The words Knight Of The Order Of Merit conjures up an image of a muscular figure sitting astride his mighty steed riding onto a Field of Honour, clutching his immense weapon in his hand to do battle for the hand (and other bits) of the Fair Maiden. His opposition the fearsome Black Knight.
In our imagination, we can see these two terrible adversaries salute the King and each other, then withdraw to battle stations.
In the Grandstand the Fair Maiden (seated by her father the King, who happens to be the Grand Primo) trembles with anticipation.
The King leans over to his daughter & whispers "Who is the Grey Clad Knight and from whence does he come?" "I know him not".
She replies, "Why, he is the Grey Clad Knight. He rides onto the field of battle for my hand (and other bits).
The two steeds charge at each other and the field rings with the clash of their mighty weapons coming together. One of the Knights is unseated and falls to the ground. The other dismounts and places his foot on his adversary. He raises his immense weapon and roars "VICTORY IS MINE. I claim the hand (and other bits) of the Fair maiden.
Now let us examine the Roll of Honour scenario.
What do the words Roll of Honour conjure up? A group of elderly statesmen seated around a table holding endless discussions on important matters, but not getting very far.
Immense weapons are Eons past, and maidens trembling with anticipation are only a distant memory.
Mighty steeds belong to Cowboys and Indians on the telly.
Kings are only saluted on the chessboard and the Field of Honour is the local Bowling Green.
I know ask you. "Which is the more illustrious Degree in the Order _ Knight Order of Merit or Roll of Honour.
I rest my case.
Borrowed with thanks from the New Zealand Gazette.
