“ Among other glories of a kingdom, we hold that to be chiefest, which, strengthened by a proper distribution of orders, dignities, and offices, will cause it to be supported by wise counsels, and upheld by the powers of the great: therefore many hereditary dignities of our kingdom having devolved as well by hereditary descent according to the law of the same kingdom, upon co-heirs and co-parceners, as also on failure of issue, and from various other events, to the King's hands, the said kingdom hath for a long time suffered a great deficiency in titles, honors, and the dignity of rank. ”

“ Regarding therefore, with anxious consideration, those things whereby our kingdom may be adorned, and the same kingdom, and the holy church thereof, and other the lands subjected to our dominion, may be more securely and fitly defended against the attempts of enemies and of adversaries, and our peace preserved inviolate amongst our subjects everywhere ”

“ So also that on the aforenamed Duke, or other Dukes of the same place, being deceased, and the son or sons to whom the said Duchy, by force of our aforesaid grants, is known to belong not then appearing, the same Duchy, with the castles, boroughs, towns, and all other the things aforesaid, shall revert to us, and our heirs, Kings of England, to be retained in the hands of us and the same our heirs, Kings of England, until such son or sons, hereditarily to succeed in the said kingdom of England, shall appear as is aforesaid ”