Chapter XI: Part 11

THE Statutes likewise provided, That if the Prelate was at any Time absent, then the Dean of _Windsor_, or the Register, or the Senior Residentiary of the College, or the Secretary, or Scribe of the Order, should undertake the Employment; and elsewhere it is mention’d expressly, _In the absence of the Prelate, whose particular Duty otherwise it was_. And among the various Examples enroll’d in the Annals of the Order, these Examples abundantly confirm it. The Prelate of the Order collected the Suffrages from the Knights-Companions, _Anno_ 9 _Hen._ V. when _John_ Earl-Marshal, and Four other Knights were elected. The like did _Henry Beaufort_, Lord-Cardinal, Prelate of the Order, upon the Election of _John_ King of _Portugal_, _Anno_ 13 _Hen._ VI. And when the Duke of _Suffolk_ was chose, _Anno_ 26 _Hen._ VI. the Prelate then also gather’d the Suffrages; which he likewise did upon the Feasts of St. _George_, Celebrated in the 12th, 13th, 14th, 27th, 28th, 30th, 31th, 34th and 35th Years of Queen _Elizabeth_’s Reign. Sometimes the Scrutinies have been gathered both by the Dean of _Windsor_, and the Register of the Order jointly; as we find by the Election of _John_ Lord _Talbot_, _Ann._ 2 _Hen._ VI. of Sir _John Falstaff_, _Ann._ 6 _Hen._ VI. and the Duke of _Quinbery_, _Ann._ 5 _Hen._ VI. all receiv’d at the Feasts of St. _George_, celebrated at _Windsor_.

IT is more than a bare Conjecture, that the Dean at those Times receiv’d the Votes from the Knights-Companions on the Sovereign’s side, while the Register collected those on the Prince’s; for ’tis observ’d, that in King _Henry_ Vth’s Reign, in Posts of different Natures, one whereof was to signifie the Sovereign’s Pleasure to the Knights-Companions about their paying due Reverence, first to God, and afterwards to himself; and the other in a Ceremonial, which directs the Manner and Order of Mulcting the Knights-Companions; in both which, the Dean perform’d the Service on the right Hand the Choir (the Sovereign’s side) and the Register on the left.

SOMETIMES the Register of the Order took them alone, as at the Election of _John_ Earl of _Arundel_, _Anno_ 10 _Hen._ VI. and those of the Earl of _Morteyn_ and Sir _John Grey_, _Ann._ 14 _Hen._ VI. Moreover it’s plain, that when the Office of Register was not fill’d, and _Thomas Ruthall_, Bishop of _Duresme_, executed it during its Vacancy, the Bishop himself, _Ann._ 2 _Hen._ VIII. collected the Suffrages. The like did _William Day_, Dean of _Windsor_, in the Absence of _George Carew_, Dean of the Chapel and Register of the Order, at the Feasts of St. _George_ held at _Whitehall_, _Anno_ 18 and 19 _Eliz._

THIS Duty was executed by the Register from the 15th Year of King _Henry_ VIII. to the Period of his and his Son’s Reign, as the _Black-Book_ of the Order fully evinces; as also on St. _George_’s Day, _Ann._ 1. _Eliz._ by _John Boxhall_; and at the Feast of St. _George_ held _Ann._ 1 _Jac._ I. by _Giles Thompson_, who in the several Times were Registers, yet we must not mistake that what they officiated was on their own behalf, but supply’d the Place of the Prelate.

IN the Beginning of Queen _Mary_’s Reign, we find the Chancellor of the Order began to perform this Service, being by King _Henry_ VIIIth’s Statutes adjoined to those other Offices before describ’d, to collect the Scrutinies in absence of the Prelate, and thereby made capable of the Employment, which afterwards is tacitly remark’d to be perform’d as if in his own right, when the Register has only effected it in the Chancellor’s absence, tho’ in reality it was no other, than as in the Instance of the Bishop of _Duresme_ and Dr. _Day_ aforesaid, who took the Scrutiny in the Vacancy of the Office, and absence of the Register.

_Anno_ 4 _Eliz._ the Register in the Absence of the Chancellor (who was sick,) upon the Feast Day of St. _George_, collected the Suffrages. And _Ann._ 8. _Eliz._ _George Carew_, then Register of the Order, _took the Votes of the Knights-Companions in absence of Sir_ William Petre, _Chancellor of the Order_. So also _Ann._ 4. _Jac._ I. where the Cause of the Chancellor’s Absence is noted to be Sickness, and _Ann._ 6. _Jac._ I. to be Death.

IN the first of these Instances, we find the Prelate expressly set down to be there; in the two following, his presence is implyed, for it is said, that the Four Officers of the Order did attend both Feasts, whereof, (the Chancellor being wanting) the Prelate must needs be one.

NOW all these Passages seem to relate to the Right of the Chancellors rather than the Prelates by this Remark, That every of the Scrutinies were taken in the Absence of the Chancellor, which looks something like a cautionary Remark that denoted the Right of Executing this Office to the Chancellor, rather than the Prelate.

WHEN a Deputy-Chancellor hath been admitted to Officiate in the Chancellor’s absence, he, and not the Prelate, hath taken the Scrutiny, (tho’ present) as at the Election of _Charles_ Prince of _Wales_, the 20th of _May_, 14 _Car._ I. and at another taken the 22d of _May_ following, and the same when the Suffrages were collected for the Election of the Duke of _York_ and Prince _Rupert_ at _York_, _Anno_ 17 _Car._ I.

BUT there is one Passage more (upon taking a Scrutiny _Anno_ 22 _Jac._ I.) which seems Advantageous to the Chancellor in this Point, where it is said, _That when the Knights-Companions had given their Votes_ (as say the _Annals_) _THE CHANCELLOR WHO, ACCORDING TO HIS OFFICE, was to receive them, presented them to the Sovereign_. Howbeit, in truth there is no sufficient Foundation for the Register to insert this as done by the Chancellor, _by Virtue of his Office_, or any one Act or Chapter that hath suspended or made void, the Right of the Prelate, which is reserved by him, even by the Patent, for erecting the Office of Chancellor; especially in those Affairs, which, respecting the Order, ought by the Statute of the Institution to appertain to him. But since the stated Time of performing this Ceremony in the Chapel, the Prelate (if present) is presumed to be Officiating at the Altar, in discharge of another part of his Duty, upon this consideration hath the Service been then imposed upon the Chancellor, and others.

_Lastly_, WE find the Scrutiny to be once taken by Garter, _Ann._ 16. _Car._ I. at the Election of _Thomas_ Earl of _Strafford_. But this was at a Time, when not only the Prelate, but all the other Officers of the Order, excepting Sir _John Burrough_, Garter, were absent, and consequently this Service so executed, ought rather to be judged to have been done in the Prelate’s than Chancellor’s Right.

§. 9. BUT whosoever gather’d the Suffrages, the Time when they enter’d upon this Duty (in the Intervals of Feasts, where the Occasion requir’d a peculiar Chapter for an Election) was usually after the Chapter had been open’d, and the Matter of Election proposed by the Sovereign; after which he proceeded with all possible Reverence and Respect.

HOWBEIT upon an extraordinary Occasion (in the Interval of the Grand Feasts) the Sovereign hath sometimes called an Assembly of the Knights Companions, to be convened at the Castle of _Windsor_, who in the Choire of St. _George_’s Chapel (not Chapter-House) after the more solemn Manner, have deliver’d in their Nominations, and returning thence into the Chapter-House, he there continu’d the Election. Thus did King _Henry_ VIII. upon the 7th of _June_ in the 17th Year of his Reign, in reference to the Election of the Lord _Henry Fitz Roy_, (so stil’d in the Scrutiny, and rank’d among the Barons; for as yet he was not created Duke of _Somerset_ and _Richmond_) and _Ralph Nevil_, Earl of _Westmorland_.

ON the 20th of _May_, _Anno_ 14 _Car._ I. being _Trinity-Sunday_, the Sovereign caus’d a Chapter to be held that Afternoon in the Chapter-House at _Windsor_, for the Nomination and Election of _Charles_ Prince of _Wales_; at the Breaking up whereof, the Sovereign and Knights-Companions proceeded immediately to St. _Georges_’s Chapel, where at Evening-Prayer, (which was not within the Compass of the Feast, for that began not ’till next Day) the Scrutiny was taken.

AND besides those Examples which shew the Nominations have been collected (upon peculiar Occasions) in the Choire at _Windsor_, there are one or two Instances they have been also taken in the Chapel at _Whitehall_, as on the 15th of _May_, _Ann._ 1 _Car._ I. at the Choice of _Edmund_ Earl of _Dorset_, _Henry_ Earl of _Holland_, and _Thomas_ Viscount _Andover_, as on the 4th of _July_ the same Year, whereat the Duke of _Chevereux_ was pitch’d upon.

THE Suffrages have commonly been collected at the Second Vespers, or in the Time of Evening-Prayer on St. _George_’s Day, or on that Day whereon the Feast of St. _George_ hath been celebrated by Prorogation; and with this Distinction of Time, the taking of divers Scrutinies are mark’d.

HOWEVER, there occurs one Scrutiny gather’d in the Chapter-House at _Windsor_ on the Eve of the Grand-Feast, at which the person immediately elected, was sent for in, and had the Ensigns of the Order conferr’d upon him, when immediately the Sovereign made his Progression to the Chapel, and after some small Interval, the Elect proceeded to his Installation. And this was the Case of _James_ Marquess _Hamilton_, _Ann._ 6 _Car._ I. who lying under an Obligation to commence his Voyage next Morning towards _Germany_ (whither he had the Commission of General of 6000 Foot in Assistance of the King of _Sweden_) occasion’d this his Sovereign’s Indulgence, and quick dispatch.

WHEN the Scrutiny first began to be collected in the Chapel, is treated of somewhat general and indefinite. _Ann._ 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 _Eliz._ it was during the time of _Evening-Prayer_. And in like manner, _Ann._ 4 _Jac._ I. and 13 _Car._ I. And when the Feast of St. _George_ was solemniz’d at _Whitehall_, the 18th of _April_, 13 _Car._ I. the _Annals_ say, _That the Sovereign recreated himself with the Melody of Evensong, during which the Chancellor collected the Votes of the Knights-Companions_.

BUT in some other Places, the Time when this Matter was transacted is restricted to a precise Time, or some particular Part of Evening Prayer, as _Anno_ 26 and 27 _Eliz._ _whilst the Choire sung the Service_, and the like _Anno_ 14 _Jac._ I. but 4 _Car._ I. _while the Anthem was sung after the second Lesson_, but more frequently after the first Lesson, as in the 2 and 9 _Car._ I. _while the Anthem was singing_, or whilst they were hymning the Anthem of the blessed _Virgin called the Magnificat_, and which is all one with that, _Anno_ 14 _Car._ I. viz. _assoon as the first Lesson was read_, or _at the first Lesson_, which is remembred to be _the usual Part of the Service, in which the nomination ought to begin_.

§. 10. THE manner of the Order the Knight-Companions Votes ought to be collected when the _Scrutiny is taken in the Choire_, when the Register informs us, upon the Celebration of St. _Georges_’s Feast at _Greenwich_, 28 _Hen._ VIII. as entred into the Black Book; “That he used his Diligence in going to and fro from one Side to the other, to demand and redemand the Suffrages from the Knights-Companions, according to the Variety and Disposition of their Stalls,” which same Methods _in eisdem terminis_ the Chancellor observed, _Anno_ 24 _Eliz._ and without question was generally performed at other Seasons, for the annals describe it to be perform’d _de more_ 5 Eliz. or _juxta Ordines Constitutionis_ Anno 26 _Eliz._

THAT the Officer who collects the Scrutiny, is obliged to begin at the youngest Knight-Companion, and so proceed upward towards the Eldest, is evident from the Order mentioned to be in Vogue, _An._ 2 and 20 _Eliz._ as also 15 _Car._ I. But to give a more particular Account of this Ceremony, as it stood _temp. Car._ I. and doubtless long before, tho’ not Recorded _in Scriptis_, is as follows.

_First_, THE Officer arose and went into the Middle of the Choire; directly over against his own Seat, he made two Reverences, first towards the high Altar, and next to the Sovereign, then he proceeded up to the Choire near the _hault pace_ against the Stall of the junior Knight-Companion, and there made like Reverence; this done he went up to the Stall of the said junior Knight, and with a singular Reverence to him, only demanded whom he pleased to nominate, which having taken, (making to him a second Reverence,) he descended into the Choire, and thence passed to the next senior Knight on the other Side, (unless by reason of the vacancy of the Stall he Sits on the same Side with the junior) and having received his nomination from the second Knight-Companion, he again crossed the Choire to the Third, and in like manner he ascended according to the Seniority of the Knights-Companions present, (always crossing the Choire where there was occasion) until he arrived at the senior Knight-Companion; and having thus received all their Nominations, he returned into the Middle of the Choire, and after accustomed Reverences, took his Seat.

THIS Method in collecting the Votes as to the general, and in the Choire, ought likewise to be observed when they are taken from the Knights-Companions in Chapter, they being ranked in due order on either Side of the Table, according to the Seniority of their Elections and situations of Stalls in the Choire; the Officer beginning with the junior and thence gradually ascending to the senior Knight.

AND that we may rightly apprehend after what form every Knight-Companion Ranketh the Names of those Persons he proposeth, and how each Classis is distinguished and divided, the following Scrutiny will manifest which was taken off, _May_, _Anno_ 13 _Hen._ VI. upon the Vacancy of one Stall hapning by the death of Sir _Henry Tanke Clux_ a _German_, and the first Scrutiny found Marshalled among the Annals of this most noble Order.

NOMINABANT.

Principes. Barones. Equites.

Dux { Duc. _Norfolciæ_ Dom. _Lovell_ Dom. _S. Stanley_ _Exoniæ_. { Duc. _Warwici_ Dom. _Audley_ Dom. _J. Holland_ { Com. _Oxoniæ_ Dom. _Dudley_ Dom. _J. Steward_

Marc. { Duc. _Norfolciæ_ Dom. _Lovell_ Dom. _J. Fengs_ _Suffolc._ { Com. _Devoniæ_ Dom. _Audley_ D. _R. Woodvyle_ { Com. _Oxoniæ_ Dom. _Foix_. Dom. _A. Ogard_

Com. { Duc. _Warwici_ Dom. _Audley_ Dom. _R. Fengs_ _Salopiæ_. { Duc. _Norfolciæ_ Dom. _Dudley_ Dom. _T. Stanley_ { Com. _Oxoniæ_ Dom. _Foix_ Dom. _T. Kiriell_

Dom. { Duc. _Norfolciæ_ Dom. _Foix_ Dom. _R. Fengs_ _Sudeley_. { Duc. _Warwici_ Dom. _Lovell_ Dom. _J. Fengs_ { Com. _Devoniæ_ Dom. _Audley_ Dom. _G. Bonevile_

Dom. { Duc. _Warwici_ Dom. _Wells_ Dom. _T. Kiriell_ _Willoughby_. { Duc. _Norfolciæ_ Dom. _Lovell_ D. _J. Montgomery_ { Com. _Oxoniæ_ Dom. _Laware_ D. _R. Shotesbroke_

Dom. { Duc. _Warwici_ Dom. _Foix_ D. _E. Hungerford_ _Scales_. { Com. _Oxoniæ_ Dom. _Clyfford_ D. _G. Beauchamp_ { Com. _Devoniæ_ Dom. _Laware_ Dom. _A. Ogard_

Dom. { Duc. _Warwici_ Dom. _Boucer_ D. _R. Hungerford_ _Johannes { Duc. _Norfolciæ_ Dom. _Audley_ Dom. _R. Roos_. Falstaff_. { Com. _Oxoniæ_ D. _Gray Ruffyn_ Dom. _A. Ogard_

Dom. { Duc. _Warwici_ Dom. _Foix_ Dom. _R. Fengs_ _J. Beauchamp_. { Com. _Devoniæ_ Dom. _Lovell_ Dom. _J. Fengs_ { Com. _Oxoniæ_ Dom. _Audley_ Dom. _R. Roos_.

IN the first Column each Knight-Companion hath his own Name perfixt to those Persons for whom he condescends his Vote, to the intent it may appear by whom the Knights candidates are nominated, and these are Ranked in three several Divisions.

THE first contains, The Degrees of Earls, Marquesses, Dukes, Princes, Kings and Emperors; yet at a Scrutiny taken _Anno_ 24 _Hen._ VI. in a Chapter held at _Brainford_, _Albro Vasquez d’almadea_, (who immediately following, is Stiled _Comes Averentiæ_) is by a mistake Ranked; but in the second Division among the Barons, and twice among the Knights Votes of the Marquess of _Suffolk_, and Earl of _Shrewsbury_, but this Error perhaps owes its original for want of due knowledge, either of the Law in the Statutes or his Degree, the latter of which is the most feasible to conjecture; for being a Stranger, his Title might not be so generally divulged, nor is it taken notice of in the Scrutiny itself, tho’ in the annals immediately after it was rectified.

AND to shew the probability of this Point, the Earls of _Oxford_, _Devonshire_, and _Arundel_, (whose degrees were sufficiently known) at a Scrutiny taken _Anno_ 24 _Hen._ VI. are ranked in the second Division among the Barons, and _Anno_ 1 _Hen._ VIII. the Earl of _Darby_ is three Times so placed, and again 13 _Hen._ VI. the Earl of _Devonshire_ twice; but this happened not thro oversight or neglect of the Statutes, but because at these Nominations wherein they are so Ranked, the first Division to which they appertained, happened to be fill’d up with those other higher Dignities belonging to the same Class, _viz._ Kings or Dukes, as when the beforementioned Earls of _Oxford_, _Devonshire_, and _Arundel_, were set down in the Place of Barons; the King of _Portugal_, the Dukes of _Warwick_ and _Norfolk_, were put in the Class of Princes, and so it happened in many other instances.

ON the contrary, _Anno_ 15 and 16 _Edw._ IV. the Lord _Rich. Grey_ one of the Queen’s Sons, by her former Husband, Sir _John Grey_ of _Groby_ Knight; in respect of his Alliance to the Royal Family, is Ranked in the first Division among the Princes, under the Title _Dominus Richardus filius Reginæ_, and afterwards _Anno_ 19 _Edw._ IV. set only among the Barons, as well with the former Title as this _Richardus Dominus Grey_, but _Anno_ 22 _Edw._ IV. he is thrice register’d among the Princes, and as often with the Barons, whence it is observable that to be Enrolled in the Rank of Princes, may be afforded of courtesie to Persons of high Eminency and Blood; but then as they can lay no claim to it by their Merit, so such of the Knights-Companions as Rank them lower, suffer no diminution in their Honour.

WHEREIN the second Division are Ranked the Barons and Viscounts, for Viscounts in all Scrutinies, after the first Erection of that Dignity, were on the same level with the Barons, until the 3 of _Jac._ I. (excepting only _John Dudley_ Viscount _Lisle_, _Anno_ 35 _Hen._ VIII. who by every Knight, the Duke of _Norfolk_ excepted, is Ranked in the first Division of Princes) and in a Scrutiny then taken, _Robt. Cecil_ Viscount _Craneborne_ is the second Viscount in the List that has been Ranked with Princes, whence it became the frequent Practice in succeeding Scrutinies, until _Anno_ 14 _Car._ I. And then (upon a Question put in Chapter convened at _Westminster_ 23 _May_ 14. _Car._ I.) whether Earls Sons and Viscounts were eligible with Barons, it passed in the affirmative, and that by general usage except in the two cases just mentioned; and about the same time we find it reiterated near that Time, for in two Scrutinies taken the 19th and 21st of that Instant _May_, the Viscounts are therein reduced to the second Division, and Ranked with the Barons.

THE Knights-Batchelors and Bannerets held the same Rank in King _Hen._ VIII’s Statutes, in all Scrutinies with Barons.

BUT tho’ the word in King _Hen._ VIIIth’s late Statutes is _Baronettus_ instead of _Banerettus_, yet is this frequently obvious in some ancient Books and Records, as well as in those ancient Writers, long before the Title of Baronet was conceived or brought into use.

IN the last place he who demands those Suffrages (the Knights-Companions present) is by the Statutes of Institution to receive them in writing; for in a Scrutiny taken _Anno_ 2 _Hen._ VI. at the Election of _John_ Lord _Talbote_ and _Turnival_, the Dean of _Windsor_, and the Register of the Order, _wrote down the Votes and Nominations of every singular Knight present at the Day of Election_.

AND at another Scrutiny _Anno_ 4 _Hen._ VI. to fill up that which by an Error in the Black Book is set down Sir _Henry Fitzhugh_, ’tis inserted, _That the Dean and Register wrote down in Order_, (according to their Seniority) _the Votes of the Knights-Companions_. And after the Scrutinies began to be entred in the Annals, it is evident the general Practice kept pace with the Injunction of the Statutes; only there are two instances of an Election confirmed without taking a Scrutiny in writing, one in the case of the Princes _Henry_ and _Christiern_ IV. King of _Denmark_, where the Knights-Companions in a Chapter convened at _Whitehall_, 14 of _July_ 1 _Jac._ I. gave in their Votes _viva voce_, and immediately the Sovereign admitted them both into the Illustrious Society; the other was the Case of _James_ Marquis _Hamilton_, Elected the 2d of _Feb._ 20 _Jac._ I. with the vocal consent of all the Knights-Companions.

IT is worthy observation, that this Method, and the omission of taking the Scrutiny in writing, is not only contrary to the Law of the Order expressly set down for a more stable consignation of the Action, and more faithful transmission of it to Posterity, but exceeding prejudicial to Persons of Honour, and Distinction, whose Names would otherwise survive with great veneration among the candidates of this Illustrious Order, and of which Honour many deserving Persons will be hereafter deprived, if the Injunctions of the Statutes be not observed in this particular respect.

SECT. XI.

_The Presentation of it to the Sovereign._

THE Knights-Companions, having delivered their Suffrages, the Officer by whom they are Collected, humbly presents to the Sovereign the Nominations, for so it is recorded the Prelate of the Order acted in the 9th of _Hen._ the Vth. If these Votes were taken in Chapter, the Paper usually was immediately presented to the Sovereign who made his Election, before the Chapter broke up; but if gathered in the Chapel, tho’ it was given to the Sovereign, yet the choice was not made then, but the Morning after, and this was the manner in the 2d and 5th Years of Queen _Eliz._ Another time it hath not been presented till the Vespers were finished, but in the Practice of latter Days the Scrutiny hath not been given up to the Sovereign till the next Day at the opening of the Chapel before Morning-Prayer, as in the 13, 15, 20, 30 Years of Queen _Eliz._ demonstrates, and was the accustomed Practice of the 17th Year of King _Charles_ the first of ever-sacred Memory; the last presentation was transcribed in a little Book, and with all due Reverence offered upon the Knee, before any other Affair was transacted in the Chapter.

THIS has been the general Use as we are ascertain’d, _Anno_ 2 _Hen._ VI. the Dean of _Windsor_, and the Register of the Order, having Collected the Vote of every Knight, they were immediately given into the Hands of the Sovereign’s Deputy; and in the same nature were they presented on the 4th _Hen._ VI. when _John_ Duke of _Bedford_ was Lieutenant, in the 20th of Queen _Eliz._; when the Suffrages were Collected by Sir _Francis Walsingham_ the Chancellor, he gave them up to the Earl of _Sussex_, then Lieutenant to the Sovereign.

BUT it’s evident from several Passages in the Blue Book of the Order, that the Lieutenant afterward delivered them to the Sovereign, as is apparent from the Records of the 30th, 34th, 38th, and the 40th Year of Queen _Eliz._

In the 12th Year of K. _James_ I. some Exceptions arose upon the Chancellor’s not presenting the Scrutiny to the Prince, (who at that time was the Sovereign’s Lieutenant) but to the Sovereign himself, which was an Error he fell into, as well as some of his Predecessor’s; as the 2d, 3d, and 25th of _Eliz._ demonstrate.

_The Sovereign’s Considerations upon the Qualifications of those
to be elected._

§ 12. As the Knights-Companions are under an Obligation, by the Statutes, to nominate no Person, but who can bear the Test of the afore-mention’d Qualifications, there’s a Standard of Honour provided for the Sovereign, to measure the Extraction, Quality, and Merit of the Person proposed to be elected, least it might chance, thro’ the Indulgence of the Sovereign, this Fountain of Honour might be mudded by the Choice of inferior and undeserving Persons, for the Statutes run—because this _Order consists of Goodness, and honourable Virtue, doth not admit Unworthiness and Villany_, and so by Consequence secludes all Persons of mean Extraction and Merit.

The Qualifications for _Election_ are exhibited in the 2d Article, as in the 18th are included those of _Nomination_: The Words of the _Institution_ are, _That none shall be elected into the Order_; and refer only to the Act of Election: For if we consult the rest of the Statutes, and compare them with this Passage, they run according to this Tenor, _That none shall be elected and chosen a Companion of this Order_. These refer more principally to the Time of the Election, and not to the _Investiture_ with _Garter_, and _George_, and _Installation_, from the Expressions of _admitting_ and _receiving_ Knights into this _Order_, as the _Examplars_ of the _Statutes_ of _Institution_ set forth. And this is farther illustrated, from another Passage in the 2d Article of _Henry_ the VIII’s Statutes, where the Word _Reproach_ is mentioned, saith, _The Guilt thereof so incapacitates a Man’s Election, that for the future it’s a Bar, and utterly disqualifies him for that Honour_.

There are Two Points requisite for _Qualifications and Endowments_; first, to be a _Gentleman of Blood_; and, 2dly, a _Knight_ without _Reproach_. By the Statutes of _Henry_ the Vth’s _Institutions_, no Man ought to be elected, _unless he be a Gentleman born_. The _Examplar_ in the _Black Book_ saith, _Unless he be worthy upon the Account of Birth and Arms_: And in another Passage, _That he be one eminent for his Demeanour and good Report_; which intimates the Conjunction of Blood and Virtue, which make up the noblest Composition. The Statutes of King _Henry_ VIII. are more extensive than those, and say, _He must be a Gentleman by Name, Arms, and Blood_; and least this Character might seem intricate and perplex’d, _A Gentleman of Blood_ is defin’d to be, _One descended of three Descents of Nobles_, viz. _of Name and Arms, both by his Father and Mother’s side_.

It’s certain _Gentility_ does not receive its Perfection in the Person it was first devolv’d on, but is rather compleated by Succession: For, among the _Romans_, tho’ the Father was Free-born, and of the _Equestrian Cense_; yet it was farther requisite, that the Grand-father should be the same, or else they could not obtain the Ring, one of the _Symbols_ of the _Equestrian Order_, as _Pliny_ informs us. _Gentility_ hath its beginning in the Grand-father, its increase in the Father, and full ripeness in the Son; and consequently in the Constitution of _Gentility_, the Father and Grand-father conveying a Lustre to the Son, make it entire and compleat; for its incongruous to suppose a ripeness in the Son, unless there had been a former encrease in the Father, and a longer Series from the Grand-father.

The memorable Instance of the Lord _William Paget_, who was divested of the _Garter_ five Years after his Election, upon Pretence of his not being a Gentleman of Blood by either Father or Mother, proceeded not wholly from the defect in Point of Extraction, as _Haward_ relates, but rather from the Prevalence and Practice of _John Dudley_, Duke of _Northumberland_, by whose means he was most unjustly deprived of the _Garter_; repenting, perhaps, at the great Honours he had done this Lord, by his fair Character of him to King _Edward_ VI. when he procured him a new Grant of those Arms, under the Great Seal of _England_, when he was _Earl Marshal_, which he had some time before received from the Garter Principal King of Arms.

But, admit the defect of _Blood_ and _Arms_, for three Descents, were the true Cause of the recalling his _Garter_, that it might be conferred upon the Earl of _Warwick_, eldest Son of the said Duke, who, out of courtesie, is called so, in which Relation both _Haward_ and _Stow_ have mistaken, for they were bestowed upon Sir _Andrew Dudley_, Brother to the Duke; for tho’ he was put in the Scrutiny enter’d among the _Annals_ of _Edward_ VI. in the Sixth Year of his Reign, upon St. _George_’s Day, yet was the Earl neither then, nor at any other time, elected.

The Ensigns of this most Noble Order, as soon as Queen _Mary_ ascended the Throne, were with as much Honour restored to the Lord _Paget_, and with as great and absolute an Authority, as they were disgracefully taken from him. And in Confirmation of this Lord’s Restauration, he had the _Garter_ buckled on his Leg, and the _Collar_ and the _Order_ put about his Shoulders, with the _George_ depending, by two of the Knights-Companions present; and the Garter King at Arms was order’d, That he should take Care his _Atchievements_ should be replaced over his _Stall_ at _Windsor_, which is the 9th on the Sovereign’s side. It is observable, that the very Records of the Order brand his Degradation as Injustice; as if it were inferable, That when Honour is conferred, upon the Account of Virtue and exquisite Endowments, the Consideration of these supplies the defect and obscurity of Extraction. The Sovereign, whose Prerogative it was to declare and interpret the Statutes, being present in Chapter, thought fit to qualifie the Law, and gave him this honourable Commendation, _That he had highly deserved of the Nation, by his Prudence and Counsel_.

And though there’s only inserted in the _Examplar_ of the _Black Book_, _Virtue_ and _good Report_ for a Qualification, yet the same was observed by the Sovereigns and Lieutenants in foregoing Times, with great Circumspection; and that the _Magnanimity_, _Fortitude_, _Prudence_, _Generosity_, _Fame_, _Reputation_, and other Virtues and Excellencies, whether innate or acquired, of the Person proposed to Election, have by prudent Inquisition been inspected, and brought to the Touchstone, before they have been admitted into so noble and illustrious a Body.

Those Qualities were chiefly consider’d and esteemed by _Henry_ V. for which Reason, at an Election in the 9th Year of his Reign, he gave the Preference, before others that were nominated and presented unto him, to _John_, Earl Marshal, _William_, Earl of _Suffolk_, _John_, Lord _Clifford_, Sir _Lewis Robertsack_, and Sir _Heer Tank Clux_.

_Humphry_, Duke of _Gloucester_, Deputy to K. _Hen._ VI. trod in the same Steps, and did weigh, by the strict Rules of Fortitude and Prudence, the gallant and noble Actions and Deserts of _John_, Lord _Talbot_, before the Election, and gave in an Approbation worthy of his own Judgment, and that Candidate’s Merit. And for this Reason it’s expressed in the _Annals_ of the Order, that such noble and heroick Qualifications should have the favour of Election preferrable to others, as is evident in the Matter of Choice of Sir _Nicholas Carew_, in the 28th of _Hen._ VIII. _That he was a very fit Person, upon the Eminency of his Extraction and Fame, and the many noble and worthy Actions he had performed; so as that all present did, without any delay, unanimously approve of his Election_. And after this Tenure run the Commendation of _Henry_, Earl of _Cumberland_, at his Election, _viz._ _The many famous and loyal Atchievements performed by him, both at several other times, and then more especially, when the Tumult of Rebellion began to break forth in those Borders where he had his Habitation_.

The 2d Point to treat on is, That no one is qualified for Election, unless he be a _Knight_; or as it is expressed in one of the _Examplars_ in the _Hatton Library_, _Unless girded with the unstained Girdle of Knighthood_; so singular a regard the Law of the Order hath to this particular Qualification above the rest: And least Chance or Inadvertency might let slip a Person not Knighted into the Scrutiny, were the Words inserted _ut minimum_, that he be at least a _Knight_ before he be elected, when the Sovereign comes to make his Choice. It is evident from the 2d Article in the Statutes, that it hath long since received this Construction, as appears by an eminent Instance. In the 17th of _Hen._ VIII. The Feast of St. _George_ being celebrated at _Greenwich_, and the Sovereign being present, having elected the Lord _Roos_, afterwards Earl of _Rutland_, into the Society of this most noble Order; and being advertised on the Morrow after St. _George_’s Day, while the Mass of _Requiem_ was celebrating, _That he had not before received the Dignity of Knighthood, according to the Statutes_, which positively enjoin, _That whosoever is elected into this Society, should be in Degree at least a Knight_; that is, actually _Knighted_ before-hand. And tho’ the Lord _Roos_ was, at the Time of his Election a Baron of this Realm, which is a higher degree of Honour than a _Knight_; The Sovereign after Mass re-assembled the _Knights-Companions_, and annulled the Election, and commanded the _Garter_ and _George_, so lately conferred, to be taken off, and in the same Place dubbed him a Knight; and then he was Elected again, with an unanimous Consent, and so declared by the Sovereign’s own Mouth; and was restored to his _Ensigns_ and _Ornaments_, by the Dukes of _Norfolk_ and _Suffolk_. Agreeable to this, it’s recorded in the _Red Book_ of the Order; that none of the _English_, _Scotch_, or _Welsh Nation, how considerable soever otherwise, in the Prerogative of Blood or Virtue, can be Elected into this most honourable Society; but that he ought to be first ennobled and rendered capable, by this first degree of Knightly Honour_.

But this Law does not bind Foreign Princes; for by a Decree at _White-Hall_, in 13 _Charles_ I. these Words, _ut minimum_, are explained to relate to all Subjects, of what Degree soever, within the Sovereign’s Dominions; but Foreign Princes ought not to be _Knighted_, as the Basis and first Degree of _Chivalry_. The _Statutes of Institution_, as to those before-mentioned, not only enjoyn them to be _Knights_, but to be free of all _Infamy and Reproach_. In _Henry_ V’s. Statutes, it stands, _Chivalier sans reproche_, which Answers in the Latin, _Eques irreprehensus_; and the Argument used by the Duke of _Bedford_, for promoting the Election of Sir _John Radcliff_, was, that he had continued and exercised the Armies, the space of twenty eight Years, without _Reproach_. King _Henry_ VIII. determined this Word _Reproach_ into three Species; first, _when a Knight hath been convicted of Heresy, against the Catholick Faith_; or _suffered any publick Punishment for such Offence_: Here Heresy is reckoned among those defects, that deprive Men of Honour; because it bends its Force against the Catholick Church, which not only renders a Man, in the ballance of _Honour_, of no _Weight_ and _Esteem_, but more than all other Sins, makes him _Infamous_. And therefore when by _Tongue_, _Pen_, or _Actions_, a Man endeavours to trample under Foot the _sacred Law_, he scandalizeth Government, and seduceth others.

The second Point is, when any Knight hath been _arraigned, convicted, and attainted of Treason_; however Q. _Elizabeth_ qualified this Point by a Decree, made in the first Year of her Reign; _that in case any Persons so convicted, were pardoned by the Sovereign, and restored in Blood; every such Gentleman in Name, Arms, and Blood, and descended as aforesaid, being otherwise qualified, according to the ancient Statutes of the Order, should be thenceforth accounted Eligible, and might be Chosen a Companion_. This Decree, it’s presumed, owes its Original, upon the occasion of restoring in _Blood_ _William_ Marquiss of _Northampton_, and the Lord _Robert Dudley_, after Earl of _Leicester_, who had been attainted of High Treason in the first of Q. _Mary_: And we find that in the next Feast of St. _George_, they recovered their Privileges of Honour, and were preferred in _Nomination_, and on the last Day of the Feast, were Elected into this most illustrious Society.

Though the Marquess of _Northampton_ had been formerly Elected in the 35 _H._ 8. and was restored in Blood, as I said before; it’s very remarkable, that it was thought fit to descend to a new Nomination and Election, as appears from the Decree it self, as it was performed upon the third of _June Anno primo Eliz._

The last Point of Reproach, is, _where a Knight Companion hath fled from Battle_; in which the _Sovereign_, or his _Lieutenant_, or other _Captain_, (having the King’s Authority) were present; when Banners were displayed, and both Sides proceed to Fight. Now for a Person to behave himself cowardly in the Fight, abandon his Colours, leave his Prince, Friends, and Companions, in hazard of Life, are undoubtedly Concerns of a very high and reproachful Nature, and draw down Dishonour upon the Order, the Sovereign, and Knights Companions, and a sufficient indication of a pusilanimous Mind; that prefers to drag an infamous Life, and makes his Honour a Sacrifice to a reproachful Safety; for the Resolution of a right _Martial Spirit_, ought either to return decked with Victory, or die upon the Bed of Honour.

By the Laws of King _Edward_ the Confessor, the _Soldier_ that runs from his _Colours_, either in Land or Sea Service, his _Life_ and _Estate_ were made liable to answer the Offence; and our Acts of Parliaments have made it _Felony_, without _Benefit of Clergy_; for as much as such desertion endangers the Estate of the _King_, _Nobility_, and _Commonwealth_.

But the danger is of a far more dismal hue, when Officers, or he that Commands in Chief, or who has any Post of Trust assigned him, either quit it, or is found defective in his Duty, as was _Thomas Earl of Lancaster_, who quitted the Army at the Siege of _Berwick_, the consequence of which proved an abortion to the whole Design; and for which he was proclaimed _Traytor_, _Anno_ 12 _E._ 2. And therefore whoever is culpable of any of these three Points of _Reproach_, is disqualified from being Elected into this most _noble Order_. Before we proceed any farther, it may not be improper to take notice of an Error which _Polydore Virgil_ hath interwove with one, and which _Erhardus Celius_, in his History of _England_, hath copyed from that Author, but refuted by the learned Pen of Dr. _Heylein_, _viz._ that the _Knights-Companions_ have certain _Laws_ belonging to their Order, whereby they are _obliged to help one another, and in Time of Battle never to betake themselves to shameful Flight_: The _Statute Law_ of the _Order_ is silent upon the first Clause, nor is the latter otherwise to be taken, than one of those Points of Reproach spoke of in the second _Statute of K. Henry_ VIII. which nulls the _Election_ of the Person nominated, if he be peccant in that Point: Now that which gives some Umbrage to the _Knights_ mutual Assistance and Defence, is founded upon an Article in their _Statutes_, which prohibits the arming themselves one against another, to create a mutual Affection, and to extinguish Feuds, which is the Life and Soul of Society, and which the Founder, to prevent Inconveniencies, had a great Regard to; and therefore he Ordained, which has been confirmed since by other Statutes; That none of the Knights-Companions should Arm themselves against any of their _Fellows_, unless either in the Cause of his Sovereign, or his own just Quarrel: And this Clause it was, that gave the Handle to both Parties, that sided with the Houses of _York_ and _Lancaster_; some firmly adhering to _Henry_ VI. whom they accounted _Sovereign_ of the Order; and others taking Part with _Edward_ IV. as esteeming him Sovereign _de Jure_, though not _de Facto_.

But more firmly to tye this Knot of Amity among this noble _Fraternity_, least they should unhappily engage in Factions one against another, and proceed so violently as might commence into Actions of Blood and Slaughter; it was ordained, That if a Knight-Companion should happen to be retained in the Service of a Foreign Prince, to take up Arms in his Quarrel; and after his Adversary desired to entertain another _Knight-Companion_ on his Side also; he that was last invited, was bound to wave this Offer, and in no wise to give his Consent. And upon this, the _Knights-Companions_ were obliged to make special Precautions in that their Engagements; that if any of his Fellows were retained on the other Side, and that if he knew not that another of his _Fellows_ had been engaged with the Adversary, so soon as it came to his Knowlege, he was obliged to relinquish the Service he before had undertaken.

To these three Points of _Reproach_ we have set down, we find in a Manuscript, that belonged to _Heny Grey_, third Marquiss of _Suffolk_, a fourth added to these other three _Points_ of _Reproach_; in these Words:

#That if any Knight of the Order, from henceforth, by Prodigality or Ryot, wilfully or negligently, Dispend, Sell, Aliens, or do away his Patrimony or Livelihood, by reason whereof, he shall not be able honourably to maintain himself, and his Estate, in such honourable manner, as may Conserve the honour of the said Order, and of himself; in this Case he shall be Summoned by the Usher of Arms of the Order, called the black Rod, by Commandment of the# Soveraign, #his# Lieutenant, #or# Deputy; #to appear before his Majesty, or his Commissioners, and the Knights of the Order, at the next# Chapter £ ensuing; there to be examined before the Soveraign, or his said Commissioners, and the Knights and Companions of the said Order; and if he be found in such great default of# Prodigality, insolent Riot, or wilful Negligence; #that then the Soveraign, with the advice of the Company of the said Order may deprive and degrade him of the said Order, at the said Chapter, if it be their Pleasure.#

Though this fourth Point is not inserted into King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes, yet the Substance thereof seems to be approved of before; for we find among some _Orders_, prepared by the Marquiss of _Exeter_, and other Knights-Companions, at a Chapter at _Windsor_, the twenty fifth and twenty sixth Days of _May_, _Anno_ 8 _Henry_ VIII. one of them was something to this Purpose.

§. 13. Amongst the Number of these Candidates, the Sovereign is chiefly to regard those who have _most Voices_, or whom he conceives most requisite to contribute to the _Honour of the Garter_, and most Beneficial to himself, and of most Advantage to his Crown and Kingdom. We find the Law hath not always reserved the greatest Number of Voices, as will appear from the Annals; yet it has sometimes confirmed the Election, as in the Case of the Duke of _Queenberry_ _An._ 5 _Henry_ VI. where, after a due and sufficient Examination taken of the _Scrutiny_, the Duke, by the consent of most Voices, was Elected into the Stall of _Thomas_ Duke of _Exeter_; and so was the Election of Sir _Nicholas Carew_, the twenty fourth of _April_, in the 28 _Henry_ VIII.

It is remarkable in a singular Instance, that when two Knights had on either Side equal _Voices_; which was the Case of Sir _John Fastolf_, and Sir _John Radcliff_; the first being esteemed more Worthy, by the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, obtained the Election.

The second Inducement relates to such as, in all Appearance, may bring most Renown to the _Order_, and advance it to a higher pitch of Greatness; and these have in a great Measure been effected, by enrolling Foreign Princes into this _illustrious Society_, whose Valour and great Merit have proclaimed them deserving both of _Nomination and Election_. And upon this Consideration, K. _Charles_ I. of blessed Memory, _upon Consideration had of the glorious Atchievements, and high Renown, of_ Gustavus Adolphus _King of Sweden; judged it a Part of his Respect, not only to render him all Offices of Kindness and Friendship, as to a Prince nearly allied, and his most special Friend; but also to impart to him, as far as in him lay, the greatest and highest Honour that might be, and especially such, wherewith the military Virtue of so great a Captain was wont to be adorned_.

But the principal Motive thought requisite to Elect Foreign Princes into this Society of Honour, hath been expressed in the _Commissions_ of _Legations_, _to be in Respect of their glorious Merits, ennobled by the lustre and grace of their Heroick Virtues, their eminent Nobleness, Grandeur, Prowess, and Magnificence; the renown of which, Fame had divulged and spread Abroad throughout the World_.

Where the Advantage of the Sovereign’s Service was thrown into the Ballance, no Consideration could outvie its Pretensions, as in 2 _H._ 6. justifies; whose eminent Service for his King and Country, was the sole Motive that crowned his Election: And the great Zeal and Affection, which _John Jaspar Ferdinand de Marchin_ shewed for the Cause and Service, and the recovery of the just Rights of King _Charles_ II. was the strongest Inducement that swayed that Sovereign to chuse him, in the tenth Year of his Reign, a Knight-Companion of this most noble Order. But the last inducement is of the greatest Latitude, for the _Sovereign_ has a Power to reject whosoever he pleases, though they do exceed in multiplicity of _Voices_, and in other _Qualifications_; and even to Elect a Person that’s but once mentioned, as was shewn in the Person of _Casimire_, the fourth King of _Poland_, _An._ 28 _Henry_ VI. who having only the single Vote of the Lord _Scales_; yet upon respect to the _Sovereign_, how advantageous he might be for his, and his Kingdom’s Interest, obtained the Election.

And of later Date, (as the Preambles for the carrying the Ensigns to Foreign Princes set forth) the Advantages the Sovereign has conceived to possess himself of, in the improving, confirming, and establishing, of a most strict and _inviolable Bond_ of Friendship, and fair Correspondence, between him and Foreign Princes, their Realms and Subjects, hath been a grand Inducement to Elect such Princes into this most noble Order.

§ 14. Upon the vacancy of any of the _Knights-Companions_ Stalls, the _Election_ of others to supply those, is a Prerogative of the _Sovereign_, and in some Cases to his Lieutenant; for it’s recorded in the _Black Book of the Order_, in _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes: That _if any Stalls fall Vacant, it should belong to the Sovereign, to Elect new Knights, wheresoever he was Resident_; upon Condition, the Chapter consisted of six compleat _Knights-Companions_; but if he chanced to be out of his Realms, and the Number was deficient, and that his Lieutenant held the _Feast of St. George_ at _Windsor_; in such a Case the _Election_ belongs to the _Lieutenant_, who is first to be certified of his _Sovereign_’s Pleasure, and what Esteem _he_ has for the Candidates, to the intent such Information may guide, or direct his Election.

This Power of _Election_ is fully acknowledged, by the _Knights-Companions_ themselves, to be in the Sovereign; as the fragment of a Letter demonstrates, sent from _the Chapter_, convened at _Windsor_, upon the _Feast of St. George_, to _Henry_ V. then in _France_; viz. _That the Sovereign, in what Place soever residing, may, as is most fitting, Elect into a vacant Stall, (there being a sufficient Number of Knights called to this Election) such as he shall judge serviceable to his Crown, or do exceed others in deserts, and nobleness of descent_: And at publishing the _Election_ of _Duke Emanuel_ of _Savoy_, in the Reign of _Philip_ and _Mary_, who were _joint Sovereigns_ of the _Order_; it’s styled, The Election of the _King and the Queen_.

This grand Prerogative of the _Sovereign_ being not duly weighed by _Polydore Virgil_, occasioned his tripping in this Affair, and drew in _Claudius Coteræus_ into the same palpable mistake; for writing of this _Order_, and the Succession of new Knights, reports in his History of _England_, That _one Knight is received in the room of another deceased, by the Choice and Election of all the rest_; and _Erhard Celly_ in his _Anglo-Wirtemb._ does as falsely affirm, _That no Person may be received into this Order, not so much as by the Sovereign, unless with the common Consent and Suffrage of all the Knights-Companions_.

But these Passages are altogether erroneous, the _Knights-Companions_ only _nominate_ the _Persons_, but the right of _Election_ remains solely in the _Sovereign_ of the Order; for whosoever is honoured with his Choice, is immediately admitted; and pronouncing barely the Name of the Person in Chapter, constitutes the Election. After the Scrutiny hath been taken, and presented to the Sovereign, he peruseth it himself, or the _Chancellor_, or some other Officer of the _Order_ that gathered it, reads it over to him; afterwards the Sovereign resolves forthwith, upon some one or more of the Knights, contained in the Scrutiny; and then publickly declareth the _Name_ of him, or them, he does _Elect_; and by the bare Act of his _Pronunciation_, they Commence Elected Knights; except now and then the Sovereign is pleased to give his Reasons, why the Knight is Elected by him.

But though this Act of _Election_ be solely in the _Sovereign_, yet the Consent of the _Knights-Companions_ is frequently recorded in the _Annals_, and sometimes mentioned in the _Commissions_ of _Legations_ to _Foreign Princes_; not that the single Act of _Election_ is, in truth, the Act of the whole Chapter, or is made invalid, without the joynt Consent of the _Knights-Companions_, present at the Election; but their Consent so expressed, is to be taken as an honorary Respect given them by the Register, intimating rather an Applause, or Commendation of their _Sovereign’s Choice_, as being in their Opinions Just and Right, according to the Merit of the Elected, than a material Circumstance, tending to the Ratification of the Election made by the Sovereign, as if defective without it.

§. 15. Among other Duties incumbent on the _Register_, and expressed in the Statutes of the _Order_, this is one: That the Register’_s Office is to set down, and record for a Memorial, the Elections (or Scrutinies,) and Names of the Knights Elected_: But in succeeding Times a Scruple arose, if this was not needless, when the _Scrutiny_ should be taken, yet no _Election_ made; to clear up which doubt, in a Chapter held in 5 _Elizabeth_, on St. _George_’s-_Day_, it’s recorded as the Sovereign’s Will and Pleasure, that thenceforward it should be Enacted, and received as the Sanction of a _Law_, within this Order; _That if any Nominations were taken from the Knights-Companions, the same should be entered into the Annals, though there were no Election made of any Person into the Order at that Time_: Which we presume was so Decreed, out of great deference to those Princes and noble Personages, who, in descending Times, should, by the glory of their Exploits, appear but worthy of a _bare Nomination_ into so resplendent and illustrious an Order. And in pursuance of this _Decree_, there is frequent mention made of the delivery of the _Scrutiny_ into the Hands of the Register, in order to be Recorded.

The Blue Book says, _Anno_ 22 _Elizabeth_; _That the Chancellor himself_ delivered the _Knights-Companions Votes to the Register, to be committed to Writing, for a perpetual Memorial; and accordingly the Register, as his Duty obliged him, transcribed them, and put them in their proper Place, with all Care and Fidelity_. _Anno_ 34 of the same Queen, ’tis said, _the Votes were delivered to the Register, who took care to Record them, according to usual Order_. Yet maugre this Law, the Entry of Scrutinies hath been sometimes omitted, either by the _Register_’s forgetfulness of the Decree, or some accidental Miscarriages. In some Places of the Annals, in the room of _Scrutinies_, we find Excuses entered, as it’s said, _Anno_ 28 _Elizabeth_; that the _Prelate_, immediately after _Vespers_, presented the Scrutiny to the Sovereign; but because there was no Election made of any new _Knights_, in regard of hurry, or weighty and pressing Affairs, it was laid aside, and _through Neglect lost_, or at least came not into the _Register_’s Hands, to be inserted in its proper Place. And when the Dean of _Windsor_ collected the Scrutiny at _Vespers_, _Anno_ 18 _Elizabeth_, it’s said, _No Election was made, nor any thing else done_: The like Excuse is made, _Anno_ 5 _Charles_ I. but the Fault is thrown upon the Chancellor; for though the Scrutiny had been taken by him, during the _Vespers of the Feast-Day, yet would he not suffer it to be entered_. In some Places we find, _Anno_ 31 _Elizabeth_, the _Votes_ being presented, _they were left with her_. And _Anno_ 11 _Charles_ I. the Scrutiny of _Algernoon_ Earl of _Northumberland_ never came to the Register’s Hands.