This library is built in the open.
If you spot an error, have a suggestion, or just want to say hello — we’d love to hear from you.
[s.n.] · 1559

and expressly decreeing by this our Imperial edict, that you, BASILIUS JOHANNES HEROLDUS, and your successors descending from you infinitely, may and can in perpetuity hereafter, in all places and lands, as much in courts as outside, in spiritual and temporal, Ecclesiastical and profane matters whatsoever, even if they were such that special mention should be made of them at present, and also in all and singular acts, use, enjoy, possess, and have the same honors, dignities, offices, rights, liberties, insignia, privileges, preeminences, graces, and preferences which the other true nobles of us and the Holy Roman Empire, born of noble lineage from four paternal and maternal grandfathers, use, enjoy, and possess, in any way, by custom or by right. BUT that a perpetual testimony of this our ennoblement may remain, and that we may decorate him with the benefit itself, by the same our Imperial authority, we have mercifully changed, increased, and enriched your ancient and paternal insignia, with which once the Most Serene Prince, Lord LUDOVICUS, King of Hungary and Bohemia, etc., our most dear brother-in-law and brother, decorated your father, and by the tenor of these presents we change, increase, and enrich them, namely thus: