INTRODUCTION. 17 



Poetical fiction makes the use of heraldic 

 ensigns of greater antiquity than the globe 

 itself. 



" He from the glittering staff unfurl'd 

 Th' imperial ensign, streaming to the wind. 

 With gems and golden lustre rich emblaz'd, 

 Seraphick arms and trophies." 



Paradise Lost, 



That the use of heraldic emblems greatly in- 

 creased throughout Europe during the crusades 

 is generally known, and where, as a flattering 

 badge, every private soldier wore a cross of 

 red stuff" sewed to his surcoat, from which cir- 

 cumstance these romantic wars were called 

 crusades, from croisades. Achievements were 

 also painted on the outer tunic or coat, and 

 from this custom originated the term " coat of 

 arms." But the rudeness of the delineation 

 of the artists of those days frequently caused 

 the representation to be misconceived, even the 

 fleur-de-lys has often been taken for trefoil, 

 and sometimes drawn as a spear's head. The 



c 



