Bowing reverently to the sovereign, Rochford, in a brief speech,
expressed his gratitude for the signal honour conferred upon him, and
at its close set his left foot upon a gilt stool, placed for him by the
Garter, who pronounced the following admonition:--" My good lord, the
loving company of the Order of the Garter have received you as their
brother and fellow. In token whereof, they give you this garter, which
God grant you may receive and wear from henceforth to His praise and
glory, and to the exaltation and honour of the noble Order and yourself."
Meanwhile the garter was girded on the leg of the newly-elected knight,
and buckled by the Duke of Suffolk. This done, he knelt before the king,
who hung a gold chain, with the image of Saint George attached to it,
about his neck, while another admonition was pronounced by the
chancellor. Rochford then arose, bowed to the monarch, to the knights-
companions, who returned his salutations, and the investiture was
complete.
Other affairs of the chapter were next discussed. Certain officers
nominated since the last meeting, were sworn; letters from absent
knights-companions, praying to be excused from attendance, were
read--and their pleas, except in the instance of Sir Thomas Cheney,
allowed.
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