Arwyn of Leicester, Order of the Laurel, 2019

THE GRYPHON IS MOST HIGH     HE IS TO BE PRAYSED

Let Greatness of Glory be his Principality, and Splendor, and Greatness of Retinue, and Valour and Boldness, and Courage, and Favour with the Gryphon, the bestower of Victory, to the people of Avacal. So long as flowers spread their perfume and daylight shines, with Sincere Love and Ancient Friendship, do We, Ivar the Black and Asney Grimolfrsdottir, who lean upon the Couch of Command in Our Kingdom of the Gryphon, highly advanced in Dominion, Noble in Courage and Justice, send praise.

As the maxim says “An equitable Ruler is the personification of Good in the World[1]”, and so do We find Our Princely minds wishing to make known what cannot remain hidden, being the esteem in which we hold Our loyal subject Arwyn of Leicester also known as Amira al- 'Aliyya. This Arwyn is a woman of Great Worth, beloved by her family and by our cousin the Shah, who considers her to be a fidalgo[2] of high rank. As she has great knowledge of saffron, golpar, shevid[3] and all the spices, and has been governing the accounts of her household, and made her knowledge available to all, do We elevate her in rank, advance her in prestige, and make her a member of Our most noble Order of the Laurel. With her do We then make the following contract:

1st We make her a woman of the pen[4] and grant her the right and title to sit in the royal palace[5] and name her moqarrab ab-hazrat sharbat-khana[6], over-seer of spices and desserts to Our court.

2nd It is granted that she shall pay no manner of Customes or tolles any kind of waye when buying or selling the commodity of spice.

3rd Free libertie, safe conduct and licence to come or sende her factors in trade throughout Our countrey, and to act as our Embassador and agent in the buying and selling of spice with Our cousins in other countreys.

4th That her Camel men, Carauans and Shipps will have safe harbour on Our roads, coasts and rivers, and that any who infringe upon them shall be brought to Us for judgement.

We expect all to fulfill these obligations[7] and be bound by Our stipulations, except a stipulation that makes unlawful what is lawful[8]. Fulfil this, Our agreement, for an agreement is obligatory.[9]

This is the intention granted by Ivar and Asney, who reside on the Couch of Justice and Splendidness , may Their dynasty last till the end of the world, and Their reign be prolonged till the consummation of ages! Done at the celebration of Yule, in the Barony of Borealis, on the 16^th day of Azar[10] in the yeare 1398, reckoned in the Society as the 7th Day of December in the yeare 54.

Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart of Ealdormere, based upon contracts between: ‘Abd al-‘Ali Khan, ruler of Gilan and England (14 April 1563); Shah Tahmasp and England (29 June 1566);  Shah ‘Abbas I and King James I of England (1615; modified in July 1697); the Treaty of Peace and the Frontiers (17 May 1639); and a letter from Shah Sulayman to Charles II (1677-78).

Sources

Dandamayev, Muhammad A. et al. “Contracts”. Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/contracts-legally-enforceable-undertakings-between-two-or-more-consenting-parties accessed September 29, 2019

Ferrer, José Cutillas, “SPAIN: RELATIONS WITH PERSIA IN THE 16TH AND 17TH CENTURIES,” Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition, 2018, available at http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/spain-relations-persia-16-17-century September 29, 2019

Ferrier, R. W. “The Terms and Conditions under which English Trade Was Transacted with Ṣafavid Persia”. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Vol. 49, No. 1, In Honour of Ann K. S. Lambton (1986), pp. 48-66 (23 pages)

Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of School of Oriental and African Studies

https://www.jstor.org/stable/617668 accessed  September 30 2019

Hanway, Jonas. An Historical Account of the British Trade Over the Caspian Sea: With a Journal of Travels from London Through Russia Into Persia; and Back Through Russia, Germany and Holland. To which are Added, the Revolutions of Persia During the Present Century, with the Particular History of the Great Usurper Nadir Kouli in four volumes. Volume one. London: 1753.

  https://books.google.ca/books?id=etApAAAAYAAJ&redir_esc=y Accessed September 29, 2019

 “Iran, 1400–1600 A.D.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?period=08&region=wai (October 2002)  accessed September 29, 2019

Marcinkowski, M. Ismail. “Dastural-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/dastur-al-moluk Accessed October 1, 2019

ibid. “Tadherat al-Moluk”, Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/tadkerat-al-moluk Accessed September 30, 2019

Matthee,  Rudolph P. The Politics of Trade in Safavid Iran: Silk for Silver, 1600-1730.

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999. https://books.google.ca/books?id=5U0yECMV--wC accessed September 29, 2019

Minorsky, V. Tadhkirat Al-Muluk: A Manual of  Safavid Administration  (circa 1137/1725). Cambridge: W. Heffer & Sons LTD. 1943. Online at https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.227105/2015.227105.Tadhkirt-Al-muluk_djvu.txt Accessed September 30, 2019

Mustafa, Grand Vizier.  “Treaty of Peace and Frontiers: The Ottoman Empire and Persia (17 May 1639)”. Pars Times: Greater Iran and Beyond, http://www.parstimes.com/history/iran_ottoman.html  Accessed October 1, 2019

Ranjbar, M.A. and Sehhat Manesh, R., 2016. “New Routes to Iran’s International Trade in the Safavid Era”. Ancient Asia, 7, p.8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/aa.124 accessed September 30, 2019

Savory, Roger M. “COURTS AND COURTIERS vi. In the Safavid period”

Encyclopedia Iranica. http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/courts-and-courtiers-vi

accessed September 29, 2019

Shafaat, Ahmad, Dr. “Islamic Rules Governing Financial Dealings, “1988.  Islamic Perspectives, http://www.islamicperspectives.com/FinancialDealings.htm Accessed October 1, 2019

With Thanks To

Carroll-Clark, Susan. Private correspondence, Facebook Messenger, September 24 through October 1, 2019.

Leo-Roca, Carlos. SOAS Library, University of London.

---

[1] The original maxim is “An equitable Sultan is the shadow of God on earth”. (Mustafa.)

[2] Someone who was of a high rank could be known as a fidalgo. (Savory.)

[3] Spices native to Persia.

[4] The Safavid administration was split between the “men of the sword” and the “men of the pen”. (Savory.)

[5] It was a great honour to be allowed to sit in the Shah’s court. (Savory.)

[6] A moqarrab ab-hazrat was a manager in charge of a royal workshop responsible for expenditures. Moqarrab meant “confidant” and “hazrat” is an honorific. The sharbat-khana was the workshop that included spices, sugar and tobacco. (Savery. Minorsky. Marcinkowski.)

[7] The koranic verse 5:1 stipulates that agreements must be adhered to. (Dandemayay.)

[8] This is attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. (Dandemayay.)

[9] Several koranic verses teach that contracts must be honoured, including "O Believers: Honor your contracts" (5:1,) as well as "And fulfill every commitment. Surely every commitment will be asked about (on the day of judgment)" (17:34). (Mustafa. Shafaat.)

[10] Azar is the ninth month of the official calendar of Iran. It begins in November, ending in December, and lasts thirty days.

Aurelia Gabriana, Order of the Laurel, backlog scroll (written in 2015; updated in 2017)

I was asked to write the wording for a backlog scroll for Mistress Aurelia Gabriana (of beloved memory) for her induction into the Order of the Laurel.

Lo, Roak and his queen did bring Their word

From Trino land; that Laurel was conferred

Unto Aurelia known for lovely art

For twas she that with needle showed her heart

So thence to teach was this new Laurel tasked

To well regard decree the Royals asked.

This was written in the chronicles as being during the winter war on the second of March in the year 42 after the foundation of the empire

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on a verse attributed to Tyrtaeus, as found in “The Life of Lycurgus” in “Parallel Lives” by Plutarch.

Catherine Townson, Order of the Laurel, 2015

Steinnar and Liðr, by grace of the north, king and queen of Ealdormere, &c. to heralds, pursuivants, &c. greeting. Know ye that plants can grow in disparate soil, and with love and care they can be moved from place to place, and not just grow but thrive. So has one of our subjects been transplanted, and so has she thrived. From far An Tir she came to our northern lands, and in our gardens and glades she tills and hoes, and on the loom her deft fingers flow. Our privilege it has been, to watch her blossom. Therefore, we, seriously contemplating the eminent services and merits of the noble Catharine Townson, who is skilled at the weaving of textiles, and judging the same to be most worthy, that, in our special grace and certain knowledge, have erected, preferred and created the said Catharine as a member of the Order of the Laurel, with the name, status, style, title, honour and dignity as a Laurel, with all and singular responsibilities, duties and other things whatsoever of such status of being a Laurel. To recognize her new station, we give and concede by these presents to her, the said Catharine, a ring we have marked, invested and really enobled, and a medallion of honour and dignity, and also a coat on her shoulders we place. And this we have done on the [ ] day of [ ], at the War of the Trillium, in our Canton of Ardchreag, in the fiftieth year of the Society.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Creation of Edward Copurtenay as Earl of Devon, Letters Patent, Mary, 1553 and the Creation of Thomas, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, as Earl of Norfolk, Letters Patent, Charles I, 1644.

Othindisa bykona, Order of the Laurel, 2015

Þá á vetra stofnans fertugundi ok níundi, Rikardsmessa inn Konung, inn nótt tuttugundi ok annarr þorsmánaðar ok nótt sjaundi mánaðar fimti einvalds Titus ok Anna Leigh, Konunginn Æthelmerc ok Kvenna. Gegnum meðan hæstir eru stormar um vetrinn fóru á Vindkverns Stað á hinna Syndar Sjau Dauðligra Hóf. Þar tala hinn skaldshvítskeggjaðr heyrðu

Ok hann sagði:

Engis gulla augar
óðrærs æna smyrill;
flugastinga súpa
sæta mjölkblóms lævíss.
Vængar með höggvanda
vínsvelgr fljóta til býhus
Þer hunangs ymrþjuða
þrekliga stemma lækrgull.

Meyja hroska meldrar
mala luma hunangs -
lærdóms glaðast landvörð
ljoseld halda blossi.
Runum Freyjas fela -
fjarðlog herjar hirða.
Riki býheims hrósa
ræriróðs prúðlig meyja.

Birtigulla býtár
bekkr damstæð leka
játir barajastars
yndiligr bekkr vindsgnýr.
Hrannir út hann dynjað
Hárs á saltunnu skáldit
siglað Óðinns segjað
skaldskipit ok ölhrönn.

Ágæta Óðindisa
afusa meyja gullin.
Bóndar mikill býkongs
berrat órdsmíðs bjórveig.

Þá er heyrðu þessa, Titus ok Anna Leigh fundu Oðindisa bykona, aldæll ok víta, mætr ganga í bönd með bróðernit lárviðs af vísi býhalda vítr ok læring hana af vísi þat. Gjöf gefu henni, nafn aeðlæst ok skjaldnafn: Fjólublátt, sól í dýrð hans, á æðstu gulli þrjú perur grænt, eiginn hennar af opið bref. Ok gleðusk állr!

Þus endast nóttsaginn einvalds Titus ok Anna Leigh, Konungr ok Kvenna Aethelmearc.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then, in the forty-ninth winter from the Founding, on the Feast day of Richard the King, being the 22nd night of Thor-month, and the seventh night of the fifth month of the reign of Titus and Anna Leigh, the King of AEthelmearc and his Queen traveled in the depth of winter to visit their WindMill Stead for the Seven Deadly Sins Feast. There they heard the White-Beard Skald speak. And he said:

Meadow´s golden-eyes gathers the hawk of wisdom The sting-fly sips sweet blooms' strong milk Drunkard with wings staggering floats to home at bee house There the buzzing-tribe strongly stems the stream-gold. Maiden of the mill wise measures golden honey. Brings to landward brightest beacon´s light of learning. Keeps she Freya's secrets, keeps the baron's fjord-flame. King of bee-home praises wisdom's stately maiden. Bright-gold bee-tears frozen brook the golden dam-yard leaks. Charming bee-tear brook squall yields finest yeast-wave. Har's waves flow to high hall barrel quenches skald's thirst. Skalds ships sails all ways over Odin's ale-wave. Thanks to golden maiden, Oðindisa's glory, Bee-king's minions many bring to wordsmith strong drafts.

After hearing this, Titus and Anna Leigh found Othindisa bykona, gentle and wise, most worthy of taking the oath of a Companion of the Laurel Brotherhood for her studies in the science of keeping bees and her teaching of that science, and They gave her a gift of a Most Noble Name and the shield-naming: Purpure, a sun in his splendor, on a chief Or three pears vert, hers alone by Letters Patent. And all rejoiced!

Thus ends this night-saga of the reign of Titus and Anna Leigh, King and Queen of Æthelmearc.

Words by Baron Fridrikr Tomasson

Xristina Viacheslavova, Order of the Laurel, 2014

So do I, Trumbrant, Mighty Sovereign of all Ealdormere, Great Prince of Septentria,

Ramshaven, Rising Waters, Skraeling Althing, Ben Dunfirth and T'sar of all the Peoples who dwell within these lands, and Kayla, Beloved Wife and Fierce T'sarina to my Posadnika Xristina Viacheslavova kiss esmi at my father's throne and do give my good graces to her and her family; and where from whomever I will hear about good or about evil of my Posadnika, I say to them in truth, on this my fastened certificate, without duplicity that I do praise her above all and wish to reward her with great priveledge in my land.

We, T'sar and T'sarina, on all days with our subjects do we oversee, have noted the valiant and noble spirit of Our Posadnika Xristina Viacheslavova that aspires to be foremost in knowledge of the culture, clothing and adornment of the most Reknown Land of Russia. Having found no finer example of skill, constancy and devotion to said subjects, therefore We, in accordance with the custom of Our predecessors who used to reward those who displayed such worth in many and Divers Arts, do decree that she shall forthwith and forever be known as an Iskusnitsa of Our most Noble Order of The Laurel, and to allow her to claim pomestie lands for her service, to bear this burden with the knowledge that all gifts do come from Us and may be recalled, should she no longer please Us.

Xristina Viacheslavova, to you we turn our word. Being worthily signified by entry to this Noble Order, We caution you that after the praise, benefit, honour and glory comes the duties of a Iskusnitsa of our Noble Order of the Laurel. In Our Name, and in the name of those Great Princes of Reknown that came before us, do we command you to serve your T'sar and T'Sarina in all things, bringing to Them the bounty of your knowledge and the wisdom of your teaching. Teach those you command to serve your Gosudar, to serve you as my Iskusnitsa and teach your Masterskaya, podmaster'e and your Sem'ya to learn not to steal, not to blyasti, not to lie, not to slander, not to envy, not to offend, not to malign, others not quarrel, not to judge, not to revel or carouse, not to ridicule, not to remember evil, not be angry on anyone, to their superiors be obedient and meek, to equals loving, to their lessers and wretched welcoming and kind, with everyone make fitting arrangements of comfort without a lot of fuss and trouble, in the monastery, and into hospitals and into jails, prisoners to visit and give alms also as much as any required, and seeing their misfortune and grief and to all needy if it is possible to help them and any who is sorrowful and poor.

We give to you esmi of Our Princes, Namestnik and Voevody and demand that all Detskie, Otrok, Gridin, Hryden, Tysyatski, Sotski and Desyatski bow their heads to the earth, and must not sit when you are arisen, and you are ordered to sit from your place when all do stand, excepting the Great T'sar and T'sarina, Tsarevich, Tsarevna, and all of their children, Vlastitel of all other sovereign lands, Gosudar, Velikij Knyaz, Velikaya Knyaginya and any Knyaz or Knyaginya, so that all may know the favour you do hold, given from the hand of your Gosudar and T'sar of All Ealdormere.

Further, We present this document as a perpetual confirmation of the nobility of our Iskunitsa Xristina Viacheslavova. Know that she is a Member of our Boyarstvo and does carry with her at all times our blessing and esmi of Faithfulness until the Day of Judgement shall come. To this certificate the Grand Prince and the Grand Princess ordered their Boyars hands to apply the Great Seal of Ealdormere and Dvoryane to witness the sign manuel of Trumbrant III and Kayla III, as they overlook the frozen fields of Skraeling Althing and celebrate the Feast of the Hare, this first year of their Reign,

AS 49.

Wording by HE Mahault of Swynford.

Lord Tristan de Worrell, Laurel

Laurel Scroll written for Lord Tristan de Worrell, presented at East Kingdom Court at the Pennsic War 40, AS46

Beneath the bright aurora’s light
A wise man with his cart here stands,
St. Eligius’ student greets the night
with kindly eyes and worthy hands.

Within his cheery wooden cart
are cheeses soft, or wrapped in rind,
and wines so sweet, and wines so tart,
and sausages his hands did grind.

In Boxes fine of carv-ed wood
Pierced-work and repoussé do shine.
By Champlevé* so bright and good
Are roundels of ancient design.

His curve-ed spoons shine like the sun;
His tents give shelter from its rays;
His baskets from the trees are spun;
His Songbird’s song echoes for days.

Love Conquers All, the words do read,
His Truth is carved upon wood arms.
Other good things that one might need,
And time, he gives free as small charms.

This man, Lord Tristan de Worrell
By works of beauty fine and rare
Is now bedeck’d with sweet laurel
And garners thus his treatment fair.

Take this man now into your fold
And give him leaves of shining green
That all may freely now behold
This Laurel of such gentle mien.

Arms are granted, fully able
to display in etch-ed copper
Or, two boars combattant sable
base a wooden barrel proper.

Now Forty-six, the year we mark
Forty years of the Pennsic War
Here ten days into Augusts’ arc
Tristan takes all Eastern rapport.

Thus in the Mighty Eastern Court
By King Lucan this writ is signed,
In full with Jana Queen’s support
That Tristan now is Laurel-kind.

**(shomp leevay)

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Dutchess Aikaterine, Laurel

Kaffaud paub y teithi. llauen vi bri brython.

Kenhittor kirrn eluch. kathil hetuch a hinon.***

As dart verdant dragonflies
such rare grace her gifts supplies
swiftly do her fine hands sing
where threads do bloom sweet as spring

at the border, thread of gold
stitched o’re hours ‘ere untold
Fearsome tyger rampant there
golden roses twined in pair

bedeck her now greenly here
she whose talents do endear
on her brow place leaves supine -
laurels for our lady fine

laurel order stand and speak
of this gentle lady meek
Praise to Aikaterine
Saith Rex and Regina

Thus is Dutchess Aikaterine FitzWilliam brought into the Order of the Laurel at ** event/date/TBA** AS 46, by the hand of King Gregor and Queen Kiena.

__________________________

BANNER TEXT

Kaffaud paub y teithi. llauen vi bri brython.
Kenhittor kirrn eluch. kathil hetuch a hinon.

*** From the Black Book of Carmarthen, c.1250

Translation:
All Britons rejoice, sounding joyful horns.
Chanting songs of happiness and peace!
also translated as:
Everyone shall have his due, happy will be the Briton’s fame;
Horns of rejoycing will be sounded, and songs of peace and of fair weather.

__________________________

**I chose this style to reflect the location of residence for the FitzWilliam personae, on the border of Wales and England. Since Aikaterine was born in the Holy Roman Empire, so I am working on the premise that she is herself a Briton. The celebratory text of the Welsh and the Welsh verse style in English blend the two cultures.  The Cywydd deuair hyrion form I use is somewhat loose in form, my rhyming stresses are far from perfect.**

POETRY STYLE
Cywydd deuair hyrion (read CR Ward’s excellent description on it and other forms at her website…)

The most common variation is the cywydd deuair hyrion (cuh’-with day’-air her’-yon). It is made up of rhyming couplets of seven syllables each, with the accent differing on the rhyming words. This differing accentuation is called cynghanedd, which is a term for a system of alliteration and internal rhyme. There may be any number of couplets. The first line finishes with a stressed syllable and the second with an unstressed syllable. There is no set length.

x x x x x x a
x x x x x x a
x x x x x x b
x x x x x x b

__________________________

The scroll could only be so long, so I edited the original work to fit the space that was available. I sent the scribe both options.

ORIGINAL SCROLL TEXT (99 words)

As dart verdant dragonflies
such rare grace her gifts supplies
swiftly do her fine hands sing
where threads do bloom sweet as spring

linen, wool for dress and cote
heraldic charge each denote
Fearsome tyger rampant there
golden roses twined in pair

at the border thread of gold
stitched o’re hours ‘ere untold
this bouquet of skills afford
an armorial award

bedeck her now greenly here
she whose talents do endear
on her brow place leaves supine -
laurels for our lady fine

laurel order stand and speak
of this gentle lady meek
Praise to Aikaterine
Saith Rex and Regina

By Aneleda Falconbridge

Mistress Sylvia du Vey, Order of the Laurel

Gentles be greeted by your Crown, most earnest King Gregor and steadfast Queen Kiena as We enjoin you to make note of Sylvia du Vey, who has served most faithfully, ensuring that Our kingdom is rich beyond all others in its cup-fillers — for so willingly she teaches and inspires that Our cups indeed runneth over.  Thus, as do drink and song are boon companions, We offer her a verse:

As barm and honey do become a mead,
while gruit and malt together good beer,
as fruit with time alone transforms to wine,
lady and knowledge emerge a Peer.

Round her head with Laurel greens;
the Order with her present now convenes.
Arms by Letters Patent she may bear
Writ eternal as by Pliny, see them there:

Per pale purpure and vert, a horse passant
contourny and on a chief argent
an arrow inverted bendwise sinister
‘tween two fleurs-de-lys invert’d purpure

Now raise we all “wes heil” in song of joy
to Mistress Sylvia whose gifts we oft employ!

With great delight do we honor Mistress Sylvia du Vey as a member of the Order of the Laurel, witnessed by the assembly at the Great Northeastern War in the Province of Malagentia on this summer day, the thirteenth of July, in the year of the Society XLVIII.

Gregor Rex
Kiena Regina

By Baroness Aneleda Falconbridge.

West Kingdom Order of the Laurel Wording

Kingdom Text:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) We, (Insert King's first name) and (Insert Queen's first name), King and Queen of the West, having elevated Our subject (Insert full Name of recipient), to the Order of the Laurel in recognition of his/her (Insert what his/her contribution was to the arts/sciences), do hereby Grant him/her a Patent of Arms. We affirm his/her Sole, Unique and Exclusive Right to bear the following Arms in this Our Kingdom of the West: (Insert Blazon).

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

Alternate Kingdom Text:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) We, (Insert King's first name) by Right of Arms King of the West and (Insert Queen's first name) by Grace and Beauty Queen of the West, in consideration of the singular Noble Virtues and Accomplishments alike in Courtesy and Honor as in Knowledge and Artifice of Our subject (Insert full name of recipient) do Create, Advance and Prefer the aforesaid (Insert full name of recipient) to the Rank, Estate, Style, Title, and Degree of Master/Mistress of the Right Noble Order of the Laurel, to be in all places of Honor Admitted, Accounted, and Taken to be a Peer of Our Realm, with all Rights, Privileges, Insignia, and Precedence appertaining thereto as fully and as freely as any Person hitherto hath done the Same. Furthermore We confirm unto him/her the Right to bear certain Ensigns Armorial, to wit: (Insert Blazon). In Testimony whereof We have caused to be made these Our Letters Patent.

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

[Source: The West Kingdom’s Scribe’s Handbook]

Trimaris Order of the Laurel Wording

Text note: The verbiage for patents in not generally standard within Trimaris. Individual texts are most often created to suit each candidate. These texts are intended as guides only.

Know ye by these presents that We, the Crown Trimaris, King and Queen of Trimaris, having consulted the companionate of the Order of the Laurel, by Our Sovereign right, do elevate you, _____________________ , to the rank of (Master or Mistress) ___________ of the Laurel. It is thus Our pleasure to bestow upon you a Patent of Arms granting you the privileges and charging you with the responsibilities of a Peer of the Realm. There unto we set our hand and seal this _____ day of ____ Anno Societatis _________.

[Source: The Trimaris College of Scribes]

Outlands Laurel Wording

We, ________ and ________, King and Queen of the Outlands, having heard good report of Our subject ________ whose divers and great talents as a _______ have shone forth to the enrichment of the Common Weal, it is our intent to advance [him/her] in honour and admit [him/her] to the Order of the Laurel. We do hereby confer and affirm those Arms previously registered by the College of Arms by these Letters Patent, to wit: <BLAZON> which [Master/Mistress] ____________ shall hold for [his/her] sole and unique use throughout the Known World as a sign of the high esteem in which [he/she] is held.

To which We set Our hands this _____ day of _______, Anno Societatis ____, being ____ Gregorian.

_______________, King ______________, Queen

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the arms here blazoned, has assigned their exclusive use to <NAME>.

_______________, White Stag Principal Herald

ALTERNATIVE:

_______, by Right of Arms King of the Outlands, and _______, Our Queen and Patroness of the Arts, to all who come by these presents, give Greetings. Know ye that We, in consideration of the singular noble virtues and accomplishments, alike in courtesy and honour as in knowledge and artifice, of Our subject _______ do hereby prefer and create [him/her] as a [Master/Mistress] of the right noble Order of the Laurel. We are further pleased to confer and affirm, by these Letters Patent those arms previously registered by the College of Arms, to wit: <BLAZON> for [Master/Mistress] ________'s sole and exclusive use throughout the lands of the Known World.

In witness whereof, we set Our hands this _____ day of ______, Anno Societatis ______, being _____ in the common reckoning of years.

_________, King __________, Queen

I, White Stag Principal Herald {of the Outlands}, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms

Signature of White Stag

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Middle Kingdom Order of the Laurel Wording

Special Note: If the recipient already has arms by Letters Patent (i.e. is a member of the order of the Pelican, Chivalry or in some cases the Rose or Royal Peerage) omit the heraldic confirmation in parentheses.

All Gentles and Nobles know by these presents that we (name of Sovereign), King (Queen) by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and (name of Consort), our Queen (King), in consideration of the skills, excellence, and expertise in the arts and sciences that (name of recipient) has displayed, most especially in the (art)(science) of (specific mentions), and the generosity of spirit with which he/she has shared it with our Society, are minded to create (name of recipient) a Companion of the Order of the Laurel, to be in all places numbered a Peer of our Realm, with all of the rights, privileges, insignia, precedence and responsibilities thereto ap pertaining. (And furthermore do we confirm upon him/her by Letters Patent the right to bear (heraldic description of registered arms or “arms as duly registered with the College of Arms of the Society”).) Done by our hands this __ day of ___, Anno Societatis (A.S.) __, in our (location of event).

[Source: Middle Kingdom Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Meridies Order of the Laurel Wording

(Recipient has registered Arms)

Know ye by these presents and good greetings that We, (Sovereign's name) and (Consort's name), Sovereign and Consort of Meridies, have elevated Our Subject (Recipient's name) unto the Order of the Laurel, and that We do hereby charge [him/her] to fulfill the responsibilities of this rank as befits a Peer of Our Realm, and to hold these Arms by Letter Patent as blazoned and emblazoned and registered with the College of Arms: (BLAZON). We further bestow unto [him/her ]the privileges and rights attendant thereto. Signed by Our Hands this (number) day of (month), Anno Societatis (Society year), being (year) Gregorian.

-To be signed by Sovereign and Consort, with space for their seals. This award carries precedence and must also be signed by Beacon Principal Herald, with places for a third signature and seal.

ALTERNATIVE:

(Recipient does not have registered Arms)

Know ye by these presents and good greetings that We, (Sovereign's name) and (Consort's name), Sovereign and Consort of Meridies, have elevated Our Subject (Recipient's name) unto the Order of the Laurel, and that We do hereby charge [him/her] to fulfill the responsibilities of this rank as befits a Peer of Our Realm, and to hold Arms by Letter Patent when approved by the College of Arms and the Laurel Sovereign of Arms. We further bestow unto [him/her] the privileges and rights attendant thereto. Signed by Our Hands this (number) day of (month), Anno Societatis (Society year), being (year) Gregorian.

-To be signed by Sovereign and Consort, with space for their seals. This award carries precedence and must also be signed by Beacon Principal Herald, with places for a third signature and seal.

[Source: A Handbook for Scribes of the Kingdom of Meridies (doc)]

Lochac Order of the Laurel Wording

Let it be known that We Name by right of Arms King of Lochac and Name by grace and beauty, Queen of Lochac give greetings.

In Our Kingdom We recognize and elevate those who through their excellent knowledge and service in the Arts and Sciences have greatly enhanced Our Kingdom. They have also displayed courteous and noble behavior, shared knowledge and skills through teaching, and practiced hospitality according to their means.

Therefore We are privileged to admit recipient’s name unto our Order of the Laurel and to bestow him/her the title of Master/Mistress with all rights and privileges appertaining thereto and thus they are to be taken in all places as a Peer of Our Realm.

Further We confer a Patent of Arms, confirming arms to wit; enter arms as registered with the college of heralds.

Done by Our hand and seal this day of month anno societatis year being year in the common era.

Suitable titles ie King, Rex etc Queen, Regina etc

[Source: Lochac College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom Order of the Laurel Wording

Hear Ye all and Know that We, (King’s name), rex, and (Queen’s name), regina, recognizing the great skill and dedication of Our (name of recipient) in the high and noble art of (art or science specialty), and further acknowledging his/her actions in teaching these skills to others that the people of Our realm might greatly benefit, do welcome him/her into Our right worthy and esteemed Order of the laurel, to the acclaim of the Companions thereof. and in token of his/her newfound estate do We further bestow upon master/mistress (name of recipient) these arms by letters patent: (blazon or blank space to be filled in later), with the exclusive right to their use henceforth throughout the Known World. In witness whereof We set Our Hand this (number) day of (month), Anno Societatis (year) at (event name) in Our (name of host group).

King’s signature space            Queen’s signature space

Herald’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

Caid Order of the Laurel Wording

Greetings to all gentles and nobles of the Known World unto whom these presents shall come, from King King's name and Queen Queen's name of the Sovereign Realm of Caid. The excellence and endeavors of Our subject, Name, in the area[s] ofspecific arts or sciences, have moved Us, after consultation with the members of the Order, to elevate him/her to the Order of the Laurel of the Society for Creative Anachronism, on this date day of month, in the year of Our Lord AD year, being the year SCA year  of the Society. We affirm by these Letters Patent his/her exclusive right to bear the arms following, that is to say, Blazon. As further token of Our esteem, We grant him/her the privilege of displaying above his/her shield, in whole or in part, the achievement proper to the Order: to wit, a wreath of laurel vert set upon a silver helmet, with mantling Color  doubled Metal [, as doth more plainly appear in the margin]. In testimony whereof, We here set Our hand and cause the Great Seal of Caid to be affixed.

_____________________________     _____________________________
King's Name, Rex Caidis                      Queen's name, Regina Caidis 

_____________________________________
Crescent Principal Herald, Kingdom of Caid

[Source: The Caidian College of Scribes – Scroll Texts]

Atlantia Order of the Laurel Wording

Glittering in glory on Atlantia's diadem are the jewels of beauty and value. Such a jewel is the noble and expert <name>. With skilled hands and a wise heart, [he/she] [shapes/fashions, etc.][cloth/metal/thread] etc into wondrous beauty. The glory of these works reflects the good<name>'s own courtesy and shining honor. Because We can do no less and because We can do no more, We <name> and <name> , King and Queen of Atlantia at the urgent request of Our well beloved Order of the Laurel, do induct <name> into Our Order of the Laurel. (Further We do award [him/her] the sole and exclusive right to bear arms, to wit: <blazon>.) Done this <date> day of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals> in our <branch>, at <event>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

(By signature, Triton Herald testifies that the armories depicted herein belong to <name> to use bear and show forth at all time.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*)

By Gyrth Oldcastle

ALTERNATIVE:

Greetings unto all gentles and nobles unto whom these presents shall come, from King <name>and Queen <name> of the sovereign and dread realm of Atlantia. The excellence and endeavors of Our subject <name>, have moved Us, after consultation with the members of the Order, to elevate [him/her] to the most Noble Order of the Laurel. Done this <date> day of <month>,A.S. <year in Roman numerals> in our <branch>, at <event>. We affirm by these Letters Patent [his/her] exclusive right to bear the arms: <blazon>. (As further token of Our esteem, We grant [him/her] the privilege of displaying about [his/her] shield, in whole or in part, the achievement proper to the Order: to wit, a wreath of laurel vert, a helm argent garnished Or, supporters and mantling<color> doubled <metal>.) In testimony whereof, We here affix Our signature.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

The Triton Herald hereby testifies that the armouries depicted and blazoned herein belong unto said <name> to use, bear, and show forth at all times.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

Adapted from texts from Caid/An Tir.

ALTERNATIVE:

Come forward all, and know that We <name> and <name>, Sovereigns of fair Atlantia, recognizing that <name> has achieved great expertise in <field of art>, and recognizing furthermore [his/her] actions in teaching this knowledge to others, do now welcome [him/her] into the Order of the Laurel. Also do We award unto [him/her] the following arms by Letters Patent:<blazon>, with the sole and exclusive right to bear and display them throughout the Known World. In witness whereof We have set Our hands. Done this <date> day of <month>, A.S.<year in Roman numerals> (in our <branch>, at <event>).

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

Text adapted from East Kingdom source.

ALTERNATIVE:

Know all men by these presents that We, <name> and <name>, King and Queen of Atlantia, having elevated Our subject, <name> to the Order of the Laurel, do hereby award [him/her] a Patent of Arms. Having commanded Our heralds to devise a suitable blazon, We do grant unto[him/her] <blazon>. We do affirm [his/her] sole and exclusive right to bear these arms throughout the Known World. In witness whereof We set Our hand this <date> day of <month>, A.S.<year in Roman numerals> ((at <event>) (in our <branch>)).

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

SCA Traditional text.

ALTERNATIVE:

Come forward, all, and know that We <name>, by right of arms King of Atlantia, and <name> ,Queen of Atlantia and patroness of the arts, give greeting. Well pleased by <name>'s excellence[in/at/etc.] <field of expertise>, We do, by these Letters Patent and the acclaim of the Companions admit [him/her] to Our most noble Order of the Laurel. We affirm [his/her] right to bear <blazon> and as a further mark of Our esteem, We give [him/her] the privilege of displaying the token of the Order, that is, a laurel wreath vert on a field Or. Done by Our hands (in Our fair<branch>) this <date> day of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

SCA Traditional text.

ALTERNATIVE:

 TO ALL AND SINGULAR as well Nobles and Gentills as others to whome these presents shall come <king> and <queen> King and Queen of the realm of Atlantia, sendeth greeting in our Grace everlasting.

 WHEREAS aunciently from the beginning the valiant and vertuous acts of worthie persons have ben comendid to the world with sondry monuments and remembrances of there good deserts Amongst the which the chiefest stand the peerages, which are curdent demonstrations of prowes, skill and valoir, which were devised in the beginning to show and find in the hearts of men vertue and noblenes. Even so hath the same been and yet is continually observed to the end that such as have done comendable service to their Prince or Contry either in war or peace may receive due honor in their lives.

 AND being deserved, <name>, is hereby elevated by bestowal of Arms Patent and admitted into the most Worthy Order of the Laurel. Whereupon We have directed our herehaults accordingly and do finde that the saide <name> may beare these armes and hereafter following THAT IS

TO SAY <blazon> and every part and parcell thereof by power and authority unto Our Rule do ratifie confirme and allowe unto and for the saide <name> according to the Lawe of Armes to have and enjoy forever without impediment let or interuption of any person or persons

 IN WITNES WHEROF We <king> and <queen> have set hereunto Our hand, and seal this <date> day of <month> in the year of the Society <year in Roman numerals>.

(* space for Royal Signatures *)

Rex Regina

I Triton principall herehault of Armes of Atlantia made searche accordingly in the Registers and Records of my Office and do finde that the saide <name> may beare these armes.

(* space for Triton's signature *)

By Eldred AElfwald, adapted from 1576 Patent.

[Source: Atlantian Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

Atenveldt Laurel Wording

Know all men by these Presents that We, (names of King and Queen), King and Queen of Atenveldt, having elevated Our subject (name of recipient) to the Order of the Laurel, do therefore bestow upon them a Patent of Arms. Having commanded Our Heralds to devise a unique and suitable blazon, We do hereby grant unto (him / her) the following Ensigns Armorial, to wit: (blazon). Henceforth (he / she) shall have the sole and exclusive right to bear these Arms in the Society for Creative Anachronism.

In Witness whereof We set Our Hands this ___ day of ____ Month, Anno Societatis (roman numerals), being (modern date) in the Common Era.

_________________________________ __________________________________

 Rex Atenveldtus                                         Regina

ALTERNATIVE:

To All and Singular to whom these Presents come, do We, (name of King), by Right of Arms King of Atenveldt, and (name of Queen) Our Queen, send Greetings. Whereas, We are pleased this day to recognize and elevate Our Subject, (name of recipient) upon whom has been conferred (list awards held, in order of precedence) unto the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel, (Master / Mistress), and having commanded Our Heralds to devise a unique and suitable blazon do hereby grant unto (him / her) the following Ensigns Armorial by Letters Patent, to wit: (blazon). Henceforth (he / she) shall have the sole and exclusive right to bear these Arms throughout the Known World without let or hindrance.

In Witness whereof, We set Our Hands this ___ day of ____ Month, Anno Societatis (roman numerals), being (modern date) in the Common Era.

_________________________________ __________________________________

 Rex Atenveldtus                                         Regina

By Mairi Broder

[Source: The Kingdom of Atenveldt Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Artemisia Laurel Promissory Text Wording

Whereas this day We, <King> and <Queen>, have elevated you to the Order of the Laurel, it gives Us great pleasure to reward you with a Patent of Arms. We at this time grant you the rights and charge you with the responsibilities of this rank. We charge you to consult with Our heralds to determine unique and suitable arms. Done this ___ day of ___,Anno Societatis ___, being the year two thousand in the Common Era, at <event> in Our <S.C.A. group>.

Rex Artemisius Regina

[Source: Kingdom of Artemisia Scribal Handbook Part II (pdf)]

Artemisia Order of the Laurel Wording

(this is the standard text)

Know all gentles by these presents that We, <King> and <Queen>, King and Queen of

Artemisia, having elevated Our subject, <name>, to the Order of the Laurel, do therefore bestow upon (him/her) a Patent of Arms. Having commanded Our heralds to devise a unique and suitable blazon, We do hereby grant unto (him/her) <blazon>. Henceforth (he/she) shall have the sole and exclusive right to bear these arms in the Society for Creative Anachronism. In witness whereof We set Our hands and seal this ___ day of ___, Anno Societatis ___, being the year two thousand Gregorian.

Rex Gryphus Regina

ALTERNATIVE:

To all and singular do we, <King> and <Queen>, by right of arms King and Queen of the realm of Artemisia, send greeting. Whereas it is Our pleasure to recognize and elevate Our subject <name>, upon whom has been conferred <list awards held, in precedence>, to the ancient and honorable Order of the Laurel, and having commanded Our heralds to devise a unique and suitable blazon, do hereby grant unto (him/her) the following ensigns armorial by letters patent: <blazon>. Henceforth (he/she) shall have the sole and exclusive right to bear these arms in the Society for Creative Anachronism to use and to show forth without let or hindrance. Wherefore We set Our hands and cause to be affixed the seal of Our mighty Kingdom this ___ day of ___, Anno Societatis ___, being the year two thousand Gregorian.

Rex Artemisius Regina

[Source: Kingdom of Artemisia Scribal Handbook Part II (pdf)]