Honor rediviuus [sic] or An analysis of honor and armory. by Matt: Carter Esq.

The severall Orders of Knighthood in France.

Knights of the Star.

THis order I find of very great eminence * 1.1 in France, called the Star of the Sea; and sometimes also of the Virgin Mary. It was in∣stituted by King Robert, an. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And himself, and succeding Kings were of the Fraternity. Their Ensigne was a Star; which they wore was their Hoods, or Caps. But this Order in time grew so common, and distributed so im∣meritorioufly, * 1.2 that Charles the seventh (as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at it) commanded every Yeoman of his Guard to wear a Star in like manner; which the Knights seeing, presently left it off, and so the Order fell.

Knights of St. Michael.

JN the stead of the Knighthood of the Star the same King Charles erected the order of of St. Michael as some suppose: but more truly Lewis the eleventh at Amboys an. 1469. upon the occasion of a Vision (as their Historians relate) of the Archangel's appearance on Orleans Bridge as their Tutelar against the English. * 1.3 At which time the famous Amazon, Joan of France, lived, who did many Heroick exployts, leading an Army her self in the field against the English. For which the English after ha∣ving vanquisht her (much to our disparage∣ment I think) in revenge caused her to be burnt for a Witch in the Market-place of Or∣leans: in which place is since a Conduit erect∣ed to her memory.

This order of Monsieur St. Michael Arch∣angel is of thirty six Knights, and a Soveraign, which is the King. The Cognisance of the Order is a Collar of gold made of cockle-shels * 1.4 and knots, with the Image of St. Michael pendant at it, which Collar ought to weigh two hundred Crowns in gold, and not above nor under.

For the wearing of this Collar there was a very strict article; as that, Every man that did not wear it every day was to cause a masse to

be said, and to pay seaven shillings six pence Turnoys of forfeiture: except in Arms, and then they were permitted to wear only the Image of the Angel on a chain or ribbon: the Motto of the order is, Immensi tremor Oceani.

To this order is established a Herald called Mon. St. Michael, a Treasurer, a Chancellor, and a Register. Their habit according to the constitution of Henry the second of France was, his doublet, hose, shooes, scabbard, hat-band, and feather, all white; a Surcoat with sleeves, of cloth of silver; over it a Mantle of the same turned up over the left shoulder, and tyed over the right, embroydered with a bordure like the Collar. Over his shoulder lay a hood of cloth of silver spreading over his back, the tippet hanging down before, and over all the Collar.

Knights of the Holy Ghost, or St. Esprit.

TO this order of St. Michael did Henry the third, in honor of Whit-Sunday, (on which day he was chosen King of Poland) institute the order of Chivaleir du benoist sante Esprit: Joyning both this and the other into one, an. 1578. as they continue to this day.

In this discourse of this order by Monsieur Favin, is set down the Oathes, Ceremonies, Pensions, Accompts, and all the duties: all which should I insert would be too 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for my intention. The manner of their procession to * 1.5 Court, and many other particulars, is set down concerning them in Sir William Segar.

Their robe is like that of St. Michael; only of black Velvet embroydered all about with gold and silver of Flowers-de-lysse, and knots of gold between sundry cyphers of silver, and flames of gold, seamed: garnished also with a Mantle of green cloth of silver, wrought over with the same manner of embroydery with the Mantle both lined with Orange coloured Sat∣tin. The great Mantle they wear turned up over the left shoulder, and open on the right: their hose and doublet white, and black bonnets with white plumes; the Collar over all, wrought in the same manner as the embroydery. They have a crosse hanging at it, with a Dove in the Center of it, as in another place shall be de∣scribed.

Of the Order of the Gennet.

THis by the Annals of France is reckoned the first Order that ever was instituted in that Country. But I have not given it the first place, because it is now extinguished, and

its essence only remaining in the Chronolo∣gie of Fame. It was ordained by Charles cal∣led * 1.6 the Tyrant, before his usurpation called Charles Martell Seneschall, or High Steward of France. Who in a battel against the Moores, gaining a Victory, had, amongst many other spoyls, a great number of Genets skins, and some of the beasts; In memory of which victo∣ry he instituted this Order, about the year of our Lord 726. The number was 16. to whom he gave Collars of gold made of a triple chain enterwoven with enameld red Roses, at the end whereof hung a Gennet of gold enamelled black and red, upon a Terrasse or bank of flowers fairly enamel'd: This continued till King Robert, and then the Star of the Sea e∣clipsed it. * 1.7

These Knights saith Aubertus Meraeus, had other Ensignes appropriated also, as a Ring af∣ter the manner of the Romans; and certain habits for the body.

About which time, or not long after, Char∣lemain created another Order called of the Crown Royall: but that was not so much in esteem, being only for a reward of service in Friezland, the Governour of the Country ha∣ving the power of creating the Knights.

Knights of the Broomeflower; And also of the Ship.

LEwis the ninth in his time instituted two Orders of Knighthood; one called of the Broomeflower in the Cod, and the other of the Ship, called also of the Crescent, or half Moon.

The first he instituted at his Coronation, and it continued till the end of the reign of Charls the fifth, and extinguished with his life. The collar of the Order was composed of Cods of Broomeflowers intermixed with Lozanges en∣amelled with flowers-de-lysse; and at it, hung a Crosse formy flory, with this Motto; Exaltat humiles.

The other of the Ship he erected upon the occasion of the second voyage into Egypt, to encourage the Nobility that went with him. The collar of the Order was enterlaced with double Scallops, and double Crescents inter∣woven with a meddal hanging at it, with a Ship enamelled under sayl.

This King Lewis returning from his voyage * 1.8 against the Turks, an. 1554 brought home with him a Troop of Knights, called of St. Lazarus, to whom he gave large possessions: But afterwards, this Order fell again, and their revenues were given to the Knights

of Malta: untill the time of Henry the fourth who instituted that of Mount-Carmel, and re∣vived * 1.9 that of St. Lazarus.

There are many other ancient Knighthoods recorded in France, but as they were of lesse esteem, so are they also out of date; and I shall only name them, most of which were more private Orders, and had subjects for their So∣veraigns: There was of the Porcupine: Of * 1.10 the Thistle of Bourbon: of the Croissant of Anjou: of the Ermin of Britagne. Of which examin Monsieur Favin his Theatre of Honor.

There was also an order of the Dog and Cock, appropriated to the family of Monmoren∣cy, and another of de la dame blanke al' escue verd; or the order of the Fair Lady of the green Field; instituted by Jean de Boucicaut Marshal of France under Charles the sixth, who were sworn unto divers Articles, as that they should assist all Ladies, and Gentlewomen wronged in their honors or fortunes, answer challenges of Armes, supply one anothers necessary ab∣sence, that if any Lady or Gentlewoman, re∣quired aid of any of them, and after any Knight or Esquire should challenge him, he should first right the Lady; and then perform the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or if a chalenge preceded such other accident, it was at their pleasure which to undertake first; and many more such, which would be too tedious for this place. They are at large in Mauchaut Sieur de Roman ville his history of Boucicat.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Seld. Title of Honor ca. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p. 55.
• * 1.2

  Bodin. de rep. lib. 5. cap. 4.
• * 1.3

  Seld. pars: sec. cap 3. fol. 552.
• * 1.4

  Favin l. 3. pag. 372.
• * 1.5

  Hon. Mil. & Civ. lib. 2. p. 87 88, 89.
• * 1.6

  Fav. lib. 3. fol. 312. & Aubert. Meraeus. pag. 62.
• * 1.7

  Fol. 63.
• * 1.8

  Knights of St. La∣zarus.
• * 1.9

  Knights of Mount Carmel.
• * 1.10

  Porcu∣pine. Thistle. Croissant. Ermin. Cock and dog. Seld. pag. 554, 555.