingerAnd from thence we learne, that Rings of Gold are worne by Noble persons of the medicinall finger of the left hand, called by the Latines, Digitus Medicus, as the litttle finger, his neighbour, Auricularis. Aulus Gellius, in the tenth Booke and Chap­ter of his Attick-Nights (followed by the whole Schoole of Physitions) declareth, that a small and subtile Arterie (but not a Nerue, as Aulus Gellius saith) proceeded from the heart, to beate on this Physition finger. The motion of which Arter [...], may be felt by touching the finger, as an Index or demonstration, of whatsoeuer i [...] next to the Pulse, either in women in trauaile, or in weary and ouer-laboured per­sons; informing alwayes from time to time, when the heart beateth, or is of­fended.

The Physiti­on finger ne­uer offended with the Gout.This finger on the left hand, is rarely afflicted with the Gout, for the sympathie and neighbourhood it hath with the heart (the first liuing and last dying) which con­ [...]rueth [Page 49] the Gouty, vntill such time as the infection of corrupted humours, come to [...]sperse themselues in the left crannies of the brest or stomacke, vnder which is the [...]int of the heart, and then this Annulary finger becommeth Glandulous & swolne. [...]or then, when vitall heate is quenched and wholly abated (as a light without oyle) [...]r Lampe is extinguished, by the deuision of a whole part.

And the Canonists hold in the Glosse of the Chapter Foeminae the thirtieth, and [...]e fift Question, that to this Physicall finger, a veine answereth, which taketh his [...]urse and originall from the heart.

And this is the reason, why at Sacring the most Christian Monarches of France [...]he onely solemne act which they doe in all their life) the Ring of Gold is put on [...]e fourth finger of the left hand, in signe of a marriage that day, betweene them and [...]e Kingdome. As the same is done to married wiues in the Church, with the Sil­ [...]er Rod, the marke of honor, and obedience vowed by her to her Husband. For such [...]ings ought not to be giuen, or worne otherwise.

CHAP. VI. Of Ceremonies exercised and performed, in giuing Armes to Esquires, and bestowing the Order on Knights.

COncerning Esquires, without making any vnprofitable inqui­sition further off: they receiued appellation,Whence came the first na­ming an Es­quire. as well of the Shields belonging to their Maisters (tearmed in French Escuts) and vsed in their quests and actions of Armes; as also of their Horses, whereof they had the charge and respect, aboue all things else.

It is also sufficiently knowne, that in the Salique Law, Sta­bles for Horses were, and are still called Escuries, at the eigh­teenth title De Incendijs, and the third Paragraph. Si quis Su­ [...]em, cum Porcis; Scuriam cum Animalibus, vel Fenile incenderit, IID-Denar. qui faci­ [...]t Solidos LXII. culpabilis iudicetur, excepto capitali, & dilatura. The selfe same is in [...]he fourth title of the Lawes of Bauaria, and in the complaint of the Archbishop of [...]heims Hinemarus, against the Bishop of Laon, who carried the same name. Insuper & [...]curiam ipsius interclusit, &c. In processe of time, the name of Esquire became com­ [...]on to such Gentlemen, as serued for Caruers at the Tables of Kings and Monarches [...]f France, as likewise to the principall Officers of their houshold, and waiting in their Kitchin.

Vnder the estate of the auncient Gaules and Germaines,Obseruation among the an­c [...]ent Gaules & Germaines. their Sonnes did not ap­ [...]eare in publique, vntill they were become tall youths, and of yeares capable▪ to fa­ [...]hion themselues for the managing of Armes. Liberos suos▪ nisi quum adoleuerint, vt mu­ [...]us Militiae sustinere possint, palam ad se adire non patiuntur; filiumque in pueri [...]i aetate, in [...]ublico in conspectu Patris assistere, turpe ducunt. This we learne of Caesar, in his sixt [...]ooke of the memories of the Gaules warre.

In this age of youthhood (commonly called Adolescencie) capable to learne what [...]elonged to Armes:Such as was most in vse a­mong the Princes of the Empire. those yong Gallants were brought to diets and publique Assem­ [...]lies, to learne some knowledge of the world, and to grow Courtly; And then it was, when they were made Esquires, by giuing them their first Armes, which ought not [...]o be vnderstood of the Sword, because that was put into their hands, euen from their [...]irth.

At these publique Assemblies, the Prince, the Father, or the neerest kinsman of the [...]ong Gentleman there presented, deliuered report of his discent and Genealogie:The presenta­tion of the yong Gentle­man. with perswasion of vndoubted hope, that he would neuer wander or degenerate from [...]he wayes, wherein his famous Ancestors had alwayes walked. Then was hee re­ceiued as an Esquire, by giuing him the charge of the Lance, and of the Shield, be­ [...]onging to the Prince or Lord, that entertained him into his traine. This haue we lear­ned of the Noble Historian Tacitus, in his Germania. In ipso consilio vel Principum, The ancient manner of cre­ating an Es­quire. vel Pater, vel Propinquus, Scuto, Frameaque Iuuenem Ornant. Thus you see the Ceremonies [Page 50] obserued, in giuing the first Armes to a yong Esquire: which was (properly) a [...] of Adoption, made by the Prince, of these yong vpshooting plants, to immat [...]ic [...] them, and giue them enroulement, among the Sonnes of the publique weale, whereof they began then to be made members: for, before these ceremonies, they were [...] puted no other then hous-birds, or home-lings. Haec apud illos toga, hic primus [...] honos; ante hoc, domus pars videntur, mox Reipublicae.

Distinguish­ing of Esquires of Birth-right.In elder times (as yet to this day) Noblemen tooke the title, and the quality of Es­quires, & carried their Fathers Armes, by distinction (as we haue already said) of the degrees of primogeniture, or birth-right: which yet neuerthelesse could not be per­mitted, before the said Esquires were married, and become Fathers of the Family. For yong Esquires could not beare Armes (at least paternall) if they were not knights. Well might they seale with the Armes of their Mothers, and then when they were Knighted, it was permitted them to take the paternall Armes, (according to the de­gree of birth) in their Escutcheon and Seale, engirt with the Order by them recei­ued.A prohibition concerning Esquires. But it was very carefully respected, that Esquires (were they married, or vn­married) should haue their Spurres and Armes but siluered. Il n'appartenoit qu'aux Che­ualiers d [...]en porter de Dorees. It belonged to none but Knights, to beare such as were Guilded.

Greeke Authors, as Possidonius, Strabo, Diodorus Siculus, and Atheneus, in the fourth Booke of his Dypn [...]sophystes, and the Tract De Coena Celtarum, maketh mention of the Gaulish Esquires; who attended diligently behinde the Knights their Maisters (so long as they were seated at the Table) with their Shields and Lances.

For, the Lance and Shield were the proper and naturall Armes, appertaining t [...] a French Knight.The proper Armes of a French knight. And therefore they are called in their Capitularies, Arma Patri [...] ▪ which Esquires carried alwaies after their Maisters, into whatsoeuer parts they were, and vpon what occasion, as namely.

To feasts and Banquets: the passage formerly alleadged of Atheneus, may serue for proofe.

To Benches of Iustice, called places of suites and controuersies; their owne Capitularies, third Booke and two and twentieth Chapter. Vt nullus ad Mallum, vel Pla­citum nisi Patria arma, idest, Scutum, & Lanceam portet.

Likewise to the Church. At the Councell of Magunce, and the seauenteenth Ca­non. Laicis vero qui apud nos sunt Arma Patria portare non prohibemus, quia antiquus [...] est ad nos vsque peruenit. We shall obserue this auncient Custome more amply in the Tract concerning the Order of the Starre.

Of these Esquires (whom the Latinists call Armigeros) Virgill hath a passage in the second booke of his Aeneidos.

Tacitus witnesseth vnto vs, that they were appointed to follow in the seruice o [...] Kings, Princes, and great Lords, to learne the training and profession of Armes, an [...] to make application of them, as well for peace, as warre. And this was the reason▪ why he gaue them the title of Companions, or fellowes. Magna Comitum aunba [...] quibus apud Principem suum locus, & Principum cui plurimi, & acerrimi Comites. Hac dig­nitatis, hae Vires, magno semper Electorum Iuuenum globo circumdari, in Pace decus, [...] Bello praesidium.

As we passe on in this discourse, we may remember, a word formerly spoken of which Latine Authors (traducing it from Strabo and Diodorus Siculus) haue interpreted by the name of Lance (a meere Gaulish word) for that of Framea, which they [...]ay is Equiuocall, for all Armes both offensiue and defensiue, hurting farre off. And V [...] ­gill in the passage before alleadged, maketh the Gaules to be armed with Lance-g [...] and long [...]auelins, to hurle and dart out of their hands, as in the eight Booke of [...] Aeneidos.

And it is well knowne, that the Gaules (in elder times) possessed a great part of [Page 51] [...]talie, and all Insubria, at this instant called Lombardie, and tearmed Transalpine Gaule in regard of France) consequently the Mountaines of the Alpes, Alpina gesa, & Li­ [...]urina Scuta ▪ which euermore haue beene taken for Armes of the Gaules, namely, [...]he Lance and Shield. This is respectiuely obserued by Procopius, speaking of the wars in Italie, done by Bel [...]sarius, in the time of the Emperor Iustinian the Law-maker.The Sword is a weapon ge­nerall to all Souldiors.

But the word Framea, should not be vnderstood of the Sword, Armes generall to [...]uery man of warre indifferently, albeit disguised with many diuers names, of a [...]ucke▪ Horsemans-Sword, Blade, Cemitarie, Faucheon, Rapier, Flamberge: all which epithites notwithstanding, that of the Gaules and Germaines was properly [...] a Sword. The Interpreter of Diodorus Siculus, hath remarked this propriety; Pro [...]s [...]bus, Ferreas Spatas gerunt a dextro latere pendentes. In France, they that speake [...]he language of Oc, doe yet tearme it Espade. And the Romaines▪ in their tongue, [...]ame this weapon of Armes, Ensem, as in the second A [...]neidos.

And the Armes of the long Pike or Speare, called by the Romaines ‘Pila minantia Pilis;’

Was among the Gaules and Germaines The Lance: As the same Interpreter of Diodorus Siculus hath very well obserued; Iaculis bellant, quae illi Lanceas vocant. Be­side which, as well the Horseman, as the Fantassine, had the Axe of Armes, common­ [...]y called the Battaile-Axe, which in the Historie of S. Gregorie of Tours, is called Fran­cisque; And [...]oard, in the Historie of the Church of Rheimes. In elder time also, the hundred Gentlemen of the Kings house, with their Battaile-Axes, carried the same kinde of Axe, represented by their Pentioners Polaxes.How the name of Che­ualier tooke the first be­ginning.

The greatest care that any Knight had, was, to be continually furnished with a good Horse, which he tearmed Bon Cheuall, and thence it seemeth, that the name of Cheualier receiued Originall. And it is well knowne, that (at Rome) such men were called Cheual [...]ers. Qui Equo publico moerebant. For such Horses were maintained at the publique charge, in time of the Common-wealths first springing: And after­ward, at the Knights owne expences, when their Reuenue valued foure hundred Sestertiaes, as we haue already said.

Cornelius Tacitus, speaking of Romaine Knights degrading,The degra­ding of Ro­maine knights and cast off by the Emperour Vitellius, for the murthering of his predecessour, writeth: that he tooke away Their Baudrickes and Horses. He saith moreouer, that the Horse of one of those dismounted Knights, running after his Maister, would not forsake him, till the Knight at one stroke with his Sword, slew the Horse; and afterward sheathing it in his own body, died betweene his Horses feete.

By this pittifull spectacle, and the passage formerly remarked from Curopalates, touching the Diademe; we vnderstand, that the Baudricke giuen to Knights, was called Cingulum Militare, and that the Romaine Emperours, or Lieutenants Gene­rals of Armies and Prouinces, in honoring Captaines or Souldiors (respectiue for valiancie) with the Baudricke and Girdle, did first declare the prowesse of Knights in future hope, and afterward vsed the same kinde of formall proceeding before set downe, of words at the deliuery of Rings of Gold. Quando tu quidem, &c. Hoc te Bal­ [...]heo Dono.

The first Kings and Princes, being Christians, at giuing this golden Girdle,The first Christian or­der of making knights. kissed the new made Knight on the left cheeke, and vsed these words. In honor of the Fa­ther, of the Sonne, and of the blessed Holy Ghost, I make you a Knight. And then they re­ceiue his hommage, the Oath of vassailage, and fidelity of the Knight, he being on his knees before them.

In the life of the Emperour Lewes the Debonnaire, and in the Monke Aimonius, his fift Booke and seauenteenth Chapter of his Historie of France, he saith, That the Emperour Charlemaigne, euen on the point of marching to Battaile, to vanquish and ouercome the Hungarians; made the said Lewes the Debonnaire (his Son) Knight, in the Towne of Reganesbourg, at this day called Ratisbonne, engirting him with the Bau­drick▪ & the Sword of a Knight, giuing him also the Accollade, that is say, kissing him.

We haue tearmed it The Sword of a Knight, to declare,The Knights Sword diffe­ring from them of ordi­nary vse. that it was different from the ordenarie vse; for like as vpon solemn daies, for Ceremonies belōging to the Or­der of the Holy-Ghost, Instituted in the Augustines at Paris, by the mirror of Christian [Page 52] Princes and Monarches Henry, third of the name, King of France and of Poland (of blessed memory) the Knights were all cloathed in white, their hose and pumpes white, and their Swords adorned with a Scabbard of white Veluet: euen so the Swords which the Knights wore, vnder the reignes of the first, second, and at the be­ginning of the third Ligne, vntill the reigne of the great King S. Lewes, were couered with fine white cloathe, curiously waxed, and the same Scabbards were all ouer-se­med with Crosselets of Gold. As testifying thereby, that it appertained particularly to them, to fight for the faith of Iesus Christ, against the enemies of the Crosse. Wee learne this out of the Chronicle of the same Monke of S. Gall, in the life of the King and Emperor Charlemaigne.

Haec erat paratura antiquorum Militum Francorum, Calciamenta forinsecus aurata, cor­rigijs tricubitalibus insignata; fasciolae crurales vermiculatae; & subtus eas tibialia, ac coxali [...] linea, quamuis ex eodem colore tamen artificiosissimo opere Variegata, superque, & fasciolas [...] modum intrinsecus, & extrinsecus, Curcis ante, & retro, longissimae illae corrigiae tendebant [...]r ▪ Deinde Camisia glizzina; posthec Baltheus Spatae colligatus, quae Spata primo Vagina [...]age [...]; secundo corio qualicunque; Tertio, Linteamine, Candidissimo cera lucidissima roborato, ita cingebatur, vt per mediū Cruciculis eminentibus, ad Peremptionem Gentilium demonstra­dam, auraretur. We shall hereafter obserue the particularities of this excellent passage.

These Swords for Knights were hallowed with plentie of Ceremonies, by the ve­ry chiefest Prelate that was then in the Court. Being laid vpon the Altar, the Prelate Officiant vseth these Prayers.

Heare Lord we beseech thee our Prayers, and this Sword, wherewith thy seruant N. desireth to be guirded and readily Armed (the right hand of thy Maiesty will vouchsafe to blesse. That it may serue for a defence and protection of thy Church, Widdowes, Orphanes, and all the Seruants of God, against the tyrannies of Pagans, and other deceiuers, seruing also as a terror and threatner of them. Through Iesus Christ our Lord, &c.

Duties to be performed by the Knights to be made.After that the Knight to be made, hath bathed the day before, watched all night in the Church, receiued his Creator (after confession first made) and taken the Oath, to protect and defend the Churches of God, Widdowes, and Orphanes from all wrong and violence, with promise to warre against (to his power) the Pagans and e­nemies of Iesus Christ: the Prelate deliuereth the Sword into his hand, with these words. Serue Christi, sis Miles in nomine Patris, & Filij, & Spiritus Sancti, Amen.

Seruant of Iesus Christ, be a Knight, in the name of the Father, and Sonne, and Holy Ghost, Amen.

Receiue this thy Sword, coupled or ioyned with Gods blessing, wherewith, by vertue of the Holy-Ghost, thou shalt preuaile, to resist and ouerthrow all thine ene­mies, [Page 53] and all aduersaries of the holy Church, as also to protect the Armie of God, by the vnconquerable assistance of the Triumpher Iesus Christ our Lord: Guird thy Sword vpon thy strong thigh: That with it thou maist exercise the power of equity, destroy and ouerthrow the hopes of iniquities, and for Gods Church, and faithfull people thereto belonging, fight valiantly and defend them, and no lesse against them of False Faith, then the name of Christians, to repell the hostes of such enemies, and destroy them: Widdowes and Orphanes clemently to assist and defend, and restore the desolate, preseruing them that are deliuered. Thou shalt reuenge the wronged, confirme the well disposed; and in performing these things, by vertue hereof triumph gloriously, be a worthy patron of Iustice, and with the Worlds Redeemer and Sauiour, attaine to the heauenly ioyes without ending. Who with the Father and the Holy-Ghost liueth and reigneth God, world without end, Amen

And to close vp the Ceremony, the Canticle is sung of the Sonnes of Corah, According to the vsual trans­lation, it is the 45. Psalme. which is the foure and fortie Psalme, beginning; Eructauit cor meum verbum bonum, the eight verse whereof, is to be repeated three seuerall times.

Concerning the Oath, which the Knights make in receiuing the Order of knight­hood; at all times, and in all places, it hath bin continually vniforme and alike. As we learne of that great splendor of the Church Saint Hierome, in his third Epistle, speaking of Nepotianus, Qui ad hoc habebat Cingulum; vt Viduis, Pupillis, Orphanis▪ Op­pressis, Miserisque subueniret.

But the Ceremonies were diuers, according to customes obserued in the places. To some, Princes gaue the Kisse of Brotherhood, of Fauour, and of Loue,Ceremonies sundry, accor­ding to diuer­sity of places. Osculum Pacis, to new Knights. To others they gaue a boxe on the eare; as the Emperour Charlemaigne vsed to doe, a custome long time retained in France, as well as in Ger­many. Others were made Knights, by giuing them three blowes with the Sword flat-long, betweene the necke and shoulders: which is yet obserued, especially on the dayes of Battaile, before they proceede to handy strokes. And as yet also is in vse, with the Guardians of the holy Sepulcher of our Lord at Ierusalem,Knights of the Sepulcher. in conferring the Order of the Holy Sepulcher, to voyagers comming so farre, and re­questing to haue it.

Petrus Blessensis writeth in his nintie and fourth Epistle, that in his time, Knights went and receiued their Swords from off the Altar: declaring thereby, that they were obedient Sonnes to the Church their Mother: for maintenance and defence whereof, they protested to make no spare of their blood, euen to the last drop there­of, and to accomplish whatsoeuer they stood bound to doe, by the Oath of Knight­hood. Hodie Tyrones Enses suos recipiunt de Altari, vt profiteantur se filios Ecclesiae, atque [Page 54] ad honorem Sacerdotij, ad tuitionem Pauperum ad vindictam Malefactorum, & Patria [...] rationem, gladium accepisse.

A custome obserued in France.And for making this protestation, of defending the Faith of Iesus Christ, such was the custome obserued in France; the Knights in hearing Masse, Tenoient leu [...] Esp [...] nue in Pal, so long as the Gospell was in reading.

We haue formerly noated from the Monke of S. Gall, what was the equipage and ornament of Knights of France, vnder the first and second ligne of their Kings, here now you shall see the forme and practise obserued by the Romant of old Reynard, de­uised and composed in the time of Philip le Bel, fourth of the name, King of France and of Nauarre, whose Court was better stored with Princes and Noblemen, then any other in those times. The Author feigneth in this Romant, that the Lyon, King of foure-footed Beasts (to whom, he giueth the name of Noble) determined to make his sonne Noblon Knight, vpon the day of his natiuity. The greater part of Anti­quities were sought for, and deriued out of the most auncients Romants, as well in Prose as Verse, like Pearles out of the smoakie papers of Ennius. And because it appea­reth much better in the old French tearmes (the Authors further meaning reserued to himselfe, as may be discerned by the lines fractions) then it can doe by traducti­on; I haue truely inserted the same, as it is in the Originall.

Moreouer, we shall obserue other Ceremonies, vsed at the making of Knights, in the Tracts of the Orders of England, and of Spaine.

Nobility in three descents by Father and Mother.But before they may come to the honor of Knight-hood, and to receiue the Acollade, they must make proofe of their Noblenesse by three races at the least, as well on the Fa­thers side, as the Mothers. Otherwise, the man is not to be admitted, nor receiued, al­though he be ennobled by the Mothers side in sixe descents or races, because the wombe doth not ennoble.

Custome of sundry places in France.The old custome of Paris, Orleans, and of the Baronny is such, as if a man be not No­ble from his Father; yet were he so by eighteene descents of stocke by the Mother: such a one being suffred to be made Knight. His Lord may cause his Spurres to be cut off vpon a dunghill.

The verball Processe in the auncient Custome of Meaux, importeth, that in the Palati­nate Countie of Champaigne and Brie:The Man en­nobleth, but not the Wo­man La Verge Ennoblit, & le Ventre affranchit. Which approueth, that the Woman cannot Ennoble, but the Husband onely: And so (consequently) that the sonnes descended of a father, being a yeoman, and of a mother a Gentlewoman, are not sensed and reputed to be noble.

And yet notwithstanding, the same verball Processe of the said custome of Meaux, im­parteth this rule and Maxime, that the Compartitor, deriuing his principall meanes from the Rule of Right: it must needs be, that Partus sequitur ventrem; which is alwaies vnder­ [...]tood [Page 55] of the same condition of the mother, be she free or seruile. So that in Champaine [...]nd Brie, it is held, that the Woman doth Ennoble, and many (in the said two Prouinces) [...]re not ennobled, but in regard of the mother. I haue neuer seene that Priuiledge, al­ [...]hough I haue made very diligent inquisition, in my being at Troies in Champaigne,Enobling by the mother. where that worthy Gentleman Seigneur Pithous could not fully resolue mee, which hee might haue done sooner then any other, being of the same Country. But the Lord of [...]oinuille, Seneschall of Champaigne, in the life of Saint Lewis (vpon whose seruice hee [...]ttended in his first voyage ouer the Seas) writeth, concerning himselfe: That he refused [...]o accompany the said holy King S. Lewis in his second voyage; because (saith hee) that during his absence, his people had beene badly vsed by the Kings Officers. And in the [...]aid voyage, he had lost twenty or thirty Knights of Champaine, all Banner-bearers; by which losse it ensued, that the greater part of the Nobilitie of Champaine were dead, or [...]lse remained prisoners, in the two battailes which the said King S. Lewis lost at the Mas­ [...]ore, and at Rexill. The widdowes and their daughters were enforced to re-marry them­ [...]elues to Yeomen and Farmers, onely through defect of Noble persons.Men made honorable by their wiues. And thereup­on, by some custome or priuiledge (which that place held as a Law) the Gentlewomen of Champaigne and Brie ennobled their husbands and kinred.

Philip de Bea [...] Manoir, Bayliffe of Clermont in Beauuoysis,A testimony out of an an­cient manu­script. in his Customary or Court-Rolle, which he alwaies kept by him fairely written, of Anno 1283. informeth [...]s, that the Sonne of a Gentleman, and of a woman seruant held in slauery, was made a Knight by him to whom the said seruant belonged, being ignorant of his condition. His [...]eruitude comming to knowledge, the Lord of the woman-slaue would haue sould the said sonne, alleadging, that he was made Knight by ignorance of his being a slaue borne. N [...]uerthelesse, fauour of freedome so farre preuailed, that hee continued a free-man and [...] Knight, because the Honour of Knighthood had enfranchised him, which his Lord and Master might doe, the fauour sufficiently couering the error. If any other but his Lord [...]ad made him Knight, he had lost both Knighthood and freedome together; because he [...]hat made him Knight, had not sufficient power to enfranchise him.

The King or Prince Soueraigne, and none other, by Grace and absolute power,A yeomā may be Knighted by fauour. may make him Knight that is Noble by the Mother. Hee may also make a yeoman Knight, [...]ecause the Letters of Knighthood ennobleth the Yeoman, though hee be issued in ville­ [...]age, both by father and mother.

A man called Philip, sirnamed of Bourbon (by reason hee was borne in the said place) [...] Yeoman, had two sonnes: the Count of Flanders made one of them Knight, and the Count of Neuers did as much to the other. The two Counts were condemned in a­ [...]ercements to the King, by an Order set downe on the day of All-Saints, 1279. and at Pentecost also, 1280. And the two brethren each of them in a thousand pounds fine to [...]he King, by a Decree ordered on S. Martins day, 1281. And yet notwithstanding, they [...]emained Knights still, by grace and fauour which the King of France and Nauarre, Phi­ [...]ip le Bel, fourth of the name, afforded them.

The proofe of Nobilitie being made, or the dispensation of Yeomanrie obtained by [...]race and fauour; the Esquire prepareth himselfe to receiue the Order of Knighthood,Preparatiō to receiue the Order of Knighthood. watching the night before in the Church or Chappell, with deuout prayers and medita­ions. When morning is come, He entreth into the Bath, to wash and make cleane his whole body; whereby he is giuen to know and vnderstand, that in all his following life­ [...]ime, he ought to be neat and cleane, as well of body as soule;What is vnderstood by ba­thing. honest in his manners and [...]ehauiour of life, wholly disposed to embrace vertue, and to vse in all his actions, mode­ [...]tie, prouidence, and wisedome. But especially, and aboue all things, to keepe his word [...]nuiolably, and his faith vnstained, which is called by the Orator in his booke De Officijs, The foundation of Iustice.

Because whosoeuer hath violated, or (but once) failed in his worde, by iests or lies; is [...]orsworne before God, in whose presence he plighted his Faith, as the same Orator saith: Qui Fidem violat, is Iouem violat. And whosoeuer is a belier of his Faith, if he would be [...]e [...]eued at another time, it behoueth him necessarily, that Aut nouos faciat Deos, aut Au­ [...]itores: Either to fordge new gods, or new Auditors: so saith Demosthenes, in his declaiming [...]gainst Aeschines.

[Page 56]The Great Chamberlaine of France, in regard of his said Office, ought (among [...] things of like seruice) to furnish the Kings Court in Winter with straw, and in Som [...] with Rushes, to keepe it cleane, and in handsome condition. To looke that the Ki [...] Haubert,Office of the High Cham­berlaine. that is, his Cuirasse want no Buckles, nor tongues to those Buckles: to p [...]e the Bardes & Chanfreines for his horse: and to prepare the Bathes for new-made Knights. And in regard of discharging this duty, there belongeth to him, the Robes and Surco [...]s which the said new made Knights did weare, when they entred into those prepared Bathes: And the Cloake of euery Vassaile, doing Homage to the King.

After the Bath, the Knight to be made, was cloathed on his naked body, with a gar­ment called a Gaubison, which was like to a womans kirtle quilted, otherwise tearmed Auqueton, and ouer that a shirt of silke or fine linnen cloth, which the Monke of S. G [...] called Camisiam Glizzinam, ordinarily imbrodered with gold and silke at the skirts and corners. Vpon this shirt was put the Haubert, that was the Coat of Maile, reaching downe to the knees, and a Coller or necke peece of Leather about his necke, which the Romancer of Reynard meant by his rime; ‘De menacer vne Cuirie.’

Ouer all was put the Coat of Armes, so named, in regard it was made with Lambea [...]a of Colours and Liueries of the Knight presented. Those Coats were in ancient Epitaphs and Paintings, figured in the fashion of skirted Cassocks, but short enough, like vnto the Archers of the Kings Guard, streaked & paled with his liueries. And such as they were of the Gaulish Nation in elder times, of whom Virgill speaketh.

But at this present, the Coates of Armes are made short, after the fashion of the Ch [...] ­tres shirts, which are kept and worne vpon deuotion: and such are the Coats of Kings, Heralds and Pursuiuants of Armes in these daies.

The ancient fashion of French Knights Cloakes.But by the testimony of Antiquitie (as we haue already said) reuerend in her furrowed wrinkles, we learne from the Monke of S. Gall, that French Knights wore Cloakes large and deepe, which were called Cloakes of Honour, in the fashion of those for Kings and Dukes, being fastned vpon the right shoulder, and then turned vp on the left, so that they were long both before and behinde, and according to the ancient Romane square form [...]. The Monk of S. Gall continuing the habits of Ornament for French Knights, saith; Vl [...] ­mum habitus eorum erat Pallium Canum, vel Saphyrinum quadrangulum, duplex, sic form [...] ­tum vt cum imponeretur humeris, ante, & retro pedes tangeret, delateribus vero, vix ge [...] contingeret. Co [...]pes or V [...]st [...]e [...] ­p [...]n on other side. I haue seene in the Cappell of Dukes at Digeon in Bourgongne, the square Chasubles of Antiquitie, which were shewne me, with the Reliques wherwith the Churc [...] is adorned.

This Cloake was double, Pallium duplex, because the Cape or Coller is called O [...] M [...]nte [...]ū ac [...]n; to Plautus. M [...] ­telet, as is plainely signified by the tearmes of the Monke of Saint Gall. He informeth [...] of a garment, such as when the French fortified themselues in Gaule, vnder our Kings [...] the first line, perceiuing the Gaules to make vse in their seruice of Warre, of long skirt [...] Cassocks, or sleeuelesse Iackets, varied into diuers colours or Liueries; they forsook th [...] great Cloakes, and garmented themselues answerable to the Gaules manner: euen as [...] new fashions and habits of nouelty are pleasing and affected, onely through the desire o [...] change. King Charlemaigne well obseruing the discommodity which those long-skirt [...] Cassocks or Mandilions, brought to the Horsemen of the ancient Gaules, reaching b [...] halfe way downe their thighes (as Martiall saith,) ‘Dimidias (que) nates Gallica Pallia tegit,’

Like s [...]ort Cloakes with sleeues.According as the inhabitants in the Villages neere about Paris, with their Palleto [...]s [...] Cassocks, white or violet, such as they were described by the Monke: Charlemaigne orde [...] ­ned, that the French should resume into vse, the great and long Cloake, worne by th [...] Swart-Rutters; and that the Frisons which then were in France, exercising the Trade [...] Taylers, who (like Millers, that out of one sacke of Corne take double toule) made th [...] like benefit of one garments fashion. Obserue heere the very wordes of the Monke [...] Saint Gall: Sed vt mos est humani ingenij, cum inter Gallos Franci militantes, virgatis [...] Sagulis lucere conspicerent, nouitate gaudentes Antiquaem cons [...]etudinem dimiserunt, & [...] imitari coeperunt. Quod interim regidissimus Imperator idcirco non prohibuit, quia be [...] rebus aptior videretur. Sed quam Frisones hac licentia abutentes, aduerteret, & bre [...]issi [...] illa Palliola sicut prius maximae vendere comperisset, pracepit, vt nullu [...] ab [...]is, nifi gra [...] [Page 59] [...]atissim [...]que illa l [...]ngissima Pallia consuetudinario pretio coëmerat.

The fashion of this ancient Cloakes of Honor, are practised and in vse euen to this day,The ancient Cloakes in vse to this day. in the Orders of Knighthood▪ as wee perceiue by the great Cloake in the Order of the Holy Ghost, which is the Great Order of France, the most famous and venerable of all Christendome: the Mantelet, and the turning great Cloake, releuated with Charracters and Monogrammes of the King (Great Master and Founder of the Order, with the Lillie) according as heeretofore were the Cloakes of Honor,Cloaks worn by the Empe­rors and Con­sulls of Rome. worne by the Emperors and Con­ [...]ulls of Rome, formerly obserued in the Tract of Kings and Heralds of Armes; according to whose Coates, those were fashioned like, belonging to Kings, Princes, and Knights, made in forme round, yet square, more long both before and behinde, and more short at the shoulders.

The Knight to be made, being in such equipage as formerly hath beene described; was presented and conducted to the Prince, who caused him to haue guilt spurres put on, beginning with the right heele, and ending with the left. Then the Knight, and such as guided him, brought him on his knees before the Prince: who, after the Liedge Oath, taken on the holy Euangelists: guirded him with the Sword, and made him a Knight, in the name of the father, the sonne, and the Holy Ghost.

We haue tearmed it Liedge Oath, because that Oath of Knighthood being such,The reason why the Liege Oath is giuen in the Order of Knight­hood. it bin­deth him (as a Knight) to the Prince that gaue him the Order, to serue him toward and against all, Nemine dempto. And this is the reason, why Kings and Soueraigne Princes, be they naturall or protectors, ought not permit to Princes and Lords, which are their naturall vassailes, or vnder their protection, to erect or meddle with other Orders of Knighthood, except they declare to the protector, that they withdraw themselues from his protection. In the doing whereof, the goods which they enioy in the Estate of the Prince, Protector, are to be confiscated, in what manner soeuer they doe possesse them. Because to erect an Order or particular society, with any Oath whatsoeuer; setting any cloud or colour thereon, that may be giuen thereto: is to make a State within a State, a League and Rebellion against the Soueraigne, punishable with death.

Now concerning the Ceremonies formerly particularized, they are done in the times of Peace and leysure, in the Courts of Kings. For in the times of Warre, they are not so carefully obserued, as on the day of Battell, before they proceed to handy stroakes,Difference be­tween Knights made in peace and in warre. when Esquires desire to be made Knights, to giue them the greater courage in well doing, and to be enterred as Knights, if they die in the fight. For the Prince or Generall of the Army then giueth them three stroakes, smitten flat-wise with the naked Sword on the backe, and pronouncing those words formerly related, without any other ceremonie. The like is done after the battell, to such as the Generall taketh knowledge of, for their valiant and worthy seruice, accordingly to recompence their valour: as King Charles the eight did at his returne from the kingdome of Naples, after the battell of Fornoue.

In the time of Charles the sixt, called the well-affected King, the Emperour Sigismond came to see him at Paris, and was lodged at the Pallace in the Chancerie:A History wel worth the ob­seruation. this happened in the yeare 1416. and the moneth of Marche. By permission of the King, hee came and sate in the Court of Parlament, on a day of Audience, when the cause was pleaded be­tween the two Lords of Pesteill & Signell, they both pretending right to the Office of Stew­ard for Beauquaire. In the contract of marriage of Lewis Duke of Aniou, King of Sicilie, with Ioland of Arragon; he is named Senescallus Nemausi, & Beliquadri.

By fauourable and friendly Letters, Signell was highly commended to the said Em­perour, who hearing that Pesteill (to fortifie his right) alledged Signell to be vncapa­ble of exercising and holding the Office of Stewardship;A Knight sud­denly made by the Empe­ror Sigismond because (as yet) hee was not knighted: suddenly he caused him to be brought before him, saying; That hee had the power to make Knights. Then commanding a sword to be brought by one of his Gen­tlemen, and Signell being on his knees before him, he gaue him three blowes on his backe with the sword, and taking off one of his owne guilt spurs, caused it to be put on Signels heele, and guirded him with a Girdle, whereat hung a long knife, in stead of a sword. So he was made Knight by the Emperor Sigismond, not in any enterprize against the sacred Maiesty of the King of France, in his Royall Pallace (as all the ancient Ordonances and Charters of France doth specifie) but because the said Prince had power to make Knights in all places of Kingdomes and Seigneuries, belonging to other Kings and Princes,The Emperors power in o­ther Princes Iu [...]sdictions. ac­cording to the enstructions of the Iurisconsultes, who hold the Creation of Knights to [Page 58] be an act lawfull, which is not restrained to any day, condition, or distinct place, but defi­ned precisely.

Neuerthelesse, when (in the same yeare) the said Emperour, being in the City of Ly­ons,Another at­tempt of the Emperor im­peached by the Kings Of­ficers of Ly­ons. would haue exalted the Countie of Sauoy into a Duchie, and cloathed Amadis with the Ducall Cloake, setting the Cap of Honour on his head, after the fashion of Vicares of the Empire: The Kings Officers in Lyons caused him to dislodge thence, passing ouer the riuer of Rosne, and the Lands of France, to performe that act of an Emperor, on the lands belonging to the Sauoyan, if so it seemed good to him; for he could not exercise any such in the Kings Territories, such as are Lyonnois, Prouence, Bourgongne and Da [...]lphi [...]e. The King is Emperour in his kingdome, not relying temporally, but on God onely. For this cause Iohn Froissard obserueth, that at the entrance of Charles of Luxembourg Empe­rour, fourth of the name, and his sonne Wenceslaus, King of Bohemia, and elected of the Romaines (which entrance was made in the City of Paris, Anno Dom. 1378. and at the gate of Saint Denis) King Charles the fift, surnamed the wise, put himselfe between them, affording the right hand to the Emperor, and the left to his sonne the King of Romanes, but King Charles himselfe was mounted but on a white Gelding, as shewing thereby, that he was Emperor in his owne Kingdome, and (there) such honor was due to him as could not be communicable to any other Soueraigne Prince, whatsoeuer he were.

Now, concerning the Girdle, wherewith the Emperour Sigismond caused the Senes­chall Signell to be guirded, and whereat hung the long knife: this maketh vs to remem­ber,Cingulum Mi­litare of the ancient Ro­manes, & the B [...]ldricke of the old French that the Cingulum Militare of the auncient Romaines, and the Bauldricke of the olde French, were made of a large strong thong or strap of whit-leather, hauing the ends of pure gold, couered and fastned with nailes of the same mettall, (as wee haue already for­merly said, and may haue occasion to speake of againe hereafter.) And to this Bauldricke or Militarie Girdle, the sword was made fast on the left side, and on the right a long Po­niard or Warre-knife of fine steele, with three or foure squares on the blade, very keene and sharpe-pointed, (much like to the daggers of Scotland) which hung all along vpon the right thigh.

The Lord of Ioinuille, Steward of Champaigne, in the life of the great King S. Lewis, speaketh thus: I remember that I found there a Horsemans thicke quilted Cassocke, cut off from the owner, who was a Sarazin, which I tooke vp, and put the open part towards me, to make a Shield thereof, and it did me good seruice in such necessity, for otherwise I had beene slaine: and yet I was wounded in fiue parts of my body, and my horse in fifteene. Within a while after, there came to me one of the Burgesses of Ioinuille, who brought me a Banner of my Armes, and a great knife of Warre, which I haue yet still to shew.

The Poet Claudian armeth the Romane Knight with this knife, hanging (according to the French Prouerbe) at the girdle, ouer and beside the sword. In his second Panegyrick of Stil [...]o:

And so he further proceedeth on.

The long dagger-like kniues, had three or foure cutting edges, and were after the Ger­mane fashion. The first of them that was seene in France, was at the battell of Bouines, wonne by Philip Augustus, in the yeare 1215. on Sunday the 27. of Iuly, against the Em­peror Otho; Iohn Without-land, King of England; Ferrand of Portugall, Count of Flan­ders,The bloudy Battell tought at [...]ou [...]e [...] in An [...]. in regard of his wife Ioane, eldest daughter to deceased Baldwin Count of Flanders, Emperor of Constantinople; Renaud de Dommartin, Count of Boulongne likewise by meanes of his wife; and Simon de Dommartin his brother (Comes Domini Martini, and not Dammartin) according to the testimony of Rigordus, a Monke of S. Denis in France, Physitian, Chronicler, and Chaplin to the said Philip Augustus, whom hee followed on the day of the said battaile. He saith: that the Almaignes and Dutch attending on Othe, all ran vpon the person of the King, who saw slaine before his eyes Stephen de Long-Champe, a braue, noble and most faithfull knight, by the blow of a knife, which he recei­ued into his head at the sight of his Caske or Helmet. For the enemy made vse of a kinde of weapon, admirable for fashion, and (before then) vnknowne: because they carried long kniues, thin and slender, yet formally made, hauing three edges, all cutting downe from the handle to the point, and vsed them in the stead of Swords.

[Page 59] Puguatur ergo ibi ab vtraque parte virtute admirabili, & cadunt multi. Ibique ante ocu­los Regis ipsius occiditur Stephanus de Longo-Campo, Miles probus, & Fide [...] integra Cul­tello recepto in Capite per Ocularium Galeae. Hostes enim quodam Armorum genere vte­bantur admirabili, & hactenus inaudito. Habebant enim Cultellos longos, graciles, tria qua­drata, quolibet acumine indifferenter secantes, a cuspide, vs (que) ad Manubrium, quib. vteban­tur pro Gladijs. Sed per Dei adiutorium, praeualuerunt gladij Fr [...]ncorum, & Virtus eorum indefessa. Namque repulerunt totum aciem Othonis, & peruener [...]nt vsque ad eum, adeo vt Petrus Malenicinus Miles, quidem plus Armis, quibus alios praecellebat, quam seculari pru­dentia pollens, ipsum Othonem per fraenum apprehenderet.

Ancient Romancers called this long knife of Warre Miserecorde, Mercy,The knife cal­led the knife of mercy. because such Souldiers or Knights as were beaten downe and vanquished, beholding their enemy to graspe this knife in his hand ouer them, and ready to stab it into the sight of his Helmet, or into his shirt or Coat of Male, or (wanting them) into his Haubert, cried for Mercy, by desiring life. The Noble Romant of the Rose saith:

Such men as made profession of Armes, vsed to weare Swords,After the mā ­ner of wea­ring Dudgeon daggers. and those Kniues of Warre, and some others, as well Citizens as Country-men, weare at their girdles those kniues of Warre: yet not behinde, as on their backes, but hanging downe on the thigh, like to the Baionets in Gascoigne: young lads vsed to weare them euen from their child­hood, and those lads in Paris, as also else-where, were called Bachelers, as much to say, as ready (for yeares) to be Esquires or Souldiers. Young maidens likewise, apt for mariage, were tearmed Bachelettes, according as in Picardy they are called to this day.Mariage-able Maides. They haue yet in Paris a Country song or Roundelay, which is sung and danced by Maides and youths in Summer-time, on Festiuall dayes after supper, Dialogue-wise in questions and answeres.

On the behalfe of Bachelers, and in honour of the worde or name, wee will conclude this Chapter for two remarkeable reasons. The first, because in the French Military dis­cipline, there was such an Order obserued: that all the first ranke of honour,Knights Ban­nerets secōded by Knights Bachelers. Of the Knight Banneret. consisted of Knights Bannerets, followed by Knights Bachelers, and in the third place merched the Squires. The Knight Banneret was he who had so many Gentlemen his seruants at com­mand, as he could raise a Banner, and make vp a company of Souldiers, to be maintained at his Table, and their wages paid out of his purse.

The Bacheler or lower Knight, was he,Of the Knight Bacheler. who had not seruants sufficient to leade to the Warre at his owne expences, but marched vnder the Banner of some other. And these degrees of Honor were knowne and distinguished by wages; in regard that the Knight Banneret had twenty Sols by the day, the Bacheler tenne, and the Squire had no more to dispend, but onely fiue.

Moreouer, it is obserued also, that the Knight had no other oath,Concerning the Oath of a Knight. but the faith of a Knight, as appeareth in the Letters Obligatory of Hugh Count of Saint Paul, of Guye, and of Iames his brethren, dated in the moneth of Aprill, An. 1289. for the Land of Auenes [Page 60] in Henault: and the brethren were bound to King Philip le Bel, by the faith and oath of Loyall Knights.

Concerning that of Iohn de Grailly, Captall de Buch, The Captall de Buch. which is a Signeurall Principality in Guienne, abutting on the Ocean Sea, betweene Bourdeaux and Baionne, sometime peopled by a part of Bo [...]rbon men of Bourdeaux, acknowledged vnder the name of [...] Viuisci: And therefore this Signeury (appertaining to the Noble house of Candale) is cal­led Testa, vel Caput Boiorum; in French, The Captalat de Buch. He was taken prisoner in warre, in the moneth of September, and in the yeare 1364. when he gaue his Seale vnto King Charles the fift, to keepe within the prison appointed for him. But if he chanced to breake it, he was to be held for false, periured, and a disloyall Knight, in belying and fai­ling his owne faith. His Armes were also to be reuersed, and turned with the heeles vp­ward,The reward of perfidie in Knighthood. And as a man thus shamed and disgraced, to be so condemned in all the Princes Courts.

The like Oath made Iohn Duke of Bretaigne, to King Charles the sixt, by the agreement concluded betweene the King and him, the fifteenth day of Ianuary, in the yeere one thousand three hundred and fourescore, and the said Oath was dated the sixteenth day of Aprill, next following. All the examples hitherto alleaged, are taken out of the Court Registers.

CHAP. I. Of the Ancient Originall of the French.

SAint Hierome, the Father of Learning, and cleare flame of the Church, who (for a very long time) made his abiding among the Gaules, and namely in the City of Treuers, at that time the Ca­pitall City of the rest; in his Epistle Ad Ageruchiam, de Monoga­mia, describing their miserable condition, as he had good know­ledge thereof, and beheld with his owne eyes, vnder the Empire of Arcadius in the East, and Honorius in the West, speaketh in this manner.

Innumerabiles, & ferocissimae Nationes vniuersas Gallias occuparunt. Quidquid inter Al­peis & Pyrenaeum est quod Oceano, & Rheno includitur. Qua [...]as, Vandalas, Sarmata, Ala­ni, Gepides, Heruli, Saxones, Burgundiones, Alemanni, & O lugenda Respublica, hostes Pan­ [...]onij vastarunt. Maguntiacum nobilis quondam Ciuitas capta, atque subuersa est, & in Ec­clesia multa hominum millia trucidata: Vangiones longa obsidione deleti, Remorum vrbs prae­potens, Ambiani, Attrebates, extremique h [...]minum Morini, Tornacus, Nemete, Argentora­tum translati in Germaniam, Aquitaniae, Nouem popularum, Lugdunensis, & Narbonensis Prouincia (praeter paucas vrbes) populata sunt cuncta.

An innumerable company of strange Nations, How the Gaules with seuerall Nati­ons inuaded, became in mi­serable estates sauage and barbarous inuade the Gaules in generall, that is to say, their ancient extendure, comprised within the enclosure of the moun­taines of the Alpes and Pyrenaans, and the great Riuer of Rhine. The Wallakians, the Poloni­ans and Vandales, the Alans, Gepides, Herules, Saxons, Bourgongnons, Allemaignes, and (O poore deplorable condition of the Gaules) the Hungarians made a totall forraging of them. [Page 62] Maguntia, a City sometime most famous and renowned, forcibly taken and sacked; the Citi­zens and Inhabitants massacred, euen in the Church. Wormes, with all the vtmost [...] thereof, made desolate by a cruell and long siege. The rich, strong, and potent City of [...], as also Amiens, Arras, the people of Picardy and re-conquered Countries, planted [...] the O [...] shoares, Tourney, Spire, Strasbourg sacked and spoyled, & the people of them, branded with the names of prisoners and slaues, carried into Germany, and on the further side of the Rhine, with all their wealth and possessions, to serue as slaues to those cruell Nations, voyd of all pitty; by whom the Prouinces of Guienne, Gascoigne, Languedock, Lyonnois and Prouence (fewe of the Townes excepted) serued but for an Essay of their tyrannie.

At what time the Gaules came thus op­pressed, and how.These barbarous Nations passed the Rhine, and threw themselues into Gaule, and in the yeere of Grace, foure hundred and sixe, about the ending of De­cember; being incited thus to doe by the promises of Stilico the Vandale, who coueting to make his sonne Eutherius Emperour, was slaine with his Father, by the command of Honorius, in the yeere foure hundred and eight. So saith Orosius in his seuenth booke, and the eight and thirtieth chapter, and the two and twenty day of August.

God sent forth the arrowes of his wrath and fury, vpon the Romaine people, to re­uenge the bloud of so many Martyrs, shedde on the face of the earth, during the perse­cutions excited wrongfully,The persecuti­ons in the pri­mitiue Church and without cause, against the Church then growing. As is obserued by the Spanish Priest Paulus Orozius (who was a Contemporane with those two great Pillers of the Church, Saint Ierome and Saint Augustine, to whom Orozius was a Scholler) in the seuenth booke, and two and twentieth Chapter of the Worke­manship of the world. Soluuntur vndique, permissa Dei, ad hoc circumposita, relictaeq [...]e Gentes, laxatisque habenis in omnes Romanos fines inuehuntur. Germani Alpibus, Rhetia, i [...] ­taque Italia peruagata atque pe [...]etrata Rauennam vsque perueniunt. Alemanni Gallias per­uagantes, etiam in Italiam transeunt. Grecia, Macedonia, Pontus, Asia, Gothorum inund [...] ­tione deletur. Nam Dacia trans Danubium in perpetuum aufertur. Quade, & Sarmata Pannonias depopulantur. Germani vlteriores abrasapotiuntur Hispania. Extant adhuc per diuersas Prouincias in magnarum Vrbium ruinis paruae, & pauperes aedes, signa miseriarum, & nominum iudicia seruantes, ex quibus nos quoque in Hispania Tarraconem nostram, ad consolationem miseriae recentis, ostendimus.

Behold the Allemaignes which forrage the Gaules. The Germanes hauing franchised the Alpes and Grisons, trauersed Italie, and rauaged all, so farre as Rauenna. The Gothes hauing laid open Scandinauia, ouer-ranne Greece (or Epyre) Pontus, and the people of Asia. Dacia is (for euer) subiected to the Romanes. Wallachia and Polonia, aduancing themselues into Countries, haue Cantonned themselues with Austria and Hun­garia. The Germaines beyond the Elba, haue possessed themselues of Spaine. Mor [...]ouer at this present, as a marke and testimony of their courses, you may behould (heere and there) desert fieldes throughout the Prouinces of Spaine; the Cities and Townes some­time highly renowned, to haue now no more then the Name to haue sometimes bee [...]e [...] and the soyle and seate thereof marked out with small Cottages, which beare their Names. Name [...]y the place of my birth, The chief Ci­ty of Tarra­c [...]ia. poore Arragon, whereof remaineth now no more, in olde decayed houses, and ruined buildings, for all their comfort and consolation.

Those holy men formerly alleadged, liued about the yeere of mans saluation, foure hundred.

Saint Gregory Victor, Archbishop of Tours, the most ancient and faithfull of all the French Annalists, in his first booke, and two and thirtie chapter, informeth vs: That a King of the Almaignes, whom hee calleth Chrochus, came and forraged the Gaules (where he lost his life) vnder the Emperour Probus, in the yeere of Grace two hundred and fourescore.

The inundations and rauages of those Barbarous Nations, beganne altogether in the ninth yeere of the Empire of Galien; and of our Lord, two hundred sixtie three. Wherein (so saith Trebellius Pollio, the Romaine Historian, in the life of the said Emperour) there was a generall Pestilence throughout all the Prouinces of the Empire, with fearefull tremblings of the earth, and an vniuersall darkenesse, (more then Cimerian) which continued for many daies together. Great claps of Thunder (Ioue non Tonante) contrary to reason, and against all common rule. All [Page 63] [...]finite number of houses, villages, and Cities, with their Inhabitants, swallowed [...], beside many thousands of people, dying with the meere feare and affrightment. [...]iuers openings of the earth, filled with mortiferous stinking waters, and the Seas [...]erflowing their bounds and limits prescribed, drowned the land, deuouring al­ [...] with the Waters impetuous passage, whole Townes and Villages.

And in one and the same instant, Nations and People, before vtterly vnknowne, [...]med desirous to displume the great Romaine Eagle, and conuert her into the [...]rowe of Horace: Quasi coniuratione totius Mundi, concussis Orbis partibus, vndique [...]llum extitit, so saith the same worthy Historian.

Wee haue seene the Deluge of people, that wasted Gaule in the time of Saint [...]rome, following the course by him formerly set downe, after they had passed the [...]ine.

In the yeere foure hundred and twelue, Honorius the ninth time, and the youn­ [...]r Theodosius the fifth time being Consulls; the Gothes forsaking Italie, vnder the [...]onduct of Athaulphus, once more vanquished the Gaules. As Saint Prosper of A­ [...]itaine, and Sabaianus Bishop of Marseilles, (who liued at the same time) in the [...]reatise which hee wrote of the iust iudgement and Prouidence of God, affirmeth [...] his third booke, and so forward.

Latinus Pacatus, in his Panegyricke to the Emperour Theodosius the yonger: Vnde [...]ordiar nisia tuis, Gallia, malis? quae ex omnibus terris, quas illa pestis insiderat, haud in­ [...]ria tibi vendicas priuilegium miseriar [...]m. The Vandales, after they had forraged [...]e lands at their arriuall, possessed for some time the Champaigne Countrey, and [...] this possession there remained no more of noate, but Vandalorum opera. Bour­ [...]ngne hath kept the name of her ancient possessours, euen to this day; and the [...]andales quitting the place to the Bourgongnons, passed the Riuer of Loire, to pos­ [...]sse themselues of Aquitaine; from whence, both they and the Alans and Sweues [...]ere expelled by the Visigothes of Italie, Conducted by Gisericus, (or Gensericus, [...]cording to some Writers) to whom Honorius had giuen this rich Prouince (which [...]ee could not keepe any longer) in the yeere of Grace foure hundred and eigh­ [...]ene.

By vertue of this donation, the Visigothes got the possession of Aquitaine, part [...]hereof was called Gothia, and to this day Langue de Hoc, or of Goth. Accord­ [...]g to others it was named Septimania, and Narbonnoise Gaule by our Ancients.

They chased from thence the Vandales, the Alans and Sweaues, who being vn­ [...]le (in a companie) to turne backe againe, shifted for themselues in Spaine. The [...]andalls and Sweues, conducted by their Princes Gondericus or Gonthairus, and [...]ensericus brethren, and sonnes of Modegisila: the Sweues by Hermenericus, Successe of the Barbarous na­tions in other Countries. and [...]e Alans by Ataces; so that in the yeere foure hundred and ninteene, part of the [...]andales and Sweues ouercame Galicia, and Castille the elder: the Alans had Por­ [...]gall and the Prouince of Carthagena.

The other Vandales and Silinges, held for their Lotte and partage, the Coun­ [...]ie Boeetita of Spaine, called (after their name) Vandalia, and thence forward, [...]uen to this present) by change of a Letter, Andalousia the best Prouince of Spaine. [...]ll these people, as well as the Gothes of Italy, and the Visigothes of Aquitaine, were [...]fected with the Arrian Heresie.

But where are the French all this while,Concerning the French in these tempe­stuous times. while others make themselues so much [...]oken of? Were they at this time vnknowne, or hidden, as Achilles in Homer [...]as, handling the distaffe? Nothing so; for they were a long time renowned for [...]aliancie and Prowesse, and held in reputation, to be the very hardiest people of Ger­ [...]anie.

And yet neuerthelesse, it is a Maxime constant and assured, that they were the [...]st of them that passed into Gaule; not to take an Essay of it, as the rest had done,The French that went in­to Gaule. [...]hose defects they noted; but to possesse themselues there in earnest, and to be­ [...]ome Masters of it by setling their Conquest there, without letting slip or loosing [...]heir hold, following the Nature of the generous Lyon, which they bare for their [...]rmes. For the French (as wee doe commonly see one nayle driueth out another) [...]pelled from thence by force of Armes, all such others as had made possessi­sion [Page 64] of the places before them, as namely the Romanes, Vandales, the Alans, Swe [...], Bourgongnons and Visigothes, whom Gregorie of Tours, the ancient Annalist, named Gothes, without making any difference of them that held Italie (properly named Gothes) from the Visigothes of Gaule, who afterwards possessed themselues of Spaine.

The Authors purpose before he proceed a­ny further in this discourse.Yet before I set downe their Conquests, I shall perhaps doe an acceptable worke [...] the Readers, to touch by the way, what was their Originall. And so much the rather, because many writers haue placed their first abiding in the Marishes of Moeotides, and b [...] ­ded thereon Castles in Spaine, in the time of King Bamba, and the great Aunt Sic [...] ­bria, Grandmother to a new people, abiding within the Circle of the Moone; making [...] new world, according to the opinion of some distempered Philosophers, destitute of iudgement and reason.

The opinion of some Historian [...], whence they came.Some Historians make them to come from the Pannoniaes, for there are two at this day, the higher and the lower, which are the Kingdome of Hungaria, and the Arch-Duchie of Austria, and that they came from thence, to dwell vpon the bankes of Rhine first of all.

And so hauing past ouer that famous Riuer, they went into Thuringe, where they builded many Cities and Townes, ordaining to rule and gouerne ouer them, as also [...] conduct them in Warres, Kings and Dukes, distinguished and discerned from othe [...] neighbouring Princes, by their long lockes and tufts of hayre; chosen and c [...]lled out of the principall families among them.

Saint Gregory Victor, Archbishop of Tours, in his second booke of the Historie of France (which shortly shall be seene of mine owne Translation) toucheth this opinion in the ninth Chapter. Tradunt multi eosdem (hee speaketh of the French) de Pann [...] fuisse digressos, & primum Litora Rheni amnis incoluisse: dehinc transacto Rheno Thori [...] ­giam transmeasse, tbique iuxta Pagos, vel Ciuitates Reges Crinitos super se creanisse, [...] prima, & vt ita dicam nobiliori suorum familia. Hee reporteth nothing but this opinio [...] of the ancient Originall of the French, whereunto neuerthelesse he trusteth not, for the reasons which wee shall relate more at large, when we come to the fifth chapter of this second booke.

He speaketh nothing at all of the Marishes of Moeotides; of the imaginary Sicambri [...], nor of the cinders of Troy.

A second opi­nion of a Ger­mane originalOthers doe maintaine, that the French had a Germane Originall: De Francorum O [...] ­gine, secundum Germanos lis esse data videtur, qui Francos Galliae Incolas rebus bello tog [...] ­que gestis Clarissimos sibi vendicant. So saith Adrianus Turnebus, in the fiue and twenti [...] booke, and the seauen and thirty Chapter of his Anniuersaries. And hee addeth, it must necessarily be concluded, that they made one part of Germanie, as mingled and confe­sed among them, without making any band apart; because Tacitus and Ptolomie, whe [...] exactly haue remarked the people and Nations of all Germany or Allemaigne, maketh no noate or mention at all of the French.

A third con­iecture concer­ning Scandi­nauia.Others will haue them to be descended from Scandinauia, grounded on a pretende [...] passage drawne out of Ptolomie, who describing this Peninsula, which Plinie the Natu­ralist in his fourth booke, calleth Clarissimam Scandinauiam magnitudinis incompertae, de­nominateth and specifieth amongst the Inhabitants thereof, some one kinde of people, bearing the name of Phiraisi, which they say to be depraued, changed and altered, i [...] stead whereof (according vnto their iudgement) it should bee reade Φ Ρ Α Γ Γ Ι, and pronounced Frangi, from whence (as it should seeme) should come the title and sirna [...]e of Franci.

A fourth dis­cent out of Scythia.There be others beside, who from the same Ptolomie, and other Geographers, follow­ing his straine, will haue them to be descended from Scythia, and the Marshie Maeotide [...], and by the name of Brenci, the B. changed to F. and so drawne in by the eares, to be made that of Franci.

A good rule, and aduise in doubtful casesNow, at all times, and as often as question is made of Etymologies, and the O­riginall of proper names and Appellatiues (a matter somewhat difficult and queazie) wee should not proceed to the correction of them, without certaine and apparant rea­sons, and supported by the testimony of Authors of good noate, with this obse­uation of the same Ptolomie (which they doe alleadge) who speaking of Scandi­ [...] [Page 65] [...] Scandinauia, otherwise called Scandia, Baltica or Basilia, auoucheth it to be inhabited [...] seauen seuerall kindes of people, which were the Gothes, Ostrogothes, Visigothes, Danes. Seauen seuerall kindes of peo­ple inhabiting Scandia. [...]rataines, Rugians and Tanians. He speaketh no more of the French then of the Megari­ [...]s; a common prouerbe vsed by the Greekes.

But the most ridiculous opinion, is of them, who would create them out of the mise­ [...]able ashes of great Troy, and of a supposed Francus or Francion, the pretended Sonne of [...]ector, a Paladine in painting, yea, a precious Relique, carried throughout the world; [...] the end, that her desert Prouinces might be planted with so noble a Seede. Hunibauld, [...]nd the Abbot Tritemius, Germaines: One Frier Annius of Viterbo, an Italian, the Com­ [...]enter on a false and supposed Berosus, the pretended Chaldean, and of one Manethon of [...]hrygia, who neuer had being but in the world of the Moone (for the true Berosus a Chaldean, whom the learned Phylo a Iew, and Iosephus doe alleadge so often, neuer wrote [...]ny thing of the ashes of Troy) Iohn Maire the Belgian, in his illustrations of Gaule; Ri­ [...]hard de Vessebourg; one Frier Noel Talepied, of the Gray Fryers Order; and of later date, [...]ne Du Pre of Lyonnois, displayeth in the frontispice of his celebrated trauailes, the mans [...]gly countenance. And the rest of the same ignorant temper,Fabulous wri­ters of the Troyan Fran­cus and the people com­ming of him. haue plunged themselues [...]n the Gulfe of those lyes and fables, taking them for money of the best payment, main­ [...]aining; that the people which followed the fortune of this imagined Francus, were (of [...]im) named Frenchmen. All these reporters of Fables and Sonnets, are resembled to [...]he pretended God Iupiter, whom the French Poet in the first Booke of his Franciades, [...]eigneth and figureth in painting, to saue the supposed Francus. They made a Phantasma, [...]ike to the Iuglers of the Hostell de Bourgongne at Paris, making of Astianax, a Francus, like [...]o Amphitrio in Plautus.

Homer, Prince of the Greeke Poets, giueth but one Sonne, called Astian [...]x, and sur­named Sca [...]ander, to the valiant Hector, and Andromache his wife, in the sixt Booke of his Illiades.

The Latine Poet calleth him nothing but Astianax, in the second Booke of his Ae­ [...]eidos.

And like as those are meere Fables, of all the pretended Gods, and forged by the Greeks and Romaines:

Reade Thucidides his preface, an Historian of approued integrity, and more likely to vnderstand the truth of those antiquities of Greece.

So are the Siedges of Troy the Great, and of Thebes with an hundred Gates:Fables meere­ly inuented by the Poets. And the voyage of the Argonautes, to conquer the Golden Fleece, the three most famous enter­pises which the Poets euer feigned.

If Troy was, it neuer was taken, nor sacked after such manner, as Homer and Virgill haue feigned: According as it is proued by Dion Prussensis, in the booke which he wrote De Troia non capta.

Aeneas, Anthenor, and other supposed great Lords of Troy, pretended founders of Rome and other places, are imagined names of persons that neuer were, but in the minde and fantasie of Poets. The Cato of his age, Pybrac, made (to good purpose) the Queene of Carthage say, that the Latine Poet taxed her with immodestie, and her Aeneas with trea­son and perfidie.

But leaue we these Fables, to whosoeuer liketh to be led by them.

The French Poet, in the place before alleadged (to the end wee may talke no more of diuinations) being desirous to encounter them on the name of the French, by the adopti­on and composure of two Gaulish words ioyned together, Phere-Encos, which signifieth Beare-Launce, saith that his Francus.

Among the Armes of the auncient French, ouer and beside the Launce, was the Bat­taile-Axe, [Page 56] which they called Anchon, and moreouer, yet to this day, in many Pro [...] of France,The Battaile-Axe a wea­pon vsed by the ancient French. it is tearmed an Achon, wherewith they serued themselues in warre, by thro [...] ­ing it a farre off at ioyning with the enemy, onely to discouer the man, and to cleaue [...] Shield. Because this Achon was darted with such violence, as it would cleaue the Shield, and compell the Maister thereof to hold down his arme, and being so discouered, as naked or vnarmed; it made way for the sooner surprizing of him. It seemeth, that this weapon was proper and perticuler to the French Souldior, as well him on foote, as on horsebacke. For this cause they called it Franciscus. Francisca, Securis oblonga, quam Franci librab [...] in Hostes. For the Horseman, beside his Shield and Francisca (Armes common, as wee haue said, to the Footeman) had also the Lance, which being broken, and seruing to no further effect: he laid hand on his Francisca, as we learne the vse of that weapon in the Archbishop of Tours, his second Booke and twentie seauenth Chapter of the History of France: and Floardus, in that History of the Church of Rheims, the first Booke, and the thirteenth Chapter. But returne we now againe to the French.

If they had bin descended from the Pannoniaes, which haue (from time to time) bin fa­mous, and tooke part with Germanie: it is not to be doubted, but that the Noble writer Tacitus, who purposely tooke delight to be a Topographer; would haue obserued some­what of them which caused the contradiction, and bringing to compromise, of the same Turnebus before alleadged, that the Ancestors of the French tooke Originall from Ger­manie. Whereas contrariwise, he deriueth their ancient Originall from the Gaules: Ge [...] ­tis nobilis praesertim, & gloriosa in Europa, Imperij maiestatem retinentis, Propaginem, & So­bolem, nostros nominauerim. And this he wrote not without cause (although there be some that take it against the haire) because it is a matter assured, th [...]t Germanie was peopled by the Gaules, and that the Allem signes, by such Colonies and plantations, were of the Romaines,Germanie peopled by the Gaules. baptised with the name of Ge [...]maines, Brethren of the Gaules, whom they re­s [...]mbled in corpulence of body, manners, and behauiour of life.

The Geographer Strabo, in the seauenth booke of his Geographie (whereon all the Historians and Geographers, the Greekes and Romaines moulded and fashioned th [...]ir workes, as on a good Originall and perfect exemplary) informeth vs, that Regionem trans Rhenum ad Ortum vergentem Germani colunt, nationem Gallicam paulisper imitantes, & se­ritatis abundantia, & proceritate corporum, & colore flauo: cum reliquis in rebus, & form [...], & moribus, & viuendiritibus pares existant, quales Gallos diximus. Ideo Romani hoc illi [...] nomen iure indidisse mihi videntur, per [...]nde ac eos Fratres (Romano sermone) Germani intelli­guntur. But for the better vnderstanding of this passage, it behoueth vs to obserue the time, when Germanie was peopled by the Gaules.

At what time Germanie was peopled by the Gaules.About the yeare of the World, three thousand and three hundred; before the most blessed birth of the Sauiour of Mankinde sixe hundred and thirteene; at such time as Nabuchodonosor, King of the Assyrians, held the Iewes in slauerie; and that Tarquin the elder Commanded ouer the Romaines; were made two signale depar­tures of the Gaules, to inhabite Greece, Italie, Allemaigne and Spaine: So saith the learned Antiquarie Claudius Fauchet, at the beginning of his Historie of France.

At that time reigned ouer the fertile Gaules Ambigat; a rich and puissant Prince, whose Court was ordenarily kept in the Towne of Bruges, according to the vulgar opinion (and as others say, at Viarion) so called by Caesar, and such as followed him, tearmed it Auaricum: the inhabitants and people of Berry; Auares, & Bi­turiges, and the Champaine grounds thereof, which some name Sologne, are tear­med of the same Caesar in his language, Campi Catalaunici, and in Me, one word Cata­launia.

The Nephews of Ambigat appointed to conquer n [...]w Count [...]. Ambigat, to discharge the Gaules, which swarmed then to an infinite number of people; made election of the Sonnes of his Sister, being his Nephewes, Sigouese and Belouese, to goe conquer new Prouinces, and gaue to each of them three hundred thousand men, with their Families. Belouese tooke his way to Italie, which he peo­pled, there building Townes and Villages, and all his conquest beyond the Moun­taines of the Alpes,Trans-Alpine Gaule. was named Trans-Alpine Gaule, and is so still to this day. Hee pressed further on his fortune, and aduentured his conquests into Thrace, subduing Macedon and Greece,The Con­quests of Be­louese. as well the Isles, as the firme Land: as it is written by Strabo, Plutarch, Pa [...]sanias, Titus Liui [...] and Iustine. This migration is not here any part of [Page 57] our subiect, Fauchet tooke it to his taske, and worthily acquitted himselfe thereof: Now we will take our owne, that of Allemaigne or Germanie.

Sigonese had his troupes composed (as well as that of his Brother) of Sambres, cal­ [...]ed at this present Picads, of Artesians, Beauuoisins, Chartraines, Berruyers, Bretons,The compo­sure of the troupes be­longing to Si­gouese, and their deuision. A­quitains, Sequanois, Suisses, Bourbonnois, Limosins, Tolosians, Seuenois, Rouer­gats, and other people, drawne from all the Prouinces of Gaule, and diuided into two troupes, for the better peopling of such Lands, as should fall to their lot and partage; whereunto also they gaue their names, conserued euen to this present day.

He had Almaigne or Germanie to his part, and hauing passed Rhine,Rhine the par­tition of the Gaules. which se­perated the Gaules; in stead of the goodly plaines, and Champaine grounds of Ita­ [...]ie, he found himselfe to be in vnpleasing places of the Forrest Hercynia, which the Romaines called Syluam incompertae magnitudinis, and whereof no one knoweth the end. The people of Sigouese inhabited and made their abiding in the shades thereof, making glades (by little and little) for their commoditie.

The first that freed themselues of the Riuer, were the Sambres, the Artesians and Touresians formerly named, in regard of the Riuer of Sambre, called Sabis by Caesar, [...]n his second and sixt Bookes of the Gaules warre. Ipse cum reliquis tribus legionibus [...]d flumen abin (and not Schaldim) quod inslu [...]t in Mosam, extremasque Arduennae partes re constituit. For this Riuer, which they of the Ardennes called Sambre, hath her Spring in the said Forrest of Ardenne, on the confines of Vermandois, and of Henault, [...]nd making diuers turnings and windings, commeth to laue the Towne of Namure, and afterward looseth her selfe in the Riuer of Meuxe. Fortunatus, the Bishop of Poi­ [...]tiers, rancketh among the Riuers of France, this Sabis of Caesar, called Sambre, which the said Fortunatus tearmeth Sabam, in his seauenth Booke, and fourth Poemme.

This is that which Caesar calleth Sicambros, and Tacitus Sugambros, disguising thus [...]uncient proper names, and Gaulish vocables in the Romaine desinence or ending, [...]o make them the apter for their owne language. Which Caesar began with a purpo­ [...]ed deliberation, to the end, that (in time) the honor and glory of the Gaules Nati­on might be vtterly lost. A stratagem of Romaine malice, to hide the Gaules for euer, from the most rare secrets of their goodly pollicie,The mallice of the Romaines against the Gauls. with the antiquity of their Citties and Prouinces. Yet notwithstanding all this, in the end they found bright day light, and knowledge of their hainous and deadly enemies, namely, the writings of Caesar, of Titus Liutus, and others. After Caesar followed the Greekes, who, not to [...]ide behinde, and not appeare inferiour to the Latines in spirit; meeting with what was written of remote and strange Nations, omitted not (though not tyed there­ [...]o) to change and disguise the same Latine names, inuented by Caesar, The Greekes following the Romaines in malice to the Gauls and such as followed him, by cloathing them alike in their Grecian garments. So that the Gaules had no meane paine and trauaile, to know their owne rights, in the writings of Stra­ [...]o, Diodorus Siculus, Dion, Ptolomie, and other Greeke Authors, as hardly as in them of the Latines. And this is that which made them trip and stumble so often, in the [...]road way of the Itinerarium Cosmographicall of Aeticus; attributed vnaduisedly by the ignorant, to the Emperour Antoninus, and thought to be his.

Those people then, which by Iulius Caesar are called Sicambres, the first that passed ouer the Rhine; planted themselues also first on the borders and lands of Allemaigne,The first plan­tation beyond the Rhine. where they were then, when the same Caesar (to make himselfe knowne) crossed o­ [...]er that great Riuer. They peopled all the extendure of the Countrie, bounded on [...]he one side of the side Riuer for one part, euen from the way where the Riuer of Lipp, in Latine Lippias, runneth to swallow it selfe in the Rhine, and remounting a­gaine all along the Forrest Bacenis, bordereth the two Landsgraues territories of Hes­ [...]en and of Thuringe, the Dutchie of Saxonie, and the Marquisate of Brandenbourge, [...]ecourbing it selfe round-wise, to returne and winne the coast of the Ocean Sea at Hambourg, continuing on so farre as to the Riuer of Rhine; Friezland being a dwelling of the Sambres, in one part of her bounds.

The most notable Riuers of this their abiding, which bathe and water it,The famous Riuers of the Sicambres a­biding. at this present are named Lemss and the Vesere, heretofore called by Tacitus Amasias, Amasis, [Page 58] Amasia and Visurgis by Strabo. And the name of the same extendure, was called Si­cambria, but afterward Westphalia. In following time, the said Sicambrians remoun­ted further into the Countrey, peopling there Franconia: which Gregorie of Tours, in the place before alleadged, calleth properly Franciam. Come we now to the num­bring of the Gaules, which peopled Allemaigne.

The second company that passed the Rhine, were them of Sens, and where they made their planta­tion.The men of Sens, hauing (after the Sambres) passed the Riuer of Rhine; planted themselues neere to the other. These are they whom Caesar called Senones, and Sue­nos: Tacitus Semnones, and others Suiones. They inhabited that extendure of the Countrey, which reacheth from Hambourg, so farre as to Pomerania, all along the Ocean Sea, which of them was called Sueuica on the one side: along the Riuer of Elb, called Albis in Latine, coasting the Sicambres, and remounting by the other side, coasted the Riuer Odera, cutting by Bohemia, they mounted vp so farre as to Nurem­berg; in such sort, that they had their quarter both within and without the Forrest Hercynia, on this side and beyong the Elb, euen to the Forrest Bacenis, called at this present of Turing. This extendure of the Country, is called by Caesar Senonia, soone af­ter Sueuia, and vnto this instant Saxonia, and the inhabitants of them Sesnes, Seno [...] and Saxons. In following time, and by example of the Sambres, they got more el­bow-roome, reaching vp higher into the Countrey, and possessed themselues of places,How far they extended them selues af [...]er­ward. which Caesar calleth Noricos, and so farre as to the Mountaines of the Alpes called Alpes Noricae. This new intrusion into the Countrey, and whereof they had made seisure in the Norican Alpes, and round about them: was, of their name, cal­led Senonia Noua; afterward Sueuia, and at this present Suaba, in Latine Sub Albis. Strabo, in the seauenth Booke of his Cosmographie, saith, Senones, Sueuorum na [...] partim intra, partim extra syluam Hercyniam habitant. Sueuorum quidem gens [...] ­plissima, a Rheno siquidem vsque ad Albim perueniunt. These are his owne words.

The plantati­ons of the Se­nones and Beauuoisins.The Angeuins and Beauuoisins, planted themselues betweene the Senones and the Sweuian Sea, making vse of the Countrey now called Pomerania: in memory where­of, the Inhabitants of that Prouince are (euen to this day) named Andes, Andega [...], and Antij by Beatus Rhenanus vpon Tacitus.

The men of Languedoc.Betweene the Saxon and the Bohemian, the people of Languedoc made their stay▪ as also about Tolossa ▪ but Caesar in his sixt Booke, calleth them Tectosages, holding them in esteeme and reputation, for their valiancie and iustice. Their Capitall Ci­tie among the Gaules, where they receiued birth, retaineth the name of Tolosi Tecto­sagum, the Metropolitane Sea, and second Seate of Iustice, belonging to the most Christian Kings. And Caesar, when hee speaketh of them of Germanie, saith, that Fertilissima Germaniae loca, circum Hercyniam syluam Tectosages occuparunt, atque ibi [...] ­sederunt: quae gens ad hoc vsque tempus his se continet sedibus, summamque habet Iustitia [...] bellicae laudis opinionem. Schastian Munster, in the third Booke of his Cosmographie writeth: That the most part of the Countrey where the Tectosages dwelt, is at this present enclosed within the Duchie of Wittemberg, and watered with the Riuer of Necre, Necar. Tectosagum gens putatur Necri ripam accoluisse, quo loco adhuc arx vetu [...] visitur, quae Tecktkensibus postea Comitibus, & Ducibus nomen dedit. Ea arx Teckt abijs [...] Tectosagum Populis vulgo appellatur.

The plantati­on of the Se­uenois.The Seuenois, dwelling in the Mountaines of Languedoc, peopled the Forrests and Mountaines, which are betweene Saxonie and the Sweuian Ocean, neere about Me [...] ­bourg. The inhabitants of this extention, are to this present called Gabal [...], and G [...] ­liones, conformably to them of Geuaudan, the Cathedrall Church whereof is Me [...], called in Latine Mimatus, and her people Gabali, Gabalorum. The title of the Bishop thereof, being Episcopus Minatensis, Comes Gabalor [...]m.

The Bretons, whom Caesar calleth Armoricos Populos, fashioned at all times for Ma­rine negotiations;The plantati­on of the Bre­tons. tooke for their partage the coasts of the Germaine Ocean, called Sueuian and Suiouicall by Tacitus, instead of Senonicall. Suionum hinc Ciuitates ips [...] in Oceano, praeter viros, armaque Classibus valent. Ergo iam dextro Sueuici maris [...] Aestyorum gentes alluuntur, quibus ritus, habitusque Sueuerum, lingua Britannicae p [...] ­pior.

The peopling of Russia and Prussia.In the same steps, the men of Rouerge, and of Ouercy, whom Caesar tearmed R [...] ­nos, peopled Russia and Prussia, called in Latine Rutenia and Prutenia, and the [Page 65] People of the said two Prouinces called Ruteni and Pruteni.

The Limosins peopled in like manner,The plantati­on of the Li­mosins. neere about the Germaine Ocean of Lino­sia, and of their name, the inhabitants there dwelling, haue beene from all times called (especially by Tacitus) Lemouices, and Lemouij, in stead of Liuonienses and Li­ [...]onij.

The Chartraines, named by Caesar Carnutes, made their dwelling neere to the Pan­ [...]oniaes, peopling Carnutia, with the great and lesser Carnia. Their first Colonie,The Char­traines and where they planted. by change of letters, was called Carinthia, Carnutia, and by Eusebius in his Chrono­logie, vnder the yeare of our Lord one hundred and fourescore, the inhabiters there are named Populi Carnutum. The two other haue retained their auncient appella­tion of Carnia, and of Carniola, or Carniolis: but returne we now to the Sicambres and Sueues.

On the right hand of them, betweene them and the bankes of Rhine, The plantati­on of the Hel­uetians. there the Heluetians planted themselues; at this instant called Swizzers, and in the Ger­maine language, the Confederates or Allies: who caused to be builded Scaf­fouse, Fribourg, and Rotuill, they dwelt sometimes in the Marquisate of Bada.

On the left hand of the same Sweues, the Bourbonnois lodged themselues, whom Cae­sar calleth Boios: And they planted themselues in that Prouince of Germanie,Plantation of the Bourbon­nois in Bohe­mia. which [...]peareth title of the Kingdome of Bohemia, whereunto they gaue their name, conser­ [...]ed euen to this present day.

The Berruieres peopled coniointly with the Bourbonnois, the Dutchie of Bauaria,What they were that planted with the Bourbon­nois. by Caesar called Noricum, tearmed Bauaria, and Baiocaria, à Boijs, & Auaris Popul [...]s, with all the extention of the Countrey, contained vnder the name of Nori [...]um, Alpes Norica, and the inhabitants Noriques, called by Titus Liutus Bourbonnois: and these ex­ [...]ended from the Rhine, so farre as the passage to the Citie of Trent (which maketh [...]he seperation of Germanie, and the Lands belonging to the State of Venice) & from [...]hence so farre as Hungaria. Caesar in the first Booke of the Gaules warres, speaking of the Bourbonnois, writeth, that the Heluetians, which are the Swizzers, tooke as com­panions and associates Boios, qui trans Rhenum incoluerant, & in agrum Noricum transie­ [...]ant, Norciamque oppugnarant, receptes ad se socios sibi adsciscerant, to shew the auncient dwelling of the Gaules in Allemaigne, or Germanie.

And as for Hungaria, it was perticularly peopled by the Berruyers, Concerning the peopling of Hungaria and Morauia. who gaue it the [...]ame of Auaria, changed afterward into that of Hungaria, the people being called Auares Populi, soone after Hunnes and Hungars. They peopled also Morauia, which [...]are their name, and afterward the Pannoniaes, as much to say as the lower, which is [...]he Hungaria, named Auaria (as we haue said) honored with the title of a Kingdome. And the higher, which is the Arch-Duchie of Austria, named Marche d' Austria by [...]harlemaigne, after he had conquered it, as Auen [...]ine writeth in the fourth Booke of his History of Bauaria, more at large.

Of these troupes or Colonies of the Gaules in Germanie, Caesar, speaketh in the [...]xt Booke of Bello Gallico, with these words worthy to be remarked. Ac fuit ante tempus [...]um Galli Germanos virtute superarent, & vltro bella inferrant, ac propter hominum multitu­ [...]inem, agrique inopiam Trans Rhenum Colonias mitterent. Strabo saith as much in his [...]ourth and seauenth Bookes of his Geographie.

And the learned Tacitus, in his Germania, deducing briefely that which Caesar set [...]owne in larger manner, saith. Validiores olim Gallorum res fuisse▪ summus auctorum diuus [...]lius tradit, eoque credibile est etiam Gallos in Germaniam Transgressos. Igitur inter Hercy­ [...]am syluam, Rhenumque & Moenum amnes Heluetij, Vlteriora Boij, Gallica Vtraque Gens [...]uere. Manet adhuc Boiemi nomen, significatque loci veterem memoriam. The same Hi­ [...]orian, in another passage, saith. Leuissimus quisque Gallorum & inopia audax, dubia pos­ [...]ssionis solum occupauere.

And this is the reason, why the auncient Geographers comprehended vnder the [...]ame of Celtes and Galates (that is to say the Gaules) the Allemaignes and Germaines. [...] like manner, the Genius of nature Aristotle, who liued three score and ten yeares [...]efore Caesar, in the second Booke of his Meteores, writeth: That the great Riuer of [...]anubius thwarted the Countrey of the Celtes, and yet notwithstanding, euery man [...]oweth, that Dunoua watereth the most part of Germanie.

Diodorus Siculus, who liued (well-neere) at the same time as the Geographer Strabo [Page 66] did, maketh mention, that Aristotle comprehended vnder the name of Cel [...]es, Gaules of Almaigne and Spaine, long before peopled by the same Gaules. In memory whereof, it retaineth the name of Celtiberia, from the Riuer of Ebro or Eberus, so farre as to the Pyren [...]ans, and the Kingdome of Portugall likewise, vpon the same subiect.

Dion anoth [...]r, Greeke Author, in the life of Augustus, speaking of the Conquests which Claudius Drusus Nero made in Allemaigne; called the Inhabitants Celtes. Drusus Tiberij srater missus contra Celtas qui trans Rhenum incolunt, captis rebus omnibus quae factae esse [...] obuiam, vsque ad Albim Fluuium est progressus.

And Vibius Sequester, a Romane Historian, is of the same opinion, as the Authors be­fore alleadged. For, vnder the name of Galates, he comprehendeth Allemaigne, wholly and intirely: in the Tract which he wrote of Riuers, Mountaines, and Nations subiected to the Romaine Empire, which he seemeth to haue borrowed from Strabo and Diodorus Siculus, who called all the extension of Germanie, comprized and enclosed within the Rhine, from beyond Danubius, and from beyond Scythia (which comprehend Poland, Moscouia, and Tartaria for the greater part) Galatiam Magnam, Great Gaule.

Wee will conclude this Chapter with two particularities of the great Riuer Rhine. The first,Two especiall obseruations concerning the Riuer Rhine. that it hath beene receiued from all times, to serue as a borne and limit of the Gaules and Germane. We haue one Tract of Caesars, in his fourth booke of the Gaules warres, of the answere which the Sicambres made to him. Populi Romani Imperium Rhe­num s [...]are. For then the Romans had ranged the Gaules vnder their obedience, & would subiugate Allemaigne, for which they neuer had any reason. While so many people thereof fought valiantly for their freedome, the Romanes many times triumphed in paintings, of such there as they had vanquished. Moreouer, that great Riuer was whole and int [...]e to the Gaules. And therefore the Poet Catullus, writing, Ad Furium & A [...] ­relium, said:

The other particularitie, whereby Catullus called that great Gaulish Riuer, Rhenum Gallicum, is; for as much as the Iewes did serue their owne turne of bitter waters, thereby to approue the pudicity or chastity of their wiues, when they suspected them to be some­what short heel'd,How the Iewes made triall of their wiues honesty as we learne from Iosephus and learned Philo the I [...]we: euen so in like manner, and for the same subiect, the Gaules serued their turne with the Riuer of Rhine. For they desiring to haue an assured proofe of the fidelity of their wiues, (as if there were place to try it by a Ballance or compromise) after they were layd in childe-bed, they took the tender young Infants and exposed them (starke naked) vpon the water of that violen [...] Riuer.The like triall made by the Gaules. If they sunke, and were drowded therein, then they iudged them to be Bastards, fit for no other fortune, excluding their wiues from their houses, and seuerely punishing them for their incontinency: for they wholly had the power of life and death ouer them, according as Caesar writeth in the sixt booke of his Bello Gallico. On the contrary, if the Infants did swim, as borne vp vpon the Rhine, they acknowledged them to be legitimate, nourished and educated them carefully, as children of the family.

For this cause the Greeke Poet Poet Nonnus, in Dionysiacis, to good purpose called that great Riuer of Rhine [...], The Iudge and Reuenger of Marriage, soyled with the wiues immodesty, Matrimonij violati vindicem.

Iulian the Apostata obserueth the same noate, in his Epistle Ad Maximum, naming the Rhine the Essayer and Touch-stone of Chastity in the Gaulish women; the Plumm [...] for sounding, and infallible proofe of their Legitimate children; [...]. As much saith Galen (who by the saying of Plutarch) locke vp the schoole of Philosophy, in the Tract which hee wrote, De Sanitate tuenda: The Greeke Prouerbe.

And the Poet Claudian.

CHAP. II. Of the Migrations, remouings and passages of the Sicambres, and other people out of Germanie, into Gaule, and on the hither side of the Rhine.

IN the former discourse we haue made knowne, what people of Gaule peopled the waste Germanie. The Sambres, who are they (as we haue already said) which dwelt vpon the Riuer of Sabis, rested on the Riuer of Rhine, The Sicam­bres famous for their vali­ancie. and were they whom Cae­sar called Sicambri. These people, renowned for valiancie a­mong the naturall Gaules, were present in the Armie of A­riouistus, King of the Germaines, when he would needes make head against Caesar, who commenced the conquest of the Gaules. They were they, who confronted the same Caesar, [...]en by way of a brauado, he would shew himselfe to the Germaines, to succour [...] Inhabitants of Cologne on the Rhine: after hee had caused a Bridge to be [...]ouided, whereof hee describeth the forme and fashion, in the fourth Booke [...] Bello Gallico.

This Bridge was built very neere to Cologne, which declareth, that the Sicambres, A Bridge built by Caesar neer to Cullen. [...]d their neighbours the Sweues, possessed not onely the higher Germanie, but also [...]reat part of the lower: for otherwise Caesar had (to small purpose) built that Bridge [...]eere to Strasbourg, or to Spire, which are (at this day) face to face with the [...]w Suaba. So that it behoued him necessarily, that those two neighbouring people, [...]d which followed him alwayes in warre; should hold and possesse all the Coun­ [...]y, which marched to the Riuer of Elb (that is Albis) from whence they might make [...]ir inuasions and courses, euen so farre as to the territorie of them of Cologne, [...]ich Caesar calleth Vbiens, constrained to appeale for their aide and succour. And [...]s is the reason why we haue formerly placed the Sambres, or Sicambres,The Sambres or Sicambres placed in Friezland. so farre [...]nto Friez-Land, where the Riuers of Emss and of Vuezer, runne rouling and des­ [...]ding into the Ocean Sea. Sicambria (quae nunc Vuest-phalia dicitur) inter Rhenum, Ca­ [...] Cheruscos, Bructeros, Langobardos extendebatur.

The ancient Sicambria, afterward called West-phalia,The scituation of the ancient Sicambria. had on the East side the Ri­ [...] of Vezer (Visusurgis) for frontier: on the South, the Mountaines of the Landsgra­ [...] of Hessen, which Ptolomie calleth Monte O [...]obios: on the West, the great Riuer of [...]ine; and on the North-side Friezland, Holland, Vtrect and Trans-Isellana.

[...]t is a matter very remarkeable, that the French hauing embraced Christianity, at [...] Sacring of Clouis, which happened in the yeare fiue hundred,At what time the French re­ceiued the Christian faith. and by their ex­ [...]ple, the very neerest prouinces of their obedience: yet notwithstanding, they of [...]stphalia retained long time the Romaine Demonomanie, euen vntill such time Charlemaigne, being become a peacefull Lord ouer them: he established foure E­ [...]copall Churches, namely, Munstre, Osnabourg, Paderbrun, and Minde. And to [...]pe in dutie of the Catholique Faith, the inhabitants of this Countrey (meruai­ [...]sly inclined to Idolatrie) he instituted a cruell Inquisition (by the modell and pat­ [...]e whereof▪ was the holy Office in Spaine prouided) or secret kinde of Iustice; [...]h soueraigne power to punish Traitors, and periured persons to God, taken in Ido­ [...]ie, without hearing them speake: so that (without any noise) from euening to [...]rning, the Idolaters were seene hanged, and fastened to Trees, without distincti­ [...] of Noblemen from Peazants, poore from rich, because ordenarily, the greatest [...]sons were hanged vp, whose authority might otherwise serue for a shelter to the [...]aner sort, to doe ill. By which rigorous course, without forme or any figure of [...]ice; the Westphalians were kept within the compasse of well doing. Those close [Page 72] concealed Iudges were called Escheuins Scabini, Immediate seuere Iudges of life or death or as Sheriffes for execution suddenly. so say the Germaine Authors: a [...] after them Pope Pius the second, in whose life time this bloody Inquisition came into force againe.

This ancient Sicambria, was (in following time) inhabited with diuers Nations. [...] there were the Teutons of Mela, whom Ptolomie calleth Teutones, placed on the [...] ticke Sea,The old peo­ple of Alle­maigne. and these men ioyned themselues to the Cimbrians, at such time as they entred among the Gaules, and were ouercome by Caius Marius in Prouence, neere [...] Arles Camargne plaine, called Campus Marius, of that great Romaine Captaine. These Teutons or Theutons, caused Teutoburgum to be built by the side of a goodly Forrest, famous by the buriall of the Romaines. Next followed the Busasteres [...] Ptolomie, whom Tacitus calleth Bructeros, who possessed the Diocesse of M [...] ­stre and neighbouring Countries: for there were both the great and less [...] Bructeres.

Of other peo­ples passages to them.Then the Chamaues of Tacitus, Camani by Ptolomie, which are they of the Co [...] tie of the Mark.

The Augriuarians of Ptolomie, placed on the Vezer, that is the Dutchie of Augi [...] euen to this day, and the Countie of Lippe, the Diocesse of Minde.

The Lombards, who afterward were regents in Italie, euen to the time of the grea [...] Emperour Charlemaine.

The Delgumni [...]s of Ptolomie, and the Dulgibins of Tacitus: the markes of these tw [...] last people doe shew themselues at Bardewich, and Dulmon, a Towne seated in the D [...] ocesse of Munstre.

Sometimes called Angels-Land.The Angles or Anglois, who gaue their name to Great Bretaigne, otherwise called England, whether they passed in the yeare foure hundred forty foure.

The Cha [...]ches, whom Ptolomie calleth Conchos, and the Poet Claudian Caicos.

They held the Diocesse of Breme, bordering on Friez-Land, and the Riuers [...] Vezer and of Emss, returning backe so farre as to the Cattes and Cherusques; whi [...] are them of Heidelberg, and of the Landsgrauiat of Hessen, heretofore called Ca [...] Agath [...]as a Greeke Author, addeth to them the Arboriches, called Arborichij, peopl [...] neighbours to the Landsgrauiat of Hessen, which are said to be the Eiscfifdelois, a [...] this present.

This noate of the auncient inhabitants of Sicambria, will serue to vnderstand t [...] passages of Tacitus in his Germania, and in the first Booke of his Annales. Conciti [...] [...]odo per haec Cherusci, sed & contermina gentes. Vnde maior Caesari metus, qui ne be [...] mole vna ingrueret, Caecinam cum quadraginta Cohortibus Romanis distrahendo hosti, p [...] Bructeros ad flumen Amisiam (that is the Emss) mitti [...]. Equitem Paedo Praefectus finib. F [...]siorum ducit, ipse impositas manibus quatuor Legiones per lacus vexit, simulque pedes, eq [...] classis per praedictum amnem conuenere. Chansi, cum auxilia pollicerentur, in commilit [...] asciti sunt. Bructeros sua vrenteis, expedita cum manu L. Stertinius missu Germanici f [...] interque caedem, & praedam reperit vnde vigesimae Regionis Aquilam cum Varo amissam. [...] ctum inde agmen ad vltimos Bructerorum, quantumque Amisiam, & Luppiam am [...]es [...] vastatum, haud procul Teutoburgensi saltu in quo reliquiae Vari, Legionumque insep [...] cebantur.

Satisfaction concerning the Sicambrians, and their ori­ginal.That which hath aboue bin said, in my iudgement, may suffice to make seene [...] knowne, both with the eye and finger, the auncient dwelling of the Sicambrians, [...] their true originall. Hereafter we shall see further, how they were transported [...] some part of them) into Holland vnder Augustus; then carried away from thence, [...] der the Empire of Constantius (father to Constantine the Great) further off into G [...] namely into Picardie, and Prouinces neighbouring on the Ocean Sea; whe [...] they returned after the death of the said Constantius; how those of Westpha [...] mounted higher into Allemaigne, to inhabite Franconia and Thuringe: from when [...] (some yeares after) they repassed he Rhine, to descend (in good earnest and [...] fully) to possesse themselues of the Gaules.

Caesar hauing nothing aduanced his fortune, by passing the Rhine; his success [...] [Page 73] [...]gustus performed some small matter more: yet his Lieutenant Varus, and some Le­ [...]ns, remained there for gages at Teautobourg, as we haue it remarked by Tacitus. Where Caesar left, his succes­sor Augustus proceeded on, but to small aduantage. [...]erius, Lieutenant to the said Augustus, partly by loue, and partly by force; trea­ [...] some meanes of peace with the Sweues and Sicambrians, the very neerest to [...] Rhine: and made alliance with their King Maroboduus (King of the Sicambri­ [...] and Sweues, from the time of Augustus) by the consent of whom,Maroboduus, King of the Si­cambrians and Sweues. the Sicambri­ [...] were caused to passe the Riuer of Rhine, and planted themselues betweene [...] armes thereof (of three, as some haue noated) where it disgorgeth it selfe [...]o the Ocean Sea. This abiding of theirs, gaue a part to the said Sicambri­ [...], traiected or ferried out of Germanie into Gaule, and to the vtmost confines [...]reof, and it is acknowledged vnder the name of Holland, called by the Ro­ [...]ns Batauia, and the arme of Rhine, whereon it is seated; Vahalis, and at this present [...]l; but by the Bishop of Auuergne, Sidonius Apollinaris (writing to the Emperor [...]iorian) Vachalis.

Of this migration, leauing the Countrey, and new Colonie of the Sicambrians, [...]m beyond the Rhine, vpon the confines of the Gaules; the Geographer Strabo [...]aketh in his fourth Booke, and elsewhere. Dion, in whom, for Cantabri, must [...] read Sicambri. Eutropius in his Breuiarie, mounted the account of these peo­ [...] very high, to the number of foure hundred thousand men. Tacitus, in the se­ [...]nd Booke of his Annales, maketh Tiberius speake thus. Sic Sicambros in deditio­ [...]n acceptos, sic Sueuos, Regemque Maroboduum pace obstrictum. And Suetonius, in [...]e life of Augustus: Sueuos, & Sicambros dedentes se in Galliam traduxit, & in proxi­ [...] agris Rheni collocauit. Horace in his fourth Booke, Ode 14.

And these are the very same, whereof Martiall speaketh, who liued vnder the [...]ell Domitian.

Expeditions by one and the same meanes, and all in one traine their other migra­ [...]ns; vntill their assured dwelling in Gaule.

CHAP. III. Other Migrations or shifting of places, of the Sicambrians into Gaule and Germanie.

WE haue in our precedent Chapter declared,Colonies of the Sicambri­ans transplan­ted into Hol­land. how Tiberius pla­ced and transported Colonies of the Sicambrians into Hol­land, betweene the arme of Rhine, where it rowleth into the Ocean by three mouthes (for indeede it hath so many, how­soeuer those Auncients tooke knowledge but of two) accor­ding to the testimonies of Poets; as Claudian in his first Booke De Laudibus Stilonicis.

Sidonius Apolinaris, in the place before alleadged. ‘Sic ripae duplicis tumore fracto.’ And in the Panegyricke, spoken by him to the Emperour Auitus.

The transmi­gration from Westphalia into Holland.But this transmigration from Westphalia into Holland, is not to be vnder [...] of all the Sicambrians in generall, but onely a part or company of them. T [...] did not (for this present occasion) forsake their auncient Sicambria, which [...] possessed vntill such time, as they made assurance for themselues in Gaule, in [...] declining of the Romaine Empire. That bright burning Lampe of the Ch [...] Saint Hierome, who had long time studied at Treuers, then Capitall Citie of [...] Gaules, and who (in his owne person) had seene Marcomir and Sunnon, Kings [...] France, Grandfathers to King Pharamond (for Saint Hierome passed out of this [...] into a better, in the yeare foure hundred and twenty, being aged fourescore [...] thirteene yeares, in the holy Citie of Bethelem) describeth thus their dwell [...] (such as it was in his time) in the life of the good Hermet Saint Hilari [...], [...] ter Saxones, & Alemannos, gens non tam lata, (quam valida) apud Historicos G [...] mania, nunc vero Francia vocatur. For (as we shall say elsewhere) the Romaines call [...] Allemaigne in generall,All Allemaign in generall cal­led Germania by the Romains Germania. But after that the inhabitants thereof leagu [...] themselues in two troupes, as namely the Sicambrians vnder the name of French and the Sueues, vnder the name of Allemaignes: then Germanie were (by the sa [...] meanes) deuided into two lots and partages, seperated the one from the other b [...] the Riuer of Elb. Afterward, from thence, so farre as to the vtmost confines [...] the Alpes,The higher Germ [...]nie cal­led Allemaign Sclauonia and Carinthia, with all that great extendure of the Countrey called sometimes the Higher Germanie, was called Allemaigne, by a new na [...] of League, and commonly Suaba, or Suenia. And then, from hitherward t [...] Elb, so farre as to the shoare of the Germaine Sea, and to the swallowing of Rhi [...] into the Oceans mouth: all that circumference (acknowledged vnder the name [...] the lower Germanie, or simply Germany, as Saint Hierome saith) was called France [...] by generall name of the league,The lower Germanie cal­led Franch. of all the people thereof; so that perticularly Westphalia was the dwelling of the Sicambrian French, seated betweene the Ses [...] or Saxons, and the Sueues or High-Allemaignes.

Sidonius Apollinaris, who liued in the time of King Meroueus, and was sent [...] an Ambassage to him, by the Romaine Emperours, to moue an agreement disciphereth this auncient dwelling of the French, by the Floods and [...] uers of Vaal, of Viadeer, of the V. and of the Elb, writing to Cosse [...]s [...] a man of a singuler good aduise, and whom hee reputed (for integritie of life capable, to settle some appointment with this generous Nation, and warli [...] French.

The same dwelling of theirs was assured, so saith Agathias the Greeke Auth [...] (who had Souldier-like serued vnder the Emperour Iustinian, and liued in [...] time of Great Clouis, King of France, his Sonnes) as well in Westphalia, [...] beyond, and on this side the Rhine, in the Duchies of Cleues and Gulich, [...] Countie of Zutphen, where they extended themselues into Gaule on the one sid [...] and on this side the Rhine into Thuringe, and also into Franconia, saith this Auth [...] in his first Booke of the Gothes warres.

Constantius, Father of Con­stantine the Great.It is a case most certaine, that Constantius, the Father of Constantine the Gr [...] was sent Lieutenant Generall into Gaule, to represse the maritime incursyo [...] which the French (setled in Holland) made on the shoares of the Oce [...] Sea: from whence ioyntly with the Sesnes or Saxons their neighbours, they d [...] bled euery way the Sea-coasts of the Romaine Empire. To checke these proc [...] dings of theirs, he transported out of Holland the shrewdest & hardest kinde of p [...] ple, further vp into Gaule: thus we are instructed by the Panegyricke of Em [...] [Page 75] [...]an spoken to the said Constantius, whom hee commended, for hauing retaken [...]logne on the Sea; ouerthrowne Alectus, successour to Carausius; and the [...]ench, who shouldered them in England, and swept the coastes of the Nor­ [...]andie Sea, Picardie, Flanders and Holland, from the rouing and Piracies of [...]e French, whom hee had rid the Countrey of, and transported to Beauuois [...]ie [...]s, to Langres and Troyes, Per Victorias tuas, Constanti Caesar inuicte, quid­ [...]id infrequens Ambiano, & Bellouaco, & Triquassino solo, Lingonicoque restabat; [...]baro cultore reuirescit Which hee meaneth of the French, dispersed into [...]ese Prouinces, emptied of their auncient Inhabitants, by the spoyles of strange [...]ations in Gaule. The same Rhethoritian, in another Panegyricke, informeth [...], that the same Emperour surprized some French, euen within their owne [...]arishes, whom hee transported into Gaule, as well as those out of Holland. [...]uid loquar rursus intimas Franciae nationes non ad iam his locis, quae olim Romani in­ [...]serant; sed à proprijs ex origine sua sedibus, atque ab vltimis Barbariae littoribus [...]ulsas, vt in desertis Galliae regionibus collocatae, etiam pacem Romani Imperij cultu iuua­ [...]nt, & arma dilectu.

But these people thus traiected into Gaule, made their stay there for no long time; [...]r being of a generous and martiall spirit, and such as made sale of their liues ra­ [...]er for fight, then to consume them in the rust of ease and sloath: And as Claudi­ [...] saith, speaking of them;

No sooner heard they the death of the Emperour Constantius, but they returned [...]gaine into Holland, where they recommenced their Pyraticall kinde of life, and [...]ought valiantly against Constantine the Great, and his Sonnes, as well by Sea, as [...]n firme Land, so say the Panegyristes, because the French Nation encreased to in­ [...]nite numbers of people. By meanes whereof, they made their extendure daily, [...]oth beyond, and on this side the Rhine, and namely into the lower Germanie, [...]here they peopled the Prouince, which of their name (euen to this day) is cal­ [...]ed Franconia. Sigibert in his Chronicle, nameth this peopling,Franconia bearing name of the French. to be in the yeare [...]f Grace, three hundred twenty fiue. Franci, Sicambria egressi considere secus Rhe­ [...]um in oppidis Germaniae But it is a question, whether he speaketh of their Colo­ [...]ies in Franconia, or of them which they sent on the hither side of the Rhine, into [...]he Duchies of Cleues, Gueldres and Gulich, which they held then, when they pos­ [...]essed themselues of the Gaules.

For the Germaine Authors agree together, that in the yeare of Grace,The generall opinion of Germaine Au­thors. three hun­ [...]red twenty sixe, the Soraues (who were they of Thuringe) being hurried by the [...]ueues, who (by Droit de Bien-Seance) became possessed very suddenly, of one part [...]f the Lands belonging to them of Bauaria, where they had planted a new Colo­ [...]ie of the Suabes: were constrained (to conserue the rest of their deuision) to call to [...]heir aide and succour the Sicambrians, renowned for valiancie, vnder the name [...]f the French; to serue as a bulwarke and strong wall betweene them and the [...]ueues, who made themselues knowne by the name of Allemaignes, as wee said [...]efore.

These French then departed out of their Sicambria,The departure of the French out of their Sicambria. to the number of three hun­ [...]red and fourescore thousand men, with their Families; and went to plant them­ [...]elues in the Lands of the Soraues, where formerly had made their abode the [...]sipetes and Tenchteres. Cum inter Sorabos (so say the Germaine Authors) & con­ [...]nes eorum Sueuos, perptuum esset dissiduum, The people of Wirizbourg in Franconia. conuocatos ex inferiori Germania Si­ [...]ambros, illos collocarunt in pago Herbipolensi, qui mediarent inter ipsos Thuringos, atque [...]ueuos.

The same Authours (for the Romaine Historians speake nothing of these [...]migrations) expresse moreouer, saying that Franco [...]es primum habitauerunt iux­ [...]a Rhenum in inferiore Germania, in his regionibus quae hodie Vuestphalia, & [...]risia, appellataque est ab eis regio illa Sicambria, sicut, & Sicambri sunt [Page 76] sunt appellati. Contigit autem sub Anno Domini Trecentessimo Viges [...]o Sex [...], [...] ringi & Sueui multa haberent dissidia, & pralia continua qua propter Franci [...] [...] gis vocati, quasi murus constituti fuerunt inter eos, atque Sueuos. Thus you see [...] they say in this case.

In this place to set downe the Topohraphies of thir plantation, and Colonie, [...] the Paralels of them, which are renowned to this day, with those beside wh [...] the French wan passage: the narration (in my iudgement) would be too trouble [...]some, and it may be discerned in Munster, who tooke it to his taske. Wee [...] onely say, that this Franconia is gently watered with the Riuers of Moein, of [...]berne, where Neccar in part, and Saltz make a supplement: which serueth aptly [...] this discourse, because that the French, those I meane which dwelt in the very highes [...] part of Franconia, and of Westphalia, were named by the Historians of Rome, Fran­ci Antiuarij, Franci Salici, a name giuen them by the Romaines. and Ampsiuarij, and those people which bordered on the Riuer [...] (called Salts by the Allemaignes) were by the same Romaines named Franci Sa [...] and by abridgement Salij, of the verbe Salire, that is to say, Saulier, to be agile quicke and nimble of foote, to leape and mount well, a quality most notably [...] ­quisite, for such as dwell in watrie and marshie places, except they helpe themselue [...] with Stilts. So that it differeth nothing from the purpose, that those people of the French, who (at all times) inhabited neere to the Rhine, and within the marishes, which the Riuer procureth by her ouer-flowings, in the auncient S [...] ­cambria, A notable Ri­uer in Germa­nie. as well beyond, as on this side the great Riuer, with them that are planted there on the Sala (whereof we now speake) should not for their agility (as iustly they might haue bin and were) named and called Salians by the Romaines; who were alwayes wont (and the same is common to other Nations) to obserue each one pe­ticularly, by his proper habitude and custome. For example. Such of the French, as were dwellers on the great course of the Riuer, were called Nageurs, Swim­mers, and they of the Marshes Saulteurs, Leapers, and so of other Nations. Perti­cularities familiarly obserued by Sidonius Appollinaris.

So that it was a nicke name giuen to the French, in regard of their naturall dispo­sition and dwelling, as (yet to this day) their enemies tearme them French Toades. From whence grew the Fabe, that their auncient Kings carried such creatures [...] their Armes. And this shall serue to shew, that from the time of Ammianus Marcellinus, who serued Souldierlike in Gaule, vnder the impious Iulian the A­postate; the French were surnamed Salians (Quos consuetudo Salios, vocitauit, ob­serueth this Author) saying, that (by custome in one word) the French were sur­named commonly, Salians.

Betweene the Cities of Bamberge, and of Nuremberge, is a great Mountaine, co­uered with high Pines, from whence it tooke the name of Fichtelbourge: in it is the sourse of foure Riuers,Foure noated Riuers. commended in Germanie, to wit, the Moein, the Nab, the Ego and the Sala.

This last Riuer tooke name of the Bourgade (neighbour to the place of her nomi­nation,Seine, Queene of the Riuers in France. which (is called Sala) as (without paragon) the Queene of Riuers in France, that is Seine, tooke name of a small Village, named Saint Seine: aboue which, [...] Wood on the left hand, this Riuer hath her spring. Saint Seine is an Abbey [...] the order of Saint Benedict, about fiue miles from Diion, betweene Chanc [...] [...] the Vale of Suzon, a most dangerous passage.

Strabo touching in his passage along (concerning the Riuers of Germanie) [...] ticularly that of Sala, saith. Bisurgis & Luppias amnes in vnum ad Amasiam ( [...] calleth it Amisiam) defer [...]ntur stad [...], per Bructeros minores (as we haue already [...] the Bructeres, otherwise tearmed Busacteres, were diuided in twaine, the [...] er and the lower, these last neere to Friex-land, and the other neere [...] and of Brunswicke) labens. Est & Salas flu [...]ius, inter quem, & Rhe [...] [...] [Page 77] [...] Drusus Germanicus belligeraret, domitis hostibus, Victor opetijt. These are the Ri­ [...]s of the Vesere, of Lepp, Emss, and Saltz. Emss and the Vesere doe ouerthwart West- [...]alia, the first dwelling of the French.

The Saltz hath his course from East to West, and engrossing eight other small [...]uolets; maketh it selfe nauigable, vntill it looseth it selfe in the Moein, By others it is called Moenis called in [...]ine Mogonus and Moganus. It giueth name to the Hamlet or the Hamlet to it. [...] much I dare say, that like as the Seille which laueth and sprinkleth the great [...]wne and Citie of Mentz, was heretofore called Salia by Fortunatus, Bishop of [...]ictiers, in his third Booke, and twelfth Poem, in regard of some Well or Spring [...] Salt, which was neere vnto it, as he saith in his seauenth Booke; ‘Seu qui Mettim adit de sale nomen habens.’

Euen in the same manner, the Village and the Riuer of Sala in Franconia, tooke [...]t appellation A Sale: because that neere vnto them there were (in former times) [...]epe Wels, the water whereof was apt to make Salt in great abundance, and but ve­ [...] few of fresh water. As we see the same exercised at Salins, in the Countie of [...]urgongne; and at Salies, in the Pyrenian Mountaines, in the Countie of Co­ [...]enges, the Diocesse of Couzerans, from whence stremeth the Riuer of Salat, which [...]th watereth and crosseth Saint Girons, passeth vnder the Bridge of Saint Lize (in [...]tine Lizerius) the Cathedrall of Cozerans, betweene Prat and Taurignan, to Salies:Garumna, parting Coltica from Aquita­nia. [...] called of a Well, the water whereof maketh Salt, and so to Saint Iulian, vnder [...]ich the Salt runneth, and looseth it selfe in the Riuer of Garon [...]e, at a place na­ [...]ed La Fourche.

The Noble Historian Tacitus telleth vs, that the Hermondures and Cherusques ▪ [...] Marcomans and the Cattes, made strong warre among themselues, which of them [...]uld be Maister of that place, called Sala, in regard of the Salines, or Salt-pits, [...]hereof (yet to this day) Springs and Wels are to be seene, neere to the Towne of [...]ala, the aspiration added, and pronounced for an S. on the Riuer of Sal (which [...]leth in the Moein, in the Towne of Gemonde, after it hath made the separati­ [...] of Misnia, and of the Landsgrauate of Thuringe) Sometime there had bin [...]o Villages, whereof the old ruines are yet to be seene,A Citie by Albis in Ger­manie. the one called the higher [...]la, and the other the lower. The higher was remarkeable, by a Castle of plea­ [...]e, builded by Charlemaine, for the recreation of Hunting at Autonne. It is sweet­ [...] seated on the Moein, and so thence on the Sal, King Charle­maigne delighted greatly in Hunting. and to this Castle hee would send [...]e Ambassabours comming from strange Princes, and tooke his delight to hunt [...]ere, in the months of September and October, and thence forward to the night [...] Saint Martin in winter. At the comming from this Castle was a goodly Forrest [...]led Saltz Forto, a limbe of the Forrest of Bouchone (Bichona Sylua) branching [...]om the Hercynia: commodities which made this place very pleasing to the Em­ [...]erours Charlemaine, and Lewis the Debonnaire.

CHAP. IV. At what time the Sicambrians and Sweues, tooke the names of French and Ger­maines.

THE People most potent and renowned of all other in Allemaigne or Germanie,The Sicam­brians and Sweues con­tiduall warri­ours with the Romaines. and which euermore (without ceasing) warred with the Romaines; were alwayes the Si­cambrians, and the Sweues: these latter dwelling in the higher Allemaigne (as we haue formerly said) and the other in the lower. Sueui in superiori, & Sicambri in inferiori Ger­mania sedes suas habuere, the one being deuided from the o­ther by the Riuer of Albis. The Romaines were a very long time, without any knowledge of the people beyond this Al­ [...], yea, and not so much as seeing them, or their glittering Armes; this Riuer hau­ing [Page 78] serued as a Borne, and limitation of their conquests. Strabo in the fourth B [...] of his Geographie, saith Sicambri fluuiali regioni (of Rhine) toti supereminent, s [...] Germani alteri, quos Sueuos appellant. And in his seauenth Booke, speaking of [...] Sicambrians, thus. Cogniti sunt qui ab exitu Rheni, vsque ad Albini initium capi [...] ▪ quibus Celeberrimi sunt Sicambri.

The Sweu [...]s and Sicambrian [...] sworn [...] enemie [...] to the Romaines.So that the Romaine Historians neuer speake of the Sueues, but when the Sicambrians marched along with them in Field, to keepe them company. Both of the [...] were coniured enemies to the Romaines, banded against these people in hate, onely to oppresse, & bring them into seruitude & slauery. And this neere neighbouring [...] theirs, caused them to be wholly conforme in their fashions & manner of life, as [...] of a mutuall will, to conserue their libertie, and expulse the Romaines out of the plenteous Gaules, and to become Masters of them themselues, as Tacitus telleth [...] in his Germania. Eadem causa semper Germanis transcendendi in Gallias, mutand [...] s [...] dis amor, vt relictis paludibus (this he meaneth of the Sicambrians) & solitudi [...] suis (of the Sueues) foecundissimum Galliarum solum possiderent.

The Sicambrians were obserued by their yellow haire, tressed and knit in cordo [...] like to Loue knots, with Ribbands. So saith Martiall.

And Claudian.

Againe, in the third Panegyrick of Stilico, he saith.

Then Sidonius Apollinaris saith.

The Sueues, as the same Tacitus saith. Insigne gentis obliquare crinem, nod [...]que s [...] ­stringere.

Lucane in the second of his Pharsalia.

And Claudian in his first Booke ‘Arduus, & Flauis signabat iura Sueuis.’

The true Ori­ginall of the Gaules.Which declareth and confirmeth that which we haue formerly said. That these People were the Originall of the Gaules, because their butt and aime wholly ten­ded, to regaine That Gaule, from whence they departed. For it is a constant case, by the testimonie of Ammianus Marcellinus, that the Gaules had their Beards and hair [...] yellow like Gold, tressed and knit in cordons. The Latine Poet in his eight Aenei [...], speaking of the Gaules Colonie passing into Italie (and which rased Rome) vnder the reigne of Ambigat, saith.

Caesaries, that is, their long lockes of haire, and yellow as Gold, and Beard of the same colour,A Captaine withou [...] a Beard, called Inuestis. which he called Vestem Auream: because that a Captaine without a Beard, was tearmed Inuestis. So doth Seruius Atheneus tell vs, in his Dypnos [...]p [...]i­stes De Caena Celtarum: And Claudian in his second Booke In Eutropium.

But come we to the names of Allemaignes and French.

Concerning the name of French.Some there are, who would deriue the name of French from these Latine wo [...] (for excellence) Feritas, Ferocitas, & from thence Feroces, & Franci of Fer [...]ci [...]a [...]e D [...] ▪ grounding (at aduenture) on the passage of Strabo, purposely reported before▪ of the Gauls Colonies planted in Germanie. Nationem Gallicam imitantes, & Feritatis a [...] ­ [...]antia, [Page 79] proceritate corporum, & colore Flauo. And in truth Ammianus Marcellinus de­ [...]cribeth the man and woman Gaule, to be white of flesh, with broad shoulders, gold- [...]ellow of haire, being so tall and strong of body and stature, that the Romans standing by them, seemed as if they were but dwarfes and Pigmeies, falling (by chance) out of [...]heir sleeues. Heereupon it was, that the Gaulish women made a mockery of them, [...]s dwarfes and diminitiues of men; so saith Caesar in his Bello Gallico. But aboue all, [...]hey were of a dreadfull countenance, and affrighting, as Marcellinus saith in his fourth [...]ooke. So that the Sicambrians, of the Gaules Originall, are called by Horace (descri­ [...]ing the praises of the Emperour Augustus) Feroces, and fleshed with bloud, caede gau­ [...]entes.

And in the second Ode of the same booke, to the sonne of Marcus Antonius.

Isidore, with all his Etymologies, would haue much adoe, to draw by the lock [...]s, Francois, out of this Latine word Ferocia.

For, concerning the remitting the Tribute by the Emperour Valentinian; that is [...]ut a meere gullery, and a grosse ignorance; as wee shall see heereafter, by the date [...]f time.

Other Authors, of more sublime and eleuated ingenuity, deseruing immortall praise [...]or their great Reading, teach vs; that the French haue beene famous (by that name) [...]rom the time of the Oratour Cicero, that is to say,The honorable Antiquity of the French. from the times of Caesar and Au­ [...]ustus, all along. For these braue spirits say, that Cicero speaking of them in the sixth [...]pistle of his fourteenth booke, Ad Titum Pomponium Atticum, and calling them by [...]heir name: Balbus meliora de Gallia XXI. die literas habebat. Germanos illasque Nati­ [...]es re audita de Caesare, Legatos misisse ad Aurelium, qui est Praepositus ab Hircio, se, quod [...]peratum esset facturos. All went well hitherto, and heere followeth the pursuit of [...]uers sound Huntsmen, in quest of finding forth the Frenche.

Redeo ad Theos, Bessos, Sueuos, Francones, hos tu existimas confidere se illa habituros [...]antibus nobis, in quibus plus virtutis putarunt, quam experti sunt? Thus you see the [...]ext depraued, wherewith so boldly they vnder-prop their saying:A false ground to build vpō. but behold now [...]e natiue and corrected impression.

Redeo ad te. Bessos, Scaeuas, Francones, &c. Those Doctors should haue taught [...], by one and the same meanes, in what place of the Geography of Strabo, Strabo abused by these Alle­gations. wee shall [...]de the notes of these new-ly named people, Theos, Bessos. Who perceiueth not by [...]e reading of that long sixth Epistle, that this clause Redeo ad te, Bessos, Scaeuas, &c. [...]not meant apparantly of the people of Allemaigne? For, tell me (I pray you) to [...]hat purpose did he cut off the thred of his discourse, by thrusting in that of the vn­ [...]ppy funerals to the Romanes, of Iulius Caesar reduced into ashes? Leaue these idle [...]ts to such as loue them, and come we to the truth.

The Sicambrians hauing (by their valiancie) wonne the aduantage,This is verified by good and probable Au­thors. and the com­ [...]and ouer the rest of the people in the lower Germanie, as they had it from the time [...] Strabo; made among one part of them, a Hanse, that is to say, a League & Societie: [...]or this opinion, I subscribe to the deceased M. Iohn du Tillet, whose memorialls are [...]e markes of his painefull labours, and who might well say (without enuy) for his [...]eat and diligent examinations in such cases

We may learne by him, that the people of the higher Germany, called themselues [...]lemans: the word Aleman being composed of two dictions Germanicall,The interpre­tation of the word Aleman as name­ [...] of Al, which signifieth All, & Man, Homo, Alman. All-man, or else Allerley-Mans, [...]en of diuers Countries, vnited and ioyned together; as Agathias writeth, in his first [Page 80] booke of the Gothes History. And so saith Du Tillet, that the people of the higher Ger­manie, were called Alemans, of the name of the League which they made together▪ In imitation of the Sicambrians of the lower Germany, who were the first that leag [...] themselues with other of their Germane neighbours, to maintaine together their l [...] berty against the Romanes.

They tooke a new name to auoyd al enuy among them.These people being thus leagued with one accord, (to take away all enuy among them) took a new name, and (by a good presage) answerable to the desire which they had to make themselues famous by Armes, and to make the people free, Free People ▪ without bending vnder the yoake of the Romane Empire: called themselues hee [...] ­vpon Frein-Hans [...]n, The company of Freemen. which signifieth in the Germane tongue, The Company of Free-Men, and of these two words (by Syneresis) it is made but one, Fransen, which signi­fieth More then a Man. So saith Iornandes, in his Gothish history, that the Gothes cal­led their chiefe Leaders in Warre Hansen, Demy gods, and more then Men: as if they would say; that their Captaine, he alone had the strength of all a Company.

The like was obserued in certaine Aleman townes, assembled into one Company, to Trafficke and Merchandise with one common purse: they had many exemptions, by name of the Hanse Teutonique, Hanse Teutonique, the company of Ale­man. that is to say, The Company of Alemans.

Of this name of Hanse, there remaineth the memory of certaine rights, granted by the first Kings, to the Prouosts of Merchants, and Sheriffes of Paris. I haue seene and read the Charter of the Hanse, granted to the Inhabitants of Mante, by Philip Au­gustus, concerning his rights of the Hanse, and this is the Tenure.

The names of Alemans and French vn­knowne to Caesar, Strabo, Tacitus and other Romane writers. When the Si­cambrians were knowne by the name of Frenche.These names of Aleman, and Frenche, hauing succeeded in place of them of Ger­manes, Sweues, and Sicambrians; were vnknowne to Caesar and Strabo, who liued (well-neere) at one time; to Tacitus and other Historians and Geographers, vntill the declining of the Romane Empire. Thus you see the times, when the names of Franc [...] and Alemans, began to be obserued by the Romane Historians.

The Sicambrians appeared vnder the name of French, during the Empire of Galie [...], sonne and Associate to Valerian, who going to warre with the Persians; was bet [...]ai [...] by his Lieutenant Generall Macrinus, to the Persian King Sapores, who lockt him [...] in a Cadge, where he ended his life. This surpris [...]ll happened in the eight yeere [...] their Empire, and in the yeere of Grace 262.

The yeere after, to wit, two hundred sixty and three, that Macrinus, or Macri [...] nus caused himselfe to be proclaimed Emperour by the Souldiers of his Army. T [...] like did Aureolus in Sclauonia:Sixe Emperors aduancing their selues to­gether. Valens in Achaia: Piso in Thessalia: Aemilia [...]s [...] Aegypt, and Posthumus in Gaule. In briefe, at this time was the reigne and Empi [...] of the thirty Tyrants.

Against this Posthumus, Galien sent an Armie, thrust into rout and confusion b [...] the French, waged by the said Posthumus; who by their aide and fauour, maintain [...] himselfe (some time) in his vsurpation. For from thence forward, the French were [...] nowned in valiancie, aboue all the people of Germany.

Galiens vanity and fol [...]y not­withstanding his foyle.Now although Galien was vanquished, yet neuerthelesse, at the solemnity of th [...] tenth yeere of his Empire, which was in the yeere of Grace, two hundred sixtie an [...] foure, he made a muster and appearance of the Romane people in diuers troupes, [...] consisting and composed of two hundred men, whom he had clothed after the fashi [...] of French, Persians, Gothes, Polonians, and other strange Nations, euen as if he become home with victory, whereto he neuer enclined, or made any proffer.

[Page 81]And for this he was mocked by the Romanes, who very well knew the contrarie: saith the Romane Historian Trebellius Pollio, in the life of the said Emperour.

Thus came the Sicambrians to be knowne, vnder the name of French, the yeere of [...]e, two hundred sixty three, and by thesame name are noted by Trebellius Pollio, first of the Romane Historians, that maketh mention of the French.

Which caused this to be written by the learned Genebrard, Archbishop of Aix in [...]uence, in the third booke of his Chronologie. Gallenus aduersus Posthumum, qui [...]m a [...]nis iam Imperatorium nomen obtinebat in Gallia, exercitum mittit, & Fran­ [...] Rheni accolas sibi adiungit: Atque hic primum Francorum mentio in Romanis [...]is.

There was a later speaking of the Alemanes, and onely in the time of the Emperor [...]bus, who reigned in the yeere of Grace, two hundred fourescore and fiue, and o­ [...]threw some troupes of the Almaines, by the report of Vopiscus, whereupon Gene­ [...]rd spake so. Hic primum Alemannerum sit mentio.

So that it remaineth constant, by the testimony of the alleadged Authors before, [...]d by that of Asinius Quadratus, a Romane Historian, alleadged by Agathias, in the [...] booke of the Gothes warres: That those people of the higher Germany, were called [...]mans, and them of the lower, French; who somtimes extended their dwelling vnto the [...]thes of Rhine. For the Germanes dwelt (in former times) between the Riuers of Moein, [...]he Rhine, and of Danubie, ioyning to the Martian Forrest, Countries and Prouin­ [...] which at this present the Sweues possesse, comprehended vnder the name of Ale­ [...]ines.

So we may plainely perceiue, that the French obtained not this name by payment [...]maginary tolles or tribute, whereat they were tallied by the Emperour Valentinian [...] first (as ignorants haue written) because that Emperour began not to reigne vntill but the yeere of Grace, 364. And the French were knowne for Warriours,Confession of the Antiquity of the French by the Roman writers. euen [...] the Romane Historians themselues, an hundred yeeres before, to wit, from the [...]ere two hundred sixty three. Let vs now suruay summarily, their Military exploits [...]d actions, since they tooke the name of the French Company, vntill the Conquest [...] the Gaules.

CHAP. V. The Military Exploits and Actions of the Frenche, before the Conquest of the Gaules.

THE French, vnder the name of Sicambrians, did daily make warre vpon the Romanes, & on the Gaulish Townes of their obedience, being on this side of the Rhine, and namely on them of Cologne, from the time of Caesar, as wee haue al­ready said. So that to succour the Inhabitants of that City, the Romane Emperours were constrained,Strong Garri­sons still kept by the Romās, to succor Cul­len. continually to keepe strong Garrisons there, according to the report of Ta­citus. Vlpius Traianus caused it to be peopled with olde Le­gions of Romans, to keep it in Guard, & hinder their courses.

So saith Sidonins Apollinaris, in the Panegyricke spoken to the Emperour Auitus Father in law.

But it proued a quite contrary case, after that they were assembled vnder the name [...] French; for then they made themselues knowne (for valiancie) to the Romanes, [...] by Sea and Land. In the time of the Emperour Claudius, successour to Galien, [...]y made themselues famous for actions on the Sea, aboue all other Nations; be­ [...]se for making shippes and sayling, they were the onely Maisters, according as it is [...]erued by Sidonius Apollinarius, in the same Panegyricke.

The French absolute Lords and Masters of the Seas.In the time (I say) of that Emperor Claudius, they began to vndertake a formal [...] of trafficke and merchandizing, of Roauing and Pyrating on the Sea, wherof they be­came absolute Lords and Maisters. But not contented with those booties gotten to the West Ocean of Germanie, and on the Coasts of Flanders, where the Romanes (though not safely enough) conserued their Empire and domination: the French per­formed as much on the Seas of Gaule and Spaine, so much their stomacks boyled to feede on Warre.

In the yeere of Grace, two hundred threescore and ten, they being associated with the Saxons, or Sesnes their neighbours, aduentured to run and proceed on in their for­tune:Notable Pira­cies commit­ted by the French on the Seas. so that sweeping the Seas before them, they pillaged all the Romane Vessells, found on the Ocean. So saith a Panegyrist of that time. Franci praeter caeteros truces, quorum vis, cum ad bellum effecuesceret, vltra ipsum Oceanum aestu furoris euecti, Hisp [...] ­niarum oras etiam armis infestas habebant.

Eight yeeres after, to wit, in the yeere of Grace, two hundred threescore and eigh­teene, the second of the Empire of Probus, they robbed againe all the coasts of Gaule, afflicted by land with the courses and rauages of Chrocus, and of his Alemans, barred vp beyond the Necar and Elb, as it is written by Vopiscus.

In the yeere of Grace, two hundred fourescore and two, the sixt of the reigne of the same Emperour Probus, his Lieutenants tooke some French Foists, separated by a stormy Tempest from their consorts. The Romaines tied the French men to a chaine, to make a Triumph of them through the Cities of Asia. Those men, howbeit ve­ry few in number, hauing met (by chance) with some Barkes of passage; got posses­sion of them,The name of the French much feated in many places. and made themselues so dreaded by their great boldnesse, that at the ve­ry fame of their valour, and expertnesse in occasions on the Seas; the whole Nauall Armie of the Emperour Probus, durst not meddle with them, but (constrainedly) fled to a place of retreat, sauing themselues by the helpe of a prosperous winde. So that this meere handfull of the French, hauing gotten roome and liberty, coursed at ease and their owne pleasure, the Sea called Mare Maiore, robbed all the Isles and Coasts of Greece, from Asia and Affrica, without meeting any person that dared to oppose them.

They tooke landing in the Isle of Sicilie, sacked Saragossa, a famous and most weal­thy Citie,Saragossa that famous and rich City ran­sacked by the French. the very chiefe of all the Isle; disburdened the Ships Anchored in the Ports and Hauens thereof, and (laden with vnspeakeable booties) returned homeward free, and passed the strait of Hercules, at this day called Gibraltar, recouering the great O­cean Sea, and their Marishes of Holland, and of Westphalia.

Wee learned this admirable aduenture, from the Greeke Historian Sozimus, and and from the Panegyrist Eumenius, in his declamation spoken to the Emperour Maxi­minianus. Recursabat in animos illa sub diuo Probo, & Paucorum ex Francis captiuoru [...] incredibilis audacia, & indigna felicitas, qui à Ponto correptis manibus Graciana Asi [...] ­que populati, & impune plerisque Lybia littoribus appulsi, ipsas postremo naualib. quond [...] Victorijs nobiles reperant Syracusas, & immenso itinere peruecti, Oceanum, qua terra [...] rupit, intrauerunt, atque ita euentu temeritatis ostenderant, nihil esse clausum pira [...] desperationi, quo nauigijs pateret accessus. And after that time, the French continued their Sea robberies, in as ample manner as before.

Caurausius Lieu [...]e [...]ant to Dioclesian, sent against the French.So that in the yeare of Grace, two hundred fourescore and fiue, the Frenche and Saxons, vnited and knit in amity together; againe appeared on the Ocean Sea, ma­king themselues Masters thereof. In such manner, as to impeach their courses, Dio­clesian, in the second yeere of his Empire, was forced to prepare and rigge forth a Fleet, the conduct whereof he gaue to one of his Lieutenants, named Carausius, who found that he met with his match; in plaine tearmes, men that neither feared him nor his forces; because they forbare not to robbe still on the Coasts of Flanders, Picardy, Normandie and Bretaigne, then called the coasts of Armorica, and the Morini. Caura [...] ­sius was constrained to fall to agreement with them, and feeding them fat with mony tooke them for his good friends and neighbours.

Afterward he made good proofe of their valour in Warre, and employed them in [Page 83] his seruice so profitably, that making them his brest-plate of defence, hee proclaimed himselfe Emperor, got the possession of Great Bretaigne (afterward called England) and of the coast Armorica of the Gaules; as wee vnderstand out of Eutropius, in the ninth booke of his Breuiarie: Post hac etiam tempora Carausius, cùm apud Bononiam (Bullen on the Sea) per tractum Belgicae, & Armorica mare pacandum accepisset, quod Franci, & Saxones infestabant, à Maximiniano iussus occidi, purpuram sumpsit, & Bre­tannias occupauit.

Dioclesian, more furiously incensed against them, then before, tooke for his Sonne in Law Constantius, first of that name, to whom he gaue the charge and gouernement of the Gaules, in the yeere of Grace, two hundred fourescore and twelue, or thirteene.Constantius sent by Diocle­sian against the French. This man, as we haue elsewhere said) pared the nailes of the French, as well of them that tooke part with Carausius, and of his Successor (who maintained himselfe for the space of ten yeeres in the vsurpation, onely by the French Armes) as those of Holland, with whom were ioyned some of the Sesnes; which by the said Constantius were thence dislodged, and placed elsewhere: as saith the sixt Panegyricke. Purgauit Bata­uiam hoste aduenca. He transplanted out of Holland diuers troupes of the French (who were most factious, and could best skill of Nauall affaires) into the firme Land of the Gaules, Picardy, Champaigne, and Bourgongne, and others into fields desert of in­habitants, seated on the lands of Treuers and Tourney, by command from the Empe­rour Maximianus, proclaimed Caesar by Dioclesian. Tuo? Maximiniane Augustae natu, Neruiorum, & Treuirorum arma iacentia laetus post liminio restitutus, & receptus in leges Francus excoluit. Vt loca deserta quae ipsi depraedando vastauerat, culta redderet ser­uiendo.

The same Panegyrist, declaring the praises of the two Caesars, saith: O Kalenda Mar­tiae, sicut olim annorum voluentium, ita nunc aeternorum auspices Imperatorum. Partho vltra Tigrim redacto. Dacia restituta: porrectis vsque ad Danubij caput Germaniae, Re­tiaeque limitibus, destinata Batauiae Britanniaeque vindicta, &c. So that the French re­mained quiet and safe enough, and without remoouing by Sea; vntill the death of Constantius, which happened in England, in the yeere of Grace, three hundred and sixe.

As for the French on firme land, they trauersed and passed the Rhine, to forrage the Gaules. Aurelian (who was Emperour soone after) hauing his Garrison at Ma­guntia, with the troupes whereof he was Tribune: came and tooke tardie seuen hun­dred of their troupe, detaining three hundred of them prisoners.

Afterward, when he was possessed of the Empire, he preuailed once more against another band of them, whom he made Captiues, and led them Captiues to Rome,Aureliā ouer­cunning for the French, in taking troups of them. to serue as an Ornament in his Triumphe, with a song in his owne praise; the burden whereof (after Ballad manner) declared: That he had ouercome a thousand French, a thousand Sarmates or Polonians, and other Nations, easie to be vanquished in painting. So it is deliuered by Flauius Vopiscus, in the life of Aurelianus.

But so soone as the winde brought tidings to the French of the death of Constantius; they presently entred into the Field. But his sonne Constantine (who was surnamed The Great, for his glorious actions, & namely for embracing the Catholique Religion, forsaking Idolatry) he hindred them from their bad courses. He marched himselfe in person against them with a puissant Armie, quickly laying a great part of them to sleep,Constantine the great mar­ched in person against the French with his Armie. and tooke prisoner Ascaricke, King of the Frenche, with Ragaze his brother, whom he sent to Rome, where they serued as pastime to the people, and for food to Lyons in their sports. The Panegyricke of Nazarius informeth vs, that this discomfiture of the French, was at the beginning & entring into the Empire, of Constantine the Great; who pardoned the rest, tooke their chiefe Commanders to his seruice; and (among other) a valiant Captaine, named Bonicius, who performed incredible exploits against Licinius; so saith Ammianus Marcellinus, in his fifteenth booke.

Vnder the same Constantine, the French went againe into the Field, hauing vnderstood that hee was busied against Maxiutius, who beeing vanquished, they re­turned into their Marishes, where they did keepe themselues quiet, vntill after his death.

Constantius, the eldest sonne of Constantine, being possessed in the Empire of the [Page 84] East;Constantius, el­dest sonne of Constantine the great. they fell againe to their former disorder, and repassed the Rhine to forradge the Gaules. Constantius had little reason to meddle with them, for the sixt Panegyricke declareth, that this Nation made themselues vnconquerable. Francum trucem s [...]la carne ferina distentum, qui vitam pro victus sui vtilitate contemnat, Quantae Molis si [...] Superare vel capere? And which was worse, the French, expelled the Country by his grandfather Constantius, into Champaigne and Bourgongne; returned into Holland, at the same time as other French (their companions) hauing set free the Rhine, ca [...]e likewise to neastle themselues in Holland: Diuersae Francorum Gentes Batauiam inn [...] ­serunt: So saith the Panegyrist. To hold them in (as it were with a bridle) Constantius was glad to send his Nephew Iulian the Apostata, to gouerne the Gaules, in the name of his Brother the Emperor Valens: to whose lot and partage Gaule was falne, by the death of Constantine the Great his father.

Valens vexed them with mighty warres, during the peace of two yeeres; namely, the fourth and fifth of his Empire: yet neuerthelesse with diuersitie of euents, one while speeding well,The procee­dings of the Emperor Va­lens with the French. and then againe worse, according to the lotte of Armes, and for­tune ineuitably following warre. So that losing any longer patience with them; of enemies they became his friends, making peace and alliance with them, in the yeare of his second Consulship, and of Grace, three hundred forty two. Hee chose a good number of the most valiant among them, wherewith hee filled his Romane Legions, and they serued him beneficially; for he left the French Salians, enioying the posses­sion of Toxiandria. These men were they whom Iulian the Apostata much turmoyled (by the saying of Ammianus) contrary to the intention notwithstanding of his Vnkles Constantius and Valens, who so long as they liued, kept peace with the French, of whom the Court of Constantius was filled: for the same Ammianus Marcellinus, spea­king of them in the forenamed fifteenth booke, hath these words: Francorum ea tem­pestate multitudo in Palatio florebat, and that was for their faithfulnesse. For he obser­ueth a Tribune of the Emperors horsemen, named Laniogazus; a French-man by ori­ginall, who was so loyall and faithfull to Constans, as hee onely followed and assisted him to the death, which hee also hindered in one Siluianus, vpon his rebelling against Constantius, who would haue done it in the yeare of Grace, three hundred fiftie and fiue.

Concerning Toxiandria, otherwise named Taxandria, it was a great village, plan­ted in the midst of the Marishes or Fennes, to make all approches thereto the more difficult,The chiefe & strōgest dwel­ling of the French, was in [...]enny grounds. chiefely to them of Tongres in the second Germanie, betweene the confines of Liege and Brabant, whereof there may be yet seene the ancient trackes at the place called Tessendorlo, vpon the confines of the said Liege, very neere to Diest in Brabant: from which places, the Saints Lambert and Hubert expelled Idolatry, and planted there the true Religion of Iesus Christ.

These Emperors hauing then long time kept peace with the French, it was broken by a course and rauage,The peace of the French broken by the Alemans. which the Alemans made vpon Gaule, all along the Rhine, where they possessed themselues of forty townes, in the yeare of Grace, three hundred fiftie and foure; in regard that the French were suspected to haue their hand in the bu­sinesse, as it is written by Sozimus and Ammianus Marcellinus, in his seauen and twen­tieth booke. Gallicanos tractus Franci, & Saxones ijsdem confines quo quisque erumper [...] potuit terra vel mari, praedis acerbis, incendijsque, & captiuorum funeribus violab [...]t. For these were the Galleries and ordinary walkes into the Gaules, because ouer and beside Taxandria, they had Holland on this side the Rhine, and other lands elswhere: So saith the Panegyrist of those times. Multa Francorum millia Batauiam, aliaque loc [...] cis Rhenum inuaserant. And another Terram Batauiam, vicinaque loca a diuersis Fr [...] ­corum Regibus occupatam.

Cullen takē by the French frō the Romans.Most certaine is it, that in the yeare three hundred fifty and fiue, the French surpri­zed from the Romanes the City of Cologne, seated on the Riuer of Rhine, which they pilled, sacked, and ruined. So that to make head against them, the Emperor Con­stantius proclaimed as Caesar his Nephew Iulian (surnamed the Apostata) and sent him to command ouer the Gaules (as wee haue already said) in the yeere of Grace three hundred fiftie and sixe.Cullen reco­vered from the French. At which time the Apostata being assisted with a potent Ar­mie, recouered from the French the City of Cologne, and made Peace, to the honor [Page 85] of the Empire) with the Kings of France, who had sought to compasse it by their Ambassadors: so saith the Panegyrist, and Ammianus Marcellinus, in his 27. booke.

But in the yeere following, three hundred fifty seuen, the French perceiuing the A­postata gone vp farre in warre against the Alemanes,Another ad­uenture of the French to their own detrimēt who had robbed those Townes vpon the Rhine; once more they made a rode forth into Gaule, to get what first shold come to their fingring. The Apostata returning with victory from the Alemanes, came with a fierce and hot assault vpon these boote-halers, whereof hee hewed a great number in peeces, and besieged others 3. moneths together in a Castle, whereof they got possession on the Meuze, compelling them (by famine) to yeeld themselues to his discretion. In the Sommer following, 358. hauing once more set his Army on foote to goe against the Alemans, he tooke his way through the Countrey of Tongres, and so strongly besieged Toxandria; as the French Inhabitants were inforced to yeelde themselues vpon composition. So that they left the Gaules and Toxandria,Toxandria besieged by the Apostata. and re­passed beyond the Rhine, into their ancient dwelling: so it is affirmed by Ammianus Marcellinus, in his 17. booke. Quibus paratis petit primos omnium Francos, eos videli­cet quos cons [...]etudo Salios vocitauit, ausos olim in Romano solo apud Toxandriam locum, habitacula sibi figere praelicenter.

There is a plaine appearance, that this peace was of no long continuance, & that the French (lickerishly longing after such rich booties, as they had caried out of abounding Gaule) could not restraine themselues from passing thither. For the same Ammianus Marcellinus writeth in his 20. book, that the Apostata, hauing alwaies a flea in his eare, and a wary watchfull eye, surprized a troope of French, assembled at a feast & mariage of one of their Princes; carried away the Bride, made hauock of the company, mang­ling diuers of them in peeces. A Towne taken, and the Triumph Straw: A blow for a blow, with small aduantage. For the French quickly made way to reuenge themselues,Reuenge wrought by the French in despight of Iulian the A­postata. putting the people to fire and sword, all along the coast of Rhine, to the no meane cost and harme of the Townes and Villages belonging to the Romane Empire; and in contempt of Iulian the Apostata, who in the yeere 360. (like a perfidious Traytor to God and his Prince, though answerable to the nature of hereticall Apostats) hauing caused himselfe to be proclaimed Emperor by his Armies; would, for his last peece of seruice (as the same Marcellinus telleth vs in his 20. booke) worke wonders, & giue such a gird to the French, as should remaine for remembrance of him.

Hee mustred then together all his Armie,The silent stealth of Iu­lian on the French in their Fennes. passed freely and silently the Riuer of Rhine, and surprized the French in the strength of their Marishes, where (vntill that time) the Romanes durst neuer aduenture to passe. The first they met withall, were the Antuarians, meaning those French both before, and at the passage of Rhine, all of them being put to the sword. Among whom were Theomir (son of Richimer, Kings of France) for so the Westphalians and their round engirting neighbors called them, and Ascila his mother. Hee had a great number of prisoners beside, with very rich spoyles, and compelled the rest to beg their peace of him, which he granted to them: Prouided, that they should afterward refraine from forraging, and committing any more robberies in Gaule. S. Gregory of Tours toucheth this sharpe checke of theirs, in his second booke and ninth chapter of the history of France. In Consularibus legimus Theodomerem Regem Francorum, Filium Richemeris quondam Regis, & Ascilam matrem [...]ius gladio interfectas. This stormy tempest kept the French to strict tearms of peace, during the reignes of the Apostata, and also of Iouinian as Valentinian, first of that name, with whom Macrianus King of the Alemans made a treaty of peace, in the 11.Macrianus K. of the Almans yeere of his Empire, and of Grace 374. This Macrianus couetously affecting to for­radge France, was taken and slaine by Mellobaudes, King of the French, as we learne by Ammianus Marcellinus in his 30. booke. It is apparant that the Alemanes and French entred into contention, about the bounds and limits of their lands, making shrewd at­tempts one vpon the other, as ordinarily it hapneth betweene two potent Princes.

For, vpon the same subiect, the Saxons issued forth the bounds of the Ocean Sea, vexing the French for passage through their lands, to fall violently vpon the Gaules. But the French (as Paulus Orozius the Spaniard informeth vs, and Iohn the Deacon of Aquileia) welcommed them with such sharpe entertainment, as they were not wil­ling to meddle any more with them.

[Page 86]And from thence (as it seemeth) sprang the sourse and originall of the immortall wars between the French, Almanes, and Saxons, who (in the end) met with their ma [...] ­ches, and were ouer mastered by the French.

Now, the Emperour Valentinian the first, being dead in the yeere of Grace 375. Gracian his sonne acknowledging the good offices, done by the King of the Frenche, Mellobas or Mellobaudes, to his father and him: created him Great Master of his Pal­lace, [...] ad­vancement of Mello [...]u [...]s by the [...]pe­ror Gratian. and Consull with him, in the yeare 377. And in the yeere after, hee made him Lieutenant Generall on the coast of the Rhine, to hinder the courses and passages of the Alemans, who in the yeere three hundred threescore and eighteene, and the third of his Empire, came with a puissant Army to besiege the Towne of Strasbourg▪ Mellobandes and the French fought with the Alemans so successiuely, that thirty thou­sand of them lay slaine in the field. And from that time forward, Gratian held the French in such account, only for their valiancie; as he filled his Regiments with them, whereof likewise he gaue the conduct and command to French Captaines, saith Mar­cellinus in his thirtieth booke, with further addition of their braue behauiour.

This King Mellobaudes, (by some tearmed Merobaudes) soone after brought into credit with Gratian, Ricomer, a valiant French Prince, in fa­uour with Gratian. a valiant French Prince, named Ricomer, to whom hee gaue com­mand of the Armie, which he sent as succour into Thrace (spoyled by the Gothes) to his Vncle the Emperour Valens. But the courses of the Aleman Nations, by their robberies in Gaule, imported such remedie, that Gratian sent Ricomer to guard the frontiers of the Rhine, in quality of a Duke, as much to say, as Lieutenant Generall of the Empire, in absence of the King Mellobaudes, which as wee haue already said, vanquished neere to Strasbourg, those whom Ammianus Marcellinus, in his 31. book, calleth Barbaros Letienses, making vp the body of an Armie of threescore & ten thou­sand men. This ouerthrow happened in the yeere of Grace 378. And the Bourdelo [...] Poet Ausonius (sometime schoolemaster to the Emperor Gratian, who had made him Consull with Olybrius, in the yeere 379.) testifieth (speaking of his said Consulship) that this great Victory ensued from the French and Sweues, ioyned together in fauour of the Romanes.

And afterward hee sheweth vs, what enemies waged Armes against the Romane Empire,Enemies a­gainst the Ro­man Empire. all issuing forth of Pannonia and from Scythia, to wit, the Gothes, who were possessed of Thrace, the Hunnes, Quades, Gepides, Alanes, Vandales and other.

Heere may be obserued, whether the French tooke their Origine, or no, from the Pannoniaes, or the Marshie Moeotides, to come make their [...]lanking and abiding on the Rhine. And S. Gregory of Tours, noting the Descent of all these strange Nations, and the Countries of their Originall and birth; would haue done as much of the French Nation, if they had beene any other (originally) but Gaules or Germanes.

Something wee learne from the Bishop of Auuergne Sidonius Apollinaris, and an admirable doctrine in mine opinion: for in the Panegyricke of the Emperour [...] ­rian, he remarketh the flood of those strange Nations.

He maketh no mention at all of the French, whom hee calleth otherwise Sicam [...] ­ans; for hee knew them to be of the Gaulish Nation, inhabiting long time on the bankes of Rhine, and that they were knowne by the name of French, almost two hun­dred yeeres before Maiorian.

The prouident respect of the Emperor Gra­tian, for the Empire of the West.Now the Emperor Gratian, presaging that this swelling deluge of Nations before named, would make a confusion in the Romane Empire, and labour to vnplume the Eagle: hee named for Caesar and Successour to the Empire of the West Theodosius the Great, in the said yeere of Grace, three hundred threescore and ninteene, sending [Page 87] him against the Gothes into Thrace. And Gratian himselfe went into Gaule, to im­peach the Alemans from robbing and spoyling, where hee vanquished them in a ran­ged battell. So writeth Sozimenus, in his 7. booke, and 4. chapter: Sub hoc tempus Gra­tianus Alemannis Galatas Occidentales (that is to say in Gaule, at this present named France) adhuc infestantibus, bellum intulit, illosque deuicit.

Gratian hauing proclaimed Theodosius Caesar; he gaue him the conduct of the succor which he led to the Emperor Valens his Vnkle, who was burned aliue in a Cottage of straw by the Gothes, that then made hauocke and spoyle in the East, and against whom (as the Greeke Authors affirme) Theodosius obtained a famous Victory, the same yere as he was proclaimed Caesar; or, according to other, in the yeere 380. Claudian spea­king of this Victorie, in the fourth Consulship of Honorius, sonne to the said Theodo­sius the Great, wrote thus:

And the honor thereof was attributed vnto the French troupes, conducted by two braue Captaines of the same Nation, named Bautonius and Arbogastes, whom the Em­peror Gratian gaue as Councellers and handy helpes to Theodosius, and he made very profitable vse of their worthy seruice, in all his great and glorious enterprises.

In the yeere of Grace, 383. Mellobaudes or Merobaudes, King of the French, being made Consull the second time,Flauius Cle­mens Maximus Gouernor of great Britain. (with Flauius Saturninus) the Gouernour of Great Bretaigne, called Flauius Clemens Maximus; proclaimed himselfe Emperour, and passed into Gaule, to establish the seat of his vsurped Empire, in the City of Treuers, which Ammianus Marcellinus calleth Clarum domicilium Principum, because that in those times, it was the capitall City of the Gaules, &c.

This Maximus was a Natiue of great Bretaigne, issued of very meane birth, but what wanted that way, he made good appearance of in Arms; and the better to couer his vsurpation, hee tearmed himselfe a neere kinsman to Theodosius the Great, by the Empresse Saint Helena, mother to the Emperour Constantine the Great. So thus vn­der this couerture, he got possession of the Gaules and Spaine, where (as some said) he was borne. Gratian offended to be thus betrayed by his Romane Souldiers in Gaule, in Spaine, and in Great Bretaigne; called to his ayde the Hunnes and the Alanes, to send them against Maximus, to fight with him both by Sea and Land. Whereat the Souldiers of his Guard waxing angry, the good Emperor Gratian was miserably murdered in the City of Lyons, and by his owne people, who forsooke him,The good Em­peror Gratian cruel murde­red by his owne follow­ers. leaning to one of the Captaines, named Andragathias, belonging to the Tyrant Maximus. S. Hie­rome bemoaned the violent death of this good Prince, hapning in August the said yere, 383. Gratianus ab exercitu suo proditus, & ab obuijs vrbibus non receptus, ludibrio hosti fuit, cruentaeque manus vestigia parietes tui, Lugdune testantur. So speaketh that great light of the Church in his third Epistle. In briefe, Maximus so proceeded on, that the same yere he procured to be slaine Mellobaudes King of the French, then Consull,Mellobaudes King of the French slaine. and making his abode at Maguntia, with a valiant Captaine, called Balion, Lieutenant of the Horse to Gratian in Gaule, which Prouince they manfully defended against Maxi­mus. The same yeere also, Theodosius proclaimed his eldest sonne Arcadius, Augustus, and his successor in the Empire of the East, albeit he was then but 8. yeeres of age.

But why in the passage of this discourse, do I not set down one especiall note,An excellent President for Princes. won­derfully remarkable for Princes, in a chiefe quality belonging to them? It is reported by Socrates, in his fift booke and tenth chapter, and by Sozimen, in his 7. booke and 12 chapter. Theodosius hauing written to the Emperor Gratian some few months before his death, earnestly intreated him to send him a man of singular Piety, only to instruct his children. Seeking for a man of that worthy quality, and hauing found him,The care of Princes for their childrens education. he sent him to Constantinople: for Gratian had entreated Pope Damasus (a man famous for sanctity of life, both before, & long after his death) to send him a Decon of the Roman Church, named Arsenius, a man of signall probitie, & great learning. When this man was come to Constantinople, Thedosius deliuered his sonnes into his charge, saying: [Page 88] That thence forward, hee should be the father of his sonnes, much rather then himselfe. Euen as if hee would haue said, that such as informe the soules of young children i [...] vertue, are their true fathers indeed, and more then they that gaue them but their bo­dies. Theodosius going (on a day) into the Schoole where his sonnes were taught, saw Arsenius standing, reading the lesson to the Emperour Arcadius sitting in his Throne. He grew offended against Arsenius, and reprooued him, as not knowing what belonged to his charge; in standing, and suffering his Scholler to sit. Arsen [...] excused himselfe by the honour which was due to the Emperour, before whom it was vnbeseeming for him to sit, and the Prince to stand. Immediately Theodosius took the Empires notes of honour from his Sonne Arcadius, and caused him to descend from his Throne, wherein hee seated Arsenius, and held his sonne bare-headed before his Master, speaking this notable sentence: My Sonnes shall be worthy to succeed in the Em­pire, This age af­fords few such Father [...] and Masters. at such time as they haue knowledge and learning, maried and coupled with Grace & Piety. He was none of those ignorant Princes, which held a sottish beliefe; That if one can read, it is sufficient for a Gentleman.

The death of Gratian, and of his most confident friends, hapning in such manner as you haue heard, and by the trecheries of the Tyrant Maximus; Theodosius sent the two worthiest Captaines which he had, Bautonius and Arbogastes, to succour the Emperor Valentinian the yonger,Bautonius and Arbogalies chief Captain. to Thec. l sius. who remained ordinarily at Millaine; against whom Maximu [...] was desirous to marche, to possesse himselfe of Italie. This was in the yeere 385. the tenth of the Empire of Valentinian, and seuenth of Theodosius: at which time, the Em­peror Arcadius, & this Bautonius the French Captaine were chosen Consuls at Rome, the one residing at Constantinople, and the other in the City of Millaine. This is the same Bautonius, of whom S Augustine made the Panegyricke, before the Emperor Va­lentinian, as such time as he came to Millaine; for so himselfe testifieth, writing against Petis [...]ian in his third booke, and 25 chapter: Cum ego Mediolanum ante Bautonem Co [...] ­sulem venerim, etque Consuli Kalendis Ianuarijs laudem in tanto conuentu conspectuque hominum pro mea tunc Rhetorica professione recitarem, &c.

As for the other Captaine Arbogastes, hee was sent with his French troupes into Gaule, to fight with Maximus; who to frustrate the intention of Arbogastes, and vtterly disappoint his endeuour: in the same yeere made a counterfeit peace with the Empe­rours,The politicke craft of the ty­rant Maximus Theodosius and Valentinian. So that in the yeere; 86, E [...]odius (made Prefect of the Gaules Praetorium, by this Tyrant Maximus) was created Consull with Honorius, the second sonne of Theodosius, being then in the Cradle, and aged fourteene moneths onely; for so we are instructed by Claudian,

Genebaudes the sonne to Mell [...]b [...]u [...]es made King of the French.By the death of Meliobaudes, his sonne Genebaudes was chosen King of the French, who continued the fidelity of his father with the Emperour Valentinian the younger: neere about whom was the Consull Bautonius (Count of the Domestickes, that is to say, Great Master of the houshold to Valentinian) who by intelligence with the new King of the French, secretly made offers to the Tyrant Maximus, to assist him with a great number of the French, to possesse him of Italy, according as hee had resolued. But the cunning plot was disclosed, and found to be a politique deuise to intrap Maxi­mus, and rid the world of him; as we learne by that great Doctor of the Church Saint Ambrose, Ambassador from Valentinian to the said Maximus, in his 25. Epistle, sent from Treuers to Millaine, to the said Emperor Valentinian, in the yere 387. and where­in he defendeth the practises wrought by the said Bautonius against Maximus. Et q [...]d mirum si hoc Bauto fecisset Trans-Rhenanus genere, cum tuminiteris Imperio Romano B [...]r­barorum auxilia, & turma translimitanas? Maximus pursuing his purpose, passed into Italie, and ransacked the Cities thereof. Valentinian and his mother Iustina, sauing themselues by Sea, fledde to Thessalonica, to the Emperour Theodosius, who to fu [...] ­nish himselfe with the charges and expences, fitte and sufficient to re-seat them in their dominion: made a new imposition to be leuied on them of Antioch, that had rebelled against him, and of a populary outrage, which admitteth no matter of sence or reason (and then which can be no worse) they beate downe the Statues of Brasse of the [Page 89] Emperour Theodosius, and of his first wife Aelia Flaccilla, mother to the Emperours Arcadius and Honorius.

This folly was sharpely reuenged on the Authors thereof,The fruits of Popular furye & disturbance and to the intire ruine of the Citie: but by the mercy and clemencie of Theodosius, who committed this venge­ance wholly to God. So that at the tidings of pardō, the Inhabitants of the city, as men risen againe from death to life, testified the notes of their ioy, by venerable antiquity; as Sozomen obserueth, in his seuenth booke and three and twenty chapter. Forum Co­ronantes, Lucernas Accendentes, Et Lectos ante Officinas Componentes, & tanquam nu­per Ciuitate nata, festum agentes. In more yonger daies, and before the furious league, in An. 1588. in Paris hath beene seene on festiuall daies and recreations; tables set for suppers at the doores of houses and shops in the streets, with generall reioysing: but ciuill warres caused the whole losse of those ancient customes.

Maximus being possessed of Italie, and knowing that Theodosius leuied a powerfull Armie to meet and fight with him, prouided his best meanes for entertaining him,Prouision of the tyrant Maximus, to encounter Theodosius. gathering (from all parts) his troops of men, and made Anrdagathius his Admirall, to keepe the Ionian Sea in his power, if Theodosius should make his passage that way.

The Colonell of his Armie by land, was his brother Marcellinus, to guard the by­waies and passages of Italie. And he himselfe with his troups (euermore victorious) tooke the guardance of the Pannoniaes, to winne way before Theodosius, if hee should take that course, as indeed he did.

Theodosius finding Maximus encamped before Siscia (a City of the higher Panno­nia) gaue him battell, and won the victory.Maximus foy­led by the Em­peror Theodo­sius. Maximus fled for safety into Aquileia but being brauely pursued, the City was so narrowly besieged, that his owne Souldiers (reuolting from him) seized on his person, and cloathing him in Imperiall garments, fast bound and manacled, deliuered him to the Emperour Theodosius. Hee being a milde and mercifull Prince, would haue beene gracious to him▪ Maximus the tyrants death. but the Souldiers of his guard plucking him violently from him, cut off his head, the sixt of the Calends of September, three hundred fourescore and eight, then being Consuls the Emperour Theodosius the second time, with Cynegius.

We learne the end and Catastrophe of this Tyrant Maximus from Sozimus, in the fourth booke of his histories, and from the Panegyricke of Latinus Pacatus. Rapitur ab oculis Theodosij Maximus, et nequid licere posset Clementiae, inter innumeras manus fertur ad mortem. Theodosius likewise ouerthrew the Armie by land, conducted by Marcellinus and the Admirall Andragathius, hauing receiued tidings of his Masters death; first of all leapt headlong into the Sea, and so was drowned.

These newes being reported in Gaule,Victors death last sonne to Maximus. the Count Arbogastes (by pollicie) tooke out of his mothers armes the last sonne of Maximus, named Victor, whom he put to death. And thus (in a moment) Gaule, Spaine, England, Italie, and all that belonged to the Empire of the West, was deliuered vp to the lawfull Emperor, and that of the East sufficiently secured. So saith the same Latinus Pacatus, a most famous Oratour, and a Gaule by nation, in his Panegyricke spoken to the Emperour Theodosius, in the Citie of Rome on the day of his Triumph, in the moneth of August, 389. But returne we to the French.

Sigibert writeth in his Chronicle, vnder the yere 387. that the French put to flight and to the edge of the sword, neere to the City of Treuers, Quintinus and Heraclius Lieutenants to Maximus the Tyrant, during the time of his absence in Italie (so hee would haue it to be credited) because some other report this ouerthrow to be in the yeere fourescore and eight, in stead of seauen. Franci Quintinum & Heraclium Roma­norum Duces cum omnibus penè suis iuxta Treuerim delent.

This passage being cut ouer-short, is interpreted more at large by S. Gregory Victor, Archbishop of Tours, in the second booke of his History of France, and the ninth chapter, according to the testimony of Sulpitius Alexander, and in these words.

The Tyrant Maximus, hauing lost all hope of enioying any longer his authority, shut vp himselfe in the City of Aquileia, like a man bereft of all spirit and iudgement.

In the time of this Emperor, the French vnder the conduct of their Dukes (Claudi­an calleth them Kings) Genebaudes, Marcomir, and Suno, enfranchising the bounds & limits of their ancient dwelling, impetuously (first of all) inuaded Germany, where [Page 90] after they had slaine an vnspeakeable number of the Inhabitants, and pilled the richest townes thereof,The French [...] Germa­ [...]. Nannius and Quint [...]nus, Commander [...] of the [...]. they gaue shrewd affrightments to the City of Cologne. The newes of their proceeding being reported in the Cities of Treuers, Nannius & Quin­tinus, both Commanders of the Horsemen, and vnto whom the Tyrant Maximus had comitted the charge of his son, as also the gouernment of the Gaules, hauing brought their forc [...] into the field, came to succour Cologne. But the French laden with most rich spoyles, passed backe againe ouer the Riuer of Rhine, hauing left good troupes of theirs on the Romanes lands, resolued to pursue their former purpose, and to make h [...]cke of all.A g [...] [...] ber of French [...]e by the Romane. But it fell out otherwise, for the Romanes followed them in the Rere, and hauing ouertaken them in the Charboniere Forrest, gaue them the check-mate, and slew a great number of them.

The Romane-animated and exalted with courage, sate in Councell & deliberation, whether it were better to crosse the Rhine or no, and by that means enter into France Nannius being a wise and politique Captaine, could not allow of this aduise, allead­ging for his reasons, that there were euident appearances of the Frenchmens fore-cast, b [...]ing all prepared to welcome the Romanes, of whom (vndoubtedly) they would winne the aduantage, in regard they were the stronger on their owne grounds.

Quintin [...] quite contrary in [...] to Nannius.This opinion was nothing pleasing to his companion Quintinus, and them that fol­lowed his directions: so that Nannius hauing made his retreat to Maguntia, Quinti­nus with his Armie went and encamp [...]d neere to the Castle of Nuz, and afterward passed the Rhine. At the second lodging vpon this passage, Quintinus and his follow­ers found themselues to be among great Villages, and numbers of Cottages or Coats, yet without any inhabitants.A notable [...] of the French [...]o be [...] the Romanes. For the French, appearing to be fearfull of the Romans, and meerely driuen to flye before them, intended to intrap them; and therefore (pur­posely) left those Cottages and Townes as forsaken, withdrawing themselues into the thick [...]st parts of their Woods, the great wayes and passages whereof, they had bound fast with the spreading branches of Trees, knitting them intricately on strong knot [...] one within another.

A silly reuenge t [...]ken by the Romanes.The Rom [...]n [...]s in a fond and foolish reuenge, set all the Villages and Cottages on fire (onely in meere despight, because they found no victualls in them) in signe of Tro­phies and Triumphes of straw, remaining all that night with their Armour on, and yet not discouering any person.

Abou [...] the breake of day, conducted by their Colonell Quintinus, they entered beating into the Woods, where they continued hem'd in till no one day, misled in all the p [...]ths and passages, with infinite toyle and trauell they found meanes to free them­selues of the combined branches, but yet met with worse fortune: and as the vulgar Prouerbe is,The Romanes v [...]nat [...] in the [...] pro [...] ion. fell out of a feauer, into a disease of farre greater danger. For at issuing forth of the Forrest, they came into the wide open fieldes, which were all Marishes, both at the entrance, and all sides about them.

The French had purposely hidden themselues within the woods, onely to draw the Romanes into those myery fields of trembling earth, and full of Bogges and Quag­mires, wherein the Romanes were much pestered. Now appeared the French-men on the tops of trees, which serued them as so many exalted Towers and Turrets, for discouery of an enemy before he draw neere. At them they let flie their darts and ar­rowes embalmed in venemous hearbs (for it was a custome of the Frenche, to impoy­son their darts and arrowes,The French [...] ­ed po [...]oned darts wh [...]re­with they greatly annoy­ed the Romans as it is noted in the Salique Law, the first Paragraphe, at the Title de Vulner [...]bus) with Lead. And like vnto a thicke darke Clowd, which breaketh into hayle and stormie raine; euen so it chanced to the poore Romanes, or rather much worse; for such as the arrowes fell vpon, the skinne being but pierced, it fes [...]e­red immediately, and they died rauing by violence of the poyson. By this meanes the French (who knew the best and warrantable grounds) assembled in great numbers, engirting the Romane Armie, and made a most terrible slaughter of them.

The first rankes of Horse were ingulfed in the Bogges, both men and horses, and the beasts that carried charge and luggage,The miserable perple [...]ity of the Romanes were so deepely swallowed in the myres, [...]s no meanes serued for drawing them out, as likewise the rest that followed their steps were subiect to the like successe.

As for the foot Souldiers, they being more agile and light then them on horseback, [Page 91] although they were bemudded and soyled with the filth of the moist fields: yet (with some difficultie) they got thence, and escaped into those Woods, from whence they issued in the morning, there hiding themselues among the bushes till night came (which hath neither shame nor feare) and so were sheltered by fauour thereof, in the best manner they could deuise, or as was possible for them.

The whole Armie being thus confused, and the rankes in disorder for to saue themselues: it need not be demanded, if the French (being in safetie) were well re­uenged for the Charboniere Forrest, and no great good market of their enemies. For Heraclius, maister of the Campe du Regiment, and of the Legion of the Iouinians, and all them that had command in the Armie, remained there dead; and such as saued themselues from this dayes misfortunes, were but a very small number. You heare what is auouched by Sulpitius Alexander, in the third Booke of his Historie.

In the fourth booke he speaketh of the death of Victor, the last or yongest sonne of the Tyran [...] Maximus. At that time, in the place and sted of Nannius and Quin­tinus, were subrogated two other Captaines, named Carietto and Surius, Three distin­ctions concer­ning Germa­nie. who (with their Armies encamped themselues face to face with France, vpon the confines of Germanie. It must be vnderstood of the first Germanie, which is on this side the Rhine, and not of Allemaigne, beyond the Elb, nor of that Germanie afterward cal­l [...]d Franconia.

He saith afterward, that as the French intruded themselues againe into Germa­nie (doubtlesse the first) they brought away thence an vnspeakeable bootie. And Arbogastes, being vnwilling to endure these brauadoes, which was nothing else but Griefe to the vanquished, and Dishonor to the Romaines:The Councell giuen by Arbo­gaste [...] to the Emperour Va­lentinian. councelled his Empe­rour Valentinian the yonger, to chastise the French, and make them pay the penal­tie of their passed transgressions, except they would readily deliuer (and in all haste) what they had stolne and carried away before, from the Lands of the Romaines, and surrender vp into his hands, the principall Commanders of their people, who had massacred the Captaines and Romaine Legions, to take vengeance on them, for the broken and violated peace. This last course vpon the limits of Rhine, made by the French, in the time of those new Captaines Carietto and Surius, chan­ced in the yeare of Grace, three hundred fourescore and nine, and the ouerthrow of Quintinus, and the Legions established for guarding the Rhines frontiers, was in three hundred fourescore and eight, and not fourescore and seauen, as Sigibert obserued.

To know the reason, why Arbogastes, a Frenchman by Nation (so saith Auenti­nus, the brother of Marcomir and Sunon, sonnes to Genebaudes) incited the Empe­rour Valentinian his Maister, against the French:Guesses are no good grounds to build on for any true Hi­storian. these are close and concealed Let­ters from vs, and whatsoeuer thereof can be said, meere guesses and coniectures, wherewith a faithfull Historian ought not to be charged. Very certaine it is, that Valentinian neuer would haue the French for his enemies, who had loyally conser­ued the Romaine alliance, vnder their Kings Mellobaudes and Genebaudes, so lately deceased, and to whom succeeded his sonnes Marcomir and Sunon, not crediting the councell of Arbogastes. Onely he came to visite the Gaules, and the frontiers of Rhine, whereon he had speech and conference with the Kings Marcomir and Sunon, who renewed the auncient alliance, giuing hostages on both sides for as­surance thereof, sworne on either part in the yeare three hundred fourescore and ten.