Grete Laurel Ceremony
Researched and Written by Saito Takauji
Edits and Additions by Grete Leysin
Introduction and Notes:
The recipient wanted to match the focus of the event she will be elevated at—the 1381 Chronicles. As such, the primary goal was to draw from sources which would be appropriate to that time period, while drawing from such other sources as necessary to make it fit within the context of the SCA. Grete also specifically expressed an interest in English and German sources from the time, and care around specific religious references.
The primary sources for the ceremony are the Liber Regalis (English coronation manual from 1382), the Little Device of Henry VII (description of the coronation of Henry VII), the Ordo of Mainz (German coronation ceremony dating from at least the 10th century), and the Ceremony of Introduction (English ceremony for recognizing a new peer in the House of Lords, dating from 1621 with older elements). Some elements have also been drawn from George C. Williamson’s Curious Survivals, a 1922 book which documents historical elements of English culture and which I’ve used in English ceremonies before.
Because so much of period ceremony was based around Christian religious rites, those elements which would be sermons are here presented as ‘wisdom’ from books representing the Kingdoms of the speakers. The specific wisdom is largely taken from the Ordo and the Liber.
The ceremony is best described as ‘high court’. There is no framing device or allegory here—the drama itself is the moment of transition from non-peer to peer. Grete herself is the focus, and the ceremony is framed around her history and accomplishments.
The oaths are 14th century styled oaths written for the reign of Damien and Issabell. Based on traditional Calontir oaths as well as the Oath and the Form of Homage from The Manner of Doing Homage & Fealty [Modus Faciendi Homagium et Fidelitatem], in The Statutes of the Realm, Vol. I [1275 England], and The Manner and Form of the Coronation of the Kings and Queens of England [1385-1460 England], from Archeologia v. 57 pt. 1, both from http://www.dragonbear.com/fealty.html.
Terms/Definitions:
Sources:
G.C. Williamson, Curious Survivals: Habits and Customs of the Past That Still Live in the Present, Herbert Jenkins Ltd. (1923, rev. 1924).
L.G. Wickham, English Coronation Records, Archibald Constable & Co. Ltd. (Westminster, 1901).
The Ordo of Mainz.
Appendix K – Introductions, Companion to the Standing Orders and Guide to the Proceedings of the House of Lords. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldcomp/compso2015/2015co24.htm.
Dramatis Personae:
| KING: | Robert |
| QUEEN: | Magge |
| PEER: | Mistress Anne Renarde |
| ROYAL HERALD: | TBD |
| GRETE’S HERALD: | TBD |
| BOON BEGGER: | Mistress Anne Renarde |
| LAUREL SPEAKER | Master David ben Benjamin |
| CHIVALRY SPEAKER | Sir Emerick Blackpool |
| PELICAN SPEAKER | Mistress Jeanne-Marie Dubois |
| DEFENSE SPEAKER | Master Annora Raines |
| ROYAL PEER SPEAKER | Count Franbald of Loncastre |
| POPULACE SPEAKER: | Baroness Tyra Filppusdother |
| CLOAK/ROBE GIVER: | TBA |
| MEDALLION GIVER: | TBA |
| LADY OF THE ROSE: | TBA |
| WREATH GIVER: | TBA |
Script:
NOTE: The text in italics are stage directions, and are not supposed to be read out loud.
The Court begins seated for normal court business. There should be a slight pause, to allow the audience to understand a transition is taking place.
ANNE approaches the edge of court, and waits to be acknowledged by the ROYAL HERALD.
ROYAL HERALD: In the second year of the Society, King William the Silent and Queen Sheryl of Thespis founded the Order of the Laurel -Born in the west, and passed on to our Kingdom. The strength and stability of the society lies in the virtues of its people. Service, prowess, and creativity- For if any of these are lacking, the society fails.
The artists and artisans of the kingdom and society glorify it with their work and the teaching of their skills brings to it the light of learning. Your Majesties, Mistress Anne Renarde approaches the Court with a petition and business from the most noble Order of the Laurel.
KING: Our Court is never barred from our Peers or the people of our Kingdom. Let her approach, and the business of the Order be conducted.
Anne approaches to the edge of presence, and makes such courtesies as she deems fit.
ANNE: Your Majesties, Baroness Grete Leysin has shown great skill in Painting, manuscript studies and tailoring. She has shared these talents by example and instruction, even if, for only being in the Kingdom for a short while. The Order of the Laurel has petitioned the Kingdom for her admittance among the chambers of your peers.
QUEEN: Her skill in the arts is well known to us. We would ask if she has she been prepared according to Calontir customs, ceremony and deeds?
ANNE: She has, your Majesty.
KING: The Order of the Laurel is the Order most noted for artistry and scholarship and sacrifice. Through many great and small works we see your work all around. Has she satisfied our most illustrious rites of passage, has she paid her scot and lot?
ANNE: She has, your Majesty.
QUEEN: Then it is well, and we will receive her in our Court as befits her station. Herald, call the Order of the Laurel.
ROYAL HERALD: Their Majesties invite into court all their Peers of the Order of the Laurel to observe and participate in these proceedings, as well as those from other Orders and the Populace who have been summoned to testify.
The Order of the Laurel enter, along with the other speakers, and array themselves around the throne—leaving a pathway to approach the Crown.
KING: Invite into this august company Baroness Grete Leysin.
ROYAL HERALD: Their Majesties Robert and Magge, by right and by grace King and Queen of Calontir, Defender of Baronies and Shires of the Heartland, Lord and Lady of Storm Tossed Fields of Lilies, shining smiles brighter than the Calatrava upon their heads, invite into their Court Baroness Grete Leysin for induction and acknowledgment as a peer of the Laurel.
GRETE and ENTOURAGE process into court. Her introduction is not read while the procession is moving. The procession reaches the edge of presence and pauses, bowing en masse to the Crown. Only when they have stopped moving does GRETE’S HERALD read.
GRETE’S HERALD: Born in the rays of the western demi sun, cultivated in the arms of the society. Recognized by the mixed blood of the society, and now where she calls home, Calontir. Her Excellency, Baroness Grete Leysin. Companion of the Order of the Golden Calon Swan of Calontir. Baroness of the Court, Bearer of the Leaf of Merit, two Rose Leaves, four Crown’s Favors, the Wreath of Athena, the Queen’s Order of Maintenance, the Western Lily, the Silver Nib, five Queen’s Ciphers, two Queen’s Treasures, and Defender of the West.
ROYAL HERALD: In the name of the Kingdom, the Crown acknowledges your support. Please bear their Majesties thanks, and find comfort in their Court as befits your station.
The PROCESSIONAL/ENTOURAGE departs.
ROYAL HERALD: If thou be made a master, lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them. And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive honors for thy well ordering.[1]
ANNE approaches GRETE.
ANNE: You have sat in contemplation, and in pursuit of wisdom. Remember to seek an understanding heart, that you might be able to judge rightly and truly this people.[2] You wear the tabard of a vigilant to this Order, but no vigilant can be seated among us. Though I remove the symbol of your vigil, never forget its lessons. It is often said that Peerage is an honour. It is surely that, but more, it is a responsibility, which you should not take upon yourself lightly, but with sobriety and sincerity. The oath you will be offered will bind you in fealty to the Crown; and it is well that you should understand what you are about to promise.
ANNE removes the tabard from GRETE, and sets it aside. ANNE then escorts GRETE up the pathway to the CROWN, where GRETE kneels.
KING: You are expected to have some measure of artistic talent or skill, but a Laurel exemplifies this talent to a degree far greater than that of the other Peers, and greater still than that of the populace at large.Do you promise and swear to follow the rightful laws and customs, and advise the Crown with discretion and mercy?
GRETE: I promise and swear.
QUEEN: Do you promise and swear to keep the confidences shared with you as Peer, to respect the privileges of your fellows, and the dignities of the people?
GRETE: I promise and swear.
KING: Then rise, with our blessing to be addressed by the Peers and people of this Kingdom.
QUEEN: Mistress Anne, you have our leave to proceed.
ANNE: Sir Emerick Blackpool will speak on behalf of the Order of Chivalry.
EMERICK: The book of the Falcon teaches us that the duty of a peer is this: To keep the people from the perils of danger, to counsel them to righteousness, and to keep faith with those you are sworn to. Remember these things, and depart not from them, and you will be a worthy peer.
EMERICK speaks other words as appropriate.
ANNE: Mistress Jeanne-Marie DuBois will speak on behalf of the Order of the Pelican.
JEANNE-MARIE: The book of the Falcon teaches us that the duty of a peer is this: To restore the hearts of the people to the true concord of love and peace, to restore places which are desolate, and conserve what has been restored. Remember these things, and depart not from them, and you will be a worthy peer.
JEANNE-MARIE speaks other words as appropriate.
ANNE: Master Annora Raines will speak on behalf of the Order of the Pelican.
ANNORA: The book of the West teaches us that the duty of a peer is this: Champion and protect truth and the people of the land, mercifully aid and defend those in danger or needful, and confirm that which has been well ordained by fate. Remember these things, and depart not from them, and you will be a worthy peer.
ANNORA speaks other words as appropriate.
ANNE: Master David ben Benjamin will speak for our Order, that of the Laurel.
DAVID: The book of the Falcon teaches us that the duty of a peer is this: Restore the erring to the path, extend a hand to those who fall away, scatter the proud and lift up the humble, and justice—always justice—shall you pursue.[3] Remember these things, and depart not from them, and you will be a worthy peer. But we know you will be worthy, Sister, and welcome you gladly.
DAVID speaks other words as appropriate.
ANNE: For the Royal Peerage, Count Franbald of Loncastre.
FRANBALD: This is the wisdom of the Kings of the Crowned Sun on the duties of a peer to the people: To shield in adversity and counsel patience in prosperity. Love charity, abstain from greed, hold justice, and keep the truth. Remember these things, and depart not from them, and you will be a worthy peer.
FRANBALD speaks other words as appropriate.
ANNE: For the Order of the Rose, COUNTESS/DUCHESS <NAME>
ROSE SPEAKER: This is the Wisdom of the Rose: To love the people as our namesake loves the sun, and to seek their health as a rose seeks the light. And to keep secret those things in secret entrusted to you and keep the faith of those who keep faith in you, for the rose was long a sign of confidence and trust and symbol of the ancient Harpocrates.[4] Remember these things, and depart not from them, and you will be a worthy peer.
ROSE SPEAKER speaks other words as appropriate.
ANNE: And for the people, Baroness Tyra Filppusdother.
TYRA: This is the wisdom of the people, born in no books but passed from the wise mouth to the listening ear: Forget not the place from whence you came, nor the years of toil while there. Forget us not and we will never forget you; lift us with thy efforts, and so to shall the whole world be lifted. Remember these things, and depart not from them, and you will be worthy to lead us.
TYRA speaks other words as appropriate.
ANNE: Your Majesties, the estates and people of Calontir, and the known world, have brought their wisdom and blessings to Baroness Grete. I ask that she be adorned as a Laurel, and that you seat her among her Order to counsel you and your successors.
KING: Is there a Medallion, to mark her place among the benches of the Order of the Laurel?
MEDALLION GIVER steps forward.
MEDALLION GIVER: There is, your Majesty. Grete, in ancient times this wreath marked victors and sacrifices alike. In our Society it marks your excellence. Let it be a sign of a willing and faithful heart, a lamp in the darkness, and never a sign of warning to the people. Wear it with honor, and joy.
MEDALLION GIVER speaks other words as appropriate.
QUEEN: Is there a cloak, to mark her station in the world?
CLOAK/ROBE GIVER steps forward.
CLOAK/ROBE GIVER: There is, your Majesty. Robes and cloaks have long marked rank. Robes of parliament, of religion, or to mark erudition. This is no different, bearing the symbol of your order. But it is also a functional garment, to warm you against the cold. Let it remind you to never neglect the needs of your body and soul, even as you tend to that of others.
CLOAK/ROBE GIVER speaks other words as appropriate.
KING: Is there a wreath, the sign of her order before the world?
WREATH GIVER: There is, your Majesty. This is the symbol of our order, the wreath of laurel. In ancient days it crowned both victor and sacrifice; in our Society it is a symbol of excellence and leadership. Let it mark you as set aside, and let all who seek wisdom find it in the leaves you bear.
WREATH GIVER speaks other words as appropriate.
KING: Now that you have received the blessings of the orders and been adorned as a peer, all that remains is this. Is it still your desire to be made a Laurel, and to take such an oath as all Laurels have done before you?
GRETE: It is.
QUEEN: Then kneel.
GRETE kneels.
QUEEN: In the name of Calontir, we seat you among your peers of the Order of the Laurel. Depart not from the teachings of the wreath, and you shall surely prosper.
QUEEN places her scepter on GRETE’s shoulder.
QUEEN: May your skills ever be increased and offered in service to Crown and Kingdom.
KING: We order your name be written in the rolls of the Order as a testimony that this day you are made a Laurel.
KING places his scepter on GRETE’s shoulder.
KING: May your gentle demeanor serve always as an exemplar of courtesy to all who observe you.
KING and QUEEN cross their scepters on GRETE’s head.
CROWN (Together): And may your spirit ever follow the goals your heart sets before you.
KING and QUEEN remove scepters, and bring out the Sword. GRETE swears, prompted by the Herald.
GRETE: Here do I swear by mouth and by hand,
fealty to the Crown and Kingdom of Calontir,
I give my solemn oath:
I Faithfully vow to Champion justice, foster knowledge, advocate and support the arts,while I strive to be worthy of the Laurel Wreath.
To speak the to be silent
To come and to go
To strike and to spare
To do and let be
In such matters that concern the Kingdom,
on my honor And the lawful command of the crown
In need or in plenty
In peace and in war
In living or in dying
From this hour henceforth
Until the King and Queen depart their Thrones
death take me
Or the world end
So say I, Grete Leysin[5]
CROWN: We hear your fealty freely given,
And by Our word confirm that We
Will never sacrifice you needlessly.
We swear to judge your oaths with mercy,
Your words with honor, and your deeds with justice.
We will it and grant it and swear it so,
Robert, King.
Magge, Queen.
GRETE releases the sword, and rises.
KING: Calontir, your newest Laurel.
QUEEN: Herald, please read the scroll.
[1] Adapted from Ecclesiasticus 32:1-2. Appears in the Liber Regalis.
[2] Adapted from 1 Kings 3-9:11. Appears in the Liber Regalis.
[3] Deut. 16:20.
[4] Harpocrates is the Greek god of silence, secrets, and confidentiality, adapted from a misunderstanding of the Egyptian god Horus. One of his symbols is a rose.
[5] This is the traditional oath of fealty of the Kingdom of the West.