Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/38

12 the house of Austria, with the inscription: 'Stringit Amore' (United by love).

Only the Grand Cross Knights and the presumptive heirs to the throne, or other members, by special permission of the Grand Master, are free to adorn the insignia with precious stones.

The most distinguished officers of the Order are, besides the Grand Master: 1st, the Prelate appointed by the Grand Master from the higher clergy, who performs Divine Service on their festival days; and 2nd, the Chancellor, who addresses the meeting when the Chapter is held, or when a new Knight is created, who reads the oath to be taken, sits at the side of the Grand Master on solemn occasions, reports the state of affairs, orders the issue of decrees, and is also the keeper of the Seal. The Chancellorship of the Order is always vested in the CourtChancellor of Hungary.

Every Knight of the Grand Cross becomes, on his election, a Privy-Counsellor of the State; and every Commander a titular Privy-Counsellor. The simple Knights may, at their desire, be created Barons, and even Counts, according to circumstances.

In decrees, the Grand Master styles the Knights of the Grand Cross, ' Cousins.'

Every aspirant to the Grand Cross must prove his Sieze Quartiers, that is, his noble descent through, at least, four generations; but the Grand Master may make exceptions in favour of individuals of particular merit and distinction. At the nomination of candidates, and after the latter have taken the oath of the Order (kneeling before a crucifix), the Grand Master addresses them in Latin, as follows:

" Quam juris jurandi religione prompti novistis observantiam et fidem, illam, ut strenuos ac honoratos decet Equites, omni loco ac tempore vos integram servaturos prorsus non ambigimus. Recepturi igitur de manu Nostra per Nos vobis