Helen of Greyfells, Order of the Hare Argent, 2022

To Her most revered and beloved Excellency, Helen of Greyfells, humble servant, greetings.

We have long witnessed and been told of all your good works, and here within Our leporine halls We would repay you for all your generosity and hospitality that you have shown to all. For, many times, in both canton and barony, as a Seneschal and Chatelaine, you have given hospitality and the true spirit of the Hare. Indeed, the members of one of Our orders has demanded your admittance as just recognition of all you have done! And so, We beg you to continue the good work you have always done, with reverence and love.

Deal, then, Our dear Helene, with this our request, that you join Our Order of the Hare Argent, so that here on earth your deeds may be recognized by all!

This do We, Dubhessa and Joffr,  Baroness and Baron of Skraeling Althing, decree. [Date and Place]

Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based on a letter from Boniface to Abbess Eadburga, c. 735.

Duncan MacLeod, Hare Salient, 2022

Many are the ways one may render service as an archer in these lands. First of all, yew could serve as a Marshal of the Bow, useful to ensure that others may practice the Art of Archery. Also admirable wood be those who have stood as an Archery Champion and do not loose composure nor quiver when competing for their patrons’ honour. Butt we must also tip our caps to one who likewise serves upon engines of seigecraft without being vane. Therefore we, Dubhessa and Joffr, give unto Duncan MacLeod the Award of the Hare Salient. Done November 12, AS 57 at Feast of the Hare in our Canton of Caldrithig. 

Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, very loosely based on The Art of Archery by Anon., c. 1515. Translation by H. Walrond, 1901.

Marguerite Gingraix, Order of the Hare Salient, 2022

Wee speake to Our Herald, and Signet, and all of the Hare thus, Know my deare ones that this Dame Marguerite Gingraix is a personage of generosity of time and labour, and Wee have thought long about them, and Wee shall devide Our thinking into six parts. In the first what the generosity is, whiche is Service, secondly that said Service has been demonstrated by their time as Baronial Exhequer, thirdly that this Service was continued as Baronial Signet, fourthly that this Radicall gift to Us, our forebears, and Our people must and should be recognized, fifthly that We have an Order to recognize great Service, and sixtly that it be but naturall that Wee shall therefore induct Dame Marguerite into the Order of the Hare Salient. 

This, in Our wisdome was done by Dubhessa and Joffr, Baroness and Baron of Skraeling Althing at the Feast of the Hare in the Canton of Calrithig on the anniversary of the crowning of Lothair III, being the twelfth day of November, in the yeare of the Society seven and fifty.

Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based on A Chymicall treatise of the Ancient and highly illuminated Philosopher, Devine and Physitian, Arnoldus de Nova Villa who lived 400 years agoe, never seene in print before, but now by a Lover of the Spagyrick art made publick for the use of Learners, printed in the year 1611. Transcribed from Bodleian Library, MS Ashmole 1415, pp.130-146, by Hereward Tilton. https://www.alchemywebsite.com/arnaldus_treatise.html 

Eluned ferch Angor, Order of the Black Hare, 2022

As great store We set in Eluned,
She who the science and craft has spread,
Patron and supporter of vari’d arts,
Instigator from whom action starts,
In the kitchen, hall and sewing room,
Therefore do We pronounce this, her doom:
Let she of the rainbow’s coloured flair
Join with the Order of the Black Hare.

Presented by Dubhessa and Joffr, Baroness and Baron of Skraeling Althing, while sitting Their seats at [name of event], in [host group], [date of event].

Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based on “The Death-Bed Song of Meilyr, the Poet” by Meilyr Brydydd, c1137. 1

Meilyr Brydydd (fl. 1100-1137) was one of the Y Gogynfeirdd (The Less Early Poets) of 10th century Wales. These poets wrote works to praise the courts of their patrons, about the state of their souls, while also endeavouring to nurture a distinctively Welsh identity 2. Meilyr’s poem “The Death-Bed Song of Meilyr, the Poet” is part of a genre called marwysgafn which were religious odes in which the poet lamented their coming demise and expressed their sins. 3 4 This particular poem was written utilizing two different metres: cyhydedd naw ban and cyhydedd hir. 5 Cyhydedd naw ban consisted of two 9-syllable rhyming lines with the end rhyme often carrying over several lines in a row. 6 The fragment of Meilyr’s poem I used as a source seems to have been written in this meter (though the translator used lines of ten syllables rather than nine) and does not fit the definition of cyhydedd hir (two lines comprised of three 5- syllable sections that shared an end rhyme, followed by a four syllable section with a new end rhyme with the next line using c rhymes in place of a rhymes and having these internal rhymes remain within the line while the end b rhyme connected not internally but with the next line’s end rhyme). 7 I therefore used the Cyhydedd naw ban meter for my wording.

The poet and poem were selected to reflect the persona of the recipient. Eluned often dyes her hair bright colours, hence the reference to “rainbow’s coloiured flair.”

1 Graves, Alfred Perceval (transl. and ed.), Welsh Poetry Old and New in English Verse, 1912, Longmans, Green and Co: London, p. 15.
(https://archive.org/details/welshpoetryoldne00graviala)
2 Trehaime, Elaine. Medieval Literature: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 47.
3 Obermeier, Anita. The History and Anatomy of Auctorial Self-criticism in the European Middle Ages. Rodopi B.V., 1999, pp. 174-175.
4 Editors of Encyclopaedia. “marwysgafn,”. Encyclopedia Britannica, Britannica, July 20, 1998. https://www.britannica.com/topic/marwysgafn
5 Koch, J.T. & Minard, A. (eds), The Celts. History, Life, Culture, vol. 2, Santa Barbara, 2012.
https://www.academia.edu/41690687/St_Melor
6 Fischer, Todd H. C. Ossa poetices: A Cyclopedia of Early, Medieval and Renaissance Poetic Forms, Devices and Genres. Stonebunny Press,2017, p. 32.
7 Ibid. Pp. 28-29.

Avelyn Wexcombe of Great Bedwyn and Dafydd ap Alan, Order of the Friends of the Hare, 2022

As friendship is the result of great power and is found to the highest degree in people and their better spirits; as friendship is a righteous power which can be channeled to dwell among the virtuous; as friendship is the root of growth, the dispenser of all joy, the sincerity of truth, the strength of conviction, the foundation of peace, and the source of all good things; and as this power has been consistently displayed by Avelyn Wexcombe and Dafydd ap Alan to this, the Barony of Skraeling Althing, which flourished under their kind care, do We, Dubhessa and Joffr, Their heirs and current Baroness and Baron of Skraeling Althing, invite them to join our august Order of the Friends of the Hare. Done [date], at [event], in [place].

Wording by Baron Colyne Stewart, based on a segment from Amicitia, a treatise on friendship, written by Boncompagno Da Signa, in 1205.

Sources

Anon. “A Medieval Guide to Friendship.” Medievalists.net, Features, n.d. https://www.medievalists.net/2014/02/medieval-guide-friendship/ 

Gianluca Raccagni (2013) “The teaching of rhetoric and the Magna Carta of the Lombard cities: the Peace of Constance, the Empire and the Papacy in the works of Guido Faba and his leading contemporary colleagues,” Journal of Medieval History, 39:1, 61-79, DOI: 10.1080/03044181.2012.745446

Ines de Freitas, Award of Orion, 2021

 Decree of the King, Rattanicus, and the Queen, Isabel, first of those names.

Leaving aside the types and definitions of Justice, which many write about in unreasonable ways, it is Our intention to speak very briefly of justice alone, which is the reason royal power exists: to punish the evil and to reward the good.

And given that the King and Queen, whose reign is well-recorded, rule with justice – an act more pleasing to God than any other - We wish to speak about justice as those who have been greatly contented by the learning of one Lady, Ines de Freitas, who has embellished Our kingdom with song and scholarship in equal measure.

The King and Queen made vast use of the virtue of justice to bestow upon the Lady, Ines de Freitas, the Award of Orion, and on whose account we must consider that there was in this time the gift of justice, whose laurel and fruit is honorable fame in this world.

This was done on the 20th day of November, as We sat Our thrones in our land of Bastille du Lac, where We put Our hands and seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on The Prologue of the Chronicle of King Pedro I of Portugal.

Avelyn Wexcombe, Court Barony, 2021

 O, the Northrealm! A land so bless’d,

With worthy nobles of the best!

In Skraeling Althing look around:

Carrots of gold spring from the ground!

This work of goodly Avelyn,

Eighth to sit the High Seats and reign,

Well-beloved in all her land

(Naught to do with that sword in hand…)

Bent her will to learning and jest,

(Eastrealm friends say “Give it a rest!”)

These years of service now are past,

Like bounding hares they run so fast!

Rattanicus and Isabel,

Your lieges speak – all ears compel,

Silver now encircles your brow,

Let none gainsay what we do now.

Done this 13 th Day of November, Anno Societatis LVI (56), as We celebrate the Feast of the Hare in Our

Canton of Caldrithig, where we have set Our Hands and Seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the humorous verse “The Foxe and the Welle”.

Dafydd ap Alan, Court Barony, 2021

 ‘Tis said that gold grows not on trees,

Nor can it be fish’d from the seas,

But in fair Skraeling Althing bright,

Golden Carrots are their birthright.

Give thanks unto Dafydd’s labours –

Eighth of the land’s chosen leaders –

Defends his people with his blade,

Survived a kidnapper’s raid,

A noble fam’d for rapier wit,

(Dragon Dormant prefer’d he’d quit!)

Though time bids all to say goodbye,

Let joy, like rabbits, multiply!

Isabel and Rattanicus,

Northrealm sovereigns now sayeth thus:

From our hands take this coronet,

That for your service none may forget.

Done this 13 th Day of November, Anno Societatis LVI (56), as We celebrate the Feast of the Hare in Our

Canton of Caldrithig, where we have set Our Hands and Seal.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the humorous verse “The Foxe and the Welle”.

Scroll of Friendship from Trinovantia Nova to Sciath ingen Chennaig

To the most Learned and Gracious Sciath, by the will of the Lupine Crown Baroness of Rising Waters and Defender of the Niagara, her humble and devout kinsmen and kinswomen Eithne, Seneschal and Marshal of the Arte of Thrown Weaponry; Aidan, Exchequer and Captain of Archers; Muirghein, Chatelaine; Rose, Chronicler; Seamus, Pursuivant; Amelye, Minister of the Arts and Sciences; Berenger, Captain of Foot; Jessica, Marshal of the Arte of Defense; and Neala, Deputy of Alle Things; and the other lords, ladies, and freeholders and the whole community of the realm of Trinovantia Nova send all manner of filial reverence, with devotion and noble wishing.

Most Noble Baroness, we know from the chronicles and books of the ancients that we find amongst other goodly lands our own, Trinovantia Nova, has been graced with renown and the goodwill of many peoples. It journeyed from the heart of Ealdormere by way of Septentria and it dwelt for a long course of time in Ramshaven, but never could it be diminished by any people. Thence it came, thirty-five years after the first King of the West, to its home in the Forest of Trinovantia, where it still remains to this day.

Of the high qualities and merits of these people, were they not otherwise manifest, shine forth clearly enough from this: that the most diligent and noble line of those who sit upon the High Seats over the demesne of the Chalice called them, even though settled in the uttermost parts of the Kingdom, almost the first amongst their friends and kin.

Most Learned Baroness, you and your predecessors gave careful heed to these things and strengthened this same shire and people with many favours and numerous privileges; and to that, we beseech your Excellency with our most earnest wishes and supplicant hearts, inasmuch as you will in your sincerity and goodness, accept our gratitude and in so doing let us name you, and your people, as Friends of Trinovantia Nova. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor favours that we do this, but for honour alone, which no honest shireling gives up but with life itself.

May the Most High preserve you in happiness and health for many days to come; and inspire us all with courage and bring our endevours to fruition.

Given at our 20th Celebration of our Shire, in Trinovantia Nova on the ninth day of the month of May in the year of the society fifty-five and the second month of the reign our King Rattanicus and our Queen Isabel.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen; based on the Declaration of Arbroath.

Charter of Merchant Rights for Aleksandr Bergessøn

 Charter of Merchant Rights for Aleksandr Bergessøn

Penn, by the authority of the Crown of Ealdormere, Baron Ramshaven, and Lucia, by the same authority Baroness Ramshaven, to all people to whom these presents shall come, greetings.

Whereas We find that it will considerably add to the welfare of Our barony and of Our subjects that the commerce, trades, and navigation in Our lands and territories should grow, be increased, and improved by all suitable means; and whereas by the reports of experienced and trustworthy gentles we have received reliable and certain intelligence that there are situated by the waters of the Inland Seas many rich countries and islands with which it will not only be possible to carry on a valuable commerce from Our barony, but it is also most likely that the said people may likewise be made to know the glory and might of Our barony by the mutual intercourse and trade.

Therefore, we have as far as in Our power concluded that the advantages, profits, and welfare of Our barony and faithful subjects will be much improved and increased by the discovery of new commercial relations and navigation; and We understand that our well-beloved subject, Lord Aleksandr Bergessøn, has made large advances and investments towards commercial ventures. Thus by Our will We have given and granted unto Lord Aleksandr and to his heirs the proper permissions to raise and maintain a merchant vessel, crew, and means of defence for such vessel and crew. We also extend the following privileges:

That first, during the time of twelves months none of Our subjects and inhabitants of Our lands shall be allowed to sail and trade in anybody but Lord Aleksandr's name and behalf North of Cove Island, or Westward to Saginaw Bay or the Straits of Mackinac, while the ships and goods of all who have dared to trade there without Our and this consent and permission shall be confiscated;

That second, he be exempt from payment of all duties on all goods which he imports to or exports from Our barony and territories, and that he shall have permission to export and pass the said goods through Our customs offices as often as it may be necessary without paying further duties;

That third, We take his concern as a ward into Our protection, promising to defend and guard with the power of Our barony in free commerce and navigation against all and everybody in special who should hinder and damage him in his good and lawful undertaking; and if any violence should be made against him, We will come to his assistance and relief as the occasion may require and the circumstances of Our barony and the Kingdom of Ealdormere will allow;

That fourth, We will not take, nor have taken by any means into Our or Our barony's service his ship, nor any ordnance, ammunition, money, goods, or merchandises, unless it may be done with the free, thorough, and joyous consent and approval of Lord Aleksandr;

That fifth, We give him full authority, consent, and command to treat pirates and declare enemies, who want to damage him in his trade by force, as disturbers of the public peace; and he shall take, punish, and proceed against them in the same manner as it is usually done.

As compensation for all these advantages, assistance, franchises, and privileges, We decree that Lord Aleksandr provide the sale of the goods and produce of foreign lands to Us, Our heirs, and Our subjects before the sale of such goods to other lands. We further charge that he must advise Us and Our officers at once of all news and communications which they receive from foreign lands, so that We may know how to arrange and direct our affairs accordingly.

Done this 14th Day of July, Anno Societatis LIII, as we hold court in the Great Hall of Northgaetham, at the Fifth Baron's Brouhaha, whereof we place our hands and seal.

Based on the Charter of Privileges which Gustavus Adolphus Has Graciously Given by Letters Patent to the Newly Established Swedish South Company; June 14, 1626

Yamagata Tokimu'ne, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2021

Snow blankets the land

The mountain sleeps under drifts

Its streams are frozen

Undisturbed by marching feet

Of bushi; they march to war.

One stands among them

Honour’d is Yamagata

Tokimune; serve

Your Ten’nō and your Jotei

Shugo of Western Province.

Rise, Hatamoto

Tono of the Okami!

Wolves howl your name

Kaylah and Trumbrand declare

The Maiden’s Heart – bear it now.

 

Done this 70th day of Winter, in the 54^th Year, by our decree.

 

Wording by Akashi Terumoto go-Taisho

Composed as a renga (連歌) format of poetry.

Nicola Canis, Award of Arms, 2021

 

Let all present and future know that We, Rattanicus Rex and Isabel Regina Ealdormerensis, in Our goodness and grace, have by this present letter given and granted and confirmed, through her homage and service, to Nicola Canis, the rights, responsibilities, and station of a Lady of the Realm; and further we do by this letter grant unto the aforesaid Nicola the right to bear the arms Per bend sable and azure, a three-headed dog rampant contourny tailed of a serpent maintaining in its tail a sword argent, for which a yearly annuity must be rendered in coin or in service, as pertains to the whole realm. And We, Rattanicus and Isobel and our heirs warrant the aforesaid Nicola of the aforesaid rights for the aforesaid service in perpetuity. With these witnessing on the 4th day of September, Anno Societatis LVI (56).

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen; based on a grant of land given by Nicola de la Haie.