Five Messengers.
Sixteen Trumpeters.
Serjeant Trumpeter.
Drum Major.
Four Drummers and a Fife.
CAP. XX.
The Order of the Ceremonies on the Eve of the Grand Feast.
Of the beginning of the Grand Feast.
§ 1.
The Celebration of the Grand Feast, with the Ceremonies, devis’d to set forth and illustrate the Glory thereof, hath been worthy the observation of the first Institutor, and all succeeding Sovereigns; well knowing that what is once slightly observ’d will soon fall into disesteem, if not into contempt. Therefore they have been very particular to the Day, the Hour, and the Place, where the Sovereign and Knights-Companions are to meet.
As to the first, although St. George’s Day (or such other Day as the Sovereign shall please to nominate and appoint, by Prorogation in lieu thereof,) be the Principal and Grand Day of the Feast, yet the Eve of that Day does the Feast take Commencement, and determines not till the third Day following; the whole Solemnity taking up three Days inclusively.