The Order Of St. Constantine.

descended . It is not less probable that he might name it after himself , Angelus , or the Angelic and finally , the Order of St . George , since it was created under the immediate protection of that Saint and Martyr .

Indeed , according to the best authorities , this appears to us to be the most reasonable and just antiquity which can be granted to this Order . So much for its origin . It is our present intention to give an exact description of the Ensigns

and Robes which were worn by the Knights thereof . The sign oftlie Order , which the Knights wear likewise on the left side of their mantle , is a Red Cross , somewhat in the form of four Fleurs de

Lis , joined at their extremities . It is surrounded with a border of gold ; and thereupon are embroidered the four letters , J . H . S . V ., the meaning of which is , " In Hoc Signo Vinces ! " The name of Jesus Christ , which is expressed by these

two letters , . and p ., is iu the middle , and these two letters , A . and j _ . are placed one on each side of the monogram of our Saviour .

The great Collar of the Order , which is worn over the mantle , around the neck , consists of fifteen enamelled shields of gold of an oval form , ou each of which the letters x . and p . appear in the form of a cypher or monogram . The middle shield is somewhat larger than the others . It is surrounded with oak and laurel

leaves intertwined , and from the lower part of it is suspended the effiigy or image of St . George , in complete armour , on horseback , and in the act of striking the dragon . The Council of the Order is composed of fifty

Senators , who are Grand Crosses ; and when the Grand Master assists in state therein , his apparel and robes are as follows : —The vest and smallclothes are of imperial scarlet ; the stockings and shoes are the same . Above this vest is worn a

vest or cassock of silver , richly embroidered , which has wide sleeves , and descends as low as the knees . This vest is made fast round the body with a girdle lined with scarlet velvet , richly studded with silver ; and about the neck with two

rich cords of gold and scarlet silk , having large tassels at each end , hanging down quite to the ground . On the left side of the mantle the Cross of the Order is richly embroidered in gold . The cap worn by the Grand Master is after the Macedonian fashion . It is one span high , and is made of crimson velvet , lined with white satin ,

the four sides are turned up , and on each appears the monogram x- P . embroidered in gold . It is likewise adorned with a black ostrich feather . The Grand Crosses , the number of whom amounts to fifty persons , wear a blue vest and

small-clothes , and over the same a white vest , which descends as low as the knees . Their stockings and shoes are also white . The girdle they wear is of red velvet ; and their mantle , which is of blue damask , lined with white , is not

so long as that of the Grand Master . They are likewise entitled to wear the great collar of the Order , and their cap , which is of blue satin , is turned up on the four sides , and on each side appears the monogram above-mentioned . This

cap is adorned with a white ostrich feather . In times of war , or when they fight for the Eaith , the Knights must wear a surcoat over their usual apparel . It is of white ^ stuff , in the form of a scapulary , and in the centre the cross of the Order is embroidered in red .

The Popes had conferred the Grandmastership of this Order on the House of Comnenus for ever ; but in 1699 Andrew Angelus Flavins Comnenus , Titular Prince of Macedonia , and Duke of Drivasto , the last of this house who had

enjoyed that dignity for many years , resigned the Grand-Mastership to Francis Farnese , the then - reigning Duke of Parma , to him and his heirs for ever . This resignation and donation were solemnly approved by the Pope Innocent XII ., and

confirmed by a brief bearing date October the 29 th of the same year . In 1735 the ducal house of Farnese became extinct in the male line by the death of Anthony , the last Duke . Don Carlos , the eldest son of

Philip V ., King of Spain , and of Elizabeth Farnese , the sole heiress of that family , then succeeded to the Duchies of Parma and Placentia , and to the Grand-Mastership of this Order . This Prince was afterwards successively Grand Duke of

Tuscany and King of Naples . Upon his quitting Parma he commanded that the archives of this Order should be safely transported to Florence ; and upon his accession to the throne of Naples ( the same precautions having

been taken ) he then declared the Order ol St . Oonstantine to be a royal Order , and annexed it to the crown of Naples for ever . Until the creation of the Order of St . Januarius , in 1738 , it was the first or " Sovereign Order" of that kingdom .