Ur prefixed order doth now call upon me to bend my course from Bends, with the parts and subdivisions thereof, and to proceed to the Fesse, which challengeth the next place. The Fesse is an Ordinarie, formed of a twofold line, drawen overthwart the bredth of the Escocheon; in the midst whereof is the very center of the Shield. And it containeth the third part of the Field, and may not be diminished, albeit the French Heralds doe blazon three barres gemels for a Fesse of six peeces.

He beareth Varry, Or, and Vert, a Fesse Gules, by the name of Duffield. This word Fesse is a French word, and doth signifie the Loines of a man. This Ordinary hath beene anciently taken for the same that wee call Baltheum militare, or Cingulum honoris, a Belt of honours: because it divideth the Field into two equall parts, it self occupying the middle between both; even as the Girdle environeth the middle part of a man, and resteth upon his Loines.

This Girdle of honour may seeme to have beene in ancient time given by Emperours, and Kings, and their Generals of the Field, unto Souldiers for reward of some speciall service performed by them; and it is not improbable, that such a reward it was, that the Generall of Davids Army, Joab, would have given the Messenger that brought him newes that Absolom was hanged by the haire of the head in an Oake; if hee had slaine him: where Joab saith, Why hadst thou not killed him, that so I might have rewarded thy service with tenne Shekles of Silver, and a girdle (or an arming Belt?) For some translate it Cingulum, some Baltheum. Amongst the Macedonians, it was ordained by a Military law (saith Alex.ab Alex.) that the Souldier that had not killed an Enemy; Non Militari Cingulo, sed capstro cingeretur, should not be girt with an Arming girdle, but with a halter. And not without reason is a man adorned with a Military girdle, signifying he must be alwaies in a readinesse to undergoe the businesse of the weale-publike; for the more speedy performance of which charge, he should have his garments close girt unto his body, that the loosenesse of them should give no impediment to the execution of his assumpted charge and enjoyned services. And these tokens of Chivalry were so highly esteemed in ancient times, that Saint Ambrose saieth, in his age, Duces, & Principes, omnes etiam militantes, operosis singulis auro fulgente pretiosis, ambiunt, &c. Great Captaines, Princes, and Martiall men, delight to weare their Belts curiously wrought, and glittering with gold, &c.

As the bestowing of this Military Girdle, was reputed very honourable, because none were to receive it, but men of merit; so also was it ever accounted most dishonourable for any just cause to bee againe deprived of the dignity thereof: neither should such an one bee restored thereunto, but upon very singular and especiall desert, as Ferettus noteth, where he saith: Augustus laudabiliter militarem disciplinam gessit seucrissimè: & privatos militari Cingulo nunquam restituit, nisi illos præ cæteris virtutum merita insignirent: Augustus the Emperour got much honour by the severity of his Military Discipline: for if a man were once deprived of his Arming girdle, he never would restore it, unlesse he performed some excellent service above all others. Notwithstanding, there is also one kind of putting off the Belt, of no lesse honour, then the putting on of it; yea much more glorious it is, in that it is the end and perfection of the other; and that is, when the victory is atchieved, victory being the end of Arming, as peace is of Battell. To which purpose is that saying, I.Reg.20.II. Ne jactet se qui se accingit, ut qui discingit: Let not him boast, who girds himselfe, as he that doth ungird: meaning, we must not triumph (as the saying is) before the victory; but it being once attained, it is the honour of a generous minde, to put off his Belt, and not to sanguine his blade with cold blood. For those Gallants, who in times and places of peace, are still drawing their swords, like wariours; in times and places of warre, prove (for the most part) peaceabler and calmer then they should be.

But if a Knight be disarmed of his Military girdle by his demerits and offence, he is therewithal deprived of all Military privileges, like as it fareth with a Captaine, who, (if he happen to lose his Ensignes) is disabled to advance any other in the Field, untill he hath either regained the same, or by his valour extorted some other from the Enemy. Which kind of deprivation of Knights & Martial men, for any notable transgression, was of frequent use in times past, and in some places is continued unto this day with greater severity and much more infamy then in former times. Depositio Cingulorum & Baltheorum (saith Wolfgang.Lazius) quod genus panæ proprio seorsim vocabulo discinctura & recinctura, manet hodie adhuc in ordine Equestri, majori quam olium ignominia. Quo ritu (ut nos dicimus) Equites aurati degredantur. The depriving of the Belt (which was wont to be termed, the distincture or ungirding) is at this day still in use amongst Knights, and with more ignominy then was in ancient times: which is nothing else but that which wee call Degrading of a Knight. If any aske me how this comes about, that such Degradation of a Knight, is more infamous then of old: I answer, it is, because it is more rare, and therefore more remarkeable. If againe, you aske why it is more rare, then of old: I answere, it is, because it is more infamous, and therefore Princes more unwilling to inflict it. Howsoever, the truth is, that base and unknightly actions and qualities, deserve a base and unknightly chastisement.

Hee beareth Or, a Fesse Dauncette, Sable. These Armes pertaine to the worthy Gentleman Sir Thomas Valuasour Knight Marshall of his Majesties most Honourable houshold, and of the vierge thereto appertaining. Who anciently to the name as being the Kings Valuasores, being in times past a degree not much inferiour to a Baron, and given to their Family ex Regio munere: as M^r. Cambden noteth in Yorke Shire, speaking of Haselwood, being the ancient inheritance of the said Family.

So much of a Fesse: now of a Cheveron. A Cheveron is an Ordinary, formed of a twofold line Spirewise or Pyramidall; the Foundation being in the Dexter, and Sinister base points of the Escocheon, and the Acute angle of the Spire neere the top of the Escocheon: as in example.

The Field is Topaz, a Cheveron Ruby. This Coate pertaineth to the Honourable and Ancient family of Stafford, now Barons, and soemtimes Earles, of Stafford, and Dukes of Buckingham. This Ordinary is resembled to a paire of Bargecouples or Rafters, such as Carpenters do set on the highest part of the house, for bearing of the roofe thereof; and betokeneth the atchieving of some businesse of moment, or the finishing of some Chargeable and memorable worke. This was anciently the usuall forme of bearing of the Cheveron, as appeareth by many Seales and Monuments yet extant, and is most agreeable to reason, that as it representeth the Roofe of a house (though I am not ignorant that Leigh saith, it was in old times the attire for the heads of Women Priests) so accordingly it should bee extended to the highest part of the Escocheon, though farre different is the bearing thereof in these daies. In which respect, it were fit that common Painters, the common disorderers of these tokens of honour, were better looked unto; who both in former ages, and much more in these daies, have greatly corrupted these honourable signes, by adding their new fantasticall inventions, that so they might make the things borne in Coat-armour more perspicuous to the view, or because they would be thought to be well overseene in Heraldrie. For indeed they want the eie of judgement, to see and discerne that such is the excellencie of these honourable tokens, that the least alteration either by augmentation, diminution, transposition, or whatsoever other meanes, doth occasion a change in them so great, as that they thereby differ from themselves, not onely in their accidentall, but also in their substantiall parts, and cease to bee any longer the same they were before, and their owners are debarred to challenge any proprietie or interest in them, in respect of such alteration. Modica alteratio in membro principali, magnam alterationem facit (saith the Philosopher:) A little alteration makes a great alteration in a principall part. As the least spot in the Eie, which is the worthiest part of the Face, doth more disfigure the same then ten times so much in any other member of the whole body.

The Content of the Chevron is the fifth part of the Field (according to Leigh:) but Cassaneus reckoneth the same amongst those Ordinaries that doe occupie the third part of the Field. You may have two Chevrons in one Field (saith Leigh) but not above; and if they exceed that number, then shall you call them Chevronwaies. But I suppose they might be termed much better Chevronels, that is to say, Minute or small Chevrons; for so is their Blazon more certaine. This Charge following, and the subdivisions therof, are diversly borne, as well in respect of the divers location, as of the variable forme thereof: for somtimes it is born on Chiefe, otherwhiles on Base, sometimes Enarched, sometimes Reversed, sometimes Fretted, &c. as heereafter by Examples appeareth.

He beareth Or, a Chevron in Chiefe, Azure. Note, that the lower part of this Chevron is farre above the ordinarie place of a single Chevron; for it is pitched as high as the Nombrill of the Escocheon, whereas others have their rising from or neere about the Dexter and Sinister Base Points. The Ancestors of the bearer (saith Leigh) have borne the same otherwaies, which was for some good purpose remooved, although it were better after the common manner of bearing. There are divers Accidents incident unto this Ordinarie, viz. Transposition, as in this last Escocheon, Couping, Voiding and Reversing. Of all which I purpose to give severall Examples in their proper places.

He beareth Ermine, a Chevron couped, Sable, by the name of Jones. What couping is, I have before shewed, whereunto (for shunning needlesse repetition) I referre you.

He beareth Azure, a Chevron Engrailed, voided, Or, by the name of Dudley. What voiding is, I have shewed before. In the Blazoning of Coat-armours of this kinde, I meane of Charges voided, you shall not need to make any mention of the colour of the exempted part thereof, saying that it is voided of the Field: for if you say voided onely, it is ever understood that the Field sheweth thorow the middle part of the Charge voided. If the middle part of this Chevron were of a different metall, colour, or furre, from the Field, then should you Blazon it thus: A Chevron Engrailed, Or, surmounted of another, of such or such colour.

The Subdivisions of this Ordinarie are

{ Chevronell,
{
{ Couple-close.

A Chevronell is a diminutive of a Chevron, and signifieth a minute or small Chevron, and containeth halfe the quantitie of the Chevron, as for Example.

He beareth Argent, a Chevronell, Vert. Of these (saith Leigh) you may have no more then three in a Field, except partition. The other Subdivision of the Chevron is called a Couple-close, A Couple-close is a subordinate charge derived from a Chevron, and formed of two lines erected Chevronwaies.

He beareth Vert, a Couple-close, Argent. This containeth the fourth part of the Chevron, and is not borne but by Paires, except there bee a Chevron betweene them. Well doth the name of this Charge agree with the use thereof, which is not only to be borne by couples for he most part, but also to have a Chevron betweene them, which they enclose on each side.

The next in order to the Chevron is the Barre. A Barre is composed of two equi-distant lines drawen overthwart the Escocheon, after the manner of the Fesse before mentioned, as in this next Escocheon appeareth.

This Ordinarie differeth from the Fesse, not only in that it containeth the fifth part of the Field, whereas the Fesse is limited to one certain place of the Escocheon, to wit, the Exact Center or Fesse Point thereof, whereas the Barre is not tied to any prescript place, but may be transferred unto sundry parts of the Escocheon. But if there bee but one onely Barre in the Escocheon, then must the same occupie the place of the Fesse, as appeareth in this Escocheon. This Charge is of more estimation then is well considered of many that beare the same. If you have two Barres in the Field, they must bee so placed, as that thereby the Field of the Escocheon may be divided into five equall parts; so shall each of them receive their just quantitie.

A Barre is subdivided into a

{ Closet,
{
{ Barulet.

A Closet is a Charge abstracted from a Barre, and consisteth also of two equidistant lines, drawen overthwart the Escocheon, as in example.

He beareth Or, a Closet, Sanguine. This containeth halfe the Barre; and of these there may bee five in one Field, and are very good Armorie. The other Subdivision of a Barre is called a Barulet, which (after the opinion of Leigh) cannot bee borne dividedly, but must be borne by couples, unlesse they bee partd with a Barre, whereof you have an Example in this next Escocheon.

He beareth Sable, a Barulet, Argent. The Content of the Barulet is the fourth part of the Barre, whereof it is a derivative, as by the name of Diminution imposed thereupon doth manifestly appeare. Barulets (saith Upton) are diversly borne in Armes, viz. Plaine, Engrailed, &c. as in pag.53. whereunto good heed must be taken in Blazon.

Hitherto of a Barre: Now of a Gyronne: A Gyronne is an Ordinarie consisting of two straight lines drawen from divers parts of the Escocheon, and meeting in an Acute-Angle in the Fesse Point of the same. A Gyronne (as one saith) is the same that we call in Latine Gremium, which signifieth a Lappe, and is the space betweene the thighes: and thence perchance doe we call the Groyne; which name, whether it be given to this charge because it determines in gremio, in the very lappe or midst of the Escocheon, or because it hath a bending like the thigh and legge together, I cannot define. Gyrons are borne diversly, viz. single, by couples, of six, of eight, of ten, and of twelve, as shall appeare heereafter, where I shall speake of Armes having no tincture predominating. For the making this Ordinarie, behold this next Escocheon, where you shall finde one single Gyronne alone, which doth best expresse the maner thereof, as in example.

Hee beareth Sanguine, one Gyronne issuing from the Chiefe Dexter Point, Or. If these two lines whereof this Ordinarie is framed, were drawen thorowout to the Extremities of the Escocheon, then would they constitute two Gyrons, as in this next Escocheon appeareth.

Hee beareth Argent, two Gyrons, Gules. You need not say, meeting in Point, the one from the dexter Chiefe, the other to the Sinister base, because they doe evermore meet in the Fesse Point, be they never so many. Heere you see, that as two lines drawen, the one Bendwaies from the dexter corner of the chiefe part of the Escocheon, and resting on the Fesse Point, and the other drawen Fesse-waies overthwart the Escocheon, and meeting with the same in the said Fesse Point, doe make one Gyronne: so doe the same drawen thorowout produce 2. Gyrons.

So much of a Gyron: Now of a Canton and Quarter: A Canton is an Ordinarie framed of two straight lines, the one drawen perpendicularly from the Chiefe, and the other transverse from the side of the Escocheon, and meeting therewith in an Acute-Angle, neere to the corner of the Escocheon, as in this next appeareth.

He beareth Ermine, a Canton, Argent, charged with a Chevron, Gules, by the name of Middleton. This Ordinarie is termed a Canton, because it occupieth but a Corner or Cantell of the Escocheon. Some Armorists doe hold, that the Canton is a Reward given to Gentlemen, Esquires, and Knights, for service done by them, and not to a Baron. Some others notwithstanding are of a different opinion, that a Canton may well beseeme an Earle or a Baron receiving the same at his Soveraignes hand; yet is the Quarter to be preferred in dignity before the same: and before them both, Sir John Ferne, preferreth the Escocheon of Pretence, which he calleth an Engislet or Fessy Target. Note that a Canton parted traverswaies, whether it be from the Dexter corner, or from the Sinister, doth make two Base Squires. And if the Canton bee placed in the Dexter corner of the Escocheon, you must in blazon onely name it a Canton, not making any mention of the locall situation thereof: But if it be placed on the contrary side, then must you in blazon adde this word Sinister, as, he beareth a Canton Sinister. The Sinister Canton is all one with the Dexter in forme, in quantity, and in estimation, but differeth from the same both in regard of the locall position thereof (by reason that it is placed in the Sinister corner of the Escocheon) as also in that it is not of so frequent use.

Hitherto of a Canton: now of a Quarter. The Quarter is an Ordinary of like composition with the Canton, and holdeth the same placeas, and hath great resemblance thereof; insomuch as the same Rules and Observations, that doe serve for the one, may be attributed to the other, Quia similium similis est ratio: of like things the reason is alike. The only Difference between them is, that the Canton keepeth onely a cantle or small portion of the Corner of the Escocheon; as in example.

He beareth Verry, Argent, and Sable a Quarter Gules, by the name of Estanton. Albeit that (according to Leigh) the Quarter is for the most part given by Emperours and Kings to a Baron (at the least) for some speciall or acceptable service done by him; yet do we find the same bestowed upon persons of meaner dignity for like occasion. Contrariwise, the canton (being received at the Soveraignes hand) may beseeme the dignity of a Baron or an Earle, as aforesaid.

Having spoken of the Canton and Quarter, as much as for this present is requisit; I will reserve some other their adjuncts to a more convenient place. And will now speake of a Pile, shewing some variable examples of the divers bearing thereof.

A Pile is an Ordinary consisting of a twofold line formed after the manner of a Wedge; that is to say, broad at the upper end, and so lessening by degrees throughout with a comely narrownesse and Taper-growth, meeting together at the lower end in an acute Angle, as in this next Escocheon appeareth.

He beareth Argent, a Pile Gules. This Coat pertaineth to the right worthy and valiant Knight Sir John Chandos, Baron of Saint Saviours, le Viscount in France, great Seneschall of Poictow, high Constable of Aquitaine. All given him by King Edward the third, who also made him one of the Founders of the most noble Order of the Garter.

Somtimes you shall find three of these in a Field, as in this next example.

The Field is Or, three Piles, meeting neere in the Base of the Escocheon, Azure. This Coat was borne by Sir Guy Bryan Knight, one of the primier founders of the most Honourable order of the Garter, in the time of King Edward the third: and he was also a chiefe meane unto the said King for obtaining the Charter of Priveledge and freedome of his Majesties Forrest of Deane, in the County of Glocester, for the benefit of the Inhabiters of the same Forrest.

Sometimes you shal finde this Ordinary borne, transposed or reversed, contrarie to the usuall forme of their bearing, viz. with their points upward, which naturally ought to bee downewards, being supposed to bee a peece of Timber, whose neather part is sharpned, to the end it may be more commodiously driven into the ground; as in example.

He beareth Argent, three Piles, one issuing out of the Chiefe betweene the two others transposed or reversed, Sable by the name of Hulles. The Pile is an ancienty Addition to Armory, and is a thing that maketh all foundations to be firme and perfect, especially in Water-works.

When there is but one Pile in the Field, it must containe the third part of the same at the Chiefe. This Ordinary is diversly formed, and borne, as in these next Escocheons appeareth.

He beareth Argent a Triple Pile, Flory on the tops, issuing out of the Sinister base, in Bend towards the Dexter corner, Sable. This sort of bearing of the Pile, hath a resemblance of so many Piles driven into some water-worke, and by long tract of time, incorporated at their heads, by reason of an extraordinary waight imposed upon them, which gave impediment to their growth in height.

He beareth Argent a Pile in Bend issuing out of the Dexter corner of the Escocheon, Sable, Cottised, Ingrailed Gules. I have made speciall choice of this Coat-armour, (out of the glory of Genero.) aswell for the rarenesse thereof, as for that I find the same there commended for faire Armory, and good in regard of the variety thereof for Blazoners to looke upon.

Hee beareth Azure a Pile waved, issuing out of the Dexter corner of the Escocheon Bendwaies, Or, by the name of Aldam. As this Pile waved issueth out of the Dexter, so also may the same be borne from the Sinister chiefe point. Moreover you shall finde them borne in Pale, and sometimes issuing out of the Base with the point thereof transposed; which I leave to observation.

So much of Piles and their variety, aswell of Forme, as of Location. There rest yet some other sorts of Ordinaries, that are composed of a two-fold-line not hitherto spoken of.

Such are these, viz.

{ Flasque.
{ Flaunch.
{ Voider.

In some mans conceite perhaps these Ordinaries last mentioned, might have beene more fitly placed amongst such as are before handled, and are composed of a single Line, (of which number these may be well reckoned, if we consider them each one apart by themselves:) but forasmuch as none of them are borne single, but alwaies by couples; for conveniency I have chosen rather to sort them with these that are formed of a two-fold Line ; and first of a Flasque.

A Flasque is an Ordinary consisting of one Arch line, drawne somewhat distant from the corners of the Chiefe, and meanely swelling by degrees until you come towards the middest of the Escocheon, and from thence againe decreasing with a like comely descent unto the Sinister base points; as in example.

The Field is Or, two Flasques Azure. This Reward (saith Leigh) is to be given by a King for vertue and learning, and especially for service in Ambassage: for therein may a Gentleman deserve aswell of his Soveraigne, as the Knight that serveth him in the Field. This is called an Arch line of the Latin word Arcus, that signifieth a Bow, which being bent hath a moderate bowing, voide of excesse of tuberositie. This word Flasque is derived, either from the French word Fleschier, or from the Latine word Flecto, which signifieth to bend or bowe.

The next in order is the Flaunch, which is an Ordinary formed of an Arch line, taking his beginning from the corner of the chiefe, & from thence compassing orderly with a swelling embossement untill it come neere to the Nombrill of the Escoheon, and thence proportionably declining to the Sinister base point, as in this next Escocheon.

He beareth Ermyne, two Flanches, Vert. This (saith Leigh) is one degree under the foresaid Flasque, yet it is commendable Armory. This word Flanch (as some doe hold) is derived from the French word Flans, which signifieth the Flanke of man or beast, that includeth the small guttes, because that part strouteth out, cum tumore quodam, as if it were a blowne bladder. Sometimes you may finde this Ordinary made of some other forme of Lines then plaine, which when it shall happen, you must in the blazon thereof, make speciall mention of the forme of Line whereof it is composed.

Last of all in our Ordinaries, commeth the Voider; consisting of one Arch line moderately bowing from the corner of the chiefe by degrees towards the Nombrill of the Escocheon, and from thence in like sort declining untill it come unto the Sinister base, and hath a more neere resemblance of the bent of a Bow then the Flanch hath, in that it riseth not with so deepe a compasse, as in example.

He beareth Tennè, two Voiders, Or. This is the Reward of a Gentlewoman for service by her done to the Prince; but then the Voider should bee of one of the nine Furres or Doublings. Such Reward (saith Leigh) might the Dutches of Montfort have given to her Gentlewomen, who served her most diligently, not onely while she kept the Towne of Hanybot, but also when she rode armed into the Field and scared the Frenchmen from the siege thereof. These are called Voiders, either because of the Shallownesse wherein they doe resemble the accustomed voiding Plates with narrow brims used at Tables, or else of the French word voire, which signifieth a looking Glasse or Mirour (which in ancient times were commonly made in that bulging forme) especially considering they are given to Gentlewomen in recompence of service, unto whom such gifts are most acceptable; and withall implying that Gentlewomen so well deserving should bee mirors and paterns to others of their sex, wherein to behold both their duties, and the due reward of vertues. His counsell was very behoofefull, who advised all Gentlewomen often to looke on Glasses; that so, if they saw themselves beautifull, they might be stirred up to make their mindes as faire by vertue as their faces were by nature: but if deformed, they might make amends for their outward deformity, with their interne pulcritude and gracious qualities. And those that are proud of their beauty, should consider, that their owne hue is as brickle as the Glasse wherein they see it; and that they carry on their shoulders nothing but a Skull wrapt in skinne, which one day will be loathsome to be looked on.