taffetas, over which is thrown a long mantle of purple velvet, lined with white satin, and richly trimmed with embroidery, containing fire-stones and steels, emitting flames and sparks. On the hem, which is equally of white satin, are repeatedly embroidered in gold, the words, 'Je lay empris' (I have accepted it—the Order). The original inscription was: 'Autre n'auray' (I will have no other—Order), which was, however, substituted by the former phrase, by Charles the Bold, son of the founder. The head is covered by a cap of purple velvet, equally set with gold embroidery, and behind which is attached a little hood. The shoes and stockings are red.
The annual festival of the Order is celebrated at Vienna on St. Andrew's Day (30th November), or on the following Sunday, when the Emperor and all the Knights, then present at Vienna, repair in procession and full costume to the Court Chapel to hear Divine Service, and thence return to the castle to dine at open table in the ' Knights' Saloon.'
The Chapter meets in the Court Chapel every year on the 6th January.
THE ORDER OF MARIA-THERESA.
This is a purely military Order, founded by the Empress Maria Theresa in 1757, in acknowledgment of the valour, wisdom, and loyalty displayed by her officers in the memorable contests of her reign. Her Royal Consort, the Emperor Francis I., took upon himself the office of first Grand Master; and that high dignity is fixed by the statutes (published 1758) to belong to the sovereigns of Austria for ever after.
The claims to the Order rest chiefly on personal military merit, irrespective of birth, duty, favour, family connection, or long service.
