whole ceremonies are thus given by Matthew Paris: "The duke Richard, having every thing prepared for his coronation, came to London, where were assembled, the Archbishops of Canterbury, of Rouen, in Normandy, and of Treves, in Germany; also the Archbishop of Dublin, and all the bishops, earls, barons, and nobles of the realm, in order as follows: First came the archbishops, bishops, abbots, and the rest of the clergy, in their rich canonical robes, bearing crosses, holy water, and censers with incense; and from the inner door of his bedchamber they conducted the duke (for he was not yet called king) in solemn procession, to the high altar of the abbey church of Westminster. Between the bishops and the clergy, went four barons, each bearing a candlestick with a wax taper lighted. After these came two earls, the first

carrying the royal sceptre, on the top of which was a golden swan; the other bearing a royal rod, on the top of which was a dove. Then came two earls, and between them three others, carrying swords in golden scabbards, taken from the king's treasury: and they were followed by six earls and barons, bearing the royal robes and vestures. Next came the Earl of Chester, bearing the crown, beautifully wrought with gold, and set with jewels. After these came the duke, with several bishops on his right hand and his left, and over them was borne a rich canopy of silk, held by four barons. upon four lances ornamented with gold. When the duke arrived at the altar, on which was laid the book of the Holy Gospel, and various relics of saints, he there swore that all the days of his life, he would constantly endeavour to keep the holy ordinance of God, and pre

F

serve the peace and honour of the church.' He also swore to exercise justice towards his subjects, to abolish all grievous laws, and observe and put in practice all that were good, and agreeing with the constitution of the people.' He was then stripped of all his garments, except his breeches and his shirt, which last was cut away at the shoulders, because he was to be there anointed. Rich sandals, splendidly wrought with gold, were then put upon his feet, and Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury, anointed him on his head, his shoulders, and his right arm, with solemn prayers and other offices of the holy church. A sacred cap of linen, furred without, was then placed on his head, and he was habited in the regal garments, the Tunica, and the Dalmatica; the archbishop gave him a sword, to defend the rights of the church; and two earls put spurs