Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/638

Rh The principal duties of the members are: the defence of the Catholic religion, and loyalty and obedience to the Grand Master.

By a decree of the 25th July, 1810, King Ferdinand IV. added to the Order a subdivision, consisting of a gold medal and a silver medal (Plate 85, Tab. I]. No. 10). The first to be bestowed on Aide-de-Camps, sword-bearing ensigns, graduated mates and head sailors, and the other, on subofficers and privates of distinguished service.

THE ORDER OF CONSTANTINE.

The historical description of this Order, has already appeared under ' Parma,' from which place it was transplanted, in 1734, to Sicily, but has, since 1816, been re-introduced into the former state.

Together with the other Sicilian Orders, that of Constantine was abolished by Joseph Bonaparte in Naples, but it followed the Neapolitan monarch to Sicily, whence it was again brought back, in 1814, to Naples, with the King, who restored to it all its previous rights and privileges.

The King is Grand Master of the Order in the kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It is divided into three classes: Knights of the Grand Cross, simple Knights, and serving companions or brethren.

The two latter are subdivided into various sections: into Cavalieri di Giustizia, or Donatori, (i. e¢., members who make a present to the institution at their nomination) Cavalieri di Grazia, (Honorary Members), Cavalieri Capellani (Chaplains), and Cavalieri Scuderi (Shield-bearers).

The badge has already been described and_ sketched under 'Parma.' The Knights of the Grand Cross wear