state are disposed in three ranks, namely, the Illustres, Spectabiles, and Clarissimi. The Illustrious dignitaries are termed by the Prince and others "Most Glorious," and are variously addressed as "Your Sublimity," "Magnificence," "Eminence," "Excellence," "Highness," "Serenity," or "Sincerity," etc. The two lower ranks are similarly addressed, but only the less fulsome of such expressions are applied to them. Consonant to the same scheme the clergy receive the epithets of "Most Holy," "Blessed," "Reverend," "Beloved of God"; and are addressed as "Your Beatitude," "Eminence," etc., the emphasis being graduated according as they may happen to be Patriarchs, Archbishops, Metropolitans, Bishops, or simple clericals.[1]
In the assemblies of the Hippodrome popular fervour reaches its highest pitch, whether in times of festive or political excitement. From Daphne, by the gallery of St. Stephen's and the Cochlea, the Emperor, surrounded by courtiers and guards, gains his throne in the Kathisma.[2] On his entry the Protectors, already assembled in the Stama or Pi, elevate the Standards which have previously been lying on the ground.[3] Before seating himself on his throne the Emperor, advancing to the balustrade of the Kathisma, greets the assembled populace by making the sign of the cross in the air. As soon as the answering cries of adulation subside, a set hymn[4] is intoned from each side of the*
- ↑ See Godfrey's Notitia Dignitatum, ad calc. Cod. Theod.; Selden's Titles of Honour, p. 886; the epilogues to the Novels, etc. Minor dignities, entitled Perfectissimi, Egregii, are also mentioned, but are obsolete at this date; Superillustres were not unknown; see Ducange, sb. voc.
- ↑ Const. Porph., i, 68; see Labarte, op. cit., pp. 16, 140, etc.
- ↑ Const. Porph., i, 92, with Reiske's Notes.
- ↑ Const. Porph., i, 68, et seq. This open-air hymn-singing was an
