(489)

Difpenfations for Abfence granted during Li r e.

§ 5. Sometimes Difpenfations for Abfence have beenobtained for Life, upon the Petite of the Heights-Com-panions fetting forth their ^e and Infirmity : An Inftanceof which, we find was granted to the Lord Dacrces , z6Hen. VIII. and the Earl of Derby, 14 Car. I. and theLord Mufgrave ; but both with this Reftridtion - that theabfent (hould be obliged to fend to Garter for his Efcut-cheons, at the fame time that he fent his Excufe, andPetite for Difpenfation j and fhould folemnly keep in hisown Houfe the Feaft, with all the (acred Rites and Ce-remonies, in his Robes, and other Ornaments, if Healthpermit ; and in Cafe of Sicknels, upon his Bed, accor-ding to the ancient Statutes.

This Adt was thought of fo great Importance to be ob-ferved, that the Chancellor was ordered to tranfcribe ir,and fend it to each of the Kjiights-Companions • acquaint-ing them at the fame time, with the Penalties they thouldbe liable to, if they negledled the lead Pundlilio. Andthe like was again obferved, and repeated to them, beforethe Feaft of the enfuing Year.

CAP. XXIV.

The Degradation of a Knight-Com-panion.

5 1. rpHE Enfigns of the Order are not to be with-I drawn from a Knight, during Life, unlefsGuilty of fome of thofe Marks of Reproach,fet down in King Henry VIII’s Statutes, Herefy,

Treafon, or Flying from Battle : It has [ometimes beenfound, that Prodigality has been made a fourth Point,where a Knight has fo wafted his Eftate, as to be inca-pable of fupporting his Dignity. The Pretence for dU

veiling

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