Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XXIV. Frederiksborg
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has never been proofread. / Denna sida har aldrig korrekturlästs.
368
FREDERIKSBORG.
Chap. XXIV.
monarch and his queen, as well as the light fretwork
frame by which they are encircled, being white,
tastefully picked out in coloured enamel. Along the gallery
up stairs are suspended the shields of the knights—“ most
noble order of the Elephant” *—one of the most ancient
orders of chivalry existing, and of which all crowned
heads, Highnesses Royal and Serene, together with the
leading diplomatists of Europe, are members; and
further down those of the Grand Cross of the Dannebrog, f
After the death of the knights the shields are removed
to the Riddersaal below, a fine oblon«’ room of
Chris-tian IV.’s period, vaulted and supported down the centre
with columns of marble, and hung with black and gold
stamped leather: this once formed the banqueting hall,
where after the great hunting parties King Christian
dined, together with his brother huntsmen.
It is still the custom at the dinner which succeeds a
* Old chroniclers try to carry back its origin to the days of
Canute VI., in the 12th century, and declare it was instituted during
his war in the East against the Saracens ; but this must be looked
upon as a fable. Christian I. really did establish it; but it was not
till the time of Christian V. that it attained its highest splendour, was
reorganised, and rules and regulations formed much after the manner
of the Garter. This order was given to Philip Meadows, Cromwell’s
ambassador. Charles II. forbad him to wear it under pain of expulsion
from the Council. To the great disgust of Christopher Parsberg, who
writes three letters on the subject, Meadows endeavoured to sell the
decoration, which was valued at 500Z. Parsberg, as he refused to
return it, is ordered to pay the money. Meadows then asked 2000Z.,
but ended by accepting 1000Z.
f The Dannebrog ranks second in order; and though it owes its real
foundation to Christian V., is supposed by some antiquaries to date
from the days of Valdemar the Great—about as true as the history
of the Elephant. That decorations of this kind were given by earlier
sovereigns is probable, just as Christian IV. constituted the Order
of “ the Armed Handbut it was never, followed up by their
successors.
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
