The charges
This Cote I sette out to you for your learning. I found it in the Cathedrall church of Macklin, called Rumbolts church, & took the tricke of the same. It is blazed. He beareth partie per bast barre erased, Argent, and Vert, It is good and lawful armorie.
Nine woorthie partitions.
And if you will giue heede vnto mee, I will tell you of nine woorthie partitions. And they are such, as (though they occupie in one fielde more then one thing) yet euerie one of them is in as great effect, as though it were onely one thing, by the onely soueraignitie of these same partitions as followeth.
The first.
The field Argent, a crosse Sanguine, between foure Saffron flowers proper. This flower is pleasant, and much comfortable to the beholder thereof, wher-of _Salomon_ saith, the fruits that sproutes in thee, are like a Paradise of diuerse flowers, with Saffron. Sa-fron, saieth _Tessalus_, com-forteth the braine, maketh the hart glad, and stir-reth Fol. 80v reth to the worke of Venus: For proofe whereof, beholde that good Musician, little _Robin_ with his red breast, who in so good time tempereth his dele-ctable notes, that then he cheareth man therewith, when all other birdes leaue him in the colde com-fortlesse. The pretty Ruddocke I say, of nature, though he be not venerious, yet is he by the eating of one chieue of Saffron in a morning next his hart, not only made merry thereby, but it so holdeth his sprites, that he will not sticke to challenge all crea-tures body for body. In deede to say the truth, for the quantitie of the little foule there is not his like in the large space of the earth, or in the wide circuit of the ayre, the Bee only except.
The second.
He beareth Vert, a pale be-tweene two Tygers, Or. This beast, as hee is most swiftest, so is hee the most cruelest, and pursueth his pray with so great yre, that if he take it not, hee dieth of very fretting anger. The Tyger (sayth _Ihe_) perisheth for lacke of his pray. He is frend to no beast, His ene-mie is the hunter, who when hee taketh away the Tygers whelpes, he casteth in the pursuit of the Ty-ger, faire looking mirrours: whereupon, whilst he gaseth, the hunter that dare not tarry the Tygers comming, escapeth with fleeing.
Fol. 81r The third.
The field Purpure, a bend Argent, betweene ij. Ca-mels proper colour. This is a beast of most ho-norable charge. It appea-red in the Bible, that who had store of Camels, was counted a king, or a prince of mightie substance. His trauaile is twise so farre in one day, as the horses in two daies, whom he hateth. The Sarazins honour the Camell aboue all other, and keepe one feast day euery yere, because their precious Alkaran was found about a Camels necke.
The field Ten, a Fesse, be-tween ij. Oliphants argẽt, _Isidore_ writeth, that this beast is not only very strõg for battaile, but also perse-uerant and politique, and hath a discretion, passing all other beasts. Vpon these the Medes and Persians fought, in towers of tree strõgly furnished. The like also appeareth in the Bible, by the mightie hostes of king _Antiochus_, both of charets and Oliphantes wherein is shewed, that euery Oliphant was coue-red with a tower of wood, whereupon were xxxij. valiant Fol. 81v valiant with weapons to fight. This beast, as _Plinie_ writeth, is of much vertue, and verie seruiceable with loue towardes man. For when trauaylers are out of their way, the Oliphant will do all that hee can by familiar tokens to bring them in againe. The Dragon is his enemie, who seeketh his bloud, for the temperate coldnes thereof, to asswage his ex-treame heate. The Oliphant abhorreth much the grunting of Swyne.
The fifth.
The fielde Argent, a Che-ueron between iij. cockes Ermins, This is a plaier in the game of the chests, & is called by that name. For as al castles haue foure spe-ciall towers to gard them from their enemies. So hath that square cheste-borde, foure of these that standeth to gard the kings and Queenes, with all the people there-on. This pastime did that valiant Prince King _William the Conqueror_, so much vse, that some time hee lost whole Lordshippes thereat. As in Lincolnshire, and else where I thinke the auncient Euidences thereof can declare.
Fol. 82r The sixth.
He beareth Azure, a Filet Or, betweene three Bees proper. Of this little one _Isidore_ maketh account, as amongest birds. Where of _Plinie_ saith, that a man may note a good gouern-ment of a publique welth, wisely maintained in per-fit order vnder one prince by sundry officers, euen in the little Bee: for they haue among them, one to rule, which excelleth all other in greatnes, who al-though he lacke a sting, that should shew foorth his might, yet his good knowledge well declareth his wise gouernement in leading the rest. For if the day following be faire and drye, and without all perill of vehement blastes of winde: In the mor-ning early, he causeth his trompet to sound, where-with all the residue prepare themselues to labour, and flie abroade, gathering nothing but that that shalbe sweete & profitable. The Captaine himselfe laboureth not for his own sustenance, but all the o-ther for him. If any Drone enter into his prouince and consume the hony, in hope to liue of his sub-icctes labour, forthwith hee gathereth knightes of his owne order, and expelleth him. And when his people into a larger multitude doe encrease: then there is created amongst them a prince, with whom they all issue, to seeke other habitations, which in the ende they finde in some olde hollowe tree: ex-cept Fol. 82v cept the good wife _Gribes_ (who hath prepared a pallace for him and his people, with Musicall in-strumentes) requireth his grace to tarrie with her that winter. The Bee is not onely all good of him-selfe, but signifiest all goodnesse. As _Plato_ being a child, sleeping in a Cradell, Bees sate on his lippes, whereupon it was diuined, that he shoulde shine, in sweetnes of eloquence, and abounde in all di-uine doctrine.
The seuenth.
Hee beareth Or, a Saltier Sable, between foure Rai-nardes passaunt proper. This beast hath a preig-nant wit, & is subtil with-all. He keepeth all young broode of housholde (as chickens, goslinges, and duckling) from the Kite. Though this beaste loue well to fare, and lye softe, yet he is contented to take for his owne the dennie of the Brock, who neuer made the same for him, getting the same by vncleauly policie. I coulde speake good things of this wilye beast, but I referre those to the olde woman of the Countrey, who more delight in his case, then in the beast him selfe.
Fol. 83r The eight.
The field Argent, gerons Geules, betweene three Camelions Vert. This is a little beast, and of maruellous hew, for as the aire changeth, so doth hee into the same colour. This of al other, is the fear-fullest, and yet he will not start. _Plinie_ writeth, that he is the enemy to the gos-hauke: his liuing is onely of the aire, and neuer ea-teth anie thing, which I haue seene halfe a yeere prooued.
The ninth.
He beareth Ermine, a pile in point Geules, between two figflips proper. This tree excelleth all other in fruitfulnes, for it beareth twise a yeere. So oft this is spoken of in scripture, and of all good authors so wel commended, that of al o-ther, I least need to say a-ny thing thereof, sauing that the armorie is right good and perfect.
The honorable Ordinaries charged.
Now that you know these ix. sundrie partitions, I will shewe you of nyne honourable Ordinaries char-Fol. 83v charged. I meane not onely with these that follow here, but with all maner of things quicke or dead, For these that I set forth, are but examples to shew the rest.
Hee beareth Argent on a crosse vert, v. doues of the first. Of the naturall pro-perties of the doue, _Isidore_ writeth that the Doue is messenger of peace, which he brought between God and man, into the Arke of Noah, as plainly appereth in Genesis. _Christ_ likewise bad his Apostles (when he sent them out to preach) to be innocent as doues. _Ambrosius_ sayeth, the Doue is milde and meek, cleane of kinde, plenteous of encrease, friend of company, and forgetfull of wronges. For as hee sayeth, when their young be taken from them, they moorne not, for the hope they haue to get moe. _A-ristotle_ affirmeth that the doue is fearefull and nice-ly curious, for while shee taketh great aduisement of flight, in the meane time the arrow arresteth her, for her too long deliberation. _Ambrose_ sayeth that in _Ægypt_, they are taught to beare letters out of one prouince into an other, Mawhomet taught one to stande on his shoulder, and eate meate out of his eare, thereby to deceiue the sillye people that counted him a God. The fower Euange-listes doo write, that when _Iesus_ was Baptized and did praye, the Heauens were opened and the Fol. 84r the spirit of God the holy ghost, descended & came downe, like vnto a doue, For the doue saith _Isidore_, is all meeke and forgiueth all wrongs.
The second charge.
The fielde is Ermine, on a chiefe Azure, a cherub Or. _Isidore_ writeth that the che-rubins are the highest cõ-pany of Angels, except Se-raphins, and that they are verie neere to God & haue more part of the behold-ing of the glorie of God, then any vnder them. Of whom is much mention made in the Scripture. _Vpton_ saith, that if a gentle-man marrie a gentlewoman heire, he may beare her cote, vpon the chiefe of his. Which saying I referre to the Iudgment of good Herehaughts, making an end of this Cherub with the saying of Saint _Augu-stine_, which is, Vnto thee O Lord, Cherubin and Seraphin doo sing with vncessable voices.
The third charge.
He beareth Purpure, on a pale Sable, three imperial crownes, Or. Here it may stand in your choise, saith _Cirisis_, whether you will call them Or, or not. For (as he saieth) there is no imperiall crowne, but of golde. But as for other crownes, there are of all other mettals, their color therefore must be named.
The fourth.
The fielde is Argent on a bend Sable iij. Lions heds erased of the first Crow-ned Or. This was the cote of an antiẽt gentleman of blod, linage and cote armour, & also of conditions a nota-ble housholdkeeper and good alwaies else, whose name was maister _Robert Wroth_, of Durans in Enfelde. I am compelled to speake good of him, not onely for the learning I re-ceiued at his cost, but for the loue he bare to me al-waies, whilst he liued.
Fol. 85r The fifth.
He beareth Tenne, on a Fesse Or. ij. Swallows vo-lant Sable. The Swallowe is the hap-pie Callygate knight, for he bringeth to Englande good newes that spring time is at hand. How well he loueth the sweete ayre, it is well approued by his feeding, who neuer eateth his meate but in the ayre, and that is also Ayerie, as of gnattes and flyes, whereof he feedeth flying, and neuer eateth standing or sitting. This birde loueth mans company so much, as he breeding, where he payeth no rent, so doth he giue vnto his Landlord, such a singuler gift that where-soeuer he breedeth, the good man of the house, is not there made cock-olde, what day soeuer he be maried on. Here also you shall haue a rule, that all birdes that be not of rauening kinde, when they eate, it must be termed feeding, and tell whereon.
The sixth.
The fielde is Geules on a Cheueron Ermin, ij. Por-cupines compatand, San-guine. These are diuers of shape, for the head is like vnto the head of a Hare, eares like man, christled like a peacock, the bodie like a hogge, the fore-feete like a Badger, the hinder-feete like a Beare. This beast abideth neere the Sea-side, and yet liueth by fruit onely, and sildome drinketh, When he is hun-ted, he will shoot his quils from him, which quilles if they strike into the sinewes, they poyson, which is holpen by the bloud or fatnesse of the same beast.
The seuenth.
He beareth Or, in a Saltier Sanguin, v. Pomegranads proper. This of all other fruits, is most maruellous to behold, not only for the outward shape thereof, but also for the pleasant fruit contained within the same most comfortable to the pithe of man. The figure whereof so well delighted God the father, that it was not onely commanded to be cast in brasse, as appeareth in the Bible but im-brodered also, as a bewtifying of the Temple works and others.
Fol. 86r The eight.
He beareth Blewe, on a scocheon Argent, a crabb Tenne. Though this fishe by nature groweth in short time from little to much, yet where al other go for-ward, this goeth sidelong, or backward. The crabbe getteth his liuing by polli-cie: for whilst the oyster gapeth for the ayre, the Crabbe stelingly taketh a stone, & putteth between the two shelles, whereby he feedeth thereon safely without daunger to himselfe.
The ninth.
He beareth Azure, ij. Gy-rons argent, charged with Marigoldes proper. This flower, for the beauty ther-of is called the Sunn es Spouse, not only because it is of the same colour, as euidẽtly appeareth to ech man, but when the Sun ri-seth, it discloseth, opposite to the Sunne, & so cõtinueth, as it were beholding the same. For when the Sunne is in the middle of heauen, thẽ is the same flower ful spred abrod. And as the Sun goeth down, so closeth the same flower and continueth so all the night. I could write much of this, but I list not authorise any thing vpõ the su-persti-Fol. 86vperstitious opinions of Fryers, those toyes which they would seeme gorgeously to set out vnder the name of naturall Magick, I yeeld them wholy vp to their protection, as worthy patrons of such lewde vanities, and giue vnto them iij. B. iij. F. & iij. L. But that you might by proofe see, that before you haue learned, I here haue set out to you a Cote with the doubling heretofore rehearsed, and it is thus blazed.
He beareth Sable a crosse engrailed betweene iiij. Ægles displaied, Argent, charged with v. Lyons of the first. This is as faire a Cote as you shall see a-mongest two thousand. For the partitions of these iiij. Ægles, maketh euerie of them as effectuall, as if there were but one only. For if they were not par-ted with one of the ix. honorable Ordinaries, then were they Æglets. The crosse charged is called of old Herehaughts, the first quadrate Royal, because there is the number of v. thereon, Here is to be vn-derstand, that in this Scocheon there is ij. perfect cotes, which may be to you, an especial good lesson of Armes. **Le.** Whether are Rundels of all such co-lours, as ye haue spoken of here before? or shal they be named Rundels of those colours? **Ge.** They shal not be so named. For euery of them, as they differ in colour, so haue they sundry names, as by example I will Fol. 87r I will shew you following there in the number of ix. as in other here before I haue taught you. Ther-fore for your learning, the cotes shall be seuerally numbred, not meaning herein curiously to obserue one maner of number in them all, nor yet to place them all after one fashion.
The first.
He beareth Geules, iij. beisants in chiefe. This is a tallant which conteineath of Troy weight 104. li. and ij. ounces, & is a lump of gold, the value whereof is 3750. li. sterling. Of these beisaunts you shall read diuerslie in scripture, as when _Salomon_ had giuen vnto _Hiram_ xx. cities, he a-gaine, of good hart, gaue _Salomon_ 120. beisants of gold, whereof these tooke their first name.
The field Sable, iij. plates in triangle. It were blazonne good enough, if ye sayd no more but iij. plats, for when the number three is rehear-sed in Armes, it is for a ge-nerall rule, on this fashion. These are called plates, be-cause they are siluer, & haue no similitude on them, but plaine rounde, as though they were shaped to the coygne.
Fol. 87v The third.
He beareth Argent, iij. po-meis in pale. Which is as much to bee vnderstande as iij. greene Appeles, yet, if ye see any greene apples in their pro-per forme, ye shall not so terme them, but only these and in this colour only.
The fourth.
The field Or, iij. hurtes in Bend. These appeare light blewe, and come by some violent strok on men, they are called hurtes, but on women they are comonly called Tongue-molles.
The fifth.
He beareth Or, iij. Ogres-ses in Fesse. These are Pellets of guns and are neuer of other co-lour, then Sable.
Fol. 88r The sixth.
The field is Or, v. Golpes, two, two, and one. These are in signification wounds it is therefore at your choise, whether you will so terme them, or not.
The seuenth.
He beareth Argent, vij. O-renges iij. iij. and one. Because the Orenge is of the same colour, and is also round. Therfore haue these their proper name, of the same fruit.
The eight.
The field Or, ix, Guzes, iij. iij. and iij. The meaning whereof is the ball of the eye, and is so blazed, although it be san-guin of colour.
Fol. 88v The ninth.
He beareth Or, x. torteau-xes, iij. iij. iij. and one. These haue ben called of olde blazours, wastelles and are cakes of bread, but must be named by noe o-ther name the torteauxes. This nowe done, I meane also to ende with you for the Achieuementes I pro-mised you, whereof heere followeth the last, and is the Achieuement of an Esquire, and is thus blazed.
He beareth Argent, on a Fesse Geuls, one flower deluce, and two cressants Or, between two Lyons passant, gardants Sable.
Fol. 89v The Timber, a demy Lion rampande, guardant Sable, set on a wreathe Or, and Azure, mantelled Geules, doubled Argent, all aboue his owne deuise, as ye may see. These appertained to Maister Richard Goodricke of Stanmare, a gentleman of the auntient house of Graies Inne, whilst hee ly-ued: A woorthie councellor to the Queenes high-nesse that now is, a woorthie man well seene in all the liberall artes, whose fame did arise by sounde counsell and vpright dealing in the Lawes. Such a friend he was to those that needed him, that by his acts he put in execution the rare points of friende-ship highlie commended by Socrates, and sildome practised of others. Whose goodnes, as I confess my selfe to haue tasted, so with griefe I bewaile his lacke, being no lesse bemoned of his neighbours then his goodnes toward them iustly deserued the same. But fare he well in heauen, and all his friends on earth, that hope till then to meete with him. Le. You said you would doo this achiuement for my learning, and I cannot perceiue, to learne any thing therein, but the blasonne thereof. Ge. I bade you at the first, to haue regard to the helmettes, and the seuerall standing of them, which is the verie cause that I haue set foorth to you all these fower Achie-uements. And further to shew you, that there is a rule that Armes are not good, that haue three of the honorable Ordinaries. You Painters and Gla-siers take a rule with you, that when you set foorth any wreath, to set the mettall first. And now I pur-pose to shew you nine sundrie Cotes, that are cal-led cotes commixte, of two of the foresayd nyne hono-Fol. 90rhonorable Ordinaries, and are perfect good armo-rie, of the which this is the first.
Cotes commixt with two of the honorable Or-dinaries.
The first.
He beareth Barwaies, sixe peeces Or, and Azure, on a chiefe of the first three palltes between ij. Esquires bast dexter and sinister of the second. An Escocheon of pretence, Argent. **Le.** Ei-ther you doe mistake the matter, in blazon of this cote, or els many haue er-red that haue beene good Herehaughts. For I haue heard this cote blazed in this wise. But first, for that I would be loth to breake any rule, I pray you of your licence therin. **Ge.** Go to say on, and take heed you breake no moe rules but that one. **Le.** He bea-reth Barry of vj. peeces, Or, and Azure on a chiefe Or, three pales Azure, betweene ij. Cantones Ie-rones, Or, and Azure, and Escocheon Argent. **Ge.** Beside naming of colour and mettall too oft, you haue broken three rules. The first you saye Barrye of vj. peeces, where your rule teacheth you, that you can haue but v. peeces, because the barre con-tayneth the fifth part of the fielde. The seconde breach of your rule is, you say, iij. pales, where the contentes of a pale is fully the thirde parte of the fielde. How can ye then haue three pales, when by your rule ye can haue but one pale in one cote?
Fol. 90v The third, you terme two Cantones Ierones, when they are both parted per bende. This cote is the tri-all of an Herehaught. For it hath bin thought, that he that coulde well blaze it without offence, were cunning in that point of this Art. But I will teache you a shorter waie then hath bin yet spoken of, you shall say, that it is Erle Mortimers of March his cote, which for the rarenesse thereof, fully descrieth the same, without any further emblason. This earldom was translated from a kingdome, established first, by Penda a Saxon, the first king thereof. Though this cote be thus commixt, and countercouloured, yet is it verie antient and faire, as appeareth by the inheritance thereof.
The second.
The field sanguin, a chiefe and pale Ermines. This pale was giuen after it had a chiefe, because they were both of one colour, there goeth no pursle be-tweene.
Fol. 91r The third.
He beareth Checky, Or, and Azure. This though it doo not so appeare in this Cote: yet somtime it is a compound of pales and barres. But here is neither the content of the one nor of the other.
The fourth.
The fielde Argent, a Fesse and Canton, Geules. The Fesse was first, & then the Cantone was giuen in re-warde. Being of one co-lour, they are not purseld.
The fifth.
He beareth Palye Bende, Vert and Ermines. Although these bee not pales, you must tell them, as this of v. peeces but you shall not neede to tell the bendes.
Fol. 91v The sixth.
He beareth Barry-bende, Geules, and Or. This continually is of eight peeces, and is properly so called without other name.
The seuenth.
He beareth Or, a barre be-tweene two Cheuerons, Geules. This is called of old Here-haughts a cote bially, how be it, it is verie ancient.
The eight.
Hee beareth Argent a pale on chief and two closettes Sable. These closettes were a barr and the pale came downe right, but because a barre may not lie on a pale, ther-fore it was deuided, as yee see.
Fol. 92r The ninth.
He beareth Losengie, Ar-gent and Sable. Though this should appeare, to be bend counter-bend: yet is it so blazed. Like as ye haue this Losengy, so may you haue Masculy, and fusuly, of which sort, some exam-ples shal follow profitable for your learning.
The field Azure, 3. Losen-ges, Or, voided of the first. Diuers tims you shal haue them whole. This is lóger then the Mascle, & not so long as the fusile, somtime also you shall haue it voy-ded of some other colour.
He beareth argent, iij. Fu-siles in Fesse Geules. One sure way ye haue to know this from the other, besides his length. For it is neuer persed or voyded, sauing that it is otherwise set, as in bende or triangle, or o-therwise. The Frenchmen take Fol. 92v take it for a spindell, and we take it for a Weauers shettell: and the Dutchmen take it for a milpeck.
He beareth Geules, three mascles Or, voided of the field. The mascle ought al-waies to bee square, whe-ther it be voided or whol. **Le.** Are they none other-wise borne, but by the nũ-ber of three. **Ge.** Yes, to the number of ten, as here fol-loweth. _Vpton_ saieth, that Losinges should not bee borne, but bendie, or in bend, which if ye note wel is true.
The fielde is Argent, vij. Mascles Geules, voided iij. iij. and one, These were the Armes of one _Bray-brook_, as appeareth in the glasse windows of Paules. He hath bin some benefa-ctour to that same church. I would wish, that al such gentilmen, as haue beene beneficial to the reedifeng of the same, should haue their Armes set vpp in the church, as a memory of their liberality: as in diuers places of England there yet remaineth the remem-brance of good men gone to God, of long time si-thence. Well I will shew you one cote, which differeth in it selfe, & then I hope not to troble ye long.
He beareth Sable, a Frett Or, This is commonlie so called, For when there are mo peeces, then must you tell them.
He beareth Sable, a Frett of viij. peeces Argent. But if there be more then viij. Peeces, then shall it bee blazed Frette, and neuer tell the peeces.
The field Geules, a Frette engrailed Ermine, If this Fret be of mo peeces then ye here see, then altereth it from the same name, & is blazed dyapre, and so commeth it, of all other things aboue number as for an example.
He beareth Geules, billet Or. In some cote, ye shall haue billets, vnder the number of tenne, then shall you tell the number what it is.
He bereth or, gutte geuls, It is at your choise, whe-ther ye wil say Geules or not, for Geuls is the pro-per colour of drops. To perfit you in blazon here-after shal follow ix, súdry escocheõs in triãgle which of all men in tricking, tel-ling, shewing & blazing, are noe otherwise named then as here shal follow.
Nine sundrie things borne in triangle.
The first.
The field sable a plate be-tween three towers, ports open triple towred, argẽt. If there were but one of these only, then should ye cal it a castle, & if the port therof were opẽ, ye should terme it then displaied.
Fol. 94r The second.
He beareth Argent, iij. Es-cocheons in triangle. The first Geules, iij. Lions pas-sant gardant Or. The se-cond Geules three Kathe-rin wheeles Or. The third Geules, iij. oges Argent, al-though euerie of these are proper cotes, yet are they not so esteemed on this fashion, except they were o-therwise marshalled. The Herehaughts knowe the cause why these are so born, but fower of these may not be borne in such order.
The third.
He beareth Geules iij. Ar-ming Swordes Argent, hilts and pomils Or, the neufes Sable, pointes in pointes of the Targe. Since I am in hand with the Sword, I will speake somewhat thereof beside blazonne, but yet that, that belongeth to this art. The Swords that are borne before the head officers of Boroughs, or other corporate townes, repre-senting the state and princely office of the Queenes most excellent Maiestye, the chiefe Gouernour (wheresoeuer it bee) it is not like, for the orderlie bearing thereof to the right bearing the same within Fol. 94v within hir chamber of London, which is onelie for lacke of knowledge therein, vnto whom I say, that when that sworde is borne for her grace, the bearer thereof must carrie it vpright, the hilts being hol-den vnder his bulke, and the blade directlie vp the midst of his brest, and so forth betweene the sword bearers browes. But if the Sworde-bearer of anie towne, do beare the same for a Duke, then the blad thereof, must leane from the heade, betweene the necke, & the right shoulder, neerer to the head then the shoulder. He that likewise shall beare a sworde for an Earle, must carry the same, between the point of the shoulder, and the elbowe. And he that bea-reth a sworde for a Baron, must beare the same in the bought of the arme, that is directlie against the ioint. I had occasion to speak of this, because I haue seene the fault thereof, in some townes of England.
The fourth.
The field Or, three heads de Chiuals couped Sable, brideled Argent. If the Tassell were of other co-lour then the bridell, it is no matter at all. To beare the head of any thing in Armes, is the most woor-thiest part, and most ho-norable in bearing.
Fol. 95r The fifth.
He beareath Azure iij. cups couered, Or. The Greci-ans in their banquets, co-uered their cups for feare of empoisoning, but the Italians can do that with-out cups, and with cups couered also.
The sixth.
The fielde Or, iij. Mullets persed of the field Geules. Sometime you shall haue them persed of some other colour thẽ the field which must be told. For the per-sing is difference enough.
The seuenth.
The field Azure, iij. Cater-foyls Or, Slipped argent. This though it be termed a foyle, yet is it a flower by the name of the primrose. This of all other flowers bringeth good tidings vn-to man, that the Spring of the yeere is at hande. The flower likewise especially when Fol. 95v when the leaues thereof, be but to the number of iiij being found, is the rather with a certainty taken from the ground, & the more esteemed, because as it is commonly called a true loue, so it importeth a maner good luck vnto the first finder thereof.
The eight.
He beareath Argent iij. Es-caloppes Geules, This is a shelfish, engendred of the Aire and dew, which (as _Dioscorides_ writeth) hath no bloud in it, and yet in mans bodie it turneth in-to bloud quickliest of any foode. This being eaten raw helpeth surfets chiefly of all other things. The shel thereof is the fairest in-strument that can bee, being of natures making, which for the beauties sake is put in the collars of the knights of Saint Michaels order.
The ninth.
The field Argent, iij. buc-kles losenges Geules. The buckle was of such estima-tion in the old time, that few of honour ware their gerdles without, whose property is to keepe close the garmentes of man to the body, for the health of him. For all that is within the warde of the same, is with-Fol. 96rwithout perill of leasing, wherefore, who that bea-reth that in armes, it is a good token and significa-tion of surety of his faith and seruice. **Le.** If it would please you to staie here a while, I would aske you one question of gentlewomen. Whẽ they are Mai-dens and continue so, how should they beare their cotes, and whether shall they beare anie? **Ge.** I will answere you the rather, because it is womens mat-ters. Gentlewomen haue borne armes in the field, and also haue bin indowed with their owne armes, in two sortes, as this. Gentlewomen vnder the de-gree of a countesse, haue armes on Taberts, but the countesse and so vpwards shal haue their Armes in Surcotes and mantels, But surcotes serue onely for the field. **Le.** Haue any vsed the field? **Ger.** Yea many and that to their great renowne, of the which I will shew you the names of nine, whereof some haue byn of elder fame, and some againe since, and a lit-tle before that famous Conqueror King _William_ of Englande. Whose names as time hath brought foorth, So shal they hereafter ensue. _Gwendolena_ the wife of _Locrinus_ during the minority of _Maddan_ her Sonne, wisely gouerned this land, beautifying it with the buildings of goodly Cities. _Cordelia_, the daughter and heire of _Leyer_ her father, by iust title of inheritance, with such wisedome, temperance, and noble courage raigned, that I am constrained not to passe her worthie dooings in silence, but so farre forth vt vtter the same, as may be to the praise of her, who left behinde such a noble patterne of princely stomacke as by all her dooings may right well appeare. _Leier_, sonne of _Bladud_ (that practising Fol. 96v _Icarus_ his seate, receiued the guerdon thereof) had issue three daughters as his onely heires, _Gonorilla_, _Regan_, and _Cordcilla_ This man well stept in yeeres, hoping no more for any further issue, determined with himselfe, that the disposition of the kingdome shoulde declare his good will towardes these his daughters, as answering their dutie towards him. Whereupon mooued to knowe their seuerall acti-ons and daughterly loue, one time calling them all before him, orderly asked them what and how their good will was to him. The eldest answered, that as nature had made him her father, so reason likewise and dutie taught her to owe to him highest reue-rence and obedience aboue all things. Whose aun-swere in such fort pleased the olde man, being fur-ther mixed with a certaine praise of him, that he a-gain in recompence thereof, declared what his good will towards her was, and what hereafter further it should be. The second hearing the answere of her elder sister, and looking to the reward promised, an-swered in such fort as her former sister did, rewar-ded with like wordes of the olde man, as the other was. When it came to _Cordcilla_ her course to aun-swere the demaund, so much (quoth she) as thou hast, so much art thou worth and so well do I loue thee. When that the olde man was not fedd with flattering wordes of this his daughter, as he looked for, his yreful hart straight braided out wrothfull wordes of w recke and reuenge, inforcing her to shunne the rage, thus thundred out against her. Straight way therefor to execute his yreful doome, _Gonorilla_ is betrothed to the Duke of _Cornewall_, and Fol. 97r and _Regan_ to the Duke of Albania, the kingdome being assured equally to discend betweene them, _Aganippus_ then King of France, a yoong man and vnmarried, to whom this _Cordcilla_ fledd from pre-sence of her father, beholding her beautie, pitying this her chance, fell therewithall in loue with her, and shortlie after was married to her. The Dukes gaping still for the kingdome, (when death would not yeeld them that, that they looked for) by trea-son they sought to preuent the same. And thereup-on denounsing battaile against their old Father, vn-wildie for the Wars, expelled him his Realme and depriued him of his kingdome, who in this case, en-forced therto, slieth to his daughter _Cordcilla_, whom before he had renounced. Shee acknowledging her father, forgetting the iniurie past, with rescouce releeueth him, restoreth his kingdome to him, o-uercomming in fight the Dukes that earst by con-quest from their Father had gotten the same, and thus departeth to her husbande againe. In short space after, died both the Kings, that is to say, her husband, and her father. Whereupon she returneth to this realme to gouerne the same. Where she liued and raigned till by treason of _Morgan_ and _Cuneda-gius_ her sisters children, she vnawares was impriso-ned. Her noble hart not suffering thraldome that aye before had liued at large, by stout courage did cause her hands to quite her life thereof. If I should tell you of the noble actes of _Martia_, wife to _Guin-thelinus_ a woman not nobled so much by byrthe as by her excellent learning and know ledge, from whom proçæded Lawes, so greatlie esteemed a-mong Fol. 97v mong the Britaines, as they were hallowed with her name, or if I should declare the stoute courage of _Arlet_, mother to the mightie Duke the Conque-rour, _Mauld_ the Empresse, _Helenor_ wife to King _Henrie 3. Isabell_ wife to King _Edw. 2. Philip_ wife to king _Ed. 3. Iane_ wife to king _Ed. 4._ I should wea rie you before I could wel make an end. And therefor to returne to your question. Gentlewomen may beare their Fathers cote whole without difference. For if a gentleman haue xx. daughters and moe, yet they shall all beare their Fathers armes without difference. But there is an order of bearing the same, which while the gentlewoman is a Maid, she must beare the same in loosing wise, as for example here followeth a Scocheon so made.
This gentlewomã hath on bar-wise vj. peeces Geules, and Argent, on a chiefe Or, a Lyon passant Azure. **L.** If this gentilwoman were a widow (as God defend) how shold she then beare the armes? **Ger.** Then is it at her choise whether she will vse them on this fashiõ or set the armes of her husband in pale on the right side of her owne. **Le.** But I pray you one que-stion more, and then to an ende, for that matter, which I will put to you as a case of the Lawe.