t or stalk. The herald and children are clothed
with mantles of sea-water green satin; but the herald's mantle is
streamed with gold, and hath a train.

Then the herald with three curtesies, or rather inclinations, cometh up
as far as the half-pace; and there first taketh into his hand the
scroll. This scroll is the king's charter, containing gifts of
revenew, and many privileges, exemptions, and points of honour, granted
to the Father of the Family; and is ever styled and directed, To such
do one our well beloved friend and creditor: which is a title proper
only to this case. For they say the king is debtor to no man, but for
propagation of his subjects. The seal set to the king's charter is the
king's image, imbossed or moulded in gold; and though such charters be
expedited of course, and as of right, yet they are varied by
discretion, according to the number and dignity of the family. This
charter the herald readeth aloud; and while it is read, the father or
Tirsan standeth up supported by two of his sons, such as he chooseth.
Then the herald mounteth the half-pace and delivereth the charter into
his hand: and with that there is an acclamation by all that are present
in their language, which is thus much: Happy are the people of Bensalem.

Then the herald taketh into his hand from the other child the cluster
of grapes, which is of gold, both the stalk and the grapes. But the
grapes are daintily enamelled; and if the males of the family be the
greater number, the grapes are enamelled purple, with a little sun set
on the top; if the females, then they are enamelled into a greenish
yellow, with a crescent on the top. The grapes are in number as many
as there are descendants of the family. This golden cluster the herald
delivereth also to the Tirsan; who presently delivereth it over to that
son that he had formerly chosen to be in house with him: who beareth it
before his father as an ensign of honour when he goeth in public, ever
after; and is thereupon called the Son of the Vine.

After the ceremony endeth the father or Tirsan retireth; and after some
time cometh forth again to dinner, where he sitteth alone under the
state, as before; and none of his descendants sit with him, of what
degree or dignity soever, except he hap to be of Salomon's House. He is
served only by his own children, such as are male; who perform unto him
all service of the table upon the knee; and the women only stand about
him, leaning