A FEAST OF THE FAMILY 259 



lower end of the room a Taratan (which is as much as 

 an herald), and on either side of him two young lads : 

 whereof one carrieth a scroll of their shining yellow 

 parchment, and the other a cluster of grapes of gold, 

 with a long foot or stalk. The herald and children are 

 clothed with mantles of sea-water green satin ; but the 

 herald s mantle is streamed with gold, and hath a train. 



Then the herald with three curtsies, or rather inclin 

 ations, cometh up as far as the half-pace, and there first 

 taketh into his hand the scroll. This scroll is the king s 

 charter, containing gift of revenue, and many privileges, 

 exemptions, and points of honour, granted to the father 

 of the family ; and it 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, embossed or moulded in gold ; and though such 

 charters 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 standeth 

 up, supported by two of his sons, such as he chooseth. 

 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 present, in their language, 

 which is thus much, Happy are the people of Ben- 

 ealem. 



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 enam 

 elled into a greenish yellow, with a crescent on the top. 

 The grapes are in number as many as there are de 

 scendants of the family. This golden cluster the herald 

 delivereth also to the Tirsan ; who presently delivereth 

 it over to that son that he had formerly chosen to be 

 in house with him ; who beareth it before his father, 

 K2 



