388 NEW ATLANTIS. 



him two young lads ; whereof one carrieth a scroll of 

 their shining yellow parchment ; and the other a clus 

 ter of grapes of gold, with a long foot or stalk. The 

 herald and children are clothed with mantles of sea- 

 water green sattin ; 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, contain- 



cj * 



ing gift 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 an 

 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 char 

 ters 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 stand- 

 eth up, supported by two of his sons, such as he 

 choosetli. 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 pi-esent 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 



