12. Formula for the Bestowal of a Countship of the First Order, without Office.

[A similar honour to that which is conferred on an English statesman who, without receiving any place in the Ministry, is 'sworn of the Privy Council.']

Comitiva Primi Ordinis.

'It is a delightful thing to enjoy the pleasures of high rank without having to undergo the toils and annoyances of office, which often make a man loathe the very dignity which he eagerly desired.

'The rank of Comes is one which is reached by Governors (Rectores) of Provinces after a year's tenure of office, and by the Counsellors of the Praefect , whose functions are so important that we look upon them as almost Quaestors.

'Their rank[449] gives the holder of it, though only a Spectabilis, admission to our Consistory, where he sits side by side with all the Illustres.

'We bestow it upon you, and name you a Comes Primi Ordinis, thereby indicating that you are to take your place at the head of all the other Spectabiles and next after the Illustres. See that you imitate the latter, and that you are not surpassed in excellence of character by any of those below you.'