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the ancient Franks, with that of b Mr. Camden to theferne EfFed, who writes, that He obferved nothingmore ancient concerning this Dignity, than that itwas in Ufe among the old Franks: Thefe werethe Inhabitants of lower Germany, with whom, it ishighly probable, the Saxons, who invaded England, hadthe ferne common Defcent; and who, with other Cu-ftoms, upon their Settlement here, introduced the lameMethod of Knighthdod j Du Tillet farther remarks,thefe ancient Franks, when they conferred Knighthood,obferved many lolemn Rites; Before they perform-ed Vigils, they bathed, to fignify that fuch, whowere admitted to this Degree, fliould be of apure Mind, and of honeft Intentions; Be willing toconflid with any Dangers, or Difficulties, in the Caufeof Virtue ; take Care both in their Words, and A&i-ons, to follow the Maxims of Prudence; and on allOccafions, religioufly obferve the Rules of Fidelity,and Honour, Which Rites and Conditions, accord-ing to hisTeftimony, ftill continued to be pra&ifed inEngland and from the Pradice of them, Gentlemenwere here denominated Knights of the Bath.

If it fliould be then admitted, that the Title is ofno greater Antiquity, in this Kingdom, than from theReign of Hen. IVj or, that we have not any authentickMonument, before his Time, which {pecifies a Degree

i Brhdnni* p. 124. Ordines

of