Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/275

Rh consists only in the star and cross, which contain, for the military, a laurel instead of an oaken wreath, and are, besides, adorned with two swords. The motto of the Order is: 'Nec aspera terrent' (Difficulties do not terrify.)

The Orders of deceased members must be returned to the Commission of the College, except the medal, which may remain in the family.

On gala days, or at festivals of the Order, the ribbon of the Grand Cross is exchanged for a golden neck chain, the links of which consist alternately of the Hanoverian crown, a lion passant guardant with upraised tail (the ancient arms of the Guelphs), and the initials 'G. R2 '(Tab. IL. No.. 5),

The obverse contains, in the red enamelled centre of the cross, the galloping white horse (the crest of the House of Brunswick), and the reverse the initials 'G. R. beneath the royal crown, and surrounded, with the first class, by the number of the year, when the Order was founded, upon dull golden ground. Between the wings of the cross, with all classes, is placed the Brunswick lion.

MEDALS AND DECORATIONS OF HONOUR.

1. The Guelphic Medal (belonging to the Guelphic Order.) (Tab. II. No. 6).—It is of silver, and of the same size as the next following, Waterloo Medal; it contains, on the front, the effigy of the founder; and on the reverse, the inscription: 'Verdienst und Vaterland' (Merit and fatherland), surrounded by a laurel wreath. Upon the edge are engraved. the name and rank of the recipient. It is worn at the buttonhole, suspended by the same ribbon as is the Guelphic Order. The pension attached to it has, no doubt, contributed to the observance of strict economy in its distribution.

2 The Waterloo Medal.—Was founded in December, 1817,