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‹Better GutenbergCoronation AnecdotesThe Investiture per Annulum et Baculum · 19 of 41Contents›

Coronation Anecdotes

by Giles Gossip

19 of 41 · Contents · Download EPUB

The Investiture per Annulum et Baculum

Then the master of the Jewel-house delivered the King’s ring to the archbishop, in which a table jewel was enchased; the archbishop put it on the fourth finger of his Majesty’s right hand, and said:—

Receive this ring, the ensign of kingly dignity, and of defence of the Catholic faith; and as you are this day solemnly invested in the government of this earthly kingdom, so may you be sealed with that spirit of promise, which is the earnest of an heavenly inheritance, and reign with Him who is the blessed and only Potentate, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The King delivered his orb to the dean of Westminster, to be by him laid upon the altar; and then the dean of Westminster brought the sceptre and rod to the archbishop; and the lord of the manor of Worksop (who claimed to hold an estate by the service of presenting to the King a right hand glove on the day of his coronation, and supporting the King’s right arm whilst he holds the sceptre with the cross) delivered to the King a pair of rich gloves, and in any occasion happening afterwards, supported his Majesty’s right arm, or held his sceptre by him.

The gloves being put on, the archbishop delivered the sceptre, with the cross, into the King’s right hand, saying,

Receive the royal sceptre, the ensign of kingly power and justice.

And then he delivered the rod, with the dove, into the King’s left hand, and said,

Receive the rod of equity and mercy: and God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed, direct and assist you in the administration and exercise of all those powers he hath given you. Be so merciful, that you be not too remiss; so execute justice, that you forget not mercy. Punish the wicked, protect the oppressed; and the blessing of him who was ready to perish shall be upon you; thus in all things following His great and holy example, of whom the prophet David said, “Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest iniquity; the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre;” even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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