NOBLES and Gentlemen, I will salute you with a sentence of mine Author sir Iohn Froysard, The aduentures of armes (saith he) are so diuers, and so far oftentimes beyond expectation, as that their effects causeth great admira­tion: which saying of his caused me with the more attention to read ouer his works, and finding the same most truly prosecuted through the whole course of his historie, but especially in the actions and aduentures of two famous Capitains Sage and Imaginatiue, the one sir Iohn Chandos, and the other sir Iohn Grayllie by name (commonly called the Captall de Buz) it delighted me (as a louer of honor and cheualrie) to note downe their seuerall for­tunes with some reasons of their falles, as men may gesse at the iudgements of God, and hauing enterprised the publishing there­of, haue dedicated these my labors, such as they be, to your hono­rable societie: which doings of mine though they may seeme to some men friuolous and not woorth your regard, yet doubt I not but you shall finde matter of benefit valuable to the time you shall therein bestow, both by way of imitation, and vertuous aemu­lation, as being a subiect that may stir your woorthie endeuors to the honor of God, your dutifull seruice of hir Maiestie, the benefit of your countrie, and your owne eternall glorie. I haue been care­full to set downe (as my maner is) the Standards pennons, cote armours, and other marks of honor, to the end it may publikely be knowen of what necessitie the vse of them is (as being for that cause first ordeined) how and in what maner they are to be vsed, and to whom they do of right most chiefly and properly appertaine and belong. And these matters being well conceiued (as indeed without such tokens no martiall discipline can be exercised, no [Page 2] armie ranged, no attempt of any companie atchieued, and so (by consequence) no conquest made, nor so much as any Common­wealth (whatsoeuer) defended, neither from outward enimies, ciuill discord, nor the rebellion of any plebeian rout, be the same neuer so simple, rude, or of small esteeme) it will (I hope) reduce into esti­mation a matter both of honor, order, and necessitie, which now (through the abuse thereof) is so far run into contempt, as that (of many men) it is holden for a thing of no price, but thought to be a very mockerie, and a matter of no other sequence, than to set vp vaine and fantasticall glorious fellowes into a pride, and to drawe from them some small summes to certaine persons into an office instituted, which no doubt was by the wisest and best gouerned states at the first deuised, and generally by all of any policie recei­ued to a most necessarie end: yet thinke they (as it is now in vse) it serueth but onely for that purpose. And indeed I must by the way complaine, that certaine of the said officers (or others pertaining to them) either for want of skill or maintenance, or otherwise for their gaine, haue committed faults not iustifiable, whereby they haue brought a matter of great honor into defame, and iniured thereby the Commonwealth, and brought both others that haue managed those affaires with more discretion, and themselues into obloquie. But these faults and errors, and some others also (spoken of in this dedication instituted to that purpose) will in the hand­ling of this matter more easily appeere, and the thing be (I hope) reformed either by the good endeuors which the officers (vnder­standing thereof) will vse, or else by the magistrate, when he shall haue knowledge of such the abuses as he may be informed of. And first that Guydhomes ensignes and marks of armorie be of necessi­tie, let it be but considered whether wars be somtimes of necessi­tie to be taken in hand or not, and surely I thinke there is none of so very meane capacitie, but will yeeld vnto it that they be: especially defensiue, and in some cases also offensiue: which as a thing granted I will ouerpasse. And then I say further, that wars being lawful and of necessitie, it must also be granted, that the same must be made by companies and bands of men, ouer which some must command, and the rest obey, and then will it follow, that for the oredring & diuiding of those to the best aduantage, standards and banners must be allotted to euery companie, to the end they may draw togither in their strength, and performe such actions as [Page 3] they shall be cōmanded, thus may you see the necessitie. And for the vse it doth also appeer, that sithence some must be commanders, it is of importance that they be known both by the persons ouer whom they command, & generally by al, and that so perspicuously that vp­on euery sudden occurrent, the meanest & simplest common soldier may thereby know euerie particular officer, and captaine that hath charge: for which purpose our ancestors deuise was, that such men should weare some such coate of marke ouer his armor, as whereby they might be easily discerned, to be the same persons which in­deed they were: and where somtimes (when occasion so offered it selfe) they were forced to vse pauishes for their defence, whereby a great part of the marke which was vpon their vesture, was shado­wed from sight, it was thought necessarie that their markes should be also laide vpon their shieldes: the commanders of horse-men (their faces being for the most part couered) they added to the crests of their helmets some further distinction to be the better al­so knowen by: thus much for the ordinance and vse of armorie. And hereby also may it appeere to whom they do properly belong and appertaine, namelie, to Kings, Princes, Archbishops, Bishops, Earles, Barons, Lords of prouinces and fees, Knights, officers in the Armie, Nauie or peece, and generallie to all that haue charge ouer bands and companies of soldiers. And now sithence from hencefoorth manie of my speeches will tend to the discouerie of such things as I take to be abused, erronious, or faultie, wherein I may peraduenture not square in opinion with some others, and being my selfe no officer or of any authoritie, whereby I should haue cause to deale in these affaires, I will therefore first beseech your honors and all others to whom it may appertaine, that if anie thing shall passe my pen which shall be offensiue, that they wil con­ceiue no woorse of it then I meane, which is but to bring these mat­ters of armorie into question, to the ende that if anie thing be a­misse (as I for my part thinke that manie things are) that then the same may be reformed: but if happelie I mistake, that then it would please such as be of iudgement or skill, to iustifie the same as well done, and I shall most willinglie yeeld to authoritie and rea­son: and so not speaking but vnder correction, I saie that first I find (as I conceiue) some blame to be imputed in your selues which be professed soldiers, that where your ancestors and al others general­lie did in their standards, banners, and pennons shew foorth to the [Page 4] viewe and face of the enimie, certaine faire, ancient, and knowne marks, which their elders for the most part had vsuallie before time carried, or at least themselues had then taken (if they but then were in their rising age) wherby their owne people were in a good­lie and decent order conducted and led, and their enimies verie much terrified, when they should see those marks shewed foorth, the owners whereof had in their memories by plaine feat of armes ouerthrowne their parents, or happely themselues, beaten them out of the fielde, razed downe their castels and fortresses, sacked their townes and cities, wasted and spoiled their countries, ranso­med their people, and generally so daunted and amazed them, that it was sometimes found to be true, that verie bare names of some valiant persons ouercame whole armies. I can not but blame you of all sorts which shall make choise of banners (which you call co­lors) so curtein like and so far from all due order of Ancient bea­ring as may be, and for your parts which are descended from An­cestors of marke, I would be glad to heare any reason from you, to what end you should lay the same a side, and make choise of a cur­tein in the place thereof. And you others (whose wisedome and valure haue gained you the reputation of a charge) I would gladly also heare from you what should moue you to be of that mind, as not to take some conuenient marke, such a one as may be thought meete by authority for you, whereby you may gaine an honor, both to your selues and your posteritie, and by your good vsage thereof much enlarge the reputation, you haue by your valours obtained.

An other thing that is amisse as I take it, and hath great need to be reformed, is the quartering of many marks in one shield, coate, or banner, for sithence it is true that such marks serue to no other vse but for a commander to lead by, or to be knowen by, it is of ne­cessitie that the same be apparent, faire, and easie to be discerned, so that the quartering of many of them together doth hinder the vse for which they are prouided. As how is it possible for a plaine vnlearned man (who may be as good a soldier in some respects as the best) to discerne and know a sunder, six or eight, (what speake I of six or eight?) sometimes thirtie or fortie seuerall marks clustered all together in one shield or banner, nay though he had as good skill as Robert Glouer late Somerset that dead is, and the eies of an Egle, amongst such a confusion of things, yet should he neuer be able to decipher the errors that are daily committed in this one [Page 5] point, nor discerne or know one banner or standard from another, be the same neuer so large? So that except it be to be made in a pedegree or descent to locke vp in an euidence chest, therby to shew mens titles to their lands or the Alliences and kindreds of their houses, otherwise (as I say) I see not to any vse in the world they serue, specially so many together to be made vpon a mans vesture, Target or banner, and therefore I could wish that euery man would content himselfe with his owne peculiar coate of name, and not to vse aboue one quartered therewith at the most: which one yet doth not so much trouble the capacitie of a man, but that he may both know and discerne a banner or shield well ynough. And this one do I the rather esteeme well of to be borne, for that a Prince or Noble man making challenge or title to any Countrie (for which he is forced to make warres before he can obtaine it) it will be a goodly thing for him to shew foorth his standard of the Armes of that Countrie quartered with his owne amongest those people which in reason and conscience owe him duety and obedience, to the end that they may thereby be the sooner induced to submit themselues to their true and lawfull soueraine, as his subiects. And for that cause (as I take it) King Edward the third and his valiant sonnes de­uised and shewed foorth the Armes of France and England quar­tered together, and although my Author saith that Iaques Dartuell, a honie trier of Gaunt was the first deuiser thereof, yet will I not beleeue otherwise, but that the principall reasons that led the king thereto, was to make knowne the iustnes of his title to that king­dome where he then intended to make warres. But now it may be obiected, sithence a Prince or great Lord may haue title to seuerall Countries, that therefore it is necessarie for him to beare all such tokens or marks as he hath title too: To this I answere, that al­though I could yeeld to them (but that it will bring the confusion aforesaid) yet is it of no such necessity, for that a man needs to shew his title but onely to them whom he means to subdue: and if it should fortune that he had title to diuers and seuerall Countries, and that he would make warres to them all at once, yet should it not be needfull to him to shew foorth any more marks quartered in one standard, but onely vnto euery seuerall countrie the Armes of that nation quartered with his owne. But this being the case of Kings and Princes, wherein (amongest others) our most famous, noble and worthy kings and princes of this land, haue shewed [Page 6] themselues most prudent and wise, to what purpose is it that others being but commanders vnder their prince, and which of them­selues haue neither title to countrie nor are able to maintaine wars, should in their princes seruice pester their banners and shields with such an infinite number as many do? And in this point I cannot ynough commend the Baron of Stafford, who heerin sheweth his great skill and temperance, for althongh his Ancestors haue had title to quarter the marks of that valiant Thomas of Wodstocke (yoongest sonne of King Edward the third) Earle of Buckingham and Duke of Glocester, of Bohune Earle of Hereford and Nor­thanton and high Cunstable of England: and also of that great house of Somerset, which by their ancestor Iohn Earle of Somerset, (yoonger sonne to Iohn of Gaunt) descended from the same king Edward the third, (I omit to speake of diuers Barons and others of great estate, whose heires both with reuenue and honor enlar­ged greatly his family) yet the said Baron contents himselfe with the paternall marke of his house, and neuer so much as dreames of any other, far differing from a number of meaner persons, who if they possesse any mannor or lands by descent, albeit their ancestors married the heire of the same many hundred yeers agone, and whose parents peraduenture neuer did beare any marke, or if they did (time hauing obscured the same) it remaineth vnknowen: yet shall you haue them run to an Herald or painter, as busily as if the matter were of weight, and there make search they know not for what, and the herald or painter (on the other side) to draw some small peece of siluer from them, will find out the badge of some one or other of the same name, although many times none of the kin­dred, and may be neuer came neare that countrey, and that will they inuest them with as their owne, and sometimes (when no marke for any of the name will be found) then deuise some conceit or other, and say they find it borne by such a name, and content them wonderously therewith, which serues yet to no other vse, but to make vp a iust number, whereby their owne marks become the more confused: and yet into this quartering (being a very foun­taine of errors) many both Noble men and Gentlemen, and the officers of Armes themselues, do oftentimes very rashly enter. It is not long sithence there died a knight in Staffordshire of good ac­count, and (in his life time) was a deputie Lieuetenant there, to doe his obsequie came an officer of Armes, who compiled for him nine [Page 7] seuerall marks all in one Escuchion, and yet neuer a one of them (as they were there set foorth) to him belonging, but his owne of name. And as I haue giuen you this one for an instance, so almost can a man come into no towne of any account, nor almost into any Church or house of Noble man or Gentleman, but he shall find errors, so that the numbers thereof be infinite: It were therefore to be wished that this matter of quartering should be reformed, as well for the vntruths therein committed, as for the titles that may be brought in question thereby to lands and Heritages: And as be­ing one of the chiefest things that bringeth the honor of Armory into disgrace: for not long agoe heard I one speake in this maner, did I not (quoth he) know the grandfather of this man (speaking of the owner of a scuchion wherein were quartered many marks) to purchase by plaine patent (although he neuer were man at Armes) both his coate and crest within these fortie yeers, and how comes it now to passe that I see his nephew inuested in all this Armorie? (numbring many and diuers seuerall deuices all in one shield by way of quartering) this being a very mockerie to see a man of no valure or estimation in warlike affaires, and the paternall Ances­tors of whom (for ought that can be prooued) were not in any late age welders of Armes, to entrude themselues into so many badges of Armorie is not the least matter to bring into contempt an order so honorable and necessarie, as the bearing of Armes is.

Another matter that to my vnderstanding is also to be refor­med, is the maner of differings, which are by the yoonger brothers and their posterities laid vpon their marks, being cressants, mol­lets, &c. and that such little ones, as that a man cannot discerne them a verie small distance from him, which differences are in rea­son to be made faire, plaine, and large, that they may be also as easie to be discouered as any other deuise that is in the coate, shield, or banner, otherwise they serue not to the purpose for which marks were first ordeined. And the inconuenience which ensueth of this error will the more easily appeere, if I but set you downe the words of mine Author (treating of an accident that happened in such a case) which be these: Et feist msr Robert Baileul aler sa Banniere tout deuant en escriant moriannes les Henuiers qui inestoint esthauses Aper­ceurent la Banniere de moriannes qui encore estoit tout Droicte, si cuide­rent que ce feust la leur ou ilz se deuoient radresser, car mult petite y auoi [...] de difference de lune a l'autre, car les Armes moriennes sount Barres contre [Page 8] Barres d'Argent & d'Azure a deux Cheuerons de Gueules, et le cheuron de msr Robert auoit vne petite crosete d'or, si ne l'aduiserent mye bien les hennuiers ainsi vindrent bouter de fait dessubs la Banniere de msr Robert, si furent moult fierement reboutes et tous discomfis: For these henowers being led by sir William Baileul thought in the stir and busines to haue come to his banner hearing the surname of Moriens called vp­on, and seeing as they supposed their captains ensigne, and the dif­ference of sir Robert, being the yoonger brother, but a little crosse vpon the vpper cheuron they could not apperceaue, so that the most of them were either slaine or taken, and the elder brother the Knight their leader was glad to saue himselfe as well as he might: The Lord of Cowcie sonne in law to king Edward the third, suffered also reproch through the hard dealings of the Lord of Chine who raised his banner against certaine Englishmen of sir Hugh Caueleys company, being either the same that Cowcies was, or the difference so small as might not be discerned, whereby the said Lord Cowcie though he were absent as far as Austrich, had dishonor spoken of him as in the discourse of the Capitall I haue touched.

Thus then hauing shewed by example the harme and inconueni­ence that cannot but many times happen through the littlenes and nicenes of such differences, I haue thought it not amisse to laie before you the differings that antiquitie vsed, that by comparing them togither you may discerne the great wisedome of our ance­stors and our owne imperfections in this point, for want of due consideration: which was done at the first by changing of the de­uise borne into other colors onely, but when that would not suf­fice for the number of leaders (manie times all of one house) then were they forced to varie their markes by adding of either bars, bends, cheurons, cheefes, quarters, borders, labels, losinges, or such like, and verie seldome should you see in those times cressant, mollet, or such like small little thing borne for a difference, and if anie did, yet was the same made so large and faire that it might be seene as well as any other the deuise which should be in the shielde or banner. And for the proofe, I will giue you the example but of one house onelie for your better information (though I could do the like of manie others) namelie, that of the Bassets, who indeed (in my iudgement) varied their markes of honor verie finelie, and that vpon good respect:

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For Ralph Basset (the sonne of Thurstine who came in with the Conquerour) which Ralph (as it it said) deuised the Lawe of Franke pledge, and manie other good lawes, being Iusticiarius An­gliae, hauing fower sonnes, to wit, Thur­stine, Thomas, Richard, and Nicholas, the first and last both failing, the issue of the one being extinct, and the other ouerthrowne by standing against king Henrie the second with king Steuen: The sonne of Thomas went away with his ancestors marke without distinction (being vndie golde and red.)

But the sonnes of Richard Basset being aduanced by their mother Mauld, the daughter and heire of Sir Geffrey Ry­dell knight, varied the markes of the said Geffrey in this manner: first, Gef­frey Lord of Witering the eldest sonne of Richard Basset and the said Mauld, (surnaming himselfe Rydell) the proge­nie of him bare golde three pals red, with a scarffe or bende of blewe ouer all.

Ralph Basset the eldest sonne of Richard, which Richard was the second sonne of Richard and Mauld Rydell, and to whom his mother gaue the Baronie of Wel­don, bare gold three pals red, a bor­der of steele studded with gold com­passing the same about.

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Also Ralph Basset, the sonne of Ralph, third sonne of Richard Basset & Mauld, to whom the said Richard gaue the Ba­ronie of Drayton in Staffordshire, bare gold three pals red, with a quarter of Brittain.

And Roger Basset of Warwickshire va­ried from Drayton, changing the pals into blacke.

But Ralph Basset (descended from Willi­liam Basset Baron of Sapcote in Leice­stershire, which William was Iustice in Itinere, and yoongest sonne of Richard Basset and Mauld Rydell his wife) (ha­uing no aduancement by the house of Rydell) detained vndie the deuise of the Bassets, and onelie changed the colors thereof into siluer and blacke:

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And Sir Ralph Basset of Chedle knight (a yoonger sonne of Sapcote) varied from that house, by adding to his de­uise of waues, a red Labell, whereunto he was forced by reason the progenie of Thomas Basset had manie waies va­ried the saide vndie, by changing the color thereof.

As Iohn Basset of North Luffenham in Rutlandshire bare it, varied into white and red:

And Allen Basset Baron of Wicombe, differed this deuise of vndie into white and blew, from whom the Sanfords des­cending assumed the same marke, and now Browning beareth it as being des­cended from an heire of Sanfords.

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The house of Chedle yet after this diui­ding it selfe into two branches, Iohn Basset of new place (being of the yoon­ger house) left the Labell, and charged the blacke vnds with manie besants dispersed all ouer them.

But after all this (about the time of king Edward the third) the line of Ralph Basset of Chedle being extinguished: Simon Basset Baron of Sapcote (descen­ded from the forenamed William) and sir Iohn Basset of Blore knight, (heire to the aboue named Iohn Basset of new place) both of them (I know not the cause why) at one instant (as I thinke) relinquished their deuise of vndie, and inuested themselues into ridels: that is to say, Simon into the pals charged with a quarter varrie white and blew, and sir Iohn into the same, with a quar­ter siluer, and a blacke Griffon there­on.

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And in Tamwoorth Church (neere to Drayton) well and olde there standeth gold three pals red, a quarter siluer and a crosse patie blacke thereon.

Thus haue I set downe vnto you (though something tediouslie) the vse that the antiquitie followed in a verie glorious line, for Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, which florished diuers hundreds of yeeres sithence, and you may see that these men (though they were manie of them great Barons) were not ashamed of their dif­ferences, but laide them foorth largely to the view, neither do I esteeme it a shame wherby any man should couet to hide the same, to be descended as a yoonger brother, sithence that euerie brother (hauing the like parents) is as well descended as the eldest, and therefore as good a Gentleman (though not so rich) as he. And the more is his honor, if without the helpe which by reason of his patrimonie the elder hath, he can aduance himselfe into place of office or dignitie, whereby he may raise an other florishing familie of the same surname: And therefore you my masters that be yoon­ger brothers, neuer hide your differences by putting foorth a little cressant, or a peeping mollet, but vse some faire large deuise, si­thence in truth your estimation is by your rising to be had in as good a regard as if you were the elder.

And now being in speech of yoonger brothers and their diffe­rences, I haue obserued two kinds of them which the antiquitie vsed, (besides the aforesaid) one was, that such as were aduanced by Kings, Princes, or other great Lords, did manie times beare some part of the deuise of him who aduanced them, by way of addition vnto the marke of their owne familie, which serued verie aptlie to distinguish them from their elder house.

[Page 14]The other was, that diuers did adde vnto the marke of their owne house, some part of the deuise of that familie from which their mothers descended, and both these two kinds of differings are (in my minde) greatly to be commended, not onely for that they may be made large and apparent, and for that cause serue very properly to the vse for which Badges are ordained, but also that the one makes manifest a gratefull minde (in him that is aduanced) to his prince or lord of whom he receiued benefit, and by reason thereof linketh them togither in a kinde of amitie, which seldome or neuer is worne out, and by that meanes a great strengthening it is vnto both houses.

The other not onely serueth to vnite the families which haue matched togither in the foresaid loue and amitie, and thereby wor­keth the like effect, but besides it sheweth the certainty of the des­sending of the said yoonger brother out of both the said houses, and also giueth knowledge of the time thereof, whereby if any title of inheritance be at any time cast vpon the yoonger brother, either descending from ancestor of the fathers side, or mothers, it giues him a testimonie of his title, and witnesseth vnto the world the truth of his descent by the continuall bearing of that deuise, so that this kind may (many times) worke profit to the bearer, and auoid many troubles and sutes: and therefore into one of these kind of differings could I wish our yoonger brothers, which from hence­foorth shalbe aduanced, to inuest them selues, as being both hono­rable, faire, certaine, and profitable. But now it may be obiected that the order in vse sheweth plainly ynough the diuersitie of bro­thers, as the cressant a second, the mollet the third, that by this means the matters are made certaine: to this I answere, that first the time is not (by this means) signified, neither can it be known which of the Cressant bearers was the vncle or nephew. And further it is a very vsuall matter for euery new Riser at this day, if he can find that there is any of the like Surname that beareth marke, presently to vsurpe the same with a Cressant or some such difference, so that (for my owne part) I do seldome credit such kinde of differinges nor their bearers, vnles it be by some other testimony or proofe made manifest, which cannot be counterfetted so well in the other deuise, except the riser should be throughly acquainted with the descent of him whose line he seeketh to intrude himselfe into, and besides, it [Page 15] may be the sooner espied by them of the true line & forbidden, nor the other dare (for feare thereof) so soone venter the committing of a falsitie. But what a confusion is it when you shall see the second of a second brother, and sometimes an other second from him, to cluster one Cressant vpon an other, many times three or foure, one on horsebacke vpon an other, where as by the aforesaid bearing of the difference from the Prince, Lord, or mothers family, a man may better distinguish the brothers and set downe for a second, a third, and fourth, &c. And after from those againe, in a fairer, larger, and more apparent manner: And the more apt am I to speake against these ordinary differences (as they are called) knowing them to be but new inuentions, and any of them as ordinaries (in fashion as now they are) neuer vsed before the time of King Henrie the sixt, before which time men were much more warie and discreet in bea­ring of their marks, and in foreseeing that no intruders should enter into their families, nor that any should lay away or remoue their differings without speciall warrant or license of them that thereby might be preiudiced: for a Labell being much in vse for the heire apparent (to wear as his difference during his fathers life) was sel­dome remooued to the second brother, but when the inheritance went vnto the daughters of the elder brother, and then the second was permitted to beare the same for his difference, as being the heire male of his familie and as one that remained in expectancie, yet might not the second brother vse to intrude himselfe into the absolute signes of his house (the inheritance being in his neeces or kinswomen) as appeared in the case betweene Gray of Ruthine and Hastings which was this:

Iohn Lord Hastings married to his first wife Izabell one of the sis­ters and heires of Almerie de vallence Earle of Penbrooke, by whom he had issue Iohn Hastings (after Earle of Penbrooke) Elizabeth (mar­ried to Roger Lord Gray of Ruthin) and some other children which needs not to be spoken of, for that (as I take it) al the lines of them failed before the extinguishing of the line of the said Iohn Earle of penbrooke: after (such issue being had) the said Izabell Vallence died, and the said Iohn Lord Hastings tooke to a second wife Izabell the daughter of Hugh Spenser, by whom he had issue Hugh Hastings, and Thomas, and then died, and left as heire Iohn his son by his first wife (who was Earle of Penbrooke as I haue said, erected by reason [Page 16] of his mothers inheritance) which Iohn Earle of Penbrooke married and had issue an other Earle of Penbrooke, who also married and had issue a third Earle of Penbrooke, but in the end all the line of the said Iohn Hastings (first Earle of Penbrooke of that familie) fay­ling, there arose a question betwixt the heires of Roger Gray and Elizabeth his wife being sister (of the whole blood) and the heires of Hugh Hastings brother (of the halfe blood) to the said Iohn Earle of Penbrooke, for the inheritance of the Hastings. But Gray reco­uering the same (by the law that saith, Possessio fratris de feodo simplici facit sororem esse haeredem) called the said Hastings also (hauing re­mooued the difference of his marke for that he was then heire male of that house) into the Court of cheualry, and there hauing a iudge­ment against him, the said Hastings was compelled to vse a diffe­rence (which was a Label of siluer) vpon his marke, a faire red sleeue of his Ladies vpon his golden vesture: Since which the heires of that yoonger familie haue vsed the said Labell euen vntill this our age. So that you may see by this that the law was then taken to be such, that such an heire male as had not the inheritance of his An­cestors should not be suffered to beare his marke without distincti­on, for it should seeme (by this) that the issue of them that had mar­ried the heire generall of any familie (being by reason thereof pos­sessed of the lands) had not onely an interest in the Armes, but might also forbid any man the bearing thereof: and moreouer it would also appeare that the law was then supposed to be such, that the owner of euery marke might dispose of the same, as of his lands and inheritance, and that the Donee had power (by vertue of such gift) to vse the same as his owne proper Armorie, for I haue seene a deed importing thus much: [Page 17]A tous y ceux qui Cestes lēres verrount au orro unt Thomas le fytz monsr Iohn de Herovill Chr. Salutz en deuyn Sachetz moy auoir don̄e & Grauntte A Roger de Wyrley vn escqūchoun darmes queil iamoy per des­cent apres le mort Iohn mon̄e frere ceste a sauoir lesqūchoun de sable ou deus leouns passantz d'argent Coronez & vnglez de or ou vne flour deliz de Azure deuz pies Auoir & tenire A dit Roger & ses Heyrs a tous iours leauandit esqūchioun a dit Roger Wyrley & ses Heyrs en Contre toutez Gens Garrantt: En Tesmoignanc de quell Choses a Cestz escriptz ay meys mon Seall pery ceux tesmoignes, Iohn de Bredwas Roger Basset, Iohn de He­rouile, William Herouile, Iohn Dimock, et autres Estptz a Westbromwich le mardy prochayn a vant le Chaundelme lan du regne le roy Edward 3. puis le Conquest querente vnsieme.

And for proofe that the said grant was not made without war­rant of law authorizing the same, the said Roger Wyrley although he and diuers others his ancestors bare other armes as proper to their owne familie long before the said time, as may appeere by diuers and sundrie peeces of euidence sealed with the same, dated many yeeres before this grant: yet did the said Roger vse and beare the said cote by Heronvile to him granted by vertue of the said deed, after [Page 18] the same was to him granted, as by diuers seales and other moni­ments thereof may appeere, so that the vse concurred with the grant, and therefore not to be doubted but that the law did then take the said grant to be good and vailable. And for a further proofe, amongst diuers I wil giue you one other testimonie, and so leaue to trouble you any more in this point.

A tous yceux qui Cestes presentz lēres verrount ou orrount moy Iean Dowmvill de modberlegh saluts en dieu: Come moy & Ceciliae ma feme A­uons ordegney que margerie nostre fille & les heyrs de son Corps engendres seruont enherites si bien de ma heyritage la dtē Cecile & auer apres nostre deces come per fines leues en playn Countee de Cestre poet Apparere plus apleyn. Sacheut tous Gens qui ꝑ cella cause & autres causes qui me moe­uont ie a ville ordeigne doune & graunt ꝑ ycestes qui Thomas de Holes fitz & Heyre Aparaunt lauant dtē margeri quile Thomas ie appele & teigne mon fitz demesne eit & eniouse a luy & ses Heyres a tous iours mes entier Armes a porter & vser apres mon deces, dont les Colors sont Cesta­sauer le Chiffe d'azure ove vne leon rampant d'argent oues (que) vne coller de Gules: Et prie a dit Thomas & luy Charge saaoir ma beneson de portere & vsere les ditz Armes en la forme suys dter: en Tesmoignaunce de quel chose a cest escrit ia y meis mon Seale de les Armes Auant dtēs ꝑ y cestes tes moygnes: Edward le mascy Hue de Holes Thomas de Swettenham & Autres, done A modberleyh le darrey ioure de mars lan du Reigne le roy Richard 2: puis le Conquest Seszime.

[Page 19]And this law (I thinke) was grounded vpon this reason, that forasmuch as euery tenant that held lands by a knights fee was tied to do his Lord escuage or shield seruice proportionable to the tenure he held, it is agreeable vnto equitie that he may giue or leaue his Armour to such a person, as he meaneth to make owner of his heritage, whereby he shall be bound to the same seruice that himselfe by the said law was charged to do, as hauing with the marke maintenance answerable thereto. And that this matter was of regard in my Authors time, it appee­reth by the request both of sir Iohn Chandos himselfe, made to the Prince of Wales (as in the discourse of him I haue touched) and of sir Thomas Triuet (a gallant soldier of that time) speaking to the Earle of Buckingham, being rested before the citie of Troys in Fraunce, (in this maner) the words of my Author con­cerning this matter be these: Et msr Thomas Triuet apporta sa banniere toute enueloppe deuant le Countie de Bucquenham et lui dist monseigneur sil vous plaist ie desuelopperay au iourdui ma banniere car deu mercy iay asses de reuenue pour maintenir estate comme a la ban­niere appartient: il nous plaist bien respondit le counte, &c. so that by this the thing is manifested, for that the chiefest reasons wher­by they thought to induce (the one) the Prince, and (the other) the Earle, to giue them leaue to raise their banners, was, that they had sufficient reuenue to maintaine the estate that to a banner did appertaine. And it may also appeere, that it is not necessarie for any to haue marks, but such as be warfaring men, hauing either reuenues to maintaine soldiers, or at least a charge, or some office pertaining to men at armes vnder their Soueraigne: which thing if it were performed according to reason, there should not need so many mollets and cressants for to distinguish yoonger brethren, for that none but such as medled with warlike affaires haue need of Armore, and they (I doubt not) would for their owne necessitie be forced to vse some more large and apparent deuise than such little ones, as be now (of no value) in vse.

There is also another matter out of square, which is, that euerie man that obtaineth large possessions (whether the same be acquired by his iudgment in law, traffike in marchandize, or any other meane) yea although neuer any of his progenitors (from whom he can deriue himselfe) had the charge to lead [Page 20] men of armes, will yet at this day intrude themselues into the badges and marks of soldiers: for although such as be descen­ded from men of martiall discipline, haue an interest in their ancestors marks (amongst other their goods) and therefore may shew foorth the same to their predecessors glorie, and their owne (in respect of their descent) yet such men as rise by their sciences, iudgements, or skill in other arts, affaires, or trades (although they be to be reuerenced for their wisedome & praisefull actions, and had in honor answerable to their ver­tues and dignities) haue yet little to do with the marks or badges of soldiers. For although a reuerent Iudge that hath ministred law and iustice a long time (and that so long as that thereby to his great glorie) he hath obtained reputation, wealth, and reuenue, is to be had in high estimation, and in respect thereof to haue allowed him some note or marke of honor fit for his calling, yet (to my simple iudgement) the same should be disposed vnto him after the old Romane order by signifying the maner of his rising, rather than to put a corselet on his back, a burgonet on his head, a target on his arme, and a sword by his side, being things that would cumber greatly the good old man to vse, either for his owne defence, or but to shew (by way of triumph) for his glorie, sithence neither is it tolerable (by reason of his age) nor in his youth did he exercise himselfe in welding thereof. And as these things are vnseeming for him to weare, no more can I see any reason why he should deck vp the moniments of his house with such signes or to­kens, except he can deriue himselfe from an ancestor that hath had the vse of such things, and then (to set them foorth as a glorie to his deceased parent) will greatly augment the regard of his rising, which rising yet (of it selfe) is a sufficient honor, the same being by any iust, vertuous, or laudable meanes. And these new risings I could wish to be of more reputation than they seeme to be esteemed of, either by others, or themselues that so rise, as is apparent by manie of their dooings, who in­trude themselues into marks of Antiquitie, and setting foorth of descents, wherein they are yet faine many times either to counterfet, or else to deriue themselues from some poore pa­rents, which they (either truly, or by surmize) alledge to haue descended from some ancient familie, and that haue been by [Page 21] some accident or other in former time decaied: wherein me thinkes men do greatly mistake the matter, for that (in my opi­nion) a man that is but of meane parentage and riseth by com­mendable meanes, is equiualent to him that riseth from a de­caied familie, namely when his said parent hath been ouer­throwne for offence, as many times they alledge (in plaine termes) which yet is to be vnderstood although it were neuer spoken of, for that God in his iustice (seldome I suppose) ouer­throweth any of estate, except for some great offence by some of the house committed, although (peraduenture) the same lies hid to the world & appeereth not. But this being an argu­ment that is daily in question amongst learned men, I wil leaue to them to be discussed, and returne to my former purpose, which is, that I could wish euerie man that raiseth a house by his good industry, should be honored with some such badge or marke, as should be answerable to the qualitie of his rising, and not euerie man of what condition soeuer they be, to entrude themselues into the signes and markes of soldiers, and such as follow the field with martiall exploits.

Some people also there are that be so precise, as that they do disallowe altogither the setting foorth of any memory of well deseruing men, which haue shewed themselues valiant either in the act of Religion, their Princes seruice, or defence of their countrie, neither allowing their posteritie to set foorth any me­morie of their praises, nor suffering any moniments or garnish­ments to remaine of their burials, as though it were a matter offensiue to God to haue goodmen well spoken of, or their va­lorous doings by their obsequies either reuerenced, or by anie record, remembred: To such men I haue not thought it amisse to shew them their error by directing them to such places of Scripture as do not onely tolerate and allow of such actions, but also praise and commend the dooing thereof, and in some sorte charge and command the same to be done, wherby both they may (if they be not obstinate) reforme their misconceaued opinions, and others may be fortified in their praisefull ende­uors towards the honoring of vertuous and woorthie men, to the animating of posteritie to imitate their laudable actions, sithence indeed the chiefest matter that stirreth vp men to do well next their zeale to God, and the loue of vertue it selfe, is to [Page 22] thinke that not onely their soules shall be rewarded with the mercies of God, but also that their doings shall be had in a re­uerent remembrance with the reports of all good men that shall speake of them: And first, that the vsing, bearing and set­ting foorth of Banners, Ensignes and markes of armorie are allowable by the sacred scriptures, it appeareth by the holie E­uangelist Saint Luke recording the peregrination of Saint Paul, and speaking of armorie without reprehension (which he would not haue done had the vse thereof been offensiue) in this sort: ‘ Act. Apost. Cap. 28.Post menses autem tres nauigauimus in naui Alexandrina, quae in insula Hyemauerat, cui erat insigne Castorum.’

And in the booke of Numeri God by his prophet Moyses commandeth his people of Israel to deuide and dispose them­selues into companies by their Ensignes & Banners speaking vnto them in these words: ‘ Num. cap. 2.Locutusque est Dominus ad Moysen & Aaron, dicens, singuli, per turmas, Signa, atque vexilla, & domos cognationum suarum, castra­metabuntur, filiorum Israel per Gyrum tabernaculi foederis.’

So that by this you may see, that as these matters be no new inuentions of men, so they are also things allowable by the word of God.

Neither do obsequies or moniments ensuing woorthie acts want the authoritie of Scriptures, for in the booke of Numeri it is written thus: ‘ Num. ca. 31.Cumque accessissent principes exercitus ad Moysen, & Tribuni, cen­turionesque dixerunt, nos serui tui recensuimus numerum pugnatorum, quos habuimus sub manu nostra: & ne vnus quidem defuit ob hanc cau­sam offerimus in donarijs Domini singuli quod in praeda auri potuimus inuenire, periscelides & Armillas, annulos & dextralia ac murenu­las, &c. Et susceptum intulerunt in Tabernaculum testimonij in moni­mentum coram Domino.’

And in an other place of Numeri thus: ‘ Num. cap. 16.Locutus (que) est Dominus ad Moysen, dicens, praecipe Eliazaro filio Aaron sacerdoti, vt tollat Thuribula quae iacent in incendio, & ignem huc il­lucque dispergat: &c. produc atque ea in laminas, & affigat altari: &c. vt cernant ea pro signo & monimento filij Israel.’

Also in the booke of Iosua I finde these words: ‘ Iosue lib. cap. 4.Et ait Iosue ad eos, ite ante arcam Domini Dei vestri ad Iordanis me­dium, [Page 23] & portate inde singuli singulos lapides in humeris vestris, iuxta numerum filiorum Israel, vt sit signum inter vos: & quando interroga­uerint vos filij vestri cras, dicentes, quid sibi volunt isti lapides? Re­spondebitis, defecerunt aquae Iordanis ante arcam foederis Domini, cum transiret eum, idcirco positi sunt lapides isti in monimentum filiorum Israel vsque in aeternum.’

And for the disposing of heritages it is written thus. Num. cap. 27. Homo cum mortuus fuerit abs (que) filio, ad filiam eius transibit haereditas. si fili­am non habuerit, habebit successores fratres suos. quod si & fratres non fuerint, dabitis haereditatem fratribus patris eius. sin autem nec patruos habuerit, dabitur haereditas his qui ei proximi sunt. Eritque hoc filijs Is­rael sanctum lege perpetua sicut praecepit Dominus Moysi.

And for the collection of Genealogies thus saith God to Moyses and Eleasar: Num. cap. 26. Numerate omnem summam filiorum Israel à viginti annis & suprà, per domos & cognationes suas, cunctos qui possunt ad bella procedere: &c. Ruben primogenitus Israel huius filius, Henoch, à quo familia Henochitarum: & Phallu, à quo familia Phallui­tarum: & Hesron, à quo familia Hesronitarum. And for a further proofe of the recording of Genealogies, it is to be conside­red how diligently the same hath beene obserued through the whole course of the Scriptures, as the descents from Adam to Noe, and from Noe to Abraham, &c. do sufficiently testifie. And more that with the spirit of truth the Genealogie of Christ our Sauiour and redeemer as concerning his humani­tie is also by the writing of his holie Euangelistes most plainelie and sincerely remembred and set downe. All these things being therefore by the Scriptures of God, and decider of all controuersies, prooued and declared: Your Lordships may see that the bearing of Armes, raising and aduaun­cing of Standerds, Banners and Ensignes, vsing of obsequies, erecting of moniments, enroling and regestrings of pede­grees and descentes haue ioyned to the auncient customes and Lawes both of this Land and all other nations, the autho­ritie of Gods word being very well accompanied with discre­tion, reason, and iudgement, for God hauing by his sacred institution ordeined Kingdomes, Prouinces, and Seignories, and that ouer them Kings, Princes and Magistrates, shall com­maund, rule and gouerne his people, to the ende chiefely that his heauenly kingdome may be replenished with the blessed [Page 24] soules of his seruants, for the instructing whereof he hath also ordeined his holy Church, and the Bishops, pastors and mini­sters of the same, which Bishops and other spirituall officers cannot so well enforme his Christan people without the aid of the said Kings and temporall Lords: neither can they gouerne their particular Countries either from the inuasion of out­ward tyrants or inward rebels, but through the vse of their sword of iustice, which sword cannot be exercised against vn­ruly persons being of strength wanting men skilful in Martiall Discipline, who cannot manage those affaires but by meane of the aforesaid Armes and ensignes, in maner as before I haue more largly expressed. And in like sort as Princes, great Lords, Iudges, Magistrates and Gouernors, do vse to weare sacred Robes of gold, purple, scarlet, and other ornaments and appa­rell, not to take pride in, or for any vaine ostentation or show, but onely that they may be distinguished from the inferior peo­ple, to the end that a reuerent regard may be had of them in respect of the high office which vnder God here on earth they beare. And as these things no man of any reason will gainsay, so I see not but as wel may their iust vertues and good gouern­ment be remembred with funerals, obsequies, and moniments, after their decease, whereby such as succeed in gouernment may also be had in more high estimation, and a faire example is thereby giuen them to imitate the regiment of their prede­cessors. Likewise doth the registring of descents carrie with it reason ioined to authoritie and custome, for as by Gods lawe there is commanded a priuiledge of enheritance to the first be­gotten of Israell, and so for want of sonnes to the females, and from them to others answerable to the proximitie of their blood and kindred, which with our lawes of this land, and of most nations do concur and agree, it doth well stande with peacefull gouernment for the auoiding of contentions which may rise for want of records, to testifie the truth of mens titles to their enheritances, that Genealogies and Pedegrees should be enrolled and kept in remembrance.

I haue my good Lords stood the longer vpon this point, for that of late traueling through some countries of this Land, and hauing a desire to see the moniments of antiquitie which haue remained in such places as I passed by, for which cause as [Page 25] otherwise I many times resorted to Churches and other hou­ses to satisfie my affection, I found that many moniments both of burials and in glasse were so broken and defaced, that vneth may be had any knowledge what the fragments remaining did signifie: and enquiring of the inhabitance how it came to passe that those things were so blemished, they made report that certaine persons, delighting as may seeme in noueltie, for they can abide no marke of antiquitie, had defaced the same. These men that take vpon them to be reformers, whose desires are great through the singularitie & pride they haue in their owne wits and vnderstandings, weening themselues to be very wise, where indeed they are verie simple, and onely looke but into the abuses of things, and do not see into the grounds & depth of the reasons and causes for which good ordinances were made, go about to finde faults, where many times none are, but if peraduenture they hap to finde an ordinance well made misused, then streight neuer seeke they to reforme the abuse, but by their wils, downe goeth ordinance and all, such is their insolencie, rashnes, and want of iudgement. It were well done therefore my good Lords, and I could wish that your Honors hauing somtimes accesse to hir Maiestie, and oftentimes con­ference with my Lords of hir priuie Councell, should enforme hir Highnes, and their Honors of the said abuses committed, and to be thereby a meane that these simple fellowes taking vpon them to be reformers, might be reformed themselues, and both kept from destroieng of good ordinances, and be punished for their offences in that behalfe committed. In the meane time yet shall I desire that Honorable personages will looke better to the moniments of their ancestors, by correct­ing the destroiers thereof, and therein to imitate the lauda­ble actions of William Fleetwood, Serieant at the Law, and Recor­der of the Citie of London, who being commissioner amongst others for the visitation of causes Ecclesiasticall, by the Princes authoritie, by vertue thereof imprisoned certaine wilfull per­sons that had defaced the moniment of Queene Katherine Dowyger at Peterborough, vntil such time as they had reformed the same, which thing was through his good endeuor reedi­fied and perfected againe, and so remaineth to this daie: for although some happily see standing those of their own parents, [Page 26] yet it were good they should foresee that no others be pulled downe, for that there is not to be looked for but that suffering such iniuries to rest vnpunished, the dooers thereof wil in time growe more insolent, and haue a cast to ouerthrowe theirs also.

And now being in speech of moniments, I cannot but re­member their ignorance who make small account of anie an­cestour except before the Conquest, weening that all that lie crosse-legged so were: and that all ancient euidence without date is the like: whereas the one was not had in vse vntil after the Palestine wars, and the other, such as be sealed, be also since the Conquest, for I could neuer see nor heare of any that had seene sealed deed, but the same was made sithence the Conquest of this Land, when the vse (as I take it) of sealing with waxe first began in England.

But these men will not stoupe one iote vnder the Conquest, telling manie fables of their ancestors then preseruing their houses, Honors, & Armories, forgetting quite that it is much more glorious and honorable to be descended from a most fa­mous nation conquering, then such people by plaine feate of Armes subiuged, for as the Poet saith,

So that if they haue any thing praise woorthie left to brag of, it is that they well contended with so puissant conquerors, which were then in their time as wise, glorious, and famous a nation as were in the whole world to be found.

Another sort there be not much more skilfull, who if they see any Armorie, straight enter into the comparison of the fairenes thereof: and foule and false is it, if mettall lie vpon met­tall alone, or colour vpon colour: And yet I could wish we should neuer haue more dishonorable men nor woorse soldi­ers than haue so borne their Armorie: for to omit that woor­thie Godfrey, and that Mack Morise king of Lymster in Ireland, whose onely daughter and heire was married to Richard Strong­bowe Earle of Penbroke, and bare in a blacke shield a red ram­ping Leon, of our owne sir Richard Sanbach of Sanbach in Ches­shire, [Page 27] sir William Wakbirge of Wakbirge in Darbyshire, two vali­ant Knights, yet both bare colour vpon color. Passing the num­ber of examples, I will onely recite the words of mine Author speaking of the aduentures of a braue Knight in the companie of sir Robert Canole resting by Parris, this Knight hauing vowed to strike with his launce on the barriers of the citie, performed it, and then the words be these: Celluy cheualier ie ne sca comment il auoit nom ne de quel pays il estoit mais s'armoit a gueulles a deux fous­ses noyeres et vne bordure noyre non endente. And although I grant they be not so well to be discerned, as when mettal and colour be varied the one with the other, yet sithence the number be great of most woorthie men that haue borne their armes in such maner, I will esteeme their marks as honorable as the rest, and neuer impute any falsitie to them. And this kinde of men also commonly descant vpon the proportion, nature, and qualitie of the deuise, as if the name of Richard were better than Robert, and Ralph better than Roger, and in their conceits the Eagle or Faulcon are the fairest birds to be borne of all fethered foules, and so of other the like: when indeed except for the reuerence due to the bearers, who do honor their bea­rings by their renowme, vertue, and valure, otherwise there is no difference in the fairenes of marks: but that those onely are to be preferred which be easiest to be perceiued, discerned, and knowen to be the same things they be marked out for: And therefore the Capitale of Beusz blacke Midas head with his faire long Asse eares was as good a crest, as sir Iohn Chandos chiftains head proper in a white scarffe goodly enuellopped: and as faire a cote is Hopwells, being three red hares playing on bagpipes in a siluer shield, as Newinton which bare d'Azure three eglets d'Argent displaid. And now me thinks I heare some that esteeme me to mend, and become more fine, skilfull, and Herauld like in my emblazons, as vsing the French phrases of d'azyer & d'argent, who thinke I doubt not, but that I haue committed a great error for want of vsing the said French phrases in my emblazons, notwithstanding I will ioine in opi­nion with such as esteeme it to be more proper to speake and vse English termes and phrases in an English booke dedicated to Englishmen, than French or Latine, otherwise than cited authoritie leadeth.

[Page 28]And now my good Lords, and you braue Soldiers and Gen­tlemen, I haue little else to trouble you with at this time, but to wish you had no woorse a writer to eternize your fame then mine Author sir Iohn Froissart was to the Knights, and Cap­tains of England your predecessors, and to craue your patience in that I haue been so vnaduised to molest you this long with these tedious and simple trauels of mine, caused through the great zeale and affection I beare to your praiseable profes­sion, and that you would pardon my boldnes in the writing and dedicating thereof to your Honors: neuerthelesse, I be­seech you again sithence they entreat of matter tending to the aduancement of your glories, that you would vouchsafe to ac­cept of them in good part, and with the shields of your woor­thie fauors to protect them from the outrage of such as enuie your memorable vertues, praieng to God that all your noble atchiuements may be with no lesse praise remembred, then our knights of that time were spoken of by sir Arnold Dandrehen martiall of France, there enemie to King Henrie of Castile the valiant bastard, a little before the battaile of Naueret, and be­cause at my first entrance into this matter, I saluted you with a sentence of mine authour, I haue thought it no bad Decorum with his report of those speeches being as followeth, to take my leaue. Sire sire saulue soit vostre Grace (saith he) vos dy q̄ quāt par battaille vous assembleres au Prince vous trouueres la gens d'armes tels comme il les fault trouuer car la est la fleur de tout Cheualrie du monde, & la trouueres durs sages Combatants & à bonnes certes & ia pour mourir plain pie nen fuiront, &c.