The elements of armories

THE ELEMENTS OF ARMO'RIES .

The Contents .

1. The conference betweene two Knights , Sir EVSTACE , and Sir AMIAS , begun by Apostrophe . 2. The motiues thereof . 3. Single coates , and their Elements the matter . 4. VLYSSES taxation of his Antagonist proper to our ignorant Gentlemen . 5. The Maisters high perswasion of the studie . 6. Wisdome in it . 7. Marbles , coynes , characterismes , Hieroglyphicks , and the like , not so worthy of obseruation . 8. The Maister giues his lawes of hearing , and is endented-with for a familiar method .

CHAP. 1. EVSTACE .

BVt Sir , the happy confederacie of fit time , and place with my desires , hauing brought you into those straits out of which there is no euasion , saue onely by the abrupt of discourtesie ; I must briefly presse you concerning the ELEMENTS of ARMOIRIES .

I perceiue you are loth ( good Sir EVSTACE ) to be any longer ignorant .

How can I choose but bee very loth , hauing accidentally the other day seene at your hands a sample of the ware , and since found it full of rich metall , and not to bee base Marckasite , or stuffe vnworthy the garnish of honor : as also no lesse , for that now I can neuer close vp a letter , but my very seale , though dumbe , as it is , vpbraids mine ignorance , wherein when I behold mine Ancestors peculiar coat of Armes , I must confesse they haue left me that , by which though I claime to bee a Gentleman , yet neither know I what it symboliseth , nor out of what ELEMENTS , reasons , or grounds of Arte , ( your promised and singled vndertaking ) mine or the like are composed .

And what though you know not ?

Mary , I might very well resemble my selfe to one of those blew-gown'd Targat-bearers , who in LONDON vpon their Lord Mayors day , beare shields of Armes , with as little knowledge what they are , as proprietie in them : standing dully thereby ( as hitherto I haue done ) within full distance of that scorne , — neque enim clypei caelamina-norit , where-with the prudent GREEKE taxed his Antagonist , in the strife of ACHILLES shield .

Some-what you say now Sir EVSTACE : and as for mee , my youth , and leisure haue euer , I must confesse ( to deale ingenuously with you ) been taken with the study , as with that which seem'd , euen at first , the proper of noblesse , but afterward , of wisdome also . Which speculation , as ordinary diligence can hardly reach vnto , so yet , if it shall not be found eccentrick to the Philosophers greatest circle , but mouing vpon the self-same axell with vniuersall knowledge ( I will not say comprehending it ) neither may the speculation before-said seeme illusiue , nor hee , who neglects their deeper sense ( seeing armes haue their certaine principles , method , vse , and theorie ) and yet will challenge the honorable right of bearing them , disdeine to heare with the same Antagonist , Postulat vt capiat quae non intelligit arma .

It can therefore be no vniust complaint , that no man hath hitherto handled this whole argument according to the dignity , as if the fate thereof , and of our countries Historie were the same , which as yet hath found no Muse.

An hard fate , you will easily confesse .

A very hard , and very vnworthy . If therefore I can be content for the antiquities sake , to pore on a coine halfe-worne out , or ( for like reason ) on a Marble , where ( though the letters were whole , and vndefaced ) yet the antique character would make it hard to read , why not then as soone on the Hieroglyphicks of armes , seeing armes , or armoiries , are no lesse properly the cypher of true Armorists , then Hierogramms of the AEGYPTIAN Sages ?

True .

So shall it be my contentment ( gentle Sir AMIAS ) to obtaine by your friendship , the lustre , and aduantage which knowledge giues to them that haue it , aboue others .

Yet so , as still I submit my selfe , and iudgment to theirs , that are indeed true Maisters of this mysterie . Onely looke not heere in the proofe of doctrines for vouchmēts of many authors ( which are but as rubs in a familiar discourse , and the proper ambition of Schollers ) but rather in a place by themselues , if need require heereafter . For , seeing you will needes draw mee into this new , and perilous Sand , you are not as yet to hope any higher priuiledge then as of a puny auditor , whose chiefe part is to beleeue . How-beit ( not altogether to tyrannize your obedience ) take vnto you the liberty of demaund , and , where I chance to bee Magistrall , rest assured , that it is far from imposture in me , or wilful negligence . Although you might looke that I should perhaps haue bene more exact , and punctual , had I made it the maine of my course , and not Parergon , Landskep , and By-worke onely ; but much more , for that misdoubting my youth , and iudgement , I had laid the thought thereof aside for the ninthe yeares censure . A rule not lesse important , and necessary for him that shall dare so high , and new a way in this kinde , as for those who meditate matter for eternity in Poems .

I accept the law you giue . Neuerthelesse , though it bee not a Schollers office to prescribe a method to the Doctor , yet , because it is a principall rule of Decorum to speake to the vnderstanding of the party , and I knowe best what sutes my selfe ; vse I pray so meere a catechizing method , as if you would instruct mee how to spell the crosse-row of Armes , for perhaps it may doe good the rather .

I am not affraid least my playnesse may bee called insufficiency .

The contents .

2. What the Maister vnderstands here by Armoiries , and Gentlemen 2. Of their supposed first deuisers . 3. That in God only their originall is to be found . 4. The notion of ensignement , naturall .

CHAP. 2. EVSTACE .

WHat therefore meane you by Armes ?

Such painted , hereditable , and Armoriall marks , as by which Gentlemen are knowne , first from the ignoble , and then one from the other .

Why say you painted ?

Because colors giue them life , and they seeme not aliue , but ( like the PROMETHEAN man of clay ) both blind , and dead as it were , till quickned with the light of colours , as the other with fire from heauen .

Why hereditable rather then hereditary ?

As wel for that those Armoiries which ar of the first bearing , as those which escheat , or are buried with the Owners for want of heires , are not hereditary , though both of them are hereditable : For they of the first sort came not from Ancestors , and yet may descend , ( that is , may be inherited , if the prime atchieuer , or purchasour haue a line all successor ) & if the other do not descend , it is only through a faile , or fault in the bearer : But , how-soeuer , if they answer not the rules of Armory ( a word of large content , and comprehension ) and that also with such Analogie as the qualities of circumstances do require ( in which the reason of bearing liues , and whereof the skill is properly an appurtenance of symbolicall phylosophy , which handleth the causes and misteries of Armes ) all the rest are nothing .

Who is then your Gentleman ?

Simply , and onely for the present , the lawfull bearer of such markes , or tokens of Noblesse .

Who first ordayned them ?

Meane you what man , or woman ?

I doe .

You think that thing is knowne to Heralds , or to Armorists , but I suppose it is not . For , neyther OLYBION , nor ASTERIAL , nor any such cloud-borne creature euer did , as I conceiue , ordaine them . Although , I cannot be ignorant , that the glory hereof is giuen by HERODOTVS to the CARES ( people of ASIA the lesse ) by others to the AEGIPTIANS : but both , with like proof , as the inuention of letters to the PHOENICIANS , vnlesse wee confesse them more ancient then the HEBREWES .

Indeed the Chiefes , and , as they are called , Coryphes in euery profession , are commonly blazed the founders , as ATLAS in Astronomy , AESCVLAPIVS in Medicine , whose only fortune it was , to com after their fore-fathers obseruations , with better'd wits , and more dilligence . When as indeed , Sciences haue their foundations in nature , and neyther growe , nor decrease , but onely to vs , to whome time , and obseruation doe vnlocke them .

Be that as it will , or may , I , for my part , know not him ( to speake after my manner , that is , plainly ) who first bare Armes ( to vse the vulgar word ) nor doe I acknowledge any primary author , but in almighty God , the Prototypon , Arch-type , or original paterne .

No ? how then ?

Had Armes , or ensignes ( like Heresies , or some mechanical crafts , as printing , and artillery ) any first certaine author , it were a plaine demonstration against their primaeuity ; but , if you wil haue me declare my selfe , my opinion is , that the notion of ensignement is vniuersal , and natural , and that vse in warre did first deduce , or communicate distinguisht sheildes , from that notion , & ( after bloudy warre ) that ambition , to retaine in peace the honors , gotten by Armes , might take them downe from their triumphant Tholes , and sacred Trophaees , and so conueigh them to posterity ; the sonne , holding him-selfe , no lesse the heire of his Auncestors glory , then of his name , and lands , by which , thinges haue in time growne so exact , and complete , as now wee see .

Your opinion leads mine , though it seemes you straine the word Armes beyond the proper vse .

To march strong toward my Iustification , I therfore added Ensignement , or Ensigne , which comprehends the other , being in it selfe equiuocall to armories , and all other notes of noblesse , honor , or praeeminence .

So as you would bee thus vnderstood , that Ensignes , or Ensignement , began with the creation of things , and that the notion is imprinted in nature , though the whole vse , and limitation ( as to the purpose of our present Armories ) bee not .

You haue taken the iust height of my meaning .

The Contents .

1. The knowne vse of Armes , as antient at least as MOSES . 2. Vnknowne to the Maister , by what degrees they came to their present excellence . 3. Not very much to bee found of them in remotest antiquities . 4. The Maisters opinion of some shields in the famous old Poets . 5. About the time of CHARLES the Great , they began to take a rule , and in these later ages perfection . 6. The Fucus , and vnsure glosse of doubtfull , or forged antiquities disauowed .

CHAP. 3. EVSTACE .

ARmes then , euen in our sence , haue beene of long continuance .

They haue : for they who , out of singularitie , or waxen seales about the NORMAN conquest , argue to the contrary , doe make their flight but with ICARVS wings .

When began they ?

That also is to mee vnknowne , but the eldest , and best record of their generall vse , is in the sacred stories written by MOSES . But I can aswell show the growth of a flowre , or the instances of motion in the shadow of a Diall , as sodeinly how , or when they came by degrees to the present magnificence , and flourishing estate wherein they are .

Hath the encrease beene so insensible ?

The want of written monuments makes it seeme so .

Certainly , the GREEKES , with whom hath bin the vniuersall Staple of antiquities ( for , as for the LATINS ( who but as it were a while since came to be learned ) they haue not much , and the SYRIAN , CALDEAN , and more profoundly learned AEGYPTIAN ( as the people , among whom the HEBREWS , Gods owne Scholers , dwelt ) haue little obuious ) do heere , and there , make famous commemoration of Shields , and Crests .

They do . But those deuises were , for the more part , arbitrary , not armorially formall . For , neither had ACHILLES shield in HOMER , nor that more artificiall one ( if it bee lawfull to commit two such Poets together ) of AENEAS in VIRGIL , any thing , almost , of that which Armorists call a coate , and whereof we entreate , but were rather , certain places of Art , for disposition , & conueiance , where the Poets tooke occasion to vtter some maiesticall inuention , by way , either of abridgment , induction , recapitulation , or the like . Nor let any one imagin , that AGAMEMNONS deuise ( or other described by HOMER ) was precisely a faire coat of armes , vnlesse you would take some one , or two principall things of many ; and the like is to bee said of those in VIRGIL . Neuerthelsse their examples do strongly conuince the antiquity , or antienty of armes , which from the time of CHARLES the Great haue both growne more familiar , Henricus Auceps say some . & by industrious men from time to time ( the care of CHRISTIAN honor then most florishing ) beene refined , lawes established for their due bearing , and finally augmented with obseruations , applied to the seuerall dignities of seuerall persons . So that now I see not why wee should not thinke them absolute in all their numbers , as one of the things ( among very few ) reseru'd to bee finished in these our daies .

The common opinion is , that armes had a more certaine beginning .

Perhaps so ; for there are not wanting , who do say that almost before the flowd , such a Prince , commonweale , or Kingdome bare such , and such a Shield , or painted Symboll . In so much , that I , for my part , haue euer look'd , when on a sodaine these marueilous men would as readily tell vs what armes , or badge NOAHS Arke it selfe did carry in the sterne , as we out of the Acts of the Apostles written by S. LVKE , can informe our selues what name the ship which transported S. PAVL was known by . And albeit I am exceedingly farre from dishonoring , or from not zelously honoring , any venerable moniments of wit , or antiquity , yet am I as far from promiscuous subscription to vncertaine glosses , or of vouching them to make a Fucus .

The Contents .

1. The maister is necessarily drawne backe to demonstrate that the notion of Ensignement ( true fountaine of Armoiries ) is naturall ▪ 2. Scene in the heauens and countenances of men . 3. Proued in natures owne practise , marking out her chiefe workes with notes of noblesse , 4. Examples , ALEXANDER the Monarch , OCTAVIVS CESAR , and our souereign , King IAMES him selfe . 5. Their natiue markes . 6. Instinct , and common notion causes of like armes to TYDEVS , and MIRAMAMMOLINE . 7. The like of CASPAR , and BALTHASAR two of the Mages , or Kings in S. MATHEWS Gospell .

CHAP. 4. E.

May I beleeue that armes and ensignes , and the notion of ennobling by notes is vniuersall , and so , primarily founded in nature ?

I intend not , as I said before , to encumber the leuell of my present way with many proofs ; and yet it should seeme , like one of the incredulous , you craue a signe . ELEMENTS are the pole-star of my voiage ; ELEMENTS the subiect matter of my discourse , and you may safely , in the meane space , beleeue .

Yet a slight tast of this truth would do well .

Whatsoeuer is vniuersally so taken vp , as that it is found , and practised ( at leastwise in proportion to their knowledges ) among all nations , aswell ciuill as Barbarous , that ( vndoubtedly ) hath foundation in nature , and therfore ennoblishment by external notes as well as embasements , or brandings : For of contraries the reason is the same .

Your antecedent is granted , but , that ensignement is vniuersall , and the notion thereof ( true fountaine of armories as you pretend ) naturall , which you assume to prooue , how doth that appeare ?

It will appeare as soone as you but cast your eye ( though with-out enlarging spectacles ) vpon the goodly booke of the world , the noble creatures wherein are admirably distinguished , with signes of that nobility . The heauens haue their ensignes , and notes , their colours , and charges , and of them some apparently more excellent then the other : And ( not to make an exact enumeration of parts ) doe but behold the countenances of men , how , like to seuerall coates of armes , by complexion , lineament , and a thousand alterations of aspect , they are diuersifi'd , and that with degrees of dignitie , one from the other . Nature her selfe , for farther confirmation , shall present vnto you figures , wrought by her own hand , and penicill , as marking out by them her cheife Maister-peeces . For , of what other sort are ( I beseech you ) the genitiuall notes printed vpon some supereminent princes in their mothers womb ? ALEXANDER the great was borne with the impression of a Lion , if I mistake not the figure : Nor lesse to bee admired was that , which SVETONIVS writes of OCTAVIVS CESAR , vpon whose brest , & bellie Genitiuae notae . as he calls them , were so dispeirst , as they imitated , both in their order , and number , the stars in the celestiall Beare . But I were too inofficious , if I should not here remember our own most renowned King , with those two , the principall Maiesties of the former worlds , for so much as , vpon him also , the figure of a Lyon was alike naturally set .

Wee haue heere ( in mine vnderstanding ) natures Heraldry in her owne works .

Which workes as she hath thus ennobled , so Common notion ( deriued out of her ) taught TYDEVS ( if I mis-remember not his armes in AESCHYLVS ) and MIRAMAMMOLINE , a King of MOORES

TYDEVS MIRAMAMMOLINE . ( if SPANISH Heralds say true ) to beare , in their seuerall sheilds , the resemblances of the starry firmament with slender variations : Though men so far in sunder as THEBES , and TOLEDO , farther in time , farthest in knowledge one of the other . Their countries , their languages , their religions , their habits , their manners , ( the one a GREEK , the other a B●RBARIAN ) beeing most discrepant . Which effect of Common notion ( hauing so celestial a paterne ) is the more to bee wondered at , if two of the Kinges ( commonly called of COLEIN , for that belike their reliques are there ) who guided by the orientall starre came to worship our SAVIOVR IESVS CHRIST , bare the like arguments in their sheildes as VIRGILIVS PICTOr the Norimberger ,

CASPAR . BALTHASAR . in his booke of printed scucheons beares vs in hand . The pictures of which ( more for pleasure in the variety , then for any canonicall proofe , although I neyther can , nor doe disproue them ) I haue heere bestowed vpon you . And thus much credit besides , must I needes doe this tradition , that in the most noble mother Church of our nation , CANTERBVRIE , you may vpon a wal , on the left hand , as you enter into the North I le of the first Quire , behold in uery ancient worke , two armories like to these , plainly painted in the Banners of those Kinges , where the whole story of their comming to adore our LORD , then newly borne , is pourtraid : which doth sufficiently discharge that Norimberger from hauing first deuised them , those paintings beeing vndoubtedly far older then his Grand-great-grand-father .

The Contents .

1. The state of things , in their first rudenesse , surest Test to try the former proposition . 2. The necessity shewes their vniuersality . 3. How far we are to extend the word barbarous in speaking of the BARBAROVS , or SAVAGES . 4. The Analogie of outward distinctions , with the persons by them distinguished . 5. Names among the BARBAROVS . King HOLATA OVTINA his distinctiue notes . 7. The Nobles of MEXICO . 8. A secret fountaine of true Armories .

CHAP. 5. EVSTACE .

IF I saw the vse vniuersall I could not but beleeue that the Notion were naturall .

The vniuersality of the vse of Ensignements , or of ennoblishing by outward notes , is not hardly proued . Let the ciuil worlds , and people passe , as in the which it may truly be obiected , that there ( like other ornaments ) they might be perhaps excogitated , and reflect wee but vppon Tramountain antiquities , or the state of people , and things such as they were in their first rudenesse , as the surest Test , and Touch to trye this proposition by , nothing then will wee bee more demonstrable . For , from pole to pole , and ouer the whole globe ordaind for the dwellings of men , no people is so forlorne , which affords not proofe to this point , nor that as it were by a contagion , or taking from one and other , but meerely out of Common notion , which concluding the necessity of outward distinctions ( for how otherwise shall the Soueraigne bee knowne from the subiect , or one worthy subiect from another ? & my hope is that no man will be so super-paradoxall , as to deny a subordination in nature among men , and differences of degrees , and states , as there are of vse , and merit ) by that Naturall light disposeth of those shapes which imagination tendreth for vsefull , and that also with some Analogy betweene the quality of the person bearing , and the ensigne borne . For when wee talke of Barbarous nations , no man of any iudgement depriues them of their resonable part , though they want elegancie , and ciuill formes , or knowledges . This therefore being a matter falling necessarily into common sense , and vse , hee were very vnmindefull of the honour of our creation , who shold imagine that any people ( how brutish soeuer ) could be without ensignement , & seuerall externall notes , and those also ( out of the same naturall ground ) not wanting the Analogy , and proportion whereof wee formerly spake . Which wee may gather by the names among the sauage INDIANS , those of their Princes , and peers being found to beare lofty significations , but the vulgar not so . And so farre forth doth nature instruct men to be obseruant hereof , that the very CANIBALS ( Anthropophages , or Men-eaters of AMERICA ) are called among themselues by the names of cruel beastes . Hence it is that you shall not truely read , or heare , that among any barbarous , the Lions skin , or like spoiles of the nobler creatures , are the indument of an ordinary groome ; or that euery common soldier doth weare such feather , colour , or other distinction with those of prime quality . So , HOLATA OVTINA ( interpreted ( I thinke ) King of Kings ) in FLORIDA was painted red , and none but he were so coloured , saue onely some such choyse young soldiers as were of principall agility . Common sense tells the rudest nations , that names of high signification ( such as glorious starre , light of the world , lamp of glorie , or as of ther Gods themselues , as was vsed in MEXICO , where all the noble had denomination of some one , or other of their Idols ) do no way sort with a worthlesse groundling , or ignoble companion . But of this ( as a secret fountaine of true Armories , and not the least mystery in the wisdome of nature , taught vs in Symbolicall Philosophie , in which the matter of armes is truely comprehended ) elsewhere . Hereby it is ( as I coniecture ) cleared , that the notion is vniuersall , and therefore natural , and againe ( turning but as it were the tables ) we may say naturall and therefore vniuersall . Many fest examples whereof it were not hard to depourtray vnto you out of the Barbarous worlds ; the same being no lesse verifiable in the ciuill . And from this common notion ; imprest in nature , Armes , or Armories ( the present matter of our conference ) claime their parentage .

The Contents .

1. Things Elementary to the Elements of Armories . 2. The Maister refuseth not farther to demonstrate their vniuersality , 3. Without helpe of examples from the HEBREWS , GREEKS , or ROMANS . 4. INDIAN Anthropophages , FLORIDIANS , and VIRGINIANS . 5. Their markes . 6. Notes of vassallage no original of armes . 7. The Maister beginns his vniuersall Suruey . 8. The BRIGANTS , & other BRITANNS . 9. Resembled by a famous antient writer to the old worthies at TROY . 10. Blew colour symbolicall to the BRITANS . 11. The AGATHYRSIAN Paintings . 12. GILDAS vouched . 13. Probable that the BRITANS had figures aswell as colours vpon their bodies , and Bucklers , 14. And the PICTS , or PIGHTIAD . 15. TOMITANS , or GETES . 16. Of the GERMANS , and SAXONS . 17. A famous place in TACITVS of the GERMAN shields , seconded with some other from thence of strange seeming purport . 18. Our HENGIST the SAXON his name , and probable armes . 19. In the rere of examples , CIMBERS , AMBRONS , TEVTONS . 20. A CIMBRIAN pauis , or targat . 21. The deuise of a CELT . 22. The GALLS had peculiarly painted armes . 23. The shield of a SAGVNTINE . 24. From EVROP into AFRICA .

CHAP. 6. EVSTACE .

SHall I deale ingenuously with you ( Sir AMIAS ) for mine own better instruction ?

In any wise I beseech .

First , Sir then I must needs confesse , and do , that these are very sound sinews of argument for so much , but because the farther handling of the naturall originall of ensignements seemes to me a matter of very special moment rightly to enduce your future speech of the Elements of Armories , as being Elementary euen to those elements , I could desire a more spred , and dilated proofe , altogether sutable to mine ignorances , did I not feare your to much trouble .

You meane , it should seeme , by a more spred , and d●lated proofe , the view be like of some particular examples of Ensignement in al ages , and places .

I do indeed . For so I may behold not onely the infancy , and cradle-age of armories , but also what they were in their Embrion , nay , what they were in their seed .

You hope to much Sir EVSTACE . Neuerthelesse I may not enuy some touches of example vnto you out of the Barbarous , and lesse ciuill worlds , as most forcible : Sequestring the HEBREWS , GREEKS , and ROMANS , as to polit for that purpose , and as reserued for some more eminent vses : Though you turne mee thereby to the Vniuersity againe as it were , for that I cannot satisfie your allowable desire , but by the vse of some such pickt flowers , as heretofore , in that sweet noursery of generous knowledges , came to my hand howsoeuer .

They can hardly be better employd .

The new worlds therefore ( as is said ) are instead of all , as presenting to vs the prime simplicity of our creation , where , vpon the first discoueries , nothing being super-induced by commerce , were not yet the said Barbarous , and more then Barbarous CANIBALS , or TOVOVPINAMBAVLTS found with distinctions among them , and ( in their kind ) cognisances vpon them ? The shoulders of the naked FLORIDIANS are badged with the markes of their Lords . But I had rather ( for that they are knowne vnto vs by the noble trauailes of our ENGLISH ) exemplifie the like out of the descriptions of VIRGINIA .

This marke consisting of three parallel Arrowes trauersed barre-wayes as you see , is the branded badge of sundry principall men in SECOTA , and set vpon the backs of their vassals there .

And this of the chiefe Lords in POMEIOOC , and AQVASGACOCK . The like vsage was among the ROMANS , and others of old ( who yet neuer heard , nor dreampt of AMERICA , neither do all of vs ( as I suppose ) beleeue , that PLATO his ATLANTICK Iland was it ) as may most authentically be proued . Let any one now shew to mee what other ground can be giuen for this , but common notion ?

These ( by your fauour ) seeme to countenance Marchants markes , rather then the armes of Gentlemen .

I imagin'd by your smiling that you had some such conceit . But Sir ( by your fauour ) in these rude skores I truely see the seed of arms , for nature ( like a raw Scholar ) began in these to practise her notion . Neither are they of so diuerse forme from Armes , or Armories in their perfection , as an excellent peice of Architecture from the first elements of Geometry , out of which notwithstanding it rose . As for the countenance you thinke may come from these sorry liueries to Marchants oker-marks , if it be any , let them enioy it .

Indeed they cannot giue much , for they are notes of vassallage , not of honor , therefore Armes ( I hope ) haue no such originall .

That which DIODORVS SICVLVS reports of the GALLS ( the most probable Fore-fathers of the BRITANS ) I may not omitte , as comming nearest to the quicke of our purpose , for they ( saith he ) had sheildes 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which whether by way of superior assignation , priuate assumption , hereditary deuolution , or howsoeuer , were variously painted with some deuise peculiar to the bearer . Our GREEK Maister made it in LATIN , word for word , thus : Variegata proprio modo .

The SAGVNTINE in SILIVS , bare in his sheild the semblants of an hundreth snakes . His wordes are Centùm angues idem caelatum insigne ferebat . But many yeares before that Poet was borne , VIRGIL had those Centùm angues — in a sheild , which deuise , and words the other doth rather seeme to transcribe then imitate . And here , for that from SPAIN ( where famous SAGVNTVM once did stand ) the cutte is short out of EVROPE , wee will waft ouer into AFRICA .

The contents .

1. AMAZONS , their helmes , and sheilds called Pelts . 2. Other AFRICANS in generall , their helmes , and crests . 3. CARTHAGINERS . 4. BARCHINVS ASDRVBAL his image in a siluer sheild of great weight . 5. Antient AEGIPTIANS . 6. ARMES had not their original from HIEROGLYPHICS . 7. Ought to relish of HIEROGLYPICKS as wel as , or rather then Impreses . 8 : PROTEVS his transfigurations . 9. The antient , and moderne AFRICAN sheilds . 10. Referment to the late discoueries . 11. From AFRICK into ASIA .

CHAP. 7. EVSTACE .

WE are now therefore in old AFRICA .

It is anciently written ( in DIODO●VS ) that the LYBIAN AMAZONS went armed with the scalie skinnes of serpentes . If you suspect that it was for defence , not distinction , doubt you not but that the noblest Ladies among them had the most dreadfull helmets . The AMAZONS had also a peculiar kind of round sheild called Pelta , and , we should be very strict , if allowing to them of LIBYA the like , we should deny them distinctiue notes . CLAVDIANVS ( most neat , and courtly Poet ) reports in general of the AFRICANS , that their caskes or helmes were of such stuffe , Serpentum gestant patulos pro casside rictus . The wordes in him sound thus much ; that they arm'd their heades with the heades of those hideous monsters . But I could rather suppose that they were the crests of their Nobles , & that the shutting-vp of the wearers heads in the sloughs , spoiles or cases of serpents , is but a Poeticall finenesse . STATIVS ( most neare imitator of incomparable VIRGIL ) saith of the PARTHIANS Ore ferarum , Et rictu horrificant galeas — which beeing rightly mark't confirmes my coniecture , for it seemes they drew the skinnes flead from the heads of sauage beasts , ouer their helmets , to make them appeare more terrible : For otherwise I should suppose that the scalp of a gaping beast , would proue both a brittle , and vneasie head-peece , and their hides a worse . In this part of the world stood the dangerous great riuall Cittie to ROME , CARTHAGE , whose Cittizens , and subiects were so magnificent , and sumptuous in the matter of ensignments , as that in ASDRVBALS Campe , when hee was slaine , and the Campe was spoild by the ROMANS , there was found an honorary sheild of pure siluer , with the image of BARCHINVS ASD●VBAL vpon it , which ( saith LIVIVS ) weighed one hundreth , thirty and eight poundes . The ancient AEGYPTIANS ( sharers in AFRICAN foyle ) afford so great proofe for our purpose , as some learned ( PIERIVS for one ) haue held that wee deduce our armories from their Hieraticall figures , or sacred sculptures , though it be farre otherwise : Yet is it not to be denied that some Armories haue beene euen copyed by Hierogrammes , or coyned out of them , & armories indeed , as wel as , or rather then Impreses ought to taste of them , for that they are mute bodies only without any Mott , or Word to enspirit them . The famous transfigurations of PROTEVS King of AEGIPT , were not fained vppon other ground ( witnesse all Mythologers ) then his frequent shifting of crestes , and ensignes of Maiesty . Nor was it singular in him , if ( as SVIDAS writes ) GERYON was fabled to haue three heads , for that hee wore three crestes . But the AFRICANS in generall had painted sheilds , and by a proper name called cetrae , as the AMAZONIAN were named pettae . Of these AFRICAN discoloured sheilds , the noble-borne , and thrice-honorable SILIVS sung , Versicolor contrà cetra — which sheilds , onely a litle chang'd , they at this day retaine , and engraue , or paint with sundry formes . To bee short , examine the first state , & face of things in CONGO , and all the Prouinces of AFRICA lately discouered , and you shall easily track out among them these effects of naturall instinct concerning Ensignments , one or other .

The Contents .

1. Somwhat about the holy land . 2. Sir AMIAS his uertical point to inflame with loue of honour to a truly CHRISTIAN end . 3. Force of examples drawn in ASIA . 4. The BABILONIANS . 5. Their ensignes . 6. The place of the Prophet IEREMIE conce●ning SEMIRAMIS . 7. Her armes , and name agreeing . 8. CVROPALATES of the ASSYRIANS ensigne . 9. XENOPHON of the PERSIAN . 10. Symbolicall images in holy scripture . 11. The fiercer ASIATICK nations . 12. The TVRKES ensignes . 13. The CHESELBAS , or modern PERSIAN . 14. A rare example of armes out of CHINA . 15. Sparkles of diuine essence . 16. From ASIA into AMERICA .

CHAP. 8. AMIAS .

PALESTINE ( once gemme , and eye of ASIA ) may not bee ouer-past without teares , for that in stead of the most triumphal Crosse ( glory of so many crestes , and coates of right CHRISTIAN armes ) a lewd TVRKISH Ensigne standes . Which one day yet ( ô God ) thou wilt raze by the martiall armes of some zealous Prince , who shall beare it in the canton of his royall coat-armour for perpetuall memory of the conquest . To such a most glorious enterprize the loue of honour must needs bee very auaylable , toward the kindling of which so noble , and excellent affection I wish my labours could but giue the hope of a little sparke . Therevnto certainly shall both this our conference , and all other our like indeauors ( as vnto their verticall point ) aspire , there beeing no felicity , but as wee may , to seeke the glory of God .

The rest of ASIA ( for PALESTINE is but a very little specke ) would answer the hugenesse of her comprehension with the multitude of examples fit for our purpose , but I will not surbate your attention too much .

The BABILONIANS ( ancient Cittizens of ASSYRIA ) walkt not ( as saith HERODOTVS ) without their scepters , or rods , on the tops whereof some symbolicall Images , or other ( as of a bird , a fish , a flowre , a starre or the like ) were fixt , which as you may in them ( beeing noted for such studies ) take to bee some superstitious rite , so I could rather incline to thinke them ensignes , borne after that manner in times of peace to distinguish the honourable from the vulgar . The terrible doue in IEREMIE , whose words are Facta est terra eorum in desolationem a facie irae COLVMBAE , is taken ( as I haue heard ) to be meant by SEMIRAMIS , Queene of that BABILON , whose symboll , or Armes ( as they are in tradition ) were a Doue , which also her name signifies , for SEMIRAMIS ( saith ancient DIODORVS ) is in the SYRIAC a Doue . It were pleasing but not much pertinent here , out of one authentike Author to declare that the ASSYRIANS bare a Dragon , out of another that CYRVS the PERSIAN Monarck bare a golden Eagle , and the like innumerable . Many prophesies of holy Scripture are full of allusions concerning the Princes , and people of ASIA , painted out vnto vs in symbolicall images , which yet I do not say were their Armes . More for our present purpose are the ancient fiercer nations of ASIA ; SCYTHIANS , PARTHIANS , BACTRIANS , HIRCANS , SOGDIANS , and the like in great numbers , to whose antiquities I referre you , and those which yet retayne their whole barbarisms , as the TARTARS which are stil a puissant people . The TVRKS ( a crooked slip of a SCYTHIAN crabbe ) haue their golden Globes , their crescents , their Colour'd Horse-hairs ( a most ancient ornament for crestes ) and the like ensignements , into which whether you will account the red caps , which the PERSIANS haue taken vp to weare , and of them are called in their owne tongue CHESELBAS , to distinguish them from their contrary sect in MAHVMETISM , I leaue to your selfe . Not to be any longer , but to quit ASIA ( CHINA is in ASIA ) looke vppon this sheild .

I do behold it .

My friend Maister CAMDEN , CLARENCEVX , shewed it to Mee out of MARCVS VELSERVS ( a learned , and a principall Gentleman of AVGSPVRG ) who deliuers it for Armories belonging to a CHINOI , hauing in it for the mayne charge a Panther , and besides that , Helme , Crest , and mantle , in a manner resembling ours of EVROPE . At which a man may worthily wonder , for that VELSERVS is plaine , that it neuer proceeded from imitation , but from wise nature , or more immediately , and truly from almighty God himselfe , as planting in his best mortall worke , but not in his mortall part , certaine sparkes of the diuine inteligence to Enlumin the Microcosm . By the onely light whereof , nations most distant touch often vppon the same thinges , without hauing the least correspondence one with the other . As these of CHINA doe not onely concurre with vs in the notion of ensignement , but also in the regularity , and whole complement of Armes . Which yet were the more to be admired , if ( as is constantly reported ) they had not already beene before vs in our two most eminent , and principall late inuentions , Artillery , and Typography .

The Contents .

1. Examples of speciall moment in AMERICA . 2. Of PARACOVSSI in BRASILIA . 3. The INGVA'S Kings of PERV , their Armes . 4. Of ACAMAPIXTLI , first king of MEXICO . 5. The MEXICAINS ( once NAVATALCAS ) were not from EVROP . 6. Pengwin an AMERICAN bird with a WELSH name . 7. Whole books of the MEXICAIN Armories . 9. The ensigne of their Cittie , and the cause why it was borne . 10. The ARTICK , and ANTARTIC worldes . 11. A strange kinde of Inlayes , and embossements on sheildes . 12. The Suruey ends .

CHAP. 7. EVSTACE .

EEVROPE , AFRICK , and ASIA being thus with great pleasure glanced ouer , we may now almost ferrie into AMERICA .

Those therefore of PERV , and MEXICO had very Armories as IOSEPHVS ACOSTA diligently notes , and as in sundry other bookes is most apparent . One , or two of a multitude I will spare you for the rarity , and at which you may iustly maruayle . INGVA was the hereditary name of the PERV Kings , and the gentilitial armes of the INGVAS were a rain-bow with two snakes extended .

Here we will take leaue of AMERICA , and returne : For , to make farther demonstration of the vniuersality of ensignements ( to conuince the naturalnesse of the notion ) out of those icie worldes which lye vnder eyther pole , it is meete wee stay till they bee discouered , but as little as yet they are knowne , they will not faile to concurre . So confident I am that no people which had any forme of common-weale , and that did but worship any thing what-soeuer , were it but SLATA BABA , the Idol of the golden witch ( with the Hords of hors-fed TARTAS ) or a square red cloath for the Sunne ( with the furr'd Sauages neare to the icie , and Hyperborean Sea , ) eyther did , or could be destitute of the notion of ensignement , and externall variation . And neyther they , nor other barbarous hauing sheildes , but are likely both to vse EMBLEMS ( taking the word with LVCILIVS for Inlayes , or Marquetry ) and embossments also , that you may not bee ignorant of their Elegancies . For they who know not how to draw lines , or temper colours , can beat grains of gold , or other glittering stuffe into them , or fixe the heades , or pawes of conquerd beasts vppon them . Thus hauing in a lesse time then DRAKE , or CANDISH compast the whole terrestriall Globe , we are returned .

The contents .

1. An externall signe set vpon man almost before mankinde . 2. The rainbow after the Floud . 3. Sir EVSTACE summes the suruey . 4. The lesse proued in the more . 5. Praeoccupation of some foreseen reproofes . 6. VITELLIVS his new MINERVA'S sheild , and PLAVTVS his epistles , fitt Armes , and study-books for whom . 7. Some principall common places of discourse belonging to the present , briefly touched . 8. The valew of heroical literature depends not vpon opinion . 9. Satisfaction tendred for refusall to expatiate farther . 10. Syr EVSTACE confesseth his former doubtes cleared , but maintaines their causes were iust . 11. The Maisters short conclusion of the praemis●es , and Simile of painting . 12. What of Armes remaines with art and vse . 13. Elephantine births . 14. Indentment for a familiar method renew'd .

CHAP. 10. EVSTACE .

YOu haue super-abounded ( Syr AMIAS ) in your performances , hauing brought the whole world as it were , out of the gloom of Antiquity to witnesse with you not only for the vniuersal practise of rude Ensignments , but some-what also for Armories .

Yet haue I not put you in mind of one instance of personall outward Marks , euen before NOAAHS floud , nay almost before mankind .

May it be ?

God him selfe set a marke vpon CAIN . But you perhaps will say , that was Stigma , and not Digma , a brand , not an ornament . Whether it were or no , it valews alike much for our purpose , according to the rule of contraries . And that , whose examples are drawn from God ( the author of nature ) is much the more in nature . The rainebow set in the clowds immediately after the Deluge ( from which some deriue an authority wherwith to grace Impreses , and heroical Deuises ) was indeed a signe , but of a far different kind from these of ours , & therfore not at al to be screw'd into our discourse for farther countenance or confirmation .

It were absolutely needlesse . For what can be more apparent , after so many most lightful demonstrations , then that the notion of Ensignment is vniuersall , and consequently natural ? Giue mee leaue now , as well for setling my memory , as for crowning your assertion , summarely to binde vp into a garland the principall of those cul'd flowers which out of the Paradises of Antiquity , you haue strew'd the threshold , or porch of honor with . To this purpose the names of the barbarous answring the Analogie of nature in their significations , and the brands of the VIRGINIANS pointed vnto by you , suting the practise of the ROMANS , are very pertinent . In EVROP I see the azure targats of the BRITANS , and allow your well-grounded diuinations , that they had other , and those lineamentall , or figured distinctions . Much the rather , for that you haue inuincibly confirm'd vnto me , that the GALLS , and GERMANS had . The rest of proofes which troup-vp close to their quarter , and which you produce out of the shrines of EVROPEAN moniments , who can but embrace ? The famous CARTHAGENIANS rise with honour , and allowance there-vnto . Nor are the most ancient MIZRAIM , or AEGYPTIANS , second to any , and PROTEVS cannot there so disguise , and transfigure himselfe as to escape the vse you put him to ; all AFRICANS subscribing . In spatious ASIA ( where your piety tooke occasion to expresse it self ) the BABILONIANS , sundry great Princes , and other ASIATICK nations make a strong squadron for your party , not meanely flankred by the rare example out of CHINA . As for AMERICA , it exceedes all expectation in her INGVAS , and MEXICAINS , and I most willingly allow your coniecture of barbarous Elegancies , touching Inlaies , & Embossements . The whole summe being sealed-vp with the most authentike antiquity of the marks of CAIN .

In all which , this is worthily to bee accounted rare , that no example there , is so young as a thousand yeares , excepting those of the new worlds , in whose nouelty we do not only see Antiquities of a thousand yeares , but Antiquity it selfe .

Your memory deales truly with you in your rehersal . But whereas our intended matter is of the Elements of armories , that is to say of such ensignements as now are in vse , and the maine difficulty lying betweene your sight , and their originall , beeing onely the doubt of the vniuersality of ensignement in generall , for bailing you from that doubt I needed not ( so as I haue don ) to haue made my demonstrations so much wider then the last , as to haue giuen you them out of examples , which are in a sort of the same kind with perfect Armories . Yet I hope I shal not stand accused of excesse , or fayling in the point , it being most true that the lesse ( to weet , those rude first draughts , natural essayes , and ouertures of true Armories , which you ( & not improperly ) called elementarie to our elements ) is fully proued in the more , that is to say , in shewing honorable marks vpon sheilds ; they being among the most perfect bodies that are made according to Symbolical doctrine . Neuerthelesse that I may not stand accountable for wilful wast , hauing so far exceeded in my proofes ( the charge which lay vpon me vrging no farther then to make plaine that Ensignements in general , of what kind soeuer , were vniuersal ) that vse may be drawne from those scattered shadowes , and limbs of our elements , as by planting the eye at the true place of sight , may giue a faire , and complete body in Perspectiue , answerable in all the lineaments to the Idaea which I follow .

It is a noble vse , and the Art not common , considering that those shadowes ( as you cal them ) and praeceding examples are dispersed among so many worldes , and in so different ages . But why make you a sodain pause , or stand ? or what may be the reason of your almost frowning silence ?

The feare least that some , seeming , and affecting to seeme wise , wil censure all our diligence vaine , though imployd in the proper subiect of honour , which the most high , and noble Phylosopher PLATO rightfully calleth Diuinum bonum .

Trouble not your selfe ( good Sir AMIAS , ) for I haue found out a new MINERVA'S sheild for such Censors , which wil bee more gratious to them then any coat of Armes , or poynt of Noblesse . SVETONIVS is mine Author , that in one consecrated dish , or charger ( which the gluttonous Emperor VITELLIVS for the vast bignesse thereof called MINERVAS shield ) such strange , & costly delicacies , fetcht from the vtmost bounds of the ROMANE world , were serued-in , as that this one salad royall ( or salad BELIAL , whither you will ) was iudged to haue gone farre beyond his brothers feast of welcome , wherein ( it is said ) there were two thousand choisest fishes ( wonder you Gourmôns ) and seauen thousand fowles . And for the vse of their more retired studies , and profoundest meditations , I could assigne those — Literatas fictiles epistolas Pice signatas — which the smart , and sauourie PLAVTVS puts into the mouth of SYNCERASTVS in his POHNVLVS , that is to say , notable deepe pitchers , and court-iacks full of wine .

In very faith ( Sir EVSTACE ) you haue found out an Armes will better please then the resplendent Targat of PALLAS , and such a librarie as , I dare vndertake , they had rather tosse then to bee Deipnosophists in ATHENAEVS , or glowe-wormes in the MEDICAEAN , or VATICAN , the most renowned armaries of bookes in all the world . But Epicures ( O good Sir EVSTACE ) are not the onely renegados to the dignities of their creation , by eschewing the naturall splendor of testified vertue , and the shine which the studies of honor do illumine the soule of man with . There are many factions besides . Some of which might deserue to bee recall'd , but that in the compasse of life they constitute a false center , as if wisedome were alwaies to grouell with them in immoderate cares for things of present vse , & they neuer to aspire to her high throne with the humble seruice of all they haue ; and finally , for that they maske their neglect of Armes , & of heroicke vertue it selfe ( the only competent weilder of armes ) vnder the goodly visours of accidentall debasements , such as vulgarization , disproportion , and like mosse growne vpon them in tract of time , by a fortune not more fatally theirs , then other noble knowledges . By which preiudice they mingle sacred , & prophane , and proclaime new tables as it were , to all goodnesse , and glory . Admit that pretious metall were dropt in into the cynders ; who throws away gold for the drosse it is wrapt in ? If the misteries of honor lie contemn'd in the huske , and bran of vulgarity , or of other casuall debasement , which setts foote on the necke of glory : must they to whome the protection , and profession thereof belongs runne madd with the multitude ? The holy , and most maiesticall name of GOD almighty hath falne in our daies , by manifould deuolutions of impiety , into such blasphemous abuses , as wee all of vs haue lately seene it faine to bee rescued from those indignities ( or sacriledges rather ) by mayne act of Parliament . Should that rule then bee the mesure of worth , in an age so blancke , and famously bare of all heroick qualities , as , ours where should any beame , or smallest timber of the whole frame of virtue be seene to stand ? should not Angels , Men , & Things detorted , or degenerated from their first institution , be so cast of ? And should not so an vtter voydnesse be brought vpon humanity ? Therefore the rise , or fal of mens opinions concerning things which borrow not their value by estimation , as Pearle , and Stone , but containe it in themselues , as Wisdome , & Virtue , are but a very Carpenters beuill , a false , leaden , and LESBIAN rule to mesure by , and the redy way ( in constituting multitudes our iudges ) to assubiect our selues to the worst tribunal of the world , meere popularity . As for the rust , or fog of contempt which sitts thick vpon this , & all other generous science , Honor hath long supplicated Maiesty for an hand to mount by , and cannot bee euer without it . Meane while , no iniquity of men , or times can giue from vs , to enioy the secret nourishment of noble thoughts , without imprudently slightng the present sway ( though of most corrupted iudgements ) or without frailty contemning our selues . For we are such , and so taught , as must not like chap-men aske how the market goes , thereby to lay out our time vpon a parcell of vertue , or honor , so , as wee may in a mount-banke fashion gaine an opinion by retaile thereof aboue our value , but really embrace it for it selfe , and earnestly fauour , and foster it in others , that ( if cause require ) we may afford to our country , and to other our obligers , true offices , and not deceiuable . As for one ordinary cauill vsed by many , concerning the vulgarization of notes of honour , that certainly doth not trouble mee , for Good ( simply such ) is bettered in proportion to the community thereof , and how happy were the nation which had as many noble in partes , as in markes ? But it is farre otherwise , God knowes , whose , and the worke of soueraigne Princes the reformation is , and not of a Satyr , wherein I haue no kind of skill , and much lesse , wil. In present let not any suppose ( for I will make a shorte turne out of morall discourse into Armorial ) that I create these Elements of my selfe . For they who first skored the heauens with Mathematicall and imaginary lines , made not the heauens , nor any part of them , no more then he made speach , who first deuised Grammar ; both they , and these hauing their true state , and condition of being in their seueral subiect matters , though to vs eclypst , and shadowed : Much lesse ought it bee conceaued , that in the farther , and finall prosecution of this affaire , I ought be tyed to quotations , where neuer Author hath gone before : seeing frequent , and filed obseruation is the only proper key to inlarge these Elements out of their Chaos , and imprisonment , and not variety of readings , where ( for any thing is knowne to me on the contrary ) all books faile . Which whether it shall happen to be imputed as an youthly ouer-hardinesse , or reputed for praise-worthinesse , I must put in hazard .

The things them-selues , that is to say , innumerable Armories , duly , and perpetually considered , and not any Maister , haue beene the flint , and steel to hammer out this what-souer light ; a Genius ( with the stay , and lampe of the acuter knowledges ) beeing there-vnto more auaylable , then infinite volumes .

I acknowledge it , and therefore long to bee vnder saile .

You shall immediately , as soone , as I haue taken a little farther order with you , for answering some obiections , or expectations rather , of Methodists , least not hauing discharged custome answerable to the parcels requisite in such a cocquet , I be laid aboord by criticall searches , or raked through the sides with their shot . Our conference therefore being of such quality as you see to weet , concerning the Elements of present and complete Armories , they will perhaps contend , that I ought not put into the deep , til I had gon farther in their pedigree , bringing it downe from those first rude draughts to the present : Which they may suppose not to be altogether the most impossible , for that the face ( or remaines at least ) of symbols do continually glimmer in histories , though sparingly , because the records of the proper Officers of Armes among the Ancients , are quite lost , and al sorts of learning maimd in the irrecouerable decayes of infinite volumes , which hath setled a notable darknesse vpon the greater , & better part of Things , the riches of obliuion surmounting those of memory . They may also farther alleadge that we should parallelize our Armes with those of the HEBREWES , GREEKS and ROMANS , hetherto of purpose by me omitted , as more exact in their institutions , then stood with the necessary proofe of the assumed proposition ( best maintained by examples out of rudest nations ) or at least wise shew of what nature they were , & how , wherin , & when dissonant , or concording with the modern ; they might also expect sundry other things , as logicall diuisions , and subdiuisions of symbolical notes , comparisons , or parellelisations of ancient seales among those three politest nations with sheildes , their seueral stuff , figures , vses , with inumerable other points sufficient to moor-vp our discourse to an vnreasonable tarriance . To al which I answer briefly , & truly , that euery one of these beeing in a manner an whole work , & the Maisters intention , not other mens expectations , being the proper limit of voluntary undertakings , I acknowledge my self to haue already trespast in the excesse , & out of this plain praeocupation I pray excuse me to your self . Mary , if you as yet be entangled , or vnsatisfied in any of the dilated praemises , let me know , for I mean not to take you into the Armorists ARGO till you see the weather vnlike to ouer-cast , at least-wise in that coast which we leaue behind .

There is no clowd in that particular horizon which you haue not clear'd my prospect from . Neuerthelesse I hold , that my scruple concerning the naturalitie , and vniuersal practise of Ensignements was at first iust in mee , for they ( as I my selfe did ) who at a glympse , or inconsiderately view the present multitudes of Armories , their formal elegancies , and setled order , which all speake nothing but Art , would verely thinke that they were euen at the first but the worke of witte , without any spring-head to bee found for them vppon so high an ALP , as God him-selfe .

I grant , and thinke you iustifie your selfe , very seasonably . But let no man be troubled ( good Syr EVSTACE ) when hee beholdes the wondrous worke of Armes , ( so DAEDALEAN , and so various ) raised out of that one true natural ground , as if it were not the ground , for all the lights thereof are kindled ( as you see ) at that one ray of vniuersal notion . Which neuerthelesse to weake eyes seemes wrapt vp , or rather lost in the many foldes of Art , but will most readily appeare if thus sought . For as to imitate is generally imprest in the nature of man , so picture ( deriued from that property ) was yet at first ( notwithstanding the naturality , and vniuersality thereof ) but of that kinde onely which the GRECIANS call Monogrammos , or lineary , & afterward from Monogrammos spread it selfe into that which PLINIE calleth Monochroma , that is to say , from consisting of one line , to consisting of one colour , and from Monochroma did by degrees ascend to such excellence , as rather more then moulding , or imagery contended with spirit , or life it selfe , and is productiue of as many seuerall formes , as the eye , or imagination hath obiects . Hee therefore , that by example of Picture , or of any other like flourishing inuention , which hath complement from Art , but originall from Nature , shall lift his sight ouer to the first state of things , must confesse , that the present glory , and method of Armories , no more then of those other can take away the grant of a ground , fountaine of the one and of the other . But in Armes we owe nothing more truly to nature then the very light of differencing worths by outward notes . The inuention , application , and disposition notwithstanding of those notes are meerly with Art , and Vse ; which two mighty Powers after a very long space of time ( for excellent things are of Elephantine birth ) did at last with infinite labour , and like felicitie , first gather the scattred-materials , such as that vniuersall notion of ensignement had rudely in seuerall ages afforded , and afterward so admirablie wrought-out perfect Symbols , and absolute Armories as wee now behold . Our next steppe is into the maine of our businesse , GOD permitting .

Neuer too soone , so as you but holde the course for which at first I capitulated with you , that is to say , so meere a catechising method as if you would instruct mee how to spell the very crosse-rowe of Armes .

Though it may seeme a great stoope from the high pitch , which contemplation lyes at to the neerer points of practise , and that the tenor you exact , will but appeare like the bare Skeleton , or cage-worke of ribbes , and bones , before any flesh , or fashion be ouer-laid , in regard as it were of the sanguin complection , and complete body of a full discourse : Yet forsomuch as those neerer points of practise are the Lists more proper to enter a yong beginner , in the noble studie of Armorie , and that the aspiring to other more mounted , and towring eminencies of speculation , comprehending innumerable mysteries , in any other sort then as by the due degrees of the Elementarie , compositiue , and other parts thereof , is but to cast a man vp into the winde , there to houer emptily like one of those flying , or floating paper-birds , ( not made with that Arte as the Automs of DAEDALVS which hung aloft by meanes of equall poises ) but which wee haue seene boyes raise by a string ( after they are once mounted ) to an incredible heighth in the ayre . Therefore ( presupposing with-all , that you forget not what in the beginning of our conference I deliuer'd to bee my sense for the present , concerning ARMES , and GENTLEMEN ) I will ( according also as at first I yeelded ) gratifie you with the course for which you capitulate , without fearing least my profitable , and needfull plainnesse take a rubbe , or twentie , at the suspition of insufficiencie .

The Contents .

1. This part peeced to the beginning with repetitions concerning Armes , and Gentlemen . 2. Blazon . 3. The two first considerations . 4. The Continent of Armories . 5. The Triangular , or SAMNITE shield ours . 6. The ancient vsuall stuffe of shields . 7. The black Princes honorarie Targat at CANTERBVRIE . 8. FROISARD cited . 9. A zealous digression to our Prince . 10. IOHN of GAVNTS honorarie Shield in Saint PAVLES . 11. The like in antiquitie . 10. Blazon makes nothing to the present purpose .

CHAP. 11. EVSTACE .

I Forget not what you deliuered in the beginning , and thinke it worth the labour to approue my memory vnto you therein by repetition . ARMS ( speaking in the vulgar , and aequiuocall extension of the word ) were , you said , certaine painted , hereditable , and Armoriall markes of honor , by which Gentlemen were distinguisht first from the vulgar , and then one from the other : and GENTLEMEN ( simply , and for the present only , for it is to bee supposed that you would giue a more exquisie Idaea , did you depourtray him vnto vs in his perfection ) were the bearers of such markes , or tokens . To these , if you thinke good to adde for mee the knowledge of what BLAZON is before you proceed any farther , I shall seeme to haue the whole praeparatorie generalities of matter to ensue .

BLAZON is the description of Armes , and their appurtenances , by the receiued termes , or other apt expression of things by words .

To blaze then is in Armory the same , which in other faculties is to describe , and BLAZON , and description are vniuocall .

So I suppose , though some Maisters teach , that wee must not before a soueraigne Prince vse the terme ( blaze ) but ( descriue ) so as then an Armorist shall not bee said to blaze , but to descriue a coate .

What things are first now in the name of GOD , to bee considered ?

Two . The Continent and the Content .

Are there any such terms in Armory , or do you only borrow them to expresse your selfe .

Borrow them onely , as I shall perhaps bee enforced to do many others . Which all men that write either new things , or newly of old matters will not onely pardon , but approue .

What do you call the Continent in Armories ?

The very same which the word importeth , and no other , that is , the shield , or contayning part of it selfe considered , without any mixture or marke .

What forme hath the shield ?

It hath as many as Caruers , or Painters please , but this triangular

is become most vsuall , and in a sort the proper , for that the shield in generall , beeing inuented for defence of the body of man , and applied therevnto , carries a three-cornerd , or triquet-figure , the body of man decreasing as it were in latitude from the shoulders downeward . And as the chiefe of ROMANE historians ( SALLVST ) writes , that his nation borrowed their armes , and militarie weapons from the SAMNITES , so was this the peculiar figure of the SAMNITE sheild , as the noble Author TITVS LIVIVS PATAVINVS describes it , and giues the reason of that shaping , to bee Mobilitatis causâ . The ROMANS digrest notwithstanding from this paterne , rather vsing Oual , Imbricate , and other figures . Heere I could create a new Worke , did I take occasion to dilate of the figures of Sheilds , which were scarse the same in any two nations . POLYBIVS , and other famous writers make it cleare , that the hides of beasts were the common couerings of sheilds , the ordinarie stuffe vnderneath beeing some tough wood , or other , as Sallow , and some-time for the more lightnesse , twiggs wouen , for so I vnderstand that of LVCAN . — nudâ iam crate fluëntes Inuadunt clypeos — Our SAXON ancestors vsed shields of skin , among whom for that the Artificer put sheep-fells to that purpose , the great ATHELSTANE King of ENGLAND , vtterly forbad by a lawe such deceit , as in the printed booke of SAXON lawes is extant to bee seene . With this vsage of agglewing , or fastning hard tanned hides for defense , agrees their Etymologie , who deriue Scutum the LATIN of a shield , from the GREEKE word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a skinne . The Triangular ( or SAMNIT ) was vniuersallie among vs the antient fashion of shields for men of Armes , but not the onely . For assurance whereof , I will delight you with two diuerse proportions , the one of an honorary belonging to the most renowned EDWARD , Prince of WALES , the other ( an honorarie also ) appertaining to his third brother , King of CASTILE , and LeON , Duke of LANCASTER . The sayd victorious Princes toombe , is in the goodly Cathedral Church erected to the honor of CHRIST in CANTERBVRIE : There ( beside his quilted coat-armour with halfe-sleeues , Taberd-fashion , and his Triangular sheild , both of them painted with the royall Armories of our Kings , and differenced with siluer labels ) hangs this kinde of Pauis , or Targat , curiously ( for those

times ) embost , and painted , the Scucheon in the bosse beeing worne out , and the Armes ( which it seemes were the same with his coate-armour , and not any peculiar deuise ) defaced , and is altogether of the same kinde with that , vpon which ( FROISARD reports ) the dead body of the Lord ROBERT of DVRAS , and nephew to the Cardinall of PIERREGOVRT was laid , and sent vnto that Cardinall , from the battell of POICTIERS , where the Blacke Prince obtained a victorie , the renowne whereof is immortall . I can hardly here containe my selfe from offring vp a duty of praise to the remembrance of this matchlesse Gentleman , Lambe in peace , Lion in warre , and of all the world in his time the most martiall Worthy , and most fortunate Generall . Aspire right excellent HENRIE ( ô let it need no expiation , that thy great Fathers most lowely subiect should thus presume ) by his example ( to whose Title , and Principalitie thou art lineall successor ) to things greater then the example . That as thou art the proper blossome of all the royall HENRIES , and EDWARDS of this thy Fathers inheritance , so wee may in thee acknowledge the summe of all their CHRISTIAN vertues , proouing thy selfe thereby a greater Thing then to bee the Monarch , not onely of all great BRITAINE , but of all the World .

The other honorarie shield is in the most magnificent Temple dedicated to the memorie of the glorious Apostle Saint PAVL in LONDON , where it hangs at the sayd Dukes Moniment , and is farre different from the first . In the curious neere view , and handling whereof , as I tooke singular delight , so was it worthy no lesse diligence , and therefore I will heere showe you both the Figure , and Fabrick .

It is very conuex toward the bearer , whether by warping through age , or as made of purpose . It hath in dimension more then three quarters of a yeard of length , & aboue halfe a yeard in breadth ; next to the body is a canuas glew'd to a boord , vpon that thin board are broad thin axicles , slices , or plates of horne , naild fast , and againe ouer them twenty and sixe thicke peeces of the like , all meeting , or centring about a round plate of the same , in the nauell of the sheild , and ouer all is a leather clozed fast to them with glew , or other holding stuffe , vppon which his Armories were painted , but now they , with the leather it self , haue very lately and very lewdly bin vtterly spoild . Now as som learned vnderstand that old GREEK adage 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( ment of such as are astonished at the sodain sight of a thing ) of the vgly feareful figures limn'd vpon sheilds couer'd with them , so certainly in the rare fabrick hereof , their Etymus is approued , who with VARRO ( the most learned ROMAN ) deriue Scutum from sectures , slices , or pieces , of which wee behold the strength of this massie sheild belonging to the said great Prince , IOHN surnamed of GAVNT , doth consist . The like was also among the Ancient . AMMIANVS MARCELLINVS writes that IVLIANVS ( before he was Emperour ) in an exercise of warre at PARIS shooke his sheild so sternely , that Axiculis queis orbis erat compaginatus — the axicles , plates , or pieces of which it was compact , flew abroad into the field , leauing nothing but the handle in his gripe .

The figure of sheilds now vsed in painting is ( as hath bene before declared ) Triangular , which we intend not to vary from .

I vnderstand you , and know now what the Continent in Armories is , and the vsuall figure of present sheilds in painting . But what is the Content ?

You shal know before long .

Meane you not at all to instruct mee in Blazon ?

No indeed , as well because the particulars are innumerable , and eyther now are , or will shortly by some other bee so taught , as little helpe will serue , but principally for that it is only conuersant in descriptions of the superficiall , and mechanicall parts of Armories , which set no sharpe edge vpon the witte , as hauing little in them abstract , or deepe .

The contents .

1. Of beginning at the Crosse. 2. Figured in CONSTANTINE the Great 's sheild 3. A coniecture concerning our ENGLISH crosse . 4. The three legs in the Armes of the I le of MAN , and the old GREEK coynes of SICILIA . 5. The Crosse improper to the Elementary part which deales with no Charges .

CHAP. 12. EVSTACE .

HAd you beene so pleased I could tell where I would haue had you begun .

Where ?

At the CHRISTIAN signe of the Crosse.

So GERARD LEIGH hath done very commendably , as well because we are CHRISTIANS , as also because ( his discourse or booke beeing of Armes borne , & how they were to be blazed ) that signe is in CHRISTIAN Armories most honorable . Nor know I a better omen to begin with , for it was an happy presage to great CONSTANTINE , who therfore in the siluer bosse of his imperiall sheild , bare a Crosse , as NICETAS CONIATES writes ,

the colour of which Crosse though NICETAS name not , yet was it in likelyhood of none other then of the same which is now in the flag of ENGLAND ( red in white ) where ( when it was old BRITAIN ) him-selfe a BRITAN was borne .

It may be thence it is that ENGLAND beares it in honor of him , casting the title erroniously vpon S. GEORG .

A .

I say not absolutely so , though it is euident ( according to EVSEBIVS one of CONSTANTINE'S Bishops ) that it appeared to him very miraculously when it was now a litle past noone , and aboue the sunne , consisting wholy of shining light , with a GREEK sentence importing victory against MAXENTIVS , and his other enimies , and that in religious , and gratefull memory therof , he bare it in his imperial Standard , or LABARVM , as also in like memory of CHRISTE'S appearing to him in a vision the same night , he caused his monies to be honored with symbolicall characters ,

as by his coyne yet extant may bee collected , being ( as here you see ) a stamp compounded of the two first GREEK capitals in CHRISTES name .

With more vehemency of likely-hood we may affirme , that the Armories of the I le of MANN were deriued from the semblable figure which the

GRECIANS in SICILIA did long since vse vpon their coynes .

I remember to haue seene them not without some wonder .

The cause in them was elegant , but nothing agreeable to the Kingdome , or I le of MANN , though som-what to the three Realms ( ENGLAND , SCOTLAND , and IRELAND ) which it respects .

What was the cause ?

The three Legs meeting so in the center did symbolize , or signifie the three corners , capes , or promontories of that Iland , which was therefore called TRINACRIA .

The cause was apt indeed , and would well correspond to our Penile of ENGLAND , which is triquet or triangular .

It would . But surely in those monyes this was also strange , that in the very iuncture of the Legs , you should sometime see a MERCVRIES head , betokening ( as it seemes ) the witty arts of the Ilanders , somtime the head of CERES to signifie the fertility , or rape of PROSERPINE ,

and some-time other things . Yea , the imitation of the like in Armories to that publike deuise of legs hath crept into priuate families , for the TREMAINS ( a CORNISH , or westerne house of Gentlemen ) beare three armes so disposed , the hands directed toward the angles of the Sheild . But wee haue once againe almost lost our selues .

the time so spent is not lost , but gaind .

As for beginning at the Crosse ( which were , I yeeld , not only auspicious , but pious ) wee haue a great iourney thether , because it fals not to bee handled till wee come ( if wee doe come at all ) to treat of Charges or Armorial bearings , and is the last part of this argument , saue the mystical which openeth the significations .

The Contents .

1. The Content of Armories . 2. BRVTE . 3. The Continent , and Content explaned in MOVBRAY'S coat . 4. A seeming contradiction crept-out-of by the Maister . 5. Imagination , the organon here of vnderstanding . 6. Continents distinguished . 7. The Bounding line or Perimeter in a coat of Armes .

CHAP. 13. EVSTACE .

ABout what most is your present doctrine conuersant ?

About the Content of Armories , and subiect of blazon .

What ( good Syr AMIAS ) is the Content of Armories ?

That which it is in other things , to weet , the thing contayned . For example . In the Armories credited for BRVTE'S , by VPTON following ARCHITRENIVS , and other , who in those dayes were so farre from making doubt of BRVTE , as that they , and hee affirme , there were eight Kings lineally from him descending , and farther , that the Lions in the Armories both of SCOTLAND , and WALES , were contriued out of this , beeing , Or , a Lion passant gardant gules .

Howbeit , because wee deale vpon demonstration , which is euer of certainties , let this bee the example .

Whose coate is this ?

It belonged to the noble name , and familie of MOWBRAY , Dukes of NORFOLKE , and quartred at this day by the illustrious , and Princely house of HOWARDS .

Which is the Continent , and which is the Content herein ?

The Continent is left to imagination , being only so much as the Content couers , which is here the matter of the Armories , to weet , the Field , and the Lion . And you must vnderstand , once for all , that I speake not any where of an Armes , as it is onely painted on a paper , but do alwayes suppose a subiect sheild .

You taught mee before , that the Continent was the sheild , or thing containing , and now you say that the Field , and the Lion are the Content , which being so , then are the Content , and the Continent ( because the Field containes the Lion ) either confounded , or there are two Continents , one which comprehends the whole Armories , and the other which containes a part .

My assertion is true . For the field ( that is the superficies ) is no part of the Continent in my meaning , but is it selfe contained , as the Lion is : And yet your auerment is not absurd , for , seuering the Charge from the Field ( which here is red ) you may , and that not altogether the most improperly hold , that the Field is the Continent of the contained body , be it Lion , or whatsoeuer else .

I do not fully conceiue it .

Reflect but vpon the description which I gaue you of the Continent , and there you shall learne to bring with you an abstractiue , or Mathematicall consideration , for although a Shield , beeing a solid , and Geometricall body , hath in it three dimensions , yet know with-all that it hath a superficies as of it selfe , which is nothing to the making vp of Armories , because there-vpon may bee painted any thing else , and a shield of any matter what-so-euer , timber , mettal , horne , shell , hath nothing of a coate but onely potentially , and in power .

This I apprehend .

Let mee heere how .

We must ( Sir ) by imagination seuer the Content of Armories from the matter , or thing wherevpon they are , yet so , as by the beeing of Armories vpon it , the shield immediatly becomes the containing part of the whole armes .

True , as I suppose . For let an Armes painted on a Surcoat , Tabard , or Shield be blotted out , the priuation of the Armories , makes no priuation of the Continent , though not as the Continent of Armories , but as a substance of it selfe , and if the blazon of the coat be knowne , though by reason of that priuation it appeare not to the eye , yet to the intelligent it abideth , and preserues the notice both of the mater , and forme in the mind , though so I doe no more take it to bee an actuall Armes , then the dreame , or Idaea of a building is an house .

It is cleare then that the Content of a painted armes is all that whereof the eye takes view within the bounding line , whereof that line is a part .

I say not so . For whither you thereby vnderstand the purfle , or visible line , which circumscribes the whole , as a perimeter , and is drawne with Pen , Penicil , or howsoeuer : or whether you only meane that inuisible , imaginarie ducture , hauing neither bredth , nor depth , nor is separable from the thing in which it is imagined , I cannot directly affirme , that it is any more a part of an Armes , then a communis terminus is of that which went before , or of that which came after ; or then the vnexpressable point of time which diuides the new yeare from the old , is a portion of the new , or of the old : The bounding line ( in my conceit ) being common as well to the Continent , as to the Content .

How then ?

Where the errour breeds no danger , it is best there to follow common opinion , and seeing these things are not wont to be so narrowly sifted , it is enough to take it , as it is most vsually taken .

How is that ?

As a part of the Coate .

Then haue we a bounding line , or perimeter , to bee added to the Content of euery Armories .

I easily grant it to your sharpnesse .

The Contents .

1. Great oddes betweene Parts , and Elements . 2. Elements of Armories what . 3. LVCRETIVS his note of Grammaticall Elements . 4. Armorial Elements foure . 5. Demonstrated in the giuen example , and infallibly holding in all .

CHAP. 14. EVSTACE .

THus farre we are proceeded happely . What shall I now bee to you next endebted for ?

If you call it a debt , then for that which is next in the nature of our subiect , so farre as the nature of this place will beare , which is onely to show you in generall , that the parts in the Content of armes are diuerse .

Vnfould that I pray , so farre as you thinke good .

The parts in the Content of Armes are diuerse , but betweene the Parts , and the Elements of a body , there is great difference . For the parts of a man are the head , the neck , the armes , the hands , and so forth , and againe , those parts haue their parts , as the head hath eyes , eares , nostrils , lips , &c. and those parts haue yet againe their parts similar , and dissimilar , or ( as they speake in Schooles ) Homogenean , & Heterogenean : but the Elements are another thing , and common with man to all other breathing creatures in the world . It is therefore absolutely necessary , before wee come to entreat of the total , & partil , similar , & dissimilar parts of Armories , that we first deliuer the Elemental .

What are Elements then I pray ?

The Elements of Armories are such , as into which all Armories may be resolued , as into their common principles , grounds , or beginnings .

The Elements then are the common grounds , and beginnings of Armories .

They are , both as the word imports , and as it signifies in other things . So syllables may bee resolued into letters , their Elements ( of which all voices vnder heauen consist , Tantum elementa queunt permutato ordine solo ) and all compounded things into their simples .

Which then are those Elements of Armories ?

These LINES of all sorts , simple COLOVR , or tincture , in which words I comprehend aswell the two mettals in Armes , as all armoriall colours . To which you must adde NVMBER , or rather vnitie ( which is the fountaine of number ) for to it may all Charges , whereof there is any numeration in Armes , be reduced , and lastly POSITION , that is , the manner of setting , disposing , ordering , or placing tokens of honor in their proper subiect , a Sheild .

LINES , COLOVR , NVMBER , and POSITION , are then the Elements of Armories , which in their Quadruple number are equall to the naturall , fire , aire , earth , and water , or to the humors in an humane body . But can you for examples sake show them to mee in the most noble coate of famous MOWBRAY ?

Most easily , for they hold infalliblie in all . Lines , and Colour you confesse are therein apparent , and in that the Lion is single , and not more then one , the Element of number is manifested , and whereas lastly he is rampant , or erected , and neither passant , couchant , yssant , or of any other sort , position is most euidently Elementall .

The Contents .

1. A flitting eye sees little the more herein for seeing . 2. Lines the first Armoriall Element . 3. Why. 4. Lines in Armes , as Place is in the Physicks . 5. Of Purfles , of the word filum in antient LATIN poesie , and other Synonimas of Armoriall lines . 6. The first distribution of lines . 7. The second . 8. The third . 9. A necessarie prouision about the true vnderstanding of Armoriall lines . 10. Mathematicall subtilitie in speaking of our lines auoided . 11. Armorie Queene of liberall knowledges . 12. As incentiue to Vertue as Statues . 13. Armes well read , fittest bookes for the noble . 14. Some Methods rather Mazes . 15. Armories , the onely remaining customarie euidences of honor . 16. The Earle of NORTHAMPTONS pietie to our Souereigne Lord King IAMES at GREENEWICH Towr . 17. Blazon the least , and meanest part of Armorie .

CHAP. 15. EVSTACE .

THe mystical chain , in which all foure are linckt together , I cannot but acknowledge , for it is ( as your selfe haue said ) most apparent . But doe you not purpose ( good Sir AMIAS ) to handle all foure seuerally ?

How else ? For if I did not , you would take-in but small store of light at this casement , and euen then also a flitting eye ( howsoeuer it may idlie sooth it selfe ) shall see little the more , but all shall still be to him , as it were Sub aenigmate , Or ( as the very great Philosopher wrote in excuse , or defence of him-selfe for publishing his workes ) they shall remaine as if they were not published , though published . LINES therefore are the first Element of the foure , as ( taken in the vulgar sense , not in the more Mathematical , and penetrating ) they praecede colours in work , as that kind of drawing before-said which the GREEKS called Monogrammos , was before colouring , as colouring it self was before light , and shadow in artificial painting , as also light , and shadow were before those things which PLINIE saith the GRECIANS call'd Tonos and Harmoge , the former being the heightning of light , and the other the commissure , slide , or passing of colours into other colours , or by what name soeuer our modern Artists know them by . And all Painters wee see doe first make a rude draught with chalke , coale , lead or the like , before they limn a Picture , or lay a Colour .

Notwithstanding , how I pray are Lines an Element of Armories ? or why ?

Because a coat can bee no more without lines , then without colour .

Lines then doe forme an Armes , and giue them to bee .

Certainly .

Is there any knowne number , or set fashion of lines required ?

You know right wel ( Syr EVSTACE ) how in few words to demand enough . Your question is perplex , and cannot bee satisfide without some diligence . First therfore of Armorial Lines in general .

I harken curiously , therefore on I pray .

There is nothing infinite in the workes of Art , or Nature , but there must of necessity bee limits , termes , extremities , or bounds .

Vndoubtedly .

Which limits , or extremities are eyther vnderstood , & by imagination comprehended , or made subiect to the eye by lines . Those lines are that in Armories which place is in the Physicks : Armories then , and the figures , portions , or proportions in them being artificiall bodies , or semblants of bodies , must needes haue limits , bounds , or circumscriptions .

The necessity is apparent .

Nor can those limits , rightly put , bee transpassed , or exceeded , but the limited thing it selfe must be monstrous , and deformed , and as those ductures , or draughts of lines are shapen , so are the figures ( which they circumscribe , and limit ) well , or ill .

Nothing is more euident .

The painters of Armes do call these lines ( as I think ) the purfle , or perfil ( which also the SPANIARDS blaze , as a seueral part of the Armories ) and soundes as if it were per filum ( which word filum LVCRETIVS doth use for the outermost bounds , or ductures of lines in figures , or for the figures themselues ; Debent nimirùm non omnibus omnia prorsùm Esse pari filo similique affecta figurâ ) They also call it quartering when they put the last hand to the work , drawing the blacke lines , which giue the shape , and lastly they some-time call it a Trick , and Armorists in other cases cal them Vmbratures .

Of how many sorts are Armoriall lines ?

The doctrine of lines in armories distinguisheth first of their forme , and secondly of their number .

What saith it concerning their forme ?

Armorial Lines are in their first diuision Straight , or Crooked .

Againe the Straight are either Direct , or Oblique ; Direct as in the first example , Oblique as

More-ouer the Oblique are either straight , or crooked . The Crooked are sub-diuided infinitely , but the more vsual , and vniuersall may bee reduced to these heads , that is , circular , angular , wauing , and mixt , and briefly are all such as are not straight . But before you proceed any farther , my charity cannot forbeare to giue you here a cautel for preuention of straying from my sense , and one error not met-with in the beginning , multiplies it selfe into innumerable . Therefore when we speake of Armorial Lines eyther here , or any where , I do not meane of them otherwise then as of terminations , or common limits of Armorial bodies ; and when we say lines are straight ▪ or crooked , of this , or that forme , I pray vnderstand that I meane the Armorial bodies which they terminate are such . For though Lines are the inseperable circumscriptions of formes , or figures in sheilds , as of sheilds themselues , giuing them ( at least-wise to our sight ) to Bee , yet it is the body , or space comprehended which casts them out into the extremities , wherby they become their visible limits , which albeit we are enforced in flat pictures , and plaine tables to expresse by lines , yet in carued , or embossed obiects of armes , no other lines are drawne then such , as the body it selfe so cut , embost , or carued , terminates our sight with , which lines shift with our station . Doubtlesse , in the Idaea , or mentall shape before it come as it were into act , by beeing painted , cut , or carued , those terminating , and truly Mathematical lines , abstractedly considered , are manifest , adhering ( or inhering rather ) without any possibility of separation from the conceaued Image . Whereas also the lines drawne in the former coats ( for they are coats of Armes , very faire , and good , as well as examples of Lines ) seem to apportion the said coats , yet are they ( I meane the parted , and diuers-colour'd moities of the seuerall sheilds ) but seuerall solid peeces , or faces of differently colour'd bodies , meeting in such a seam of separation ( in my conceit of them ) as necessarily produce , and present vnto vs such , or such a line . Neuerthelesse for more familiar perspicuity in teaching , I am to retain to speake as the vulgar , without daring to vse the more penetrating point of spirit , it being also not in the skil of man to draw a line ( how admirably smal soeuer ) without any latitude , such as the subtility of the Mathematicks doth require .

I am well satisfied .

You shall be else for the honour of so Gentlemanly science , which iust Antiquity would haue enstiled Mistresse , and Queene of liberal knowledges . For that in it all the faire Arts seeme to assemble , and euery Grace , or ( as the LATINS speake ) euery VENVS of inuention ( not blurred with obscuring commentaries ) glitters there in open manner , with much significancy , ornament , and vtility . For albeit the sense be som-what abstruse , and hidden , yet , who ( specially with any interest in them ) can behold the renowned Armories of HOWARD , TALBOT , or the like great Worthies , who presently reflects not vpon the Bearers ? or is not ( so as instruction , or capacity want not ) stirred vp thereby to virtue ? Because ( as it is in that most excellent Historian SALLVST ) if FABIVS , if SCIPIO , & other heroick ROMANS were wont to say , that their mindes were most vehemently set on fire with noble thoughts , when they beheld the Images of their renowned ancestors , not for that the stuff , or workmanship had any such efficacie , but for that the memory of their immortal actions , reuiuing thereby , enlarged the flame of honour in couragious breasts ; Then surely , as those Conquerors ( for it is indeed the noble temper only which can be apt to kindle at such obiects ) were so stirred at the view of those dumb statues , what able man should not as fruitfully from a coat of Armes take occasion to describe , and blaze to a yong Lord his own particular offices , & expected habits of Noblesse ?

So much the rather , for that the pleasing aspect of Armories , and signes of honor in them representing some meaning or other , the spectators readily know not what , procures a delight , and so prepares the mind with a willingnesse to bee instructed . Why might not also the same able man repeat ( vpon like occasion ) the whole memories of his fore-fathers ? shewing that these Armories of theirs haue these , or these Elements , & parts , were displaid in standard , banner or howsoeuer , in such a battle , such a siege , or seruice , that this or that colour , figure or deuise therein came thus , or thus , & well fitted such a person of the family , such a virtue , such a fortune in him , with innumerable other branches of discourse springing from such an opportunity , as from a root . And yet farther , if the Tutors skill would serue him to interpret the Coat it selfe , and to deliuer out of it those diuine , morall , naturall , & liberal notions , tending to sharpen wit , and enoble mental habits , O! how easely might he bring al Princely knowledges within the sphear of his actiuity ? how easily auoid the iading of hopeful spirits with the torment , & rack of new deuised methods , ( mazes rather ) & saples documents ?

He should greatly bind me to him that would giue me the copy of such a lecture , the bare mention wherof hath so enflamed me .

Vndoubtedly in the due time ( that is , when by former necessary instructions you are enabled to conceiue ) you may . Howsoeuer ( as I said at first ) my youth hath euer held these considerations in Armories very worthy the study , and leisure of a free-born man , & the rather to , for that Armes are in a sort the onely remayning customary euidences , or testimonies of Noblesse , now that neyther Statues , Arcks , Obelisks , Tropheas , Spires nor other publike magnificent erections are in vse , neyther can bee recalled into practise by one , though most commendable , and noble example at the Towre of GREENWICH .

Our age therfore , affecting compendious waies of eternization , all testimonies , are in a manner reduced to this one of ARMES , or ARMORIES , which also are indeed worth them all . But if ( as some very foolishly suppose ) the Termes , & vse of Blazon , which ( as is already said ) comprehends but the description of the mechanicall parts , were all ; who would not then think but that a Nomenclator , or Musitian , that knew but the words most frequent in his owne profession , did deserue as great applause as our blazoner ? which is as far from the thing ( nor doth affection abuse mee herein ) as signes from substances .

This short excursion ( Sir EVSTACE ) I call mine , which pardoned , shall trusse-together all desire to exspatiate farther , and settle vs from hence-forth closely to our businesse , not onely till the intricate matter of Lines be sufficiently explaned , but til the rest of the Elements , and the whole intended argument bee discust , in proportion to the present vses .

You doe not onely merit pardon , but many thankes , for such a repast , giuen to vs vpon the way , and not by going out of the way .

Which you shall the more grace , ( admit we haue forsaken the Bias of our course , and run out a little ) if you bee pleased to remember that our last talke was of Crooked lines .

The Contents .

1. Of crooked lines . 2. They improper to Geometrie . 3. Are exemplifide . 4. VPTONS Blazons of some of our crooked lines antiquated .

CHAP. 16. EVSTACE .

WHat Circles , Angles , & the like , are in Geometry , I do already partly vnderstand ; But what are they in Armorie ?

Heere are examples of the foure kindes of our crooked lines , with which Geometrie hath nothing to doe .

Are these their names in Armorie ?

Nothing lesse , for they haue other very different : They are all parted per pale , or ( to vse SCOHIERS word ) mi-partie , that is , parted longwise in the midst , or perpendicularly parted , but yet seuerally affected in the partings , for which I referre you to GERARD LEIGH , and other blazoners : Onely this I will note , that whereas the second partition of the foure is now blazed endenteé , Antiquitie ( or at leastwise VPTON about two hundreth yeares since ) blazed that raseè , and this

which is with vs embatteled , hee called per pale endenteè , and not embatteled .

The Contents .

1. Another distribution of lines Armoriall . 2. Much of the doctrine of Lines , put ouer to their more proper place . 3. The totum compositum of Armes . 4. A new deuision of integrall lines into Pertransients , and Pertingents . 5. Saint OSWALDS Banner . 6. Both sorts of lines described .

CHAP. 17. EVSTACE .

PRoceed I pray , for I vnderstand thus much .

Lines by a second diuision are one in a coate of Armes , or more , which is a diuision , the handling whereof belongs to the Arithmetical , and Compositiue part . Therefore to set downe what sorts , and parts of lines are in Shields , and how one of them stand with the other , be altogether points of another text , as where those Elements are made vse of , and the totum compositum ( to weete a good coate of Armes , what good coate of Armes soeuer ) is described , or dissected as in Anatomie . Neuerthelesse for your farther light , I will not stick summarily to deliuer somewhat more concerning lines Armoriall : which , first , are either Entire , and Pertransient , or Entire and Pertingent , or parts of them .

Which is the Entire Pertransient ?

The whole , or Entire Pertransient , is that which crosseth the middle of the Shield , and runns diametrically the longest way of her position , as heere in this example following , and such other . Heere I cannot but by occasion of this , remember what our countryman , venerable BEDE , writeth ( in his History ) of King OSWALDS banner , which , saith hee , being of Gold , and Purple , was hung ouer his toombe , and ( as I thinke ) is the eldest authentick record of honourable Ensignes in that kinde among vs , and in my opinion not vnlikely to be of this sort , partie per pale , Or and Purple , rather then of any other . This by the way .

The entire Pertingent is that which passeth from one side of the comprehended space , but not through the midst thereof , as the Entire Pertransient , which passing , or not passing through the midst , or center , is the true difference betweene the Entire of one sort , and of the other .

The Contents .

1. Entire Pertingents subdistinguished . 2. Their sorts described . 3. An obscure blazon out of SCOHIER . 4. How Pertingents come to bee Pertransients .

CHAP. 18. EVSTACE .

HAue Entire Pertransients any other member of diuision ?

No , for they are single , pure , and immutable , fully answering in their nature to Dimetients , or Diameters : But Entire , or whole Pertingents haue , and are subdistinguished in their longitude : For they runne the longest way of their position , or not the longest .

Which are the Entire Pertingents that runne the longest way of their position in the Shield , without touching , or piercing the Center , and are Entire Pertingents of the first sort ?

These .

for they crosse not the midst , and yet are drawne the longest way of their position , obliquely shooting from the Angles in chiefe , and meeting in point base . Therefore both those Lines are Pertingents of the first kinde , and the partition it selfe is the onely one of all partitions , which toucheth all the points of the Escucheon , as you may see this doth .

Which is the Entire Pertingent of the second sort , that shootes not forth the longest way of his position ?

That which shootes not forth to the full length of an Entire Pertingent , ( as straightned by the narrow limmits of the Sheild in that place , where it is situate ) can rarely bee found single in any Coate : But SCOHIER giues vs examples , as heere in a direct line , which ( somewhat obscurly )

hee blazeth a Sinister , and againe of an Oblique line in this .

which he ( how clerckly soeuer ) calleth Emmanchè au dextrè . Both which lines are Pertingents of the second sort , entire , integral , continuous or whole , and passing withall from one side of the sheild to the other , yet not by the longest way of their position , as diameters : For if they did , then the one should bee partie per pale or Mipartie , the other Partie per bend sinister , as is most apparent , the longest waies of their positions being through the midst , or center of their comprehending spaces , the first perpendicularly , the other laterallie , as here you may behold .

The Contents .

1. The more essential differences of lines entire among themselues . 2. The quality of Pertransients . 3. The more noted properties of Pertingent lines .

CHAP. 19. EVSTACE .

WHat can be said more concerning this lineary element .

Incredibly to much for this place . Let it therfore suffice in present , that out of the most spatious storehousen of glorious Armes I sparingly afford you some-what , & rather as a tast then a feast .

What then are the more noted properties of these Armorial lines ?

Your question is apt . For hauing thus in general described the sorts of Integrals , or lines entire , as wel pertransient as pertingent , it is secundarily conuenient that I should instruct you a litle in those properties , wherin more essentially they differ among themselues . I wil therfore breefly shew you first the quality of lines pertransient , as those which are of most honor , & state . Pertransients ( the chief of lines entire ) do either touch some one Angle of the sheild , or touch not , none of them touching two , or more .

Which of the Pertransients touch ?

Or rather which do not ? For as there are but foure sorts of Pertransients , armorial Dimetients , or Diameters , so the touching of an Angle , one , or other , is inseperable to all of them , excepting to one only , and to no more , for any thing I remember , which is in partie per fesse , and this Pertransient

( as you see ) passeth in breadth of the Sheild through the vmbilick , or middle point , as an Entire Pertransient ought , yet without touching any Angle therof .

What are the more noted properties ( now ) of lines pertingent ?

The quite contrarie propertie to the other . For as all pertransients ( onely that one excepted which I haue already shewed to you ) passe the Center , and touch one Angle , or other , & neuer but one , so no Pertingents doe eyther crosse the midst , or touch an Angle : But the more essential property of Pertingents is not to crosse the midst : Though in both respects there want not exceptions , there beeing a Pertingent ( and but one ) which crosseth the Center , as the Pile-line ( a Pertingent also ) toucheth an Angle .

The Contents .

1. Another diuision of lines entire . 2. An exemption of circular lines from that diuision . 3. A Pertingent of a singular property . 5. EVCLIDS Elements not much more perplex .

CHAP. 20. EVSTACE .

HAue Integrals , Entire , or Whole lines , any subdiuision ?

They haue . For Integrals ( such I meane as are bounded in the perimeter , or extremity of the sheild ) doe eyther touch the Directly opposite parts of a Coat , or the Obliquely opposite , as the former examples partly shew .

From which rule not-withstanding this arching

line doth differ , and makes a notable exception , for it terminates it selfe in the same side where it began , not withstanding it be not interrupted , but continuous , and entire . Which Arching lines are of two sorts , for they eyther touch an Angle , and touch not the Center , but withall doe terminate them-selues in the same side , according to the rule formerly giuen , or else they touch not an Angle . Of both kindes that one shall be enough to exemplifie the exception by , if it may be called an exception , which is not of the selfe-nature of which the rule is , the rule beeing ment of Straight lines onely , so as Arching lines doe rather exact a particular handling , and place .

What line is that which being a Pertingent partakes not with the common quality of lines Pertingent , which ought not to touch the midst in passing , nor determine in an Angle ?

Lo heere .

What is this ?

A Line Pertingent you confesse , for that it goeth not the longest way of the position , but toucheth not the Opposite sides , and yet , ( which a pure Pertingent should not doe ) it crosseth the midst : And as the pile-lines ( before exemplifide ) balk the Center , but touch the Angle-lines , so this balks the Angles , but not the Center . But were it set vpon the same Axel as now it hath , and extended the longest way of his position , it should one way be a partion per pale , and the other a partition per bend . This line it-selfe is seene in a Gyron of od pieces , but neuer single , and therefore being in composition onely , I may yet demurr vppon the admittance therof , as an exception against the rule of Pertingents in generall .

The matter of Lines in Armes doth ( I see ) extend it selfe far , and ( as pertaking the subtilities of EVCLIDS Geometricall Elements ) is inuolued , and manyfold .

You may well say so , for that we haue al this while handled only certaine single , and more principall Lines .

The Contents .

1. Parts of lines pertransient , and pertingent . 2. Their more common causes . 3. And chief properties . 4. A line for euery day according to that of APELLES .. 5. Syr EVSTACE stayd a while from analysing the premisses . 6. Casualty , & Fortune in Armories . 7. Blazon referred to blazoners . 8. Single Lines not subiect to that casualtie . 9. Double Lines diuided . 10. Parallels , Diallels , and Neuters .

CHAP. 21. E.

It remayneth now that you teach me ( if you please ) the doctrine of the other member , or branch in your first distribution , concerning the parts of Pertransients , and Pertingents .

The Doctrine is short , and easie , for such Lines haue one chiefe property , that they euer make an Angle in the sheild , as here :

But being drawn through , they for the more part discouer them-selues to bee but parts , or beginnings of other Armorial bodies , by imitation , defect , or redundance . As , draw the half-lines or semidiameters of the first quite through the sheild , they beget this first mixt partition , & then ( in the second ) by extending the cheuern-lines into the chief-points partie per saltoir , is produced , as followeth .

In this place therefore you make these semi-diametrs to bee parts of Lines , which meeting in the Escucheon , and neere some part of the midst thereof , or in the midst it selfe , bring forth an Angle , or rather a quadrangular , or triangular Proportion , as the place will beare .

So as these parts of Lines entire ( contrarie to the nature of Pertransients , and Pertingents ) doe each of them touch his side onely of the Shield , and withal , either settle in the very midst of the Armes , or fall short thereof , or other-wise shoote by it , or lastly touch an Angle : which is a property onely seene ( so farre as I remember ) in a Gusset , or a Gyron , which Gyron is halfe a Cabe , or quarter cut off by an oblique or diagonall line , as followeth .

There is no part of this your last Paragraph , or Section , which needs not very particular demonstration , before I can be made capable thereof , it hath so many foulds , for which I doubt not there will bee a time . In the meane season I perceiue that this doctrine will affoord a line for euery day in the yeare , so as none need passe contrary to the great Painters precept , who bad no day should passe without a line .

Heere then shall bee the period of my present handling the Element of lines , so farre as they are Elementarie in the first degree , for you seeme weary .

At no hand ( good Sir EVSTACE ) vnlesse the matter stretch it selfe no farther . But to let you vnderstand how I profit , I will drawe a Table or Analysis of this which you haue already deliuered .

Doe that hereafter when you come to the cloze , which now after a short straine , or two , will be presently . Now that you may vnderstand how casualty workes in all things , behold it spareth not Armoriall lines , which are cut off some-time , before they can arriue at any side of the Shield .

Fortune ( as the vulgar phrase is ) which sports her selfe with the Owners , and Lords of Coate-Armours , may very wel make bold with the notes of honor which they beare : Nor abludeth it from conueniencie , that if men suffer her force in their liues , Sheilds and Armories should not claime a priuiledge aboue them .

Of that maim'd , or truncked kinde , are this , and the like .

What call you this ?

Remember I protest against encroachment , but referre you for Blazon to Blazoners , the termes of that Art being of no vse in considerations such as these , which set not downe the things themselues as they are Armories , but by abstraction of Elements from Bodies , do giue examples as they primitiuely concurre to their making , which subtilize the witte , and formalize the obiect : Therefore to comprehend the Particulars of one nature vnder their more generall , subalterne , or other kindes , doth exact words fitte for such purposes , which wanting ( as they are ) must of necessitie bee deuised , and imposed , or the Arte bee lame in that point . Blazoners call that Bearing , or Charge in Armes , an Haumed , or Humet . But Single Lines are neuer subiect to this violence , or casualtie , whereof wee spake before , but onely the double , which are either Parallel , Intersecant , or neyther .

Which double Lines are Parallel , or fellow in Armories ?

Those which are such in other subiects , as in the Sphaere . In Armories they are these , & the like

which side one by the other without meeting according to the true property of Parallels , which may in other wordes be called geminels or twins ▪

Which Armorial lines are Intersecant ?

As Parallels are commonly Pertingents only , so single Intersecants are generally Pertransients , so in the former examples which I gaue you of Paralels , you see they are Pertingents . Intersecants be Pertransients which crosse one the other , and are these , or the like .

But are there some entire armorial Lines which be neyther Parallel , nor Intersecant , and yet are pairs ?

There are , as in the former example of partie per pile in points you may perceiue , for there the Lines meet , and therefore are not parallel , though pairs , and yet crosse not one the other , and therefore are not intersecant , which considerations belong to the generation , or composition of Armories , and are there , not heere , to bee entreated off .

The Contents .

1. The Maister called back to english himselfe about the causes of some Armorial bodies . 2. A Canton one of them . 3. A Pile another . 4. Syr EVSTACES supposal of an abortion in Art .

CHAP. 22. EVSTACE .

SYr , I pray let mee call you backe to english your selfe , where teaching the parts of Lines you said that the Armoriall bodies which they made were parts , or beginnings of other Armorial bodies , or deduced how-soeuer one out of the other .

Your selfe wil easily be able to answer your selfe when you shall hereafter know what figures , and proportions the skil of commendable Armories doth admit . For what is a Canton but a Quartar contracted , or abridged ?

And this , as I take it , is an Armoriall bodie drawne from a Quarter by defect , or imitation , or both waies .

How is one of those lesse Armorial bodies whereof you spake made by redundance ?

That may appear vnto you in a pile , as I conceaue , for the pile-lines shooting on eyther side , & beyond the fesse or midle point , & meeting afterward together vnder the nombril , or base of the fesse , yet not extended to the lowest , or base point of the sheild , creat a new Armorial figure by redundance .

Of what Armoriall body seemes this a redundance ?

Of a Gyron , or the like .

It seemes to me that it may be by defect , aswell as by redundance . For where ( like nature failing of her end ) these lines fall short of the lowest point of the shield , called the base , or last point , and clozing before their time beget this figure , which ( otherwise ) running Parallel , and equidistant from their beginning would produce a pale , so may this pile appeare , in the finall intention of failing Art , to bee a pale abortiue , or miscarrying .

Sauing the honour of your wittie error the pile is an Armoriall body of it selfe .

The Contents .

1. The intended matter of Lines at an end . 2. All their sorts not regularly comprehensible . 3. The linearie premisses begun to bee recapitulated . 4. Complemental passages betweene the two Knights . 5. The Maister findes fault , and supplies the wants . 6. The soft-wax table of memory . 7. The necessary vse of certaine markes vpon the Slate , with sundry methodicall considerations alike necessarie .

CHAP. 23. EVSTACE .

THe matter of Lines is now , it should seeme , at an end .

The intended mater ( that is , to show how they are elementary to the lineal part of the facultie ) is at an end . But these Lines of which hitherto wee haue entreated , are onely some of the maine , for examples sake brought hither , and which the SPANISH Herald very often blazeth by the name of Perfill ( as is said ) or as wee say Purfle , Or , Argent , Sable , or so forth .

Then belike there are more Lines of al sorts in Armories ?

There are more , & those not comprehensible within these rules . For neyther can Lyon , nor Eagle , nor Tree , nor Flowers , nor any other distinct representation be exprest in Armories without Lines , eyther drawne or conceaued , according to that which wee haue heere-tofore deliuered .

Shall I nowe recapitulate the poyntes of this as it were Geometricall Element of Armories ?

Very willingly , and as you go make demonstrations vpon this Slate .

First therefore it is plaine that Lines are a principal Element of Armories , in which they are eyther straight , or crooked . The straight are direct , or oblique , and againe , the oblique are eyther straight , or crooked .

Thus far your memory can sustaine no reproach .

Crooked are manifold , as thus , and thus , and thus .

Hetherto the mute Slate shall witnesse with you against forgetfulnesse .

Lines by a second diuision of yours are one , or more then one in an Armes .

Show how .

O ( Syr AMIAS ) did you not adiourne the demonstration of that part to another time ? and I am but your spring-water which naturally can mount no higher then the head from whence it came .

You haue too great a memory not to bee dangerous .

For all that you will not me thinks forbear to speak things worthy of table-books , and the next mornings meditation .

Mean-while ( for I acknowledge no such happinesse ) runne ouer the rest of the lecture of lines , if you please .

As ambitiously , assure your selfe , as if the Chair became my skill .

Lines therfore , you farther said , were eyther Pertransient in the nature of diameters ( and of those Pertransients you remembred no greater a number then foure ) or else Pertingent , as thus , and thus . You also toucht some speciall properties of them all , handling by the way some other things , and concluding that Lines in composition ( which part you did also put ouer , as more proper to bee taught in another place ) were eyther parallel , intersecant , or neutral .

Here like a young Courser that hath no certaine pace , you shuffle . If therfore you will render your selfe sufficient for the vnderstanding of moniments Armorial , it would behoue you to spell , and conne them throughly , and often , and that you may do it with the more effect , my selfe will not faile to giue you my best furtherance . As for the present , I will once more view the Slate , wherevpon you haue cyphred your remembred parts of the lecture , and therein supply what is wanting , that you may haue all the passed examples together , and in sight at once vpon one Plane , and by them ( as by so many places of artificiall memory ) both call them to your minde the better , and hold the depending doctrines the surer .

It is a singular good course , and a sure , for the soft-wax table of memory retaines not without sealing , and nothing is worth attention which is not worth remembring . But why haue you noted some with Asterisks , or Starrulets ? some with hands pointing ? and others with trefoils slipt ?

Euery Starrulet showes a passing , or transition from one different matter to another , according to our discourse it selfe , where were sundry branches , exceptions , and theorems . The marginall hands show , that at the Escucheon to which they seuerally point , begins a generall comprehension of all the particulars of one nature , which follow betweene that hand , and the next , and is a more light then in the handling was giuen . For of those Elementary Lines ( and primely Elementall are none but the single ) which we haue exemplified , the first sort are Elementall , and considerable in regard of their forme , as straight , crooked : Those of the second degree are Lines considerable in this Element in regard of their position , or manner of placing in Escucheons , as direct , and oblique , or , as in the more , or lesse length of their ducture . The third , and last are lines considerable in regard of their pluralitie , and therefore worthely adiourned to bee discourse for the Fabrick , or compositiue part of Armes , or Armories , in which they mixe , and concurre to the enshaping of proportions and figures vpon Shields .

Wherefore serue the Trefoils ?

To signifie such examples as are occasional , and come in but vpon the by : As partie per pale embatteled ( for so much therein as concernes the formes , or affections of lines ) is comprehended within the Angular , and is not a sort of it selfe : So the two Escucheons which do immediatly follow the two Pertingents of the second sort , that is to say parts of Pertingents , are to show ( as before they did show ) how they become Pertransient . Yet the former diuisions hold : For all betweene hand and hand are in one praedicament of Armory , and euery Starrulet is the signe of a different matter : The exceptions , and incidencies beforesaid , being most aptly notwithstanding comprehensible vnder their seuerall heads .

The Element of lines thus happily finished , the most beautifull Element of colours , doth next present it selfe to handling .

The Contents .

1. Admired PLATO vouched for entrance into the Element of colours . 2. Why colours are elementall to Armories . 3. Armoriall colours two-fold . 4. The vulgar error of bearing in proper . 5. Seauen chiefe Armoriall colours . 6. The Maister doubtfull how to marshall them . 7. Antiquities for the honor of White colour out of PLATO and SVETONIVS . 8. Rare scorne of humane pride out of colours , one very late of ABDELA the Morisco Emperour . 9. National as well as personall respects in the vse of colours . 10. Two considerations in the marshalling of Armorial colours . 11. IVLIVS SCALIGER bowld with ARISTOTLE . 12. The Armes of Doctor BARTOLVS one of the first gowne-men which bare any . 13. Certaine scales of colours . 14. The differences betweene two Authors cited in those scales , and the reason . 15. Concerning the place of Gules , and Azure .

CHAP. 24. AMIAS .

WHite ( saith PLATO ) is the fittest colour for GOD . Hauing heere but named PLATO , it seemes to me that I haue withall let in a great deale of light , and gracefulnesse , and therfore gladly vse that sentence of his as a garland , to adorne the entrance of this part of our discourse concerning Armorial colours .

You haue done well , and I rise vp in honour of his memory .

The beautifull , and vitall Element of colour is in hand . But before ( eyther with PLATO , or any one ) we define which colour is best , let vs not vnskilfully ouerslip the handling of such matters as ought necessarily praecede .

You are therefore ( as a generall rule ) to remember that by the word Colour , I vnderstand all sorts of colours in Armes , as well as those which are called metalls , as the rest . For gold , and siluer doe but in better stuffe expresse the tinctures which they hold , and yellow hath precedence of white rather for the dignity of the metall which sets it forth , then as it is a colour , in respect whereof it is not comparable to the chast , and virgin purity of white .

Why are colours elementall to Armes ?

For that as lines giue them shape , or circumcsription , so without Colour ( as hath bene said ) they neyther haue life , nor distinction .

Hath the naturall Philosopher , who teacheth the causes , and generations of colours any employment in this subiect ?

What liberall profession hath not ? but yet not in euery time , or place , and therefore not now , nor here , no more then their materials , as cerusse , lamp-black , vermilion , and the like : Because those colours are only for our turne which already haue their beeing , and are agreed vppon in common practise .

How many Armoriall Colours are there then ?

All colours vpon occasion bee vsed in Armories , as the thing which is to bee painted doth require . Therfore all colours are armoriall in the largest sense , which you may easily perceiue in those sheildes , where the Charge being of seuerall colours ( as a Peacock , a Culuer , a Cameleon , a Rainbow , or the like ) is set forth according to life , which as seldome , so it is of little grace in Armory , whose liking is chiefly of those which beeing principall , and Colours as it were of them-selues are withall most different one from the other . Of them ( as the humors of this artificiall bodie ) it is enough if we deale onely with such as are most noble , and vsuall , which are seauen . For that the bearing of things in their proper colours should be best , as it is I confesse somewhat commonly held , so is it a common errour , and but among the Commons , because those of the Vpper-house of skill know it is far otherwise , the reasons of Armes , and Nature being so different . A blew , or greene Lyon ( which are as improper colours for that beast as can bee ) are of better bearing then a naturall : How-beit if that vulgar conceit haue any ground , it is in the vse of the praedominant colour of a creature whose image is borne in Armories ; as a golden Lyon rather then any other , because Yellow is praedominant in him .

So that at most it can be said , That creature is best borne , or borne in his most dignity , which is aduanced in the praedominant colour thereof , which also I must demurre vppon , for I beleeue it not yet , and the reason will appeare elsewhere , for this is but by the way ,

Which then are the seauen chiefe Armoriall Colours ?

I am troubled at your question , as not knowing which to set downe first , the order in naming them is so diuerse , and in the march of Armes to rrespasse against true Marshalling is an errour which I am not willing to committe . To make Antiquity arbitresse of this difference will perhaps not serue , because custome ( which hath dominion ouer matters of this kind ) hath preuayled to the contrary , our whole speech being but of the chief armoriall colours . PLATO ( laying White aside , as a sacred colour , and symbolicallie reserued to the seruice of powers diuine ) leaues all the rest vnto vs for militarie Ensignes . Among the ROMANS it had signification of soueraignty it selfe , for ( as it is in SVETONIVS ) a crowne of laurel bound-vp with a label , or riband of white , and set vpon a statue of the first perpetuall Dictator IVLIVS CEASAR , the Tribunes commanded the said lace , or label to be taken away , and the fellow to bee put in prison , as one who had therein gone about to erect a King , and so far as was in him proclaymed CEASAR ; a matter as then high treason against the State . DOMITIAN in like sort for that his brothers sonne in law had Albatos ministros . tooke it very haynously , as if by the vse of that colour were ambitiously implide a pretense , or right to share in imperial dignity , chastising it therfore with HOMER'S 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 inferring that as many Kinges marr'd all , there ought to be but one , so that his Nieces husband meant to make one .

Of these and the like were no end , and yet the present controuersie of praecedence in colours should rest vndecided . Which if any man shall despise , hee doth not know that nothing is of so smal moment ( which I speake not as a matter for men to bee proud of , or wherein they haue cause to glory ) which is fit for vs Mortals to contemne , whose most weighty enterprizes by a colour , a shadow , or lesse , are not seldome interuerted , or swaid , to the singular scorne both of humane wisedome , and of what their other force so-euer .

We haue heard of a King who seeing the shippe wherein his sonne went vppon the dangerous aduenture of encountring the MINOTAVR of CRETE , returne with blacke sayles , as it went forth ( the colours of victory beeing forgotten to be displaid , as was agreed ) impatiently , and sodainly destroyd him-selfe , as supposing him to bee slaine .

Fresh accidents are most forceable .

Very lately in BARBARY a white skarcrow was ynough to start an Emperour from his imperiall seat , and make him to flye . Thus it hapned . In the late famous furies of that country betweene the three brethren , HAMET BOSONNE their cousin made head for him-selfe , and drew toward MAROCCO or MORVECOS the principal citty , not far from from which , ABDELA lay in camp , from whence a fellow being seen vppon an hil with a spear in his hand , and a white linnen vpon it as a flag , the Emperour ABDELA thought HAMET BOSONNE to bee at hand with his whole force , where-vpon in al hast taking vp som of his Tents , but the greater part left standing , he fearefully ranne away : And what was this terrible apparition do you imagine ? a poore MORE washing his napery , and for the speedier drying thereof vsing his speare to hang it in the sunne . Let examples passe : who sees not the naturall effect of colours ? At the approach of light whose senses are not cheared ? In darknesse who feeles not a kinde of horror ? Haue the White of a delicate face , and the blacknesse of a NEGRO alike admittance to our eye ? or allowance in the minde ? What innumerable affections are raised in the soule by colours , all admirers of beauty can tell , and I see not what the pride of life is more ambitious in , or studious for , witnesse the maruaylous valuations of pearle , and stone ( chiefly for the various shine of their colors , their luster , or water as they cal it ) the pompe of cloathes , the ornament of building , and innumerable other : All which are vnto the blind worth nothing indeed , but to those who haue the vse of sight , a maine cause why they desire to liue and bee .

Symbolical philosophy will teach vs wonders concerning these , and other maters . Who dares in TVRKIE weare greene , the colour of MAHOMET , but the SVLTAN him-selfe , or those of his bloud ? He that had liued when red , and white in the like-colour'd roses were fatall to the royall families of ENGLAND , would haue beene very loath to haue encountred with his contrary colour vppon disaduantage . White , and black long harrased some parts of ITALIE in the famous factions of B●ANC●I , and NERI . It was but onely a false feare which COMMINES in his eighth book writes that his FRENCH were put into by the white banner of a principall Leader of theirs , the same hauing beene vsed by the MARQVES of MANTVA their enemie . The particular praeference which is giuen to this , or that colour , aboue the rest by seuerall persons , how , or whence doth it come ? That there is a nationall as well as a personal respect cannot be deny'd , and colours rather then other are vulgarly appropriated to special vses , as symbolical to them , so far forth as a kinde of superstition is growne vppon the auoyding , for you shal seldome see a Bridegroome wed in yellow , or a forsaken Louer walke in blew . To mourne in black is as nationall a custome , as for the graue , and ciuil to go therein . Who sees not what a religion there is , as it were , in the vse of colours ? At a Saint GEORGES feast , a tilt , or triumph no man will usurpe his Maiesties knowne colours , yellow & red .

Is there a gratious seruant in Court who will dare to mount any other Colour into his hat , then that which his Lady , and Mistresse best approues , and vseth ? There is scarce any Noble person who doth not affect one colour , and prefer it before another in his fansie , though him-selfe can render no reason for it .

As how ? or among which of them ?

VPTON a Canon of Sarum and Wells , in his learned worke of Armes , dedicated to his Lord , and Patron HVMPHREY Duke of GLOVCESTER , cites them otherwise then GERARD LEIGH , who simplie hath the most , and best collections for Blazon , and ( notwithstanding his Pythagoracisms in affecting certaine numbers , and his no good choise in matters of Antiquitie ) doth best apply him-selfe to the capacitie of a learner , who is ignorant in other good letters . BOSWELL in one place followes GERARD LEIGH , but IOHN de Scohier Beaumontois differs from them all , and other Maisters ( as Sir IOHN FERNE Knight ) haue their peculiar marshallings . The three first I haue thought good to comprehend in this figure of sundry scales .

But what say you ?

First , obserue wherein they differ , and wherein they agree . About the place of metals there is no altercation , for all giue praecedence to gold , as to the more worthy mettall , but about the colours they varie : For VPTON assignes the third place to Azure , which LEIGH , and SCOHIER doe poste into the fourth : VPTON enstalleth gules in the fourth ; LEIGH , and SCOHIER in the third : Purple , according to VPTON is fifth , but according to LEIGH and SCOHIER , seauenth . In Vert , VPTON , and LEIGH doe accord : Sable is put last by VPTON , which LEIGH thinkes worthy to bee fifth .

May VPTON , and LEIGH bee reconciled or no ?

The matter is to be fetcht som-what farther of , that is , you must first consider them simply , and as of themselues for colours , in which sense VPTON rather speakes , then as they are in Armories , in which sense GERARD LEIGH : and so , they two hauing their seuerall reasons , their seuerall marshallings may be defended .

How doe you consider them as they are colours ?

White certainly is in his proper nature most excellent , as being most pure and splendent . For it is plaine that Yellow hath som-what in it lesse pure , and is a degree ( though yet the next degree ) to white , and as for the third place which is by VPTON giuen to blew , and by LEIGH to redde , VPTON , who knew much better the reasons , and causes of colours , did see that a bright blew had more of white in it then redde had , & redde , though a very bright colour , yet participated more yellow then blew hath , yet because it hath most of the second colour , and consequently not any thing of White but secondarily , therefore did VPTON following the order of nature marshall blew third , and GERARD LEIGH hauing reference to the dignitie of Yellow , as it is exprest in mettal , placed redde , where farre more learned VPTON putteth blew , which is in the third place , as also renowned BARTOLVS , though not in respect of it selfe ( as VPTON doth dispose thereof ) but in regard of the aër which it figureth .

The Contents .

1. Concerning the place of Purple . 2. VPTON in one respect preferred before LEIGH in the matter of colours . 3. Yellow not aduanced aboue white , in regard of it selfe . 4. Caesarean Lawyers commended . 5. Doctor BARTOLVS not diligent , nor exact in armoriall colours . In how many sorts their praecedency is considerable . 7. Sir EVSTACE spared as a learner .

CHAP. 25. EVSTACE .

I Am satisfide in this , so farre as concernes the reconciliation , or reason of those two first Authors VPTON , and LEIGH in their first difference . The second difference is about Purple , which in VPTONS Obelisk , or Scale is fifth , but in LEIGHS seauenth .

There is no doubt but that VPTON with good iudgment did marshall it so , considering his perswasion of their order in nature . For redde beeing with him the meane , and equidistant colour in the said order , betweene the two extreames of white , and black , what can bee more aptly placed then purple next to red ? for somuch as purple hath in it a kind of deepnesse , which makes it incline to a degree of black .

Doe you thinke that VPTON had as good reason for the other particulars in his Scale of colours ?

Altogether as good , considering his perswasion of the order of colours in nature .

Then you preferre his iudgment before LEIGHS in the first consideration , though it should seeme that euen his Scale also doth not meerly , and purely answer the said consideration , forsomuch as white , being according to nature , the most excellent of colours , hath not priority of yellow , which it ought to haue , being of it selfe pondred , VPTON respecting the honour of the metall which yellow representeth , or in which it is represented , and therefore his marshalling is not simply naturall .

Your obseruation is true , and by the leaue of Ciuilians ( an order of men which rightly instituted is able and worthy to gouerne the world ) I will adde somewhat farther concerning BARTOLVS : who making his distinction of colours as we haue done , and first ( which also factious methodists would carpe as preposterous ) declaring which colours are in his opinion most noble in respect of things which they represent , insteed of prosecuting the other member of his diuision , that is to say , insteed of showing which colours are most noble in respect of themselues , makes some of vs doubt whether hee hath therein performed any thing at all , or not confounded the second member with the formost . For comming to that point thus hee disputes , as light is most noble ( saith hee ) so her contrary , which is darkenesse , is most base , then in colours as they are to bee considered as of them-selues , ( for that is the point ) Color albus est nobilior quia magis appropinquat luci .

If therefore ( ô renowned BARTOLVS ) white is more noble , ( as you affirme ) for the more nearenesse which it hath to light , then it is not in respect of it selfe more noble , but in respect of that more neerenesse ( that is , in respect of another ) and so wee seeme to bee forsaken by you in this second point : For neither is light , nor darknesse a colour , nor measuring causes of the dignities of colours , nor was it the question which of them two was most noble , but whether this , or that colour . Yea , a curious sister might hazard all the first diuision by this , or make a fight betweene them , I meane betweene the first , and this : For if there bee but one rule of praecedence in colours , as they are considerable in respect of things which they resemble , or allude vnto according to the first diuision , then eyther white is chiefe euen in that respect , and to bee preferred before golden , purple , and azure , contrary to the collection which hee makes , or this is no apt resemblance which is brought by him of light , and darkenesse . But if there are two rules of such praecedencie , then certainly , colours as they are considerable in respect of others , are to bee considered after a double manner , euen according to the first diuision , the one manner superior , the other inferior , and the second consideration which is of colours as they are of themselues is to bee sought out in naturall Philosophie , not in resemblance , nor allusions . But I may not entangle you at first with these subtilities .

The Contents .

1. The Maisters great opinion of Purple . 2. The wonderfull honor which Antiquitie had it in . 3. Coniectures why that colour hath now lost the praecedence . 4. The admirable beautie set forth by Hyperbole . 5. The Maisters wish for restoring it to the antient glory . 6. The two vegetous soules of Armories .

CHAP. 26. EVSTACE .

YOu fauour mee therein ( good Sir AMIAS ) therefore if you please , and that the Entrance , Qu , and Turne thereof bee yet , I would bee glad to vnderstand somewhat concerning colours as they are in Armories .

I affect not the maintenance of forced paradoxes in matter concerning them , neuerthelesse before I entered farther I would gladly that purple were restored to the owne place .

Indeed I maruayle seeing the best , and most ancient Authors speake of purple , as of an Imperial , and most reserued colour , peculiar to the CEASARS , and other Soueraigne Princes , how it hath lost the praecedence ?

You may wel say it was peculiar indeed , when in the phrase of IVSTINIANS CODE , the shel-fish wherein it grew is called sacer murex , and the crime of vsing it in cloak , or other garment by an imperiall edict dated at CONSTANTINOPLE equalled to treason , and the appropriation thereof to them of the bloud only , is honored therin with no meaner , nor lesse holy a word than Dedication , which yet is but according to the Analogie of the whole vse , if the colour were sacred , nay ; if I forget not greatly , the State therein grew so precise , that to vse but guards , laces , or strings dipt with that die was capitall , though the great and glorious Emperour IVSTINIAN remitted the rigour of those Edicts made by his praedecessors .

The reason why it hath lost praecedence is because we haue lost the colour it-selfe , since ( as som thinke ) the TVRKS haue come into possession of the fishings at TYRE , and other places where the Welks or Shel-fish grew in which purple was found , or because though the fish bee not extinguished , yet the Art it selfe of drawing , and keeping it is vtterly perisht : For it is not ( GOD knowes ) that bastard die which is in Grocers turnsol , a mixture of vermillion , and blew-bysse , or cynaber , or the colour in violets , but a most pretious , bright and admirable ; which ( saith PANCEROLLVS ) is now to bee onely ghest at in the ITALIAN ielliflowre , & seemes not in some iudgements to bee that of the Amethist , but that of the Rubie , Pyropus or Carbuncle , or ( as saith BARTOLVS ) of Elementall fire , or rather of the Empyraean heauen it selfe .

If the true , and TYRIAN purple were not lost , I perceiue you would not feare to aduance it in dignitie aboue white and yellow , that is aboue the metals in Armories , gold and siluer .

I durst certainly . But forsomuch as those colours are in the Court of honour exempt from the name , and nature of colours , beeing the vegetatiue soules of Armories , and so reputed , wee put them apart as agreed vppon for the purpose of Armorie .

The Contents .

1. Of sable and white the two extremes of colours . 2. Their order in nature not the rule of their dignity . 3. BARTOLVS wherein ignorant . 4. SCALIGER'S scale of colours . 5 which are the bast Armories . 6. The reason of Armes , and nature is diuerse . 7. Of the Roman Eagle . 8. The same imperial Bird with two heads found borne in-remote Antiquity . 9. The dignity of Sable . 10. Praecedence captious . 11. Reflections vppon the humors of the Time . 12. Of Azure and the place thereof .

CHAP. 27. EVSTACE .

OR and Argent , and their co●lours yellow and white beeing agreed vppon ( as you say ) and their places resting out of controuersie , the dignity of mettal carrying it from the priority in nature , or excellency in that respect , seeing also that the true SIDONIAN , or TYRIAN purple is lost , though yet it retains an opinion of royall estate , or Maiesty , what is your conceipt of the rest in the scale of colours , that is to say , Sable , Azure , Gules , & Vert , or how-soeuer otherwise you or others please to marshal them ?

I will tell you . Nothing is more plaine ( as I suppose ) then that blacke is , as it were , the basis or pedestal of colours , and white the crown-point , or toppe , there being a kinde of leuitie , beside purity in the one , and an heauinesse , or obscurity in the other , white ( according to books , and reason ) being capable of all colours , and black contayning all . And if in this speculation we may faine a sursum , and deorsum , an ascence , and descence , an aspiring , and rest , a center and a summitie , the same must needs hold very well in black , and white , and in the relations which intermedious colours haue in their distances , and mixtures with eyther . VPTONS scale therefore ( sauing in the praecedence of yellow before white for the cause before sayd ) is best fitted to the order of Nature . You might aske now why the order of Nature should not also be the order of Honor , and Dignity .

But if that were so then among al other incongruities , sable as it is the basis , or foote of colours , so should it also bee the basest in Armories , which BARTOLVS ( ignorant of Armorial speculations , for now I am compelled to go so farre ) doth not stick to affirme .

And why is not I beseech you ?

For your better vnderstanding thereof put VPTONS scale into a line , thus .

or if you will ( with great learned IVLIVS SCALIGER in a philosophicall , sharpe , and clearkly manner disputing of colours ) thus .

I thinke it best .

Grant now that there are two termes , or extremes of colours .

It is graunted .

Grant also that the reasons of Armes , and Nature are seueral .

Be it so .

Then , as in nature there is no excellencie but in extremes , and as the final cause of Armes is one principall rule of excellence in Armorie , white beeing the one extreme , black the other ; More-ouer the finall cause of Armes borne openly in the field , or else-where , beeing manifestation , where black for the solemne deepnesse thereof is a colour altogether as far to bee seene , if not farther then white , for which cause also black , and bright in composition are held the soueraigne superlatiues : our vnderstanding therefore must necessarily bee conuinced , that in the Armoriall placings of colours , sable , next to the metalls , is best , no Herald ( as I take it ) doubting that these the present Armories of the ROMAINE Empire

are for such and other good reasons , according to Blazon , cheife .

I could with a very good will step aside heere into a question , or two if you would allow thereof , vpon occasion of this double-headed Bird , for that though you hold it so excellent , yet to mee ( in the rudenesse of my nouiceship ) it seemes monstrous and vnnaturall .

IVSTVS LIPSIVS thinks that the soldier ( for it was a priuate deuise ) who bare this sheild , was of a Legion made out of two , for that two Eagles seem mixt as it were in one , nor haue I in present any better coniecture to bring , though I would hee had deliuered his conceipt what the Crowne ouer it might meane .

Neuerthelesse it should appeare , that the motion which RHENANVS speakes of , was not then first made , for the Armories of FRIDERICK the second , reuiued among the rest at WESTMINSTER and there written Emperour , haue it but with one head , and the same seemes alike antiently painted , or stained in the glasse window ouer it , and this was in the reigne of HENRY the third King of ENGLAND , about foure hundrerh yeeres past : Other take it to proceed out of the engrauers errour , or that hee was onely King of ROMANS at the time of the Armories there cut , or painted , and consequently in right thereof had onely the Eagle with the single head , but afterward ( the writing being more easily changed then the sculpture ) the Armories remaining still the same , hee had the title of Emperour added , as that which had accrewed to him after their affixation , or setting there . But I may not tolerate these or the like digressions : You see therefore ( contrary to Doctor BARTOLVS ) the cause why Black , though the basis of colours , is not yet the basest colour , but shares with white , or hath the next roome therevnto .

If you were marshall in the court of Armorie , I perceiue there would bee some little alteration .

Sir , the mater of praecedence is captious , and I would bee loath to make a Grammar-warre in Heraldrie .

Is there any cause of feare ?

That note of a degenerous minde , is not too much mine ; howbeit , no man thinkes it safe to offend many .

Will any be offended ?

May be that some for their own Coates sakes will complaine of iniury done to their colours .

Indeed with as much cause as a Poet may be challenged for his Idaea , by such as acknowledge their owne part of vice in a figured person .

What may not men feare in so sickly a iudgment as the worlds ? But , if I should put gules after azure , what could you pick out of that ? you perhaps will answer , nothing .

I should make that answer , for I could picke nothing out of it .

No ? were it not to embase ENGLAND , and to ouer-glorifie FRANCE , because the ENGLISH field is gules , and the FRENCH field azure ? Or should I not doe wrong to Campes , and Parliaments , robbing souldiers , and vpper-house men of their colour ? would it not bee sayd I were malicious ?

O poore construction !

Poore indeed : But what so foolish that is not among men ? But azure being the colour of the starred heauen , and showing more clearly then any of the other with either metall , and ( according to BARTOL ) figuring the aër , might warrant such a praeference : yet I could discouer another dangerous exception .

What is that ?

That in putting azure before gules , I should plainly preferre speculation before practise , the ciuill contemplator before the martiall commander , and so renew the old Theomachie of HOMER , setting debate betweene MINERVA , and VENVS , or rake out of vrnes , and cinder the antient quarrell of Cedant arma toge — which conspiracie against common quiet , I will not bee guiltie of for a colours sake .

Then azure you could wish were fourth ?

If there be prescription to the contrary , I will not contend against custome .

The Contents .

1. The great honour of Gules . 2. Of Vert , and Purple , neither of them vsuall in ENGLISH Armories . 3. The superfluous vnderstand not the value of time . 4. The iudgement of the places of colours is hard . 5. Colours in Armes to bee vnderstood of the best in their seuerall kinds . 6. A throne of Armoriall colours according to the Maisters conceit . 7. Why Gules hath prioritie of Azure . 8. CHAVCER , and the Lord MANWOOD for red colour in gold . 9. Why vulgar Purple is put after Vert.

CHAP. 28. EVSTACE .

YOu haue beene very silent concerning gules , and vert .

They haue their Turnes , and I forget them not . Certainly the credit of gules hath worthily been very great among the ancient , and ( I beleeue ) more vsed then any other of the colours , excepting those of the two metalls : Witnesses hereof are all the antient lists , and rolls of Armories , in which there are scarce any two , or three together which haue it not , and this was chiefly ( as among martiall Gentlemen ) in regard of the resemblance it had to bloud , and battle , there beeing also in it a kinde of glowing brightnesse like to fire . As for vert ( in which word ( as in the other of sable , azure , gules , are onely , and properly vnderstood the black , blew , and redde peculiar to Armories onely ) is meant the greene vsed in armes-painting , or which ought to bee vsed , and is the very best ) that is as rarely found in Coat-armours , as gules is often found : and yet Purple , aswell for the reasons beforesaid , as because ( for so it seemes ) the whole honor thereof was transferred to gules , more rarely in our ENGLISH bearings , hachments , or notes of honor : Which is notwithstanding no disreputation to either . Vert in Armories hath alwayes had the betokning of a ioyous , youthly , fresh , & flourishing state of bearing , and is therefore in that respect aduanced to the honour of a superlatiue , uert in or , being entituled most ioyous . I can apprehend no greater reason of the raritie , then the sterne , rough temper of the former Worlds , which delighted not in amorous , or pleasant deuises , as a-symbolous to the vse of warre .

Afford mee now I pray a Scale of colours , according to your particular opinion of their ciuill dignity , without regard either to custome , or nature .

It were a curiositie of little vse , and I might doe it with as little allowance of others . For I should not therein doubt to call vp purple to the highest end of the table , setting Or , and Argent beneath , but ( that wee may not seeme not to vnderstand the price of time ) let vs bee compendious , and consider colours as they are in present Armories .

Vouchsafe then to mee a scale which best answers both the order of nature , and the order of dignity , according to the which I may make a rule to my selfe concerning the vse of their prioritie , or posterioritie in Armories .

Or , and Argent are yeelded vnto for the two first places , and ( vpon the warrantie of such reasons as you haue heard ) I haue worthily restored sable to the third . The controuersies then that are , rest betweene azure , and gules , and betweene vert , and vulgar purple , and in the decision of those controuersies a doubt ariseth , which , or what shall bee the rule to decide them by , authoritie ? arguments ? or common opinion ? All which beeing full of vncertainties , I will therefore place the seauen principall Armoriall colours , which are euery one of them vnderstood to bee the best of their seuerall kinds ( as the brighest yellow , purest white , deepest black , and so forth ) vpon a throne of foure steps , according to my present conceit , and iudgement of their order , leauing others notwithstanding to their particular opinions , which I doe the more willingly , because I would not tire your spirits in the maze of scruples , and not ( were there any authentick , or set forme for ordering them ) for that I would imitate the licence of the age wherein wee liue , in reiecting whatsoeuer stands not with present vse , and phantasie , and the reason of this my marshalling may partly bee gathered out of the premisses . The throne of colours is this .

Or , Argent , and Sable , admitting ( in my opinion ) no controuersie , I haue yeelded gules a place before azure . Not for that azure hath not more of white then gules , if the order of nature were the onely rule of Armoriall dignitie , or for that it representeth not a nobler body then it ( and that azure is borne out of white appeareth , for that white mixt there-with , doth but weaken the blewnesse , abating it to a watchet , and so to other degrees of palenesse , as the mixture beares ) but therefore gules praecedes , for that true purple is lost , into all whose honors gules seemeth to succeed , is more often obserued in antient Armories then any other of the colours , participateth much of gold , or yellow , gold it selfe , aswell among the learned , as vnlearned , being not rarely called red , with the Poets , rutilum is a familiar epithete , or attribure of aurum , and for our vulgar , CHAVCERS rime of Sir THOPAS , shall giue you an authoritie , where it is said , His shield it was of gold so red , And this common conceit made MANWOOD Lord chiefe Baron , call golden coyne ( as I haue heard reported ) by an alluding by-name Ruddocks ; and finally , gules therefore is suffered to praecede , for that most properly it resembleth MARS , and is most aptly appliable to martiall behoofes : That it is a childe , or neere cozen to yellow ( as azure is of white ) may bee manifested thus , forsomuch as to abate , and allay the fulnesse of red , we doe not see white vsed ( as a colour too remote ) but rather yellow , and that so farre-forth as some doe grinde a Chiue of Saffron with Vermillion , to make it the more pleasant , whereas white in like proportion mixed , would dimne , and decay it , as yellow would spoile azure , and turne it greene , these in Armorial speculations seeming to be of their kinde , which in Naturall are by the learned , called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 And so , admitting yellow to bee the chiefe of Armoriall colours for the metalls sake which representeth it , rightly is gules preferred before azure , in that it partakes so much of yellow . Lastly , I haue put vert before vulgar purple , for that vert is simply , and indeed , a colour reputed as it were of it it selfe , and comming such to vs out of his mineralls , or materialls , whereas vulgar purple is not ( I presume ) found in any one single substance , whether minerall , or other materiall , but is made by mixture , in like sort as Orenge-tawnie is of certaine quantities of yellow and redde mixt together . And this is the Table of Armoriall colours , wherin all respects , as well naturall , representatiue , or customary , so farre as I can presently collect , are best satisfide , which likewise I intend to follow , being thus marshalled , Or , Argent , Sable , Gules , Azure , Vert , and vulgar Purple .

The Contents .

1. The , as it were , complections of Armories . 2. One colour cannot be an Armes . 3. Physicall disputes of colours omitted . 4. Atomies are colourlesse . 5. The old terme of Claurie in blazon . 6. Reasons why one colour cannot be an Armes ( 7. ) Examples to the contrary ( 8. ) out of the Prophet NAHVM ( 9. ) and Pearlesse VIRGIL , ( 10. ) Of ALEXANDER Magnus ( 11. ) AVGVSTVS CAESAR , ( 12. ) TAMORLAN ( 13. ) the antient banner of PORTVGALL , ( 14. ) the Auriflamb of FRANCE , ( 15. ) The old banner of ARAGON , with the memorable cause of redde Pallets therein . ( 16. ) De la BRECTE vnder EDWARD the first . ( 17. ) The Maister easily puts by the poynt of these exeptions , ( 18. ) of honorable Additions , ( 19. ) Admirable modesty of old , in assuming Armories . ( 20. ) The white Knight in IRELAND , ( 21. ) The old banner of NAVARRE ( 22. ) What wee are to iudge of a blancke or empty superficies ( 24. ) No good Armories without metal . ( 24. ) ROKESLEYS coate , ( 25. ) Extrauagants , ( 26. ) Metall the vegetatiue soule of Armes . ( 27. ) Armoriall Harmony .

CHAP. 29. EVSTACE .

YOu haue beene bountifull to mee in this delightfull argument ( worthy Syr AMIAS ) and greatly opened mine vnderstanding of them .

It would require much more , euen as colours are Elementall vnto Armories .

As how I beseech you ?

In respect of their coniunctions one with another , by which ( in proportion of the quantities of colours in those coniunctions ) the , as it were , complexion of a Coate is made vppe , whereas heere the Armoriall colours are onely considered as they are single , and of themselues , and as single notes are no concords , nor proportions in musick , so single colours haue no Armoriall harmony . In which respect they neither are , nor can be in Arms , for of one colour onely no coate can consist . Wee will not heere touch at the subtilities of the Physicks concerning colours , nor dispute whither LVCRETIVS his atomicall Elements , or seedes of things haue any colour , a matter by him forbidden to be credited , saying — colore caue contingas semina rerum .

Wherefore then cannot a coate of Armes consist of one colour ?

For innumerable causes . First to mainetaine the matter of the Elements now in hand , for if we admit such an absurdity as the subsistence of a coate , being barely a sheild of one colour ( which kinde of bearing the antient Armorists called Claurie , as I thinke of the clearnesse ) without any other distinction , wee vtterly make voyde the whole doctrine of Armoriall Elements , at leastwise two of them ( that is to say number , & position ) are decarded . Then , for that a coate of Armes is an artificial distinct , & compounded body & can no more consist , or be of one color , them a man of one Element . And to be breife , for that a coate of one coulour is no coate at all , but a colour onely , or such as SCOHIER saith are Tables d' attentes , for the colour thereof beeing mettall , it is nothing but , as it were , all light , without shadow , or life without body , and beeing not metall but colour onely , it is all nothing but as it were shadow onely , and a soule-lesse body .

Yet are there some examples to the contrary ?

Examples are not prooues , and I can call to minde some particulars , wherein this rule seemes to bee infringed after seuerall manners . In the Prophesie of NAHVM , among the bookes of holy scripture it is said , that the sheildes of the mighty were become redde , as some translate . In prophane authors , that of the ROMANE Poet ( whom by IVSTINIANS imperiall rule , when no name is added to signifie which of the Latin Poets wee meane , can be none but incomparable VIRGIL ) is worthily most memorable , where HELENOR sonne to the King of MEONIA , stolne from his friends by the seruile LICYMNIA , and sent to the warres of TROY , was — parmâ inglorius albâ . ALEXANDER Magnus also ( as it is in IVSTIN ) in a certaine triumphant iourney of his , bestowed Shields of white-plate ( Siluer-shields ) vpon his Soldiers , whom he therefore called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

It is farthermore in learning that AVGVSTVS CAESAR , after a victory by him obtained in the SICILIAN Sea , honoured MARCVS AGRIPPA with an azure Banner , — vexillo caeruleo . TAMORLAN the SCYTHIAN ( if that bee any thing to the purpose ) hung out ( as some report ) vpon seuerall dayes flagges of seuerall colours , Symbolicall to his designes . Wee may not in this number forget what ANDREAS RESCENDIVS is said to write , that is , that the Armes of the Kingdome of PORTVGALL , were nothing at first but a white flagge , till by occasion of a victory obtained by King ALPHONSO , against fiue Moriseo Kings , the fiue Escucheons azure were added . The celestiall auriflamb so by the FRENCH admired , was also but of one colour , a square redde Syndon Banner . What can wee doe lesse then report the Armes of ARAGON , as they were said long since to haue beene ? to wit , onely , or , that is , a field , or rather a superficies or , not charged with pallets , as they now are Blazed , which hapned at such time as one of the Kings thereof dipping his fingers in the bloud of new slaine SARACENS , or ( as others say ) LEWIS Emperour in the wounds of il Conde de BARCELONA , fighting on his side against the NORMANS , ennobled that yellow standard , by drawing vpon it those bloudy markes which now it hath .

Many the like examples might bee found , and I haue seene an old record in FRENCH verses , that at KARLAVAROCK in SCOTLAND in the time of King EDWARD the first , EVMENIONS de la Brecte , ( so is hee there named ) bare Gules , and no more : The words are , Mais Eumenions de la Brecte , La Baniere eut toute rougecte .

And do not all these examples which affront your proposition mooue you ?

Were their files doubled , and trebled with the like to these , they could not mooue mee , for of all these there is not one Coat of Armes , & so I haue no reason to mooue , or to remooue . For first the place in NAHVM belongs but to the description

of a dreadful conquering host there meant , and had nothing priuate but nationall to the ASSYRIANS . HELENOR in VIRGIL was but a nouice in Armes , without hauing atchieued any honorable note , and therefore his shield was White . As for ALEXANDERS Argyraspides , who sees not it was a ryotous ostentation , no assignatation of peculiar notes of noblesse ? AGRIPPA'S azure Banner heere depainted , as it was giuen him for a Symbolicall argument of man-hood shewed at sea , so was it but in the nature of other militarie graces , and signes of seruice valiantly performed , and if these were yeelded to bee in the nature of an Armes , then would one man be found among the old ROMANS that had a multitude of Armes giuen him as testimonies of his heroick vertues , contrary to their very nature , vse , and institution , which is to bee but single and one vnto one person , and that also to dessend vnto posterity . Though I am not ignorant that for more honors sake an whole Coate hath been giuen to a Name as an augmentation beside the originall Coat , as that which in the quarterings of the CLIFFORDS , Earles of CVMBERLAND is borne second ,

in which notwithstanding it hath , and beares but the nature of a Chiefe , or a Canton , or the like additions of honor in the same Armories , or Shield : No more then this empalement , which his Maiestie gaue to Sir IOHN RAMSEY , now Vicount HADDINGTON .

The supposed flags of TAMORLAN at his leaguers , or sieges , were no otherwise any Coates of Armes , then at this day flaggs of truce , or bloudie colours . That the white-banner of PORTVGALL was but a symbolicall Colour , not an Armes , appeares in this , for that then first it changed the inglorious state thereof , and came to bee Armorial , when it had those notes of honor added : As first , the said fiue Escucheons in crosse charged seuerally with plates in Saltoir , and afterward eight golden Castellets in a border Gules ,

in remembrance ( say some ) of the Kingdome of the ALGARBES , wherin were so many principal citties , al annexed by conquest from the MOORES to the Crowne of PORTVGAL , or ( as my worthy friend Maister CAMDEN admonished me ) in respect ( say others ) that PORTVGAL was feudum CASTILIAE , and held thereof , the Armories of CASTILE beeing a Castle triple-towred , and of like colours with the others border , that is to say , Gold in Gules . To the famous Auriflamb of FRANCE , though recorded to haue bin sent from heauen ( in a more celestiall manner than the Ancile of anciōt ROME ) as a sanctified banner to lead the FRENCH hosts fortunately while they liued well , I haue nothing here to say , for that it presseth not the place with any forceable argument , or other , which by the same reasons with the former is not fully satisfied . The obiection countenanced vnder the Standard of ARAGON is answered , & auoided as that of PORTVGAL : without calling into the least doubt that the Ensigne of the one nation was wholy yellow , & the other wholy white , til occasionally they thus became distinguished with signes of Noblesse ; Onely I may not ouerslip one obseruation for the honor of Armes : For if these two Kingdomes ( which may also bee presumed to haue laid down their ancient Ensignes , as foil'd , eclipst , & sham'd by the ouer-running of Infidels , & BARBARIANS ) made such a religion ( vpon comming to new heades ) of taking vnto them any deuise of Armes to distinguish them-selues by , that they had rather ingloriously aduance a single colour , then not attend an occasion of worthily assuming them , O! who can ynough admire the truly ingenuous & liberall state of minds in diuine Antiquity ? In the rere-gard , & as it were last hope of the battel , appears the Example of EVMENIONS de la BRECTE , which what-soeuer it meanes , certainly I deny not but that a Gentleman in exercises of Armes may vpon a priuate conceit ( as de la BRECTE ) not only paint his Banner & Sheild , but his whole Armor with Vermilion , or any other colour , leauing off his own Coate of Armes for the time , either vpon vow , singularitie , or otherwise : And of such disguizes wee haue heard , and from thence perhaps at first descended to MAC GIBBON the title , who lately was white Knight in IRELAND , & is an hereditary by-name to that house of the GERALDINES , but could hee show no other , nor more significatiue note of honor , he would neuer among the learned bee registred a Gentleman of Armes . As de la BRECTES , so also was the Banner of NAVARRE all Gules , & ( as is written ) continued such till SANCHEZ le fort , King thereof , added those golden ornaments which now doe shine therein : But I can no more call the one , or the other a Coate of Armes , without extreame impropriety , and abuse of speech , then a plaine peece of Virgin-wax a seale , or a sheet of vnwritten paper a letter , or a maid a wife .

So then if it fortune vs to meete with some other such examples , we are taught hereby to hold them but like PLATO his abrase tables , which are indifferently capable of any forme , till when , they are as certain embrions , rude proiections , or things in power . To induce , and settle which forme two colours are absolutly necessary , or more then two .

Most true : and according to the receiued grounds of the knowledge , of those two colours one must be a mettall . Contrary to which grounds though there may be some examples euen in Antiquity , and of those specially where colour is vpon colour , yet enlumined neuerthelesse with metal in one part , or other , as in this ,

borne by the name of ROKESLEY , & quartred by PAVLET , L. Marquesse of WINCHESTER , they notwithstanding may passe like Heteroclits , and Extrauagants into a place by them-selues , as not triable by the general Test of Armories : For metal is their vegetatiue soule , and as no body can mooue of it selfe without life , so no Armories are proper without it , or can be said to liue being destitute of that as it were vitalitie , and quickning clearnesse which from thence it borroweth .

The number therefore of the chiefe Armoriall colours ; their order according to seuerall marshallings , and your owne ; how the differences are reconciliable ; many other particular maters concerning particular colours , and things , as I well vnderstand by the premisses ; so in one matter which you did but touch at , I conceiue nothing except the bare name ; for thus you said , as single notes are no concords , nor proportions in Musick , so single colours haue no Armoriall harmonie . Is there then any Armoriall harmonie ?

First learne that there are elements , and so you may come to the harmonie the better , for ( to answer you directly ) there is such a thing , not onely in marriages , or alliances of one colour with another , as they are matched in Armes ( which show well , or ill , according to their distances , and degrees of lightnesse , or sadnesse ) but also in the quantities , and proportions themselues , wherein they stand honored with no lesse diuersitie , then the countenance of man : Which as it is fairely apparent in euery particular good Coate , so much the more , where multitudes stand together as in painted tables , rolls of Armes , and Lig●er-bookes , or Hachments , where many faire are quartred : The pleasing and wondrous varieties whereof , to such as did euer studie the secret , and reason of those concords , are not onely ( as to the vnlearned ) an entertainment of the eye , but a food , and musicke to the minde : The skill whereof beeing abstruse , but very demonstrable , some other greater Clearks may teach .

The Contents .

1. Of the furre Ermin . 2. The strange propertie of furres in Armories . 3. Vulgar conceits about Ermin . 4. The Coat of BRITAINE , and short Blazon thereof . 5. Sir IOHN FERN'S conceit of Ermin . 6. Of PLATO'S Hermes , and of Hermathenes . 7. Doctor red SMITHS fine allusion to Ermin . 8. GERARD LEIGH . 9. Sir EVSTACE reproued for Criticisme . 10. The Maisters iudgment of Ermin . 11. TACITVS for it . 12. The natiue soile of Ermin , and most ancient vse thereof in GERMANIE . 13. The Rationall soule of Armories .

CHAP. 30. EVSTACE .

BEfore you altogether cease to speake of this second Element , I would bee glad to heare som-what of furres in Armories , and what they are .

Honorable , and ancient , but because they all consist of more colours then one , and therefore want that simplenesse of beeing , which single colours haue , they refuse to bee handled here , or are refused rather . The two principall furrs are Ermin , and Varie .

Are furres neither metall , nor colour ?

It is said of the Planet MERCVRIE , that hee is affected as the celestiall bodies , with whom hee is ; good with the good , and bad with the bad : So ( by a kinde of Antithesis ) the furres in Armes , are as metall with colour , and of the nature of colour when the rest is metall .

You report a strange property . Princes , and great States , in Caps of honor , robes , and mantles vse Ermin , is it that which is vsed in Armories ?

I see your drift Sir EVSTACE is to make mee deale vpon a commoditie of skinnes . To satisfie you , it is the very same .

They are commonly called polwdred Ermin , and both the white , and black in them are skin with the haires on , for I haue seene a royall satten mantle , the furre wherof was the whole cases of Ermin , their tail-tips ( all that was black in them ) not stitcht in , but Pendent , and Dangling , and the Dukes of BRITAINE Armorick did giue ( as I heare ) nothing else for their Armes : And ( to vtter all my little commodities of learning , or obseruation in this kinde at once ) I must tell you also that I haue heard Pellions say that there is a counterfet sort , which notwithstanding is very rich , made of the soft white bellies of Squirrel , Mineuer , and the like , drawn-in , and powldred with little specks of black ITALIAN budge . The forme of true Ermine I haue often obserued in old cloaths of ARRAS , and the like Court-hangings , and were such as these :

The Coate of BRITAINE in FRANCE is as you say , and ( as VPTON writes ) taken for Armes , because ( saith hee ) Ermine were much found there , commending the Coate it selfe for one of the best ,

aswell for that it is of shortest Blazon ( for in the word Ermin is all ) is soonest made at neede , and beeing made is farthest decern'd . As cleare notwithstanding as wee make it , all do not agree in the qualitie of the stuffe , or in this furre . For Sir IOHN FERNE ( out of CASSANAEVS ) saith , that they are called Hermines ( aspirating the word ) of Hermae , which worthily admired PLATO in his HIPPARCHVS doth say , were erected , by PISISTRATVS the sonne of PHILEDONICVS , in euery three-way-leet , and Tribe of ATHENS , and engrauen with morall verses of most excellent sense : MARSILIVS FICINVS vpon this place saith , that these Hermae were certain squared stones in manner of a statue without an head , set in publick wayes , and dedicated to MERCVRIE : But they ( as some more probably report ) did resemble MERCVRIES head , and were of HERMES ( another name of his ) called Hermae , as Hermathenae had their names from the heads of MERCVRIE , and MINERVA ioyned , as their names are ioyned in the word ; ATHENE signifying the same that MINERVA , as HERMES doth MERCVRIE ; and these Hermae were vsed as well in the adorning of libraries , as sepulchers . So as in this hardy deriuation , euery spotte of Ermin in an Armes , should stand for a seuerall Herm , or shadow therof , turning thereby a painted Targat into a ROMAN Atrium , which containd the Images of Ancestors : Very pretty was that conceit , which my friend Maister SEGAR , GARTER , principall King of Armes , related to mee as Doctor RED-SMITHS , concerning Ermin : For ( said he ) seeing colours are resembled to planets , Ermin ought to bee Hermoys , of HERMES ; for Quick-siluer ( being so appropriated to MERCVRIE as it beares his very name ) breakes into droppes , resembling Hermin in Armories : But wee that are no schollers must not ( least wee should cum ratione insanire ) sore so high into learning for a thing before our eyes , and palpable . GERARD LEIGH holds that the Ermin is a ltttle beast in the land of ARMONIE ( so he soundes it ) & is from thence denominated , so Ermin should according to him be Armin of ARMENIA ; certainly as I cannot controule this Etymologie , so among the RVSSES , it is not the word as it seemes , for they ( If I mis-vnderstand not the booke of the RVSSE common-weal ) cal them Gurnstais , so * * In our old English , Ermin , signifies poor , but aske Markman how that agrees with Armorial Ermin . as Ermin is plainly a word of another roote .

It should seeme that the propinquity of the words , Ermin , Hermae , Hermes , Armenia , gaue occasion of those other opinions . Therfore I maruaile that none haue added that Ermin were called Heremins of woods , & desert places as Heremites are .

You must not ( Sir EVSTACE ) play the Censor so soon : PYTHAGORAS would haue set a fine on your head , and made you expiate for it to his goddesse Silence . The conicctures of Maisters are to be reuerenced of beginners : And yet I hold your conceit not the most absurd : the word now vsed in Armorie is Ermin , and as I thinke of the beast it selfe so called . CORNELIVS TACITVS shewes them to vs among the old GERMANS . His wordes are these : Eligunt feras , & detracta velamina spargunt maculis , pellibusque belluarum quas exterior Oceanus & ignotum mare gignit .

By them it is plaine that the choyce skinnes onely were by those GERMANES pouldred with spots . They cull , or choose ( saith the most profoundly prudent Historiograper ) and powder with spots , and not onely with spots but with skins , so as they pouldred those choyce skinnes with other skinnes . And this I take to be our Ermin . The place seemes also to point out their natiue soile , for by Exterior Oceanus , & ignotum mare , he meanes such countries as lye betweene GERMANIE , & the Northermost sea , that is to say the huge vast Prouinces of MOSCOVIA , RVSSIA , and the rest of that icie world , whence all our excellent furres come , from euen as farre as PERMIA , which bordereth on that Exterior Ocean , and vncouth Sea . Thus farre haue you trainde mee forth to hunt the Ermin , whose skinne is not often found in ancient Armories , but in Cantons , or other additions of honor , and rewards of seruice .

The Element of colours is then at an end , and wee are now to bee acquainted with Number , the next of foure . But before you passe the Musiue , or pleasant Mosaick worke of colours , as you haue beene very satisfactorie in furre , and royall Ermin , as in all the other , so helpe me I pray out of a speciall scruple . You said , that metall was the vegetous soule of Armes : Haue Armes any other soule then vegetatiue ? as either sensitiue , or rationall ?

It hath a rationall soule , in a borrowed , and alluding sense , for as metall quickneth an Armes to the eye , so the reason , meaning , proportion , and apt correspondence of parts , is to Armes , as a reasonable soule is to man : And now once more I must become a suter to you , that you would forbeare to draw mee into digressions , as in the last question , which is meerely a part of Symbolicall Philosophie , and I am now content to bee thought not vnwilling to draw toward my port .

The Contents .

1. Number an Element . 2. Demonstrated in a Pertransient . 3. A diuision of Armoriall Elements . 4 Position or Place another of the Elements . 5. Demonstrated in the remooue of the same Pertransient . 6. The rare effect of Position .

CHAP. 31. EVSTACE .

NVmber , and Position , are the two remaining Elements , now that Lines , and Colours are discust , but why , or how come Number , and Position to bee of the Quorum in this discourse ?

As no Armories can bee without lines , and colours , ( the first of which Armoriall Elements giues circumscription , the other conspicuitie ) so neither can they want Number , and Position : For example : In a Coat-armour where there is but one Pertransient ( which is the plainest , purest , and most primitiue bearing ) as in partie per fesse , this line beeing a Pertransient , and not two , or more , but single , causeth a partition , and two colours to bee in the Coate , which otherwise should bee no Armories at all , wherein Number is most euidently Elementall , yet so , as that Lines , and Colours may bee said to bee primarily such , but Number , and Position secundarily , for that Lines , & Coulours are as it were of the mater of Armories , but Number and Place are of order , and disposition .

It is vndeniable .

And as for Position , or the necessitie thereof , the onely drawing of the single Pertransient beforesaid ouer the field in trauerse , and not in bias , is the very cause why it is partie per fesse , which line being once remooued , either vpon , or from her center , begets another nature , and blazon to the Coate . So much it concerneth to obserue how many things for their number , and in what manner for their position , they are , or ought to bee in Armes .

What meane you by remoouing it vpon the Center ?

I meane the middle-most point of the Eschucheon , from which if you lift it higher , mutation of the place , as here

makes that which was a Partition to be a Chiefe , the Pertransient being turn'd by such a remooue to a Pertingent , so great power there is in position as to the purpose of Armes , which can no more Subsist , or be at all without Position , then without lines , colours , or number .

The Contents .

1. A question mooued about Number , and Numeration . 2. Cyphers in Armories as well as Letters . 3. The more any thing is one , the more it is excellent . 4. Numbred things in Armory diuided . 5. Finite which . 6. Indeffinite . 7. Infinite difference betwixt Infinite and Indefinite . 8. Nothing Infinite in Armes . 9. Finite and Indefinite subdiuided . 10. The odde number principall . 11. Euen articulate Number is best . 12. A reuersed Pyramis . 13. Which euen - digit-number is chiefe . 14. Fifteene , how the most of Finite . 15. Of the Odde and their graduation . 16. Euen not so capable of diuerse formes as Odde . 17. Deliuered in a Rule . 18. Rare examples out of VPTON and the Gallery at THEOBALDS . 19. Rule defended against them . 20. Dignity thereof .

CHAP. 32. EVSTACE .

WHereas you say that number is an Element of Armories , meane you that the figures of Arithmetick are in Armes , or the vse of Numeration onely ?

Numeration only , as one , two , or more of this or that kind , & yet the figures , or characters themselues may ( I doe not altogether deny ) bee in Coates of Armes , so well as Letters , or the like , though with little grace .

Lead mee I pray into this other Reuestrie , or secret place of Armories .

Vnitie is perfection , and the more any thing is one , the more it is excellent : But wee are to let that passe which concerneth excellency , and finish the mater of our Elements . Number , or rather numbred things in Armories are finite , or indefinite . Finite are such whose number is certaine , as two , three , or more : Indefinite , whose number is vncertaine : Betweene which , and finite , is infinite difference . For though indefinite bee vncertaine , yet is it numerable , but nothing infinite can bee in Armes , no more then in Nature , for infinite is incomprehensible .

How are finite , and indefinite subdiuided in their Armoriall vse ?

As they are in their owne kinde , according to which they are either euen , or odde , of which the odde are best .

You will come within the verge of forbidden Magick shortly , which altogether workes vpon the odde .

To the purpose ( Sir EVSTACE ) to the purpose . Of what nature therefore , condition , or state soeuer Armories bee , whether composed of Lines onely , or filled with resemblances of things , or both , number is alwayes in vse , and makes one ; Art marshalling that number . Of the euen the most Armoriall , and harmonious is that , which decreasing in euery file , or ranck one to the base point , produceth an Odde .

Which euen number is that ?

The first , and cheif is the number of six , which ( according to the description I gaue ) decreaseth in euery rancke one to the base point , and produceth an Odde , imitating in Geometricall proportions , a reuersed Pyramis , as followeth ,

which no other articulate number can effect , for which reason also they are not vsed of them-selues in principall good Armories , but eyther with , or vppon other things .

Why should Six bee the best of euen numbers ? Or rather why is the Odde in the point base so requisite ?

For decency , because it falleth most aptly with the figure of a triangular Sheild , and for that there are manifold , and worthy speculations in number , and position .

What other euen numbers , or euen numbred things do admit the like ?

The first of digit numbers is Ten , as ensueth , which also partakes those excellencies wherof the number Six doth bost .

What other euen number haue you obserued ?

Seldome any but Six , and Ten , vnlesse accompanyed with some other things , as in MEMORANCIES coat , wherin with a Crosse are sixteene Eaglets : And I also thinke it a true Theorem , that no euen number is capable of those formes which diuersity of Position giues to the Odde .

Which are the Armoriall Odde ?

One is odde , and One is onely best : next to that the Trias , Ternio , or number three , and so the rest of the Odde to Fifteene : For I haue not obserued any thinges of one kinde in one Armes , not being semi , aboue that number without some other charge or counterchange . But in some such manner you shal perhaps meet with a few ; as I remember one in the Northeast window of the Cathedral church of BRISTOL , which the sacriledges committed vpon Moniments hath not defaced , and seemes both ancient , and honourable in the owner , for that it is there mounted among Benefactors of note , wherin are eighteene Lillies after a strange way , as 44.4.3.2.1 .

Which is the first of the Odde that decreaseth according to your description ?

The number Three , which being placed two , and one , and thereby cast out toward the Angles of the Sheild is called an Armorial Triangle .

Which next to the Ternio , or Three , of all the Odde decreaseth in euery ranke one to the point base ? beeing that forme which seemes the most amiable , and comely comportment of things in one kinde , in one Armes .

It seemes , and is : But from Three to Fifteene there is no number of all the Odde so happy , and that you may finde among the royall bearings of this our countrey in the Armories of the Dutchy of CORNWAL , now a parcell of the inheritances of the Crowne .

But why is not the euen number capable of so many formes of Position as the Odde ?

The reason belonges to the mysticall part , but I will shew it is not so capable , and giue you my rule thus : No euen number in thinges of one kind , possessing the whole field only , and alone , and keeping all of them one state , or way , with requisite distance , can be capable of such diuersitie of formes in position , as the odde be . An euen number therefore cannot be disposed into a Crosse , or Saltoir , as the odde can , and is .

But if the same state , or way of placing bee not maintained , then I can demonstrate in an example or two , that the number foure , being the first , & soueraigne of square , or cubick numbers , may be capable of like formes as the Odde , as in the coat which NICHOLAS VPTON doth say was put vnto him at LONDON by an Herald of BRITAIN ARMORICK , or little BRITAIN , and which hath since I perceiue bin giuen to a familie in CHESHIRE , for borne it is as both by the painted tree of that County in THEOBALDS , as otherwise is apparent : The Coat is very rare , and of a strange inuention , to the which wee will adde for varieties sake another called TRVBSHAWES being quarterly gules and vert , foure pheons argent in crosse , their points in the fesse point of the sheild

The Coats though the number of their charges be euen are very odde , & altogether such as any man would thinke were likely ynough to be exceptions against Rules so soone as hee saw them . But your Rule holds good against them , because they keepe not one state , position , or way .

It doth , and yet the quality of the Charge may be such as that the rule may bee infringed in that point , as in this Bearing

How can you keepe it off then , from entering vpon your Rule ?

It could draw small forces after , did it enter , and no barre is commonly so general , which some particular , or other will not transcend : Yet this doth not , for when you suppose it is gotten in , it is kept off with the end of the former rule , for want of requisite distance . And though in the last Armes there are indeed foure of one kind , wherein the number , and quality are great , yet beeing not dispierst into the Sheild , they are but in the nature of a single Lorange , or Rhombus , which figure they produce , though placed in Crosse.

I must therfore yet once againe entreat to know some litle cause of this effect , that is to say , why euen numbers are not so fairly capable of different situations as the odde ?

The reason is plain : For the midds of the Sheild must not be empty , nor yawning , and in that respect , place things of one kind in Crosse , in Saltoir , in Fesse , or after any forme , or other of the honorable ordinaries , as in Bend , in Pale , and so forth ( so as you place them armorially ) and assure your selfe the euen number is excluded . If you demand why the middle may not be empty , destitute or yawning ? I answer , because that part being possest , all the rest may be the rather vacant : For the fesse-point , or millieu of the Sheild ( as HIEROME BARA calls it ) is the glory thereof , and dispierceth beams into euery part about , as the center , hart , or axell of all Armoriall beauties .

The Contents .

1. Misteries in Armorial numbers . 2. Concords , or Discords in Armories . 3. Visible Musick . 4. Reason must giue lawes to examples . 5. The measuring rules of Concords , or Discords in Armories . 6. Of the number Three . 7. The causes of Armorial Beuties , Fulnesse , Distance , and Idemtity . 8. Exemplified .

CHAP. 33. EVSTACE .

THere are , no doubt , many excellent observations in armoriall numbers , not without misterie .

Most true : specially in the finite . For of them some exercise , as it were , an Antipathie , or warre with faire Armories , when they only occupy the whole Field . The dual , or number of two is such .

Is it for that discontinuance hath taken it away ? or is there a reason in nature ?

In the nature of Armories there is . As the proportion , or disproportion of distances in sound make concords or discords in Musick ( whence it is that an Vnison , or Diapason , because of that proportion in the distances of notes , is called an eighth , Diapentè a fifth , Diatesseron a fourth , and so of the rest ) so those , and other musicall proportions it were not impossible to shew in Armories . In which there must not only be a proportion in the number , but also in the number with the figure of the Sheild , the comely filling wherof with comely arguments is like a full stroake wherein all the strings are sweetly toucht together : As therefore the duall , or number Two hauing nothing betweene cannot be said to haue any distance , much lesse proportion , and for default thereof cannot decently possesse the whole Field , it is , by necessary sequel , a discord in that kind , & cannot sympathize of it self with perfectly fair Armories , vnlesse somwhat , though of a different sort , or condition be interiected , or in company , and this as of it selfe , that is , where no other thing doth possesse the Field .

If you did nothing but runne diuision vpon this one ground onely , there were no musick to match it , for this is visible musick , and not onely audible . But are there not examples to infringe these , and the like considerations ?

Reason in these things must giue rules to examples , and not examples to reason . I stay not therefore at such , because the ignorance of many men hath checkt and falne vpon the breaches of rules , which to countenance with credit aboue generall grounds were absurd . I say , that Distance , Fulnesse , and Idemtitie ( pardon these , and other words where the matter enforceth ) are the measuring rules of Concords , or Discords in Armories , which I would not haue you bee ignorant of , and therefore shall thinke it time well spent , voluntarily to interpret my selfe . A Trias , Ternio , or the number of Three in Armory is second in honor to One , yet without Distance it were but a discord , as if two Croslets formee ( as Blazon speakes ) were in chiefe of the field , and a third in Caeur of the same , yet for want of spredding Distance it were but harsh , and nothing gracefull , for that the Armes are depriued of Fulnesse thereby , as you see .

Againe , let all three bee in chiefe , as heere ,

though the Coate bee warrantable , and good , as hauing requisite Distance in regard of them-selues , yet ( destitute of Fulnesse in respect of the whole Shield ) it faileth of complete beautie . And the reason is strongly drawne from a finall cause of Armes , which is manifestation . The more extension therfore , or dilatation that there is of things in the Sheild , the more manifest it needs must bee , and there the dilatation is most , where euery point or angular portion of the Coate , can answer the eye with an obiect : In other bearings of that kinde there still seemes some-what wanting .

But what imports the other thing which you call Idemtitie ?

Let things in Armories haue Distance , and the Coate Fulnesse , yet if they bee not of one sort , which state I call Idemtitie , I hold it a discord , and eclypse , let the seuerall Charges be neuer so noble , whereof you may make your eye iudge in this , and the like .

But Distance , Fulnesse , and Idemtitie are but causes of Armoriall beauties , and not elements : Therefore heere I will marke the chase , and change a side .

The Contents .

1. Indefinite in Armories defined . 2. Of the terme Semi in Blazon . 3. Exemplified . 4. A second kinde of Indefinites . 5. Gerattings . 6. A third sort of Indefinites . 7. Semi , and Sans number . 8. Exemplified .

CHAP. 34. EVSTACE .

IT remaineth now ( Sir AMIAS ) that you would bee pleased to show what Indefinite is , the second part of the Arithmeticall Element of Armories .

Indefinite , as also the word imports , is that whose number is vncertaine , and vndefined , and hath in Blazon the name of Semi , which , whether deriued from the LATINE verbe seminare , or from the word , which both of it selfe , and in compositions doth signifie the halfe of a thing , as in semisomnis , semissis , or the like ( in the first deriuations sense , for that the Charges are sowne ouer the field of the Coate as seed , and in the other , for that the halfe parts of such things appeare in the sides of the Escucheon , or in both respects , as both are true in such Armories ) shall bee the taske of curious Etymologers . The thing it selfe is as followeth , in this Coat quartered by RATCLIFF Earle of SVSSEX , as heretofore belonging to the name of MORTIMER of NORFOLK , and blazed , Or ▪ semi of lillies sable .

Another kind of the Indefinite there is , when beside the main charge , the Field is scattered ouer with other smaller thinges , which Blazoners term Gerattings , and is a bearing goodly , and ancient as in PERPOINCTS Coate .

or in any other the like , where the number , and order of the Gerattings are not taught : & where the number is counted , there their order must be blazed : But the vnlike rule takes place , where ( without a principall Charge of another kind as in MORTIMER'S Armories beforesaid ) thinges are seminated ouer the field , and neyther set , nor blazed to be set in Orl , or other certaine order ; For there no regard is taken of their number , and they are altogether left to the will of Art to scatter them so in painting as may best become the superficies of Sheilds . Now as Indefinite is in Powlders , or Gerattings , so is it sometime also in those Charges which represent no liuing creature , or naturall thing , as in the diminutiues of honorable ordinaries , whose pieces when they are not counted , as in this ,

the antient Armories of the HODLESTONES , and the like , neither are they termed semi , but sans number . The famous Armories of AIMERIE de Valence , antiently Earle of Pembroke , is thought also to bee of this kinde in the pieces of it , which ( without declaring their number ) the Sages in blazon vsed to terme Burruleè . I wil demonstrate to you both the kindes of Indefinites ( semi , and sans number ) in one Coate borne by the name of THORNTON , and quartred ( as I remember ) by the Lord LVMLEY .

An Armories very faire , and goodly , showing to you semi in the cinquefoils , sans number in the frets .

The Contents .

1. Of Position , or Place . 2. Demonstrated in a little moueable Instrument . 3. Round bodies cannot bee reuerst . 4. Vse of the Armoriall Mill The rare effects of Position . 6. Sir AMIAS pitcheth down one of his Columnes .

CHAP. 35. EVSTACE .

LInes , Colour , Number , thus prosperously ouer-come , there onely remaines the Element Position , last of foure .

Concerning Position it shall suffice ( insteed of all other demonstrations ) to giue you the vse , and admirable effects thereof in a little mooueable instrument of mine owne deuise .

How doth this Mill show the vse of Position ? or why haue you chosen to set round bodies therein , rather then any other of the Armoriall ?

Round bodies cannot be reuerst , & therefore in the turning no deformity can follow . The vse is briefly this . Open , or display the Instrument one way , and it produceth fiue Cinque foiles in Crosse.

Open , or display it another way , and they present fiue cinque foils in Saltoir .

Mooue them clozed , and without displaying , if toward the fesse-point they tender to you three cinquefoils in fesse :

Shift their station from thence vpward into the dexter obliquity they are three cinquefoils in Bend.

Bring it about to a perpendicular position they are in pale .

And yet a little farther into the sinister point , wee are lastly afforded three cinquefoils in bend sinister .

Thus much for Position , the last Element of the foure : And heere ( by your good fauour ) I will pitch-vp one of my Columns .

Deo gratias .