Over the surcoat was thrown a mantle of blue velvet with a
magnificent train, lined with white damask, and having on the left
shoulder a large garter, wrought in pearls and Venice twists, containing
the motto, and encircling the arms of Saint George--argent, a cross
gules. The royal habiliments were completed by a hood of the same
stuff as the surcoat, decorated like it with small embroidered garters,
and lined with white satin. From the king's neck was suspended the
collar of the Great George, composed of pieces of gold, fashioned like
garters, the ground of which was enamelled, and the letters gold.
While Henry was thus arrayed, the knights-companions, robed in their
mantles, hoods, and collars, entered the closet, and waiting till he was
ready, marched before him into the presence-chamber, where were
assembled the two provincial kings-at-arms, Clarenceux and Norroy,
the heralds, and pursuivants, wearing their coats-of-arms, together with
the band of pensioners, carrying gilt poleaxes, and drawn up in two
lines. At the king's approach, one of the gentlemen-ushers who carried
the sword of state, with the point resting upon the ground, delivered it
to the Duke of Richmond,--the latter having been appointed to bear it
before the king during all the proceedings of the feast.
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