Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/120

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DECORATIONS.

words 'Principi Fidelis Favere Patriæ' (True to the Prince and attached to the country). The Cross itself is azure blue, octagonal, and covered by a royal crown. The reverse (in all classes) contains in blue enamel the word 'Virtuti' (To virtue) upon a golden ground.

The Knights of the Grand Cross wear besides, upon the left breast, a golden cross upon a star of silver rays with the above motto 'Quis ut Deus?' (Plate 13, Tab. III]. No. 15). Of the width of the ribbon by which the Order is suspended, two thirds are dark blue, and one third rose colour, in equal proportions for both ends. The Knights of the Grand Cross wear the Order across the right (since 1844 upon the left) shoulder, suspended by the above ribbon about three and a half inches wide; the Commanders wear it in smaller size round the neck by a somewhat narrower ribbon, while the Knights have it, in still smaller proportions, fastened to the coat.

Plate 14, Tab. IV. No. 29, represents the chain which the members formerly used to wear upon their costume on festival days, while the new statutes mention neither costume nor chain.

In 1846, the total number of the members was fixed at four hundred and sixteen, viz. thirty-six Grand Crosses, sixty Commanders, and three hundred and twenty Knights.

THE ORDER OF ST. ELIZABETH.

The first Consort of the Elector Charles Theodor of the Palatinate, Elizabeth Augusta, daughter of the Palatine Joseph Charles Emanuel of Schulzbach, founded this Order for ladies in honour of her sainted patroness and namesake, on the 18th October, 1766, as a purely charitable institution for the poor. It was confirmed on the 31st January, 1767, by Pope Clement XIII. and endowed with various indulgencies. The Catholic