issue_n or_o demurrer_n and_o then_o to_o the_o common-law_n where_o upon_o trial_n if_o the_o defendant_n make_v default_n 25._o the_o plaintiff_n shall_v have_v judgement_n and_o execution_n and_o if_o the_o heir_n be_v in_o ward_n to_o the_o king_n the_o mother_n shall_v sue_v and_o recover_v her_o dower_n in_o the_o chancery_n and_o they_o tell_v we_o 73._o that_o it_o have_v power_n to_o prohibit_v spiritual_a court_n and_o court_n of_o common-law_n yea_o to_o over-rule_v or_o reverse_v judgement_n and_o yet_o the_o common-law_n hold_v its_o ground_n when_o it_o be_v concern_v for_o neither_o be_v all_o suit_n there_o by_o bill_n 47._o as_o in_o case_n of_o equity_n nor_o determine_v according_a to_o such_o rule_n nor_o do_v the_o power_n of_o judicature_n rest_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o one_o chancellor_n but_o in_o he_o joint_o with_o other_o council_n of_o the_o king_n which_o be_v also_o learned_a judge_n of_o the_o law._n for_o the_o report_n inform_v that_o edward_n the_o second_o have_v grant_v a_o rent_n in_o tail_n to_o the_o earl_n of_o kent_n who_o die_v his_o son_n under_o age_n and_o ward_n to_o the_o king_n edward_z the_o third_z seize_v among_o other_o land_n the_o rent_n and_o grant_v it_o to_o sir_n john_n molins_n upon_o petition_n the_o king_n refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o archbishop_n and_o other_o of_o the_o council_n call_v to_o they_o the_o chancellor_n a_o scire_fw-la facias_fw-la go_v forth_o to_o sir_n john_n molin_n he_o upon_o appearance_n plead_v to_o the_o jurisdiction_n as_o a_o case_n belong_v to_o the_o common-law_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v because_o it_o be_v to_o repeal_v the_o king_n charter_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o reference_n be_v to_o the_o archbishop_n and_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o cause_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o chancery_n it_o be_v resolve_v that_o it_o do_v proper_o belong_v to_o the_o chancery_n by_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o case_n it_o appear_v clear_o that_o the_o king_n council_n there_o 35._o be_v learn_v in_o the_o law._n and_o the_o same_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a by_o the_o title_n of_o bill_n in_o those_o day_n exhibit_v in_o the_o chancery_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o chancellor_n and_o the_o king_n council_n and_o the_o rule_n give_v per_fw-la tout_fw-fr les_fw-fr justice_n which_o i_o rather_o note_v for_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o form_n of_o bill_n in_o those_o day_n far_o different_a from_o these_o time_n wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o complaint_n however_o small_a in_o itself_o be_v oftentimes_o blow_v out_o into_o so_o great_a a_o bubble_n that_o it_o break_v to_o nothing_o and_o the_o statute_n former_o mention_v do_v assert_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o touch_v the_o king_n council_n for_o though_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o council_n or_o chancery_n in_o the_o english_a tongue_n yet_o in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n be_v conceil_fw-fr en_fw-fr chancery_n have_v thus_o touch_v upon_o the_o matter_n under_o the_o judicatory_a of_o the_o chancery_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o same_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_n come_v to_o consideration_n for_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v be_v former_o very_o irregular_a and_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o grand_a charter_n upon_o a_o bare_a suggestion_n in_o the_o chancery_n the_o party_n complain_v of_o be_v imprison_v and_o no_o proceed_n make_v thereupon_o for_o remedy_v whereof_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o upon_o suggestion_n so_o make_v the_o complainant_n be_v to_o find_v surety_n to_o pursue_v the_o suggestion_n and_o that_o the_o process_n of_o law_n shall_v issue_v forth_o against_o the_o party_n without_o imprison_v he_o and_o that_o if_o the_o suggestion_n be_v not_o prove_v true_a the_o complainant_n shall_v incur_v the_o like_a penalty_n that_o the_o defendant_n shall_v have_v do_v in_o case_n he_o have_v be_v find_v guilty_a 17._o but_o afterward_o this_o late_a clause_n be_v alter_v by_o another_o statute_n because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o complainant_n shall_v be_v imprison_v 9_o until_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v the_o defendant_n of_o his_o damage_n and_o furthermore_o shall_v make_v fine_a and_o ransom_n to_o the_o king._n but_o because_o that_o the_o defendant_n many_o time_n hold_v his_o advantage_n 6._o even_o to_o extremity_n this_o course_n last_v not_o long_o but_o a_o new_a law_n be_v make_v which_o put_v the_o power_n of_o award_v damage_n in_o such_o case_n into_o the_o chancellor_n to_o do_v according_a to_o his_o discretion_n and_o thus_o the_o chancery_n obtain_v power_n to_o award_v damage_n which_o they_o never_o have_v forme_o 32._o and_o the_o chancellor_n a_o precedency_n both_o in_o the_o chancery_n and_o of_o the_o council_n in_o the_o court_n of_o star-chamber_n and_o in_o many_o case_n in_o the_o exchequer_n by_o the_o first_o he_o have_v a_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la by_o the_o last_o in_o matter_n mei_fw-la and_o regis_fw-la and_o by_o the_o other_o in_o matter_n mei_fw-la and_o regni_fw-la a_o considerable_a man_n certain_o he_o be_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o government_n but_o how_o much_o more_o if_o he_o be_v make_v archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n cardinal_z and_o legate_z à _fw-fr latere_fw-la or_o archbishop_n lord_n treasurer_n and_o legate_n à _fw-fr latere_fw-la as_o these_o day_n have_v divers_a time_n see_v extraordinary_a advancement_n bestow_v upon_o the_o nobility_n bring_v honour_n to_o the_o throne_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o man_n of_o note_a worth_n and_o uprightness_n they_o make_v the_o sceptre_n stoop_v by_o stir_v up_o envy_n in_o the_o nobility_n and_o indignation_n from_o the_o people_n for_o seldom_o be_v it_o see_v that_o advancement_n be_v feed_v from_o the_o crown_n though_o they_o be_v breed_v from_o thence_o but_o either_o maintain_v by_o new_a supply_n from_o the_o people_n purse_n or_o the_o ruin_n or_o decay_v of_o some_o officer_n more_o ancient_a than_o themselves_o or_o both_o and_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o chancellor_n he_o suck_v fat_a from_o beneath_o and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n from_o the_o grand_a chief_a justiciar_n of_o england_n and_o so_o reduce_v that_o honourable_a potentate_n unto_o the_o degree_n of_o chief_a justice_n of_o the_o king_n bench_n leave_v scarce_o unto_o he_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o lord_n one_o thing_n more_o remain_v touch_v the_o election_n or_o nomination_n of_o this_o great_a man._n at_o the_o first_o he_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o register_n or_o the_o king_n remembrancer_n or_o secretary_n have_v also_o the_o honour_n to_o advise_v the_o king_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o come_v within_o the_o circuit_n of_o the_o write_n in_o his_o custody_n and_o questionless_a eo_fw-la usque_fw-la it_o be_v suitable_a to_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o king_n be_v sole_a nomination_n and_o election_n but_o when_o it_o befall_v that_o instead_o of_o advise_v the_o king_n his_o word_n be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o a_o judicatory_a power_n put_v upon_o that_o and_o unto_o this_o be_v superad_v that_o honourable_a trust_n of_o keep_v and_o govern_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o the_o kingdom_n with_o the_o continual_a grow_a power_n occasional_o confer_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o parliament_n he_o be_v now_o become_v no_o more_o the_o king_n remembrancer_n but_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n and_o supreme_a officer_n of_o state._n and_o it_o seem_v but_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v hold_v his_o place_n by_o public_a election_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grand_a justiciar_n who_o plume_n he_o borrow_v and_o other_o grand_a officer_n of_o state_n do_v before_o he_o for_o he_o that_o will_v have_v his_o servant_n to_o work_v for_o another_o must_v give_v the_o other_o that_o honour_n of_o elect_v he_o thereto_o nor_o be_v this_o lay_v aside_o nor_o forget_v by_o these_o time_n but_o a_o claim_n be_v put_v in_o for_o the_o election_n or_o allowance_n of_o this_o principal_a officer_n among_o other_o 15._o the_o parliament_n obtain_v a_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n by_o the_o king_n confession_n and_o so_o the_o thing_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o future_a age_n 10._o viz._n whether_o a_o king_n that_o can_v do_v no_o man_n wrong_v can_v dissemble_v the_o royal_a assent_n in_o parliament_n or_o declare_v himself_o legal_o in_o that_o manner_n by_o proclamation_n chap._n v._o of_o admiral_n court_n this_o be_v a_o three_o court_n that_o maintain_v the_o king_n judicatory_a power_n in_o a_o different_a way_n from_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o common-law_n and_o by_o many_o be_v therefore_o suppose_a to_o advance_v the_o king_n prerogative_n but_o upon_o mistake_v ground_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o
legem_fw-la apparentem_fw-la se_fw-la purgare_fw-la nisi_fw-la prius_fw-la convictus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la vel_fw-la confessus_fw-la in_o curia_fw-la and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v urge_v upon_o such_o difficulty_n unless_o by_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o old_a way_n of_o trial_n be_v first_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o complaint_n and_o witness_n ready_a to_o maintain_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o both_o appeal_n and_o action_n then_o use_v to_o conclude_v their_o plea_n with_o the_o name_n of_o witness_n subjoin_v which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v imply_v in_o those_o general_a word_n in_o their_o conclusion_n et_fw-la inde_fw-la producit_fw-la sectam_fw-la svam_fw-la that_o be_v he_o bring_v his_o sect_n or_o suit_n hengham_n or_o such_o as_o do_v follow_v or_o affirm_v his_o complaint_n as_o another_o part_n also_o be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n et_fw-la hoc_fw-la paratus_fw-la est_fw-la verificare_fw-la for_o if_o the_o plaintiff_n sect_n or_o suit_n of_o witness_n do_v not_o full_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o fact_n the_o defendant_n averment_n be_v make_v good_a by_o his_o own_o oath_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o twelve_o man_n and_o so_o the_o trial_n be_v conclude_v no_o freeman_n shall_v be_v imprison_v or_o disseise_v of_o his_o freehold_a or_o liberties_n 31._o outlaw_v or_o banish_v or_o invade_v but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o peer_n nor_o shall_v justice_n be_v sell_v delay_v or_o deny_v this_o be_v a_o comprehensive_a law_n and_o make_v up_o of_o many_o saxon_a law_n or_o rather_o a_o enforcement_n of_o all_o law_n and_o a_o remedy_n against_o oppression_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o concern_v first_o the_o person_n than_o his_o livelihood_n as_o touch_v the_o person_n his_o life_n and_o his_o liberty_n his_o life_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o his_o liberty_n likewise_o so_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v shut_v into_o no_o place_n by_o imprisonment_n nor_o out_o of_o any_o place_n by_o banishment_n but_o shall_v have_v liberty_n of_o ingress_n and_o egress_n his_o estate_n both_o real_a and_o personal_a shall_v also_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o law_n also_o shall_v be_v free_a neither_o deny_v nor_o delay_v i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o show_v how_o this_o be_v no_o new_a law_n but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o old_a and_o reparation_n add_v thereto_o be_v much_o impair_v by_o stormy_a time_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n discourse_n tend_v thereto_o merchant_n shall_v have_v free_a and_o safe_a passage_n 32._o and_o trade_n without_o unjust_a tax_n as_o by_o ancient_a custom_n they_o ought_v in_o time_n of_o war_n such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o enemy_n country_n shall_v be_v secure_v till_o it_o appear_v how_o the_o english_a merchant_n be_v use_v in_o their_o country_n that_o this_o be_v a_o ancient_a law_n the_o word_n thereof_o show_v beside_o what_o may_v be_v observe_v out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o aetheldred_n and_o other_o saxon_a law_n so_o as_o it_o appear_v that_o not_o only_o the_o english_a freeman_n and_o native_n have_v their_o liberty_n assert_v by_o the_o law_n but_o also_o foreigner_n if_o merchant_n have_v the_o like_a liberty_n for_o their_o person_n and_o good_n concern_v trade_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o be_v hereby_o enable_v to_o enjoy_v their_o own_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o freeman_n have_v and_o unto_o this_o law_n the_o charter_n of_o king_n john_n add_v this_o ensue_a it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o every_o freeman_n to_o pass_v free_o to_o and_o from_o this_o kingdom_n save_v fealty_n to_o the_o king_n unless_o in_o time_n of_o war_n and_o then_o also_o for_o a_o short_a space_n as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a except_v prisoner_n outlaws_z and_o those_o countryman_n that_o be_v in_o enmity_n and_o merchant_n who_o shall_v be_v deal_v with_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o it_o seem_v that_o this_o law_n of_o free_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v not_o ancient_o fundamental_a but_o only_o ground_v upon_o reason_n of_o state_n although_o the_o freeman_n have_v liberty_n of_o free_a passage_n within_o the_o kingdom_n according_a to_o that_o original_a law_n sit_fw-la pax_fw-la publica_fw-la per_fw-la commune_v vias_fw-la and_o for_o that_o cause_n as_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v whole_o omit_v in_o the_o charter_n of_o henry_n the_o three_o as_o be_v also_o another_o law_n concern_v the_o jew_n which_o because_o it_o leave_v a_o influence_n behind_o it_o after_o the_o jew_n be_v extinct_a in_o this_o nation_n and_o which_o continue_v even_o unto_o this_o day_n i_o shall_v insert_v it_o in_o this_o short_a sum_n after_o death_n of_o the_o jew_n debtor_n no_o usury_n shall_v be_v pay_v during_o the_o minority_n of_o the_o heir_n though_o the_o debt_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o king_n hand_n and_o the_o debt_n shall_v be_v pay_v save_v to_o the_o wife_n her_o dower_n and_o maintenance_n for_o the_o child_n according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o debtor_n land_n and_o save_v the_o lord_n service_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n of_o debt_n to_o other_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o usury_n fall_v under_o the_o title_n of_o jew_n for_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v their_o trade_n and_o their_o proper_a trade_n hitherto_o it_o be_v first_o that_o i_o meet_v with_o 299._o forbid_v at_o a_o legatine_n council_n nigh_o 300_o year_n before_o the_o norman_n time_n but_o by_o the_o confessor_n law_n it_o be_v make_v penal_a to_o christian_n to_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o estate_n and_o banishment_n and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v in_o nature_n of_o the_o king_n villain_n as_o touch_v their_o estate_n 16._o for_o they_o can_v get_v nothing_o but_o be_v at_o his_o mercy_n and_o king_n do_v suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v this_o trade_n for_o their_o own_o benefit_n yet_o they_o do_v regulate_v it_o as_o touch_v infant_n as_o by_o this_o law_n of_o king_n john_n 5._o and_o the_o statute_n at_o merton_n do_v appear_v but_o henry_n the_o three_o do_v not_o put_v it_o into_o his_o charter_n as_o i_o think_v because_o it_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n 1._o but_o rather_o a_o prejudice_n thereto_o and_o therefore_o edward_n the_o first_o whole_o take_v it_o away_o by_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o his_o time_n and_o thereby_o abolish_v the_o jew_n tenant_n land_n 33._o hold_v of_o land_n escheat_v to_o the_o king_n shall_v hold_v by_o the_o same_o service_n as_o former_o in_o all_o alienation_n of_o land_n 34._o sufficient_a shall_v be_v leave_v for_o the_o lord_n distress_n submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a 7._o i_o conceive_v that_o as_o well_o in_o the_o saxon_a time_n as_o until_o this_o law_n any_o tenant_n may_v alien_n only_a part_n of_o his_o land_n and_o reserve_v the_o service_n to_o the_o alienor_fw-la because_o he_o can_v not_o reserve_v service_n upon_o such_o alienation_n unto_o the_o lord_n paramount_n other_o than_o be_v former_o due_a to_o he_o without_o the_o lord_n consent_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n can_v they_o not_o alien_a the_o whole_a tenancy_n to_o bind_v the_o lord_n without_o his_o express_a licence_n save_v the_o opinion_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assize_n because_o no_o tenant_n can_v be_v enforce_v upon_o any_o lord_n 17._o lest_o he_o may_v be_v his_o enemy_n nevertheless_o it_o seem_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la tenant_n do_v usual_o alien_a their_o whole_a tenancy_n and_o although_o they_o can_v not_o thereby_o bar_v the_o lord_n right_a yet_o because_o the_o lord_n can_v not_o in_o such_o case_n have_v the_o distress_n of_o his_o own_o tenant_n this_o law_n save_v so_o much_o from_o alienation_n as_o may_v serve_v for_o security_n of_o the_o lord_n distress_n but_o tenant_n be_v not_o thus_o satisfy_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o tenant_n although_o the_o tenant_n necessity_n be_v never_o so_o urgent_a upon_o they_o to_o sell_v their_o land_n and_o therefore_o at_o length_n they_o prevail_v by_o the_o statute_n of_o quia_fw-la emptores_fw-la to_o have_v power_n to_o sell_v all_o 1._o save_v to_o the_o lord_n their_o service_n former_o due_a and_o thus_o the_o lord_n be_v necessitate_v to_o grant_v licenses_fw-la of_o alienation_n to_o such_o as_o the_o tenant_n can_v provide_v to_o buy_v their_o land_n nor_o be_v this_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o public_a quiet_n be_v settle_v as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n of_o war_n whenas_o the_o lord_n right_a be_v maintain_v more_o by_o might_n and_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o tenant_n than_o by_o law_n which_o then_o be_v of_o little_a power_n the_o 35th_o chapter_n i_o have_v former_o mention_v in_o the_o chapter_n concern_v
sentence_v one_o to_o suffer_v death_n upon_o the_o coroner_n record_v without_o allow_v the_o delinquent_n liberty_n of_o traverse_n this_o officer_n also_o be_v make_v by_o election_n of_o the_o freeholder_n in_o their_o county-court_n 164._o as_o the_o sheriff_n be_v and_o from_o among_o the_o man_n of_o chief_a rank_n in_o the_o county_n and_o swear_v in_o their_o presence_n but_o the_o king_n write_v lead_v the_o work_n chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o county-court_n and_o the_o sheriff_n tear_v the_o government_n of_o the_o county_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o the_o freeholder_n and_o their_o meeting_n be_v either_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o county_n in_o each_o of_o which_o the_o sheriff_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o act_n do_v there_o county-court_n the_o meeting_n of_o the_o freeman_n in_o one_o place_n be_v call_v the_o folkmote_a by_o the_o saxon_n save_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o honourable_a reporter_n coke_n instit._n 2._o p._n 69._o and_o of_o latter_a time_n the_o county-court_n the_o work_n wherein_o be_v partly_o for_o consultation_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o the_o county_n for_o the_o safety_n and_o peace_n thereof_o such_o as_o be_v redress_n of_o grievance_n election_n of_o officer_n prevention_n of_o danger_n etc._n etc._n and_o partly_o it_o be_v judicial_a 147._o in_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o common_a plea_n of_o the_o county_n the_o church-affair_n and_o some_o trespass_n do_v therein_o but_o not_o matter_n criminal_a for_o the_o bishop_n be_v judge_n therein_o together_o with_o the_o sheriff_n and_o by_o the_o canon_n he_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o blood_n yet_o neither_o be_v the_o bishop_n nor_o sheriff_n work_v in_o that_o court_n other_o than_o directory_n or_o declaratory_a for_o the_o freeman_n be_v judge_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o other_o do_v but_o edocere_fw-la jura_fw-la populo_fw-la 15._o yet_o in_o special_a case_n upon_o petition_n a_o commission_n issue_v forth_o from_o the_o king_n to_o certain_a judge_n of_o oier_n 1._o to_o join_v with_o the_o other_o in_o the_o hear_n and_o determine_v of_o such_o particular_a case_n but_o in_o case_n of_o injustice_n or_o error_n the_o party_n grieve_v have_v liberty_n of_o appeal_n to_o the_o king_n justice_n edgar_n nor_o do_v the_o common_a plea_n original_o commence_v in_o the_o county-court_n unless_o the_o party_n dwell_v in_o several_a liberty_n or_o hundred_o in_o the_o same_o county_n and_o in_o case_n any_o mistake_n be_v in_o the_o commence_v of_o suit_n in_o that_o court_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v upon_o complaint_n the_o king_n write_v reduce_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o in_o this_o also_o the_o king_n own_o court_n have_v no_o pre-eminence_n in_o those_o ancient_a time_n this_o county-court_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v but_o twice_o a_o year_n 35._o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o king_n edgar_n but_o upon_o urgent_a emergency_n often_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o king_n special_a writ_n or_o if_o the_o emergent_a occasion_n be_v sudden_a and_o important_a by_o extraordinary_a summons_n of_o ring_v the_o moot-bel_n unto_o this_o court_n all_o the_o freeman_n of_o the_o county_n assemble_v to_o learn_v the_o law_n to_o administer_v justice_n 35._o to_o provide_v remedy_n for_o public_a inconvenience_n and_o to_o do_v their_o fealty_n to_o the_o king_n before_o the_o bishop_n and_o sheriff_n upon_o oath_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o administer_a justice_n cause_n concern_v the_o church_n must_v have_v the_o precedency_n 4._o so_o as_o yet_o the_o canon-law_n have_v not_o get_v foot_v in_o england_n the_o other_o court_n wherein_o the_o sheriff_n have_v the_o direction_n tear_v be_v in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o freeman_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o county_n and_o this_o be_v ancient_o 16._o and_o now_o be_v call_v the_o sheriff_n tear_v which_o simple_o consider_v be_v but_o a_o hundred-court_n 5._o or_o the_o sheriff_n tear_v to_o keep_v the_o hundred-court_n it_o be_v order_v to_o be_v keep_v twice_o every_o year_n viz._n at_o the_o lady-day_n and_o michaelmas_n or_o soon_o after_o 35._o unto_o this_o court_n all_o the_o freeholders_n of_o the_o hundred_o repair_v 17._o and_o there_o they_o the_o bishop_n and_o sheriff_n execute_v the_o same_o power_n and_o work_v for_o kind_n that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o county-court_n in_o this_o court_n all_o the_o suit_n in_o the_o hundred-court_n depend_v have_v their_o determination_n and_o other_o have_v their_o commencement_n and_o proceed_n as_o well_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o crown_n as_o other_o some_o have_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o county-court_n or_o superior_a thereto_o but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n thereof_o i_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o visitation_n of_o the_o county_n by_o parcel_n or_o in_o circuit_n chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o county_n into_o hundred_o and_o the_o officer_n and_o court_n thereto_o belong_v county_n be_v too_o great_a to_o meet_v upon_o every_o occasion_n and_o every_o occasion_n too_o mean_a to_o put_v the_o whole_a county_n to_o that_o charge_n and_o trouble_v and_o this_o induce_v sub-division_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o of_o the_o hundred_o now_o and_o also_o ancient_o so_o call_v but_o as_o ancient_a if_o not_o more_o be_v the_o name_n pagus_n for_o the_o historian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o german_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o law_n a_o hundred_o of_o the_o freeman_n join_v with_o the_o chief_a lord_n per_fw-la pagos_fw-la vicosque_fw-la tacitus_n which_o first_o be_v call_v centenarii_fw-la or_o hundreder_n from_o their_o number_n but_o use_v for_o a_o title_n of_o honour_n like_o the_o triarii_n and_o as_o a_o second_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o council_n at_o berkhamsted_n which_o speak_v the_o reduction_n of_o suit_n from_o the_o king_n court_n ad_fw-la pagi_fw-la vel_fw-la loci_fw-la praepositum_fw-la in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v render_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o hundred_o or_o burrough_n and_o at_o this_o day_n in_o germany_n their_o country_n be_v divide_v into_o circuit_n call_v centen_a or_o canton_n and_o centengriecht_n and_o the_o hundreder_n they_o call_v centgraven_v or_o hundred-chiefes_a whether_o for_o government_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n 19_o or_o for_o command_v in_o time_n of_o war_n the_o latter_a whereof_o the_o word_n wapentake_n do_v not_o a_o little_a favour_n among_o these_o one_o was_z per_fw-la eminentiam_fw-la call_v the_o centgrave_n or_o lord_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o thereunto_o elect_v by_o the_o free_a man_n of_o that_o hundred_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o grant_v a_o stipend_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rent_n 54._o call_v hundredsettena_n together_o with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o the_o division_n of_o the_o county_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v do_v by_o the_o freeman_n of_o the_o county_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n thereof_o if_o polydore_v testimony_n may_v be_v admit_v and_o it_o may_v seem_v most_o likely_a that_o they_o rule_v their_o division_n at_o the_o first_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n which_o do_v occasion_n the_o great_a inequality_n of_o the_o hundred_o at_o this_o day_n the_o government_n of_o the_o hundred_o rest_v at_o the_o first_o upon_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o hundredar_n 4._o but_o afterward_o by_o alfred_n they_o be_v find_v inconvenient_a because_o of_o the_o multitude_n and_o reduce_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o his_o bailiff_n and_o twelve_o of_o the_o hundred_o and_o these_o twelve_o be_v to_o be_v swear_v neither_o to_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a nor_o acquit_v the_o nocent_a this_o be_v the_o hundred_o court_n which_o by_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v once_o every_o month_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mix_a court_n of_o common-plea_n and_o crown-plea_n for_o the_o saxon_a law_n order_n 35._o that_o in_o it_o there_o shall_v be_v do_v justice_n to_o thief_n 1._o and_o the_o trial_n in_o divers_a case_n in_o that_o court_n be_v by_o ordeale_n their_o common-plea_n be_v case_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n 20_o as_o well_o concern_v ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o thing_n as_o secular_a 32._o for_o the_o great_a matter_n be_v by_o commission_n or_o the_o king_n write_v remove_v 1._o as_o i_o former_o observe_v all_o freeholders_n be_v bind_v to_o present_v themselves_o hereat_o saxon._n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o defendant_n appear_v but_o he_o answer_v the_o matter_n charge_v against_o he_o and_o judgement_n pass_v before_o the_o court_n adjourn_v 273._o except_o in_o case_n where_o immediate_a proof_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v tacitus_n albeit_o it_o be_v hold_v unreasonable_a in_o those_o day_n to_o hold_v so_o hasty_a process_n 155._o and_o therefore_o the_o archbishop_n of_o york_n prefer_v
swear_v that_o he_o will_v not_o sell_v right_o or_o any_o remedial_a writ_n to_o any_o one_o yet_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o etc._n etc._n he_o sell_v to_o b._n a_o writ_n of_o attaint_n and_o will_v not_o grant_v the_o same_o under_o half_a a_o mark._n so_o as_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o indictment_n and_o presentment_n in_o those_o day_n be_v only_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o crime_n for_o which_o the_o party_n delinquent_n be_v accuse_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o conclusion_n of_o the_o presentment_n which_o be_v without_o averment_n the_o last_o way_n of_o trial_n concern_v such_o offence_n that_o exceed_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o trespass_n do_v to_o a_o man_n person_n or_o his_o good_n 24._o and_o this_o be_v by_o way_n of_o action_n action_n and_o it_o be_v to_o obtain_v recompense_n for_o damage_n sustain_v now_o because_o the_o former_a be_v call_v personal_a trespass_n the_o process_n be_v by_o attachment_n of_o the_o person_n who_o thereupon_o put_v in_o bail_n or_o else_o his_o person_n be_v secure_v by_o imprisonment_n till_o trial_n and_o satisfaction_n make_v but_o in_o the_o late_a that_o concern_v the_o reality_n 20._o three_o summons_n go_v forth_o in_o the_o hundred-court_n 36._o and_o if_o default_n be_v make_v complaint_n thereof_o ensue_v in_o the_o county-court_n and_o thence_o issue_v forth_o a_o distringas_fw-la and_o if_o the_o defendant_n still_o persist_v in_o decline_v his_o appearance_n the_o distress_n be_v forfeit_v and_o a_o summon_v issue_v upon_o the_o land_n if_o then_o the_o defendant_n will_v not_o appear_v or_o upon_o appearance_n will_v not_o give_v pledge_n to_o abide_v judgement_n his_o whole_a land_n be_v seize_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o of_o the_o complainant_n because_o he_o have_v offend_v against_o all_o three_o but_o if_o the_o party_n appear_v in_o former_a time_n he_o answer_v forthwith_o and_o judgement_n pass_v without_o delay_n as_o have_v be_v say_v unless_o in_o urgent_a case_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v raw_a and_o than_o it_o be_v adjourn_v and_o pledge_n give_v by_o the_o defendant_n to_o the_o full_a value_n 7._o after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o athenian_n and_o if_o the_o defendant_n make_v default_n at_o the_o day_n his_o pledge_n be_v forfeit_v but_o in_o aftertime_n for_o better_a and_o more_o advise_v proceed_v the_o defendant_n be_v admit_v to_o his_o essoine_n yet_o with_o a_o proviso_n that_o no_o essoine_n shall_v be_v allow_v for_o above_o fifteen_o day_n 1._o and_o this_o be_v the_o direction_n of_o king_n alfred_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o defendant_n he_o either_o traverse_v the_o matter_n in_o fact_n or_o confess_v and_o justify_v 16._o or_o confess_v and_o submit_v the_o first_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o freeman_n the_o second_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o judge_n the_o three_o to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o complainant_n whereby_o the_o defendant_n general_o find_v mercy_n and_o in_o case_n of_o trespass_n render_v less_o damage_n i_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o those_o time_n of_o dilatoryplea_n or_o demurrer_n or_o other_o delay_n unless_o in_o case_n of_o infancy_n for_o the_o saxon_n know_v no_o other_o age_n of_o ability_n to_o do_v or_o suffer_v but_o the_o age_n above_o one_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o in_o alfred_n time_n a_o judge_n suffer_v death_n for_o pass_a sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o one_o under_o that_o age_n albeit_o the_o canonist_n have_v in_o those_o day_n bring_v into_o custom_n other_o age_n of_o ability_n in_o matter_n concern_v marriage_n 1_o although_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v that_o it_o require_v no_o less_o maturity_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o a_o marry_a life_n than_o to_o discern_v the_o nature_n and_o difference_n of_o manner_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o crime_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n chap._n xxxvii_o of_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o extraordinary_a trial_n by_o torture_n ordeale_o compurgator_n and_o battle_n evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o fact_n upon_o trial_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o saxon_a judicatory_a sometime_o consist_v in_o the_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o the_o fact_n itself_o torture_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o circumstance_n the_o first_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o conviction_n the_o second_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o command_v the_o verdict_n although_o sometime_o it_o persuade_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o incompassionate_a time_n find_v out_o a_o trick_n of_o extort_a confession_n by_o torture_n of_o the_o party_n follow_v the_o principle_n of_o passion_n therein_o rather_o than_o sober_a judgement_n for_o circumstance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o irritate_fw-la the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o where_o jealousy_n be_v once_o enter_v there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o spare_v be_v the_o matter_n never_o so_o untrue_a yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o law_n among_o the_o saxon_n to_o patronize_v this_o fashion_n of_o conviction_n albeit_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v practise_v for_o alfred_n the_o king_n punish_v one_o of_o his_o judge_n with_o death_n for_o pass_a sentence_n upon_o a_o extort_a confession_n by_o torture_n before_o the_o corner_n cragius_fw-la and_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v gain_v from_o the_o lacedaemonian_n although_o little_a to_o the_o praise_n of_o their_o greekish_a wisdom_n in_o that_o particular_a see_v that_o in_o all_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o fear_v and_o grief_n will_v enforce_v flattery_n upon_o the_o tormentor_n as_o well_o as_o self-love_n draw_v forth_o flattery_n to_o the_o benefactor_n a_o second_o sort_n of_o evidence_n be_v that_o of_o ordeale_n ordeale_n be_v also_o ground_v upon_o a_o pre-conceit_n or_o suspicion_n the_o manner_n hereof_o be_v divers_a the_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o brain_n of_o some_o churchman_n who_o have_v read_v of_o the_o curse_a water_n the_o first_o mention_n that_o i_o find_v thereof_o be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o mentz_n 928._o and_o afterward_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trier_n but_o not_o a_o footstep_n thereof_o in_o this_o kingdom_n till_o by_o aethelstan_n it_o be_v advance_v into_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o law_n after_o which_o time_n it_o continue_v in_o use_n well_o nigh_o three_o hundred_o year_n a_o strange_a monument_n of_o god_n idulgency_n to_o a_o ignorant_a age_n thus_o turn_v extraordinary_a to_o ordinary_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o innocency_n and_o which_o be_v no_o less_o wonderful_a allow_v in_o those_o time_n unto_o man_n under_o nature_n such_o a_o power_n over_o themselves_o as_o to_o adventure_v against_o nature_n doubtless_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v of_o a_o dare_a spirit_n that_o first_o try_v the_o trick_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o miraculous_a faith_n in_o that_o promise_n cum_fw-la ambulaveris_fw-la per_fw-la ignem_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o it_o show_v metal_n in_o they_o that_o follow_v the_o example_n but_o the_o next_o age_n grow_v dull_a 2._o and_o man_n be_v weary_a of_o such_o bane-touches_a the_o clergy_n that_o cry_v it_o up_o their_o successor_n cry_v it_o down_o and_o so_o devour_v their_o own_o birth_n without_o any_o difficulty_n other_o than_o a_o bare_a injunction_n of_o a_o king_n selden_n that_o have_v power_n to_o command_v only_o such_o as_o will_v obey_v but_o where_o fame_n be_v yet_o more_o slight_a compurgator_n and_o spring_v rather_o from_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o misapprehension_n than_o promise_a circumstance_n man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v content_v with_o a_o voier_n dire_a or_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o party_n suspect_v and_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o other_o man_n the_o first_o attest_v his_o own_o innocency_n the_o other_o contest_v their_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o be_v and_o still_o be_v call_v compurgator_n their_o number_n be_v more_o or_o less_o and_o of_o great_a or_o less_o value_n according_a as_o the_o offence_n or_o the_o party_n suspect_v be_v of_o great_a or_o less_o concernment_n this_o manner_n of_o trial_n be_v of_o ancient_a use_n 16._o and_o both_o it_o and_o that_o ordeale_n under_o the_o directory_n of_o the_o clergy_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a by_o three_o hundred_o year_n 647._o and_o first_o bring_v into_o this_o nation_n by_o the_o council_n at_o berghamsted_n under_o bertwald_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n 5._o and_o it_o be_v perform_v sometime_o more_o solemn_o by_o solemn_a receive_n of_o the_o eucharist_n especial_o if_o the_o person_n suspect_v be_v of_o the_o sacred_a function_n one_o manner_n of_o trial_n yet_o remain_v battle_n which_o be_v use_v both_o in_o trial_n of_o matter_n of_o crime_n and_o title_n and_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n by_o battle_n which_o be_v in_o criminal_a matter_n with_o sharp_a weapon_n but_o in_o titulary_a matter_n with_o blunt_a