1|)tefoma{? VOL. xxxv. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE OXON. HORACE HART, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE OXON. (REGISTRUM F) A COLLECTION OF LETTERS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS ILLUSTRATIVE OF ACADEMICAL LIFE AND STUDIES A 7^ OXFORD IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY EDITED BY THE REV. HENRY ANSTEY, M.A. OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE, FORMERLY VICE-PRINCIPAL OF ST. MARY HALL AND SOMETIME RECTOR OF SLAPTON, BUCKS WITH ILLUSTRATIONS ' Ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes Emollit mores, nee sinit esse feros ' PART I (14211457) PRINTED FOR THE OXFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT THE CLARENDON PRESS 1898 V THE LIBRARY THE UNIVERSITY OF CAL [FORNIA EX LIBRIS C. D. O'MALLEY, M.D. INTRODUCTION NOTE. The references in this Introduction are to the pages, not to the number of the epistle. THE MS., from which the following work is derived, is a small folio volume bound in stamped leather, with brazen corners and clasps. It is usually known as Registrum F, perhaps so called after Mr. Farley, at one time scribe of the University, who certainly wrote a considerable portion of it. The date of the binding is, I am told by a better judge than myself, Mr. Macray of the Bodleian Library, of the early part of the sixteenth century, and has been rebacked more than once once, indeed, within the present writer's memory. The number of sheets, which are of vellum, and, except in the case of blank portions, are written upon on both sides, is 198 ; of these, two are numbered 48, and two 107. The numbering of the folios is in a contemporary hand as far as folio 72, after that it is of late date. Four sheets at the beginning of the volume, that is to say, previous to the folio numbered i, have not been used for the purpose of the register, but are, in the main, blank; the first has, however, been scribbled over by some one practising writing, being nearly covered by unconnected letters and words ; a circumstance not without some bearing upon a subject of no little interest, the question, that is to say, who wrote the letters, upon which subject a few remarks will be found in this introduction. Here and there a name occurs among the scribbling Crakynthorpe, Elyott, Farley, London and in one place is written, 'dum sumus in mundo vivamus corde jucundo,' ' care away, care away,' and a few other words quite illegible. On the second folio there is a note as to giving a book into the stationer's hands: 'octo- decimo die Decembris, anno regis Henrici septimi quarto, traditus est in manus stationarii liber Burley super libros philosophorum, secundo vi INTRODUCTION. folio si gut's.' On the fourth is written : ' Praeceptum est ballivis villae Oxoniae quod venire faciant, coram domino Cancellario sive ejus com- missario, apud Gildhallam villae praedictae, decem et octo liberos et legales homines de villa antedicta et suburbiis ejusdem, ad faciendum et inquirendum ea quae eis ibidem ex parte domini regis injungentur ; el quod iidem ballivi habeant nomina et cognomina praedictorum hominum decem et octo liber orum coram die to Cancellario die primo Maii proximo futuro. Datum praesentium pariter cum hoc praecepto apud Gildhallam praedictam returnatur. Datum tricesimo die mensis Junii, anno regis Henrici octavi primo' The foregoing notes, though in themselves insignificant, I have thought it better to preserve, in order to give a correct idea of the MS. and its condition ; and perhaps it is not altogether without interest to imagine the scribe, evidently, I think, one who could write but very poorly, practising his hand before setting to work to copy some letter into the book, and beguiling, perhaps, the weary work with a snatch of song. On the reverse side of the same folio occur two notes, which, as they belong to the matter of the text, I have placed at the foot of page i. The MS. Register F, properly so called, begins therefore on the fifth folio, and on the right-hand upper margin has the words ' primum folium} in addition to the numeral i, while on the corresponding left- hand corner is written, 'Registrum Johannis Farley, vide folio 114 3.' The volume is probably substantially in the same condition as when it was restored to the University in 1605 by Dr. Abbot (see note, p. i). How it came to be lost we are not told ; but that similar ' alienations ' of other register books of the University have happened, we have abundant evidence. There is, for instance, in the British Museum one of the Proctor's books mentioned in the Munimenta Academica ; there is likewise a volume of letters of the same period, or nearly so, as that with which we are now occupied, in the possession of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The volume, I think, came to that society from Archbishop Parker, along with other of his own books. How he came to possess the book can, I suppose, be only a matter of conjecture, but it is clear that great carelessness commonly attended the custody of such registers ; so much so that it seems that they came to be regarded as the property of the Chancellor or proctors, and in some cases were actually so treated, and passed into other hands. I have to express my thanks to the Master of Corpus Christi INTRODUCTION. vii College, Cambridge, for very kindly offering to permit me to see the MS. above mentioned ; but it would be quite useless to do so, unless time were given and were at my disposal for a thorough examination ; and to make this, if I may judge from my experience of Register F, which has occupied my leisure for at least five years, would be, under the circumstances, altogether impossible ; for the society is not, I believe, permitted by their statutes to allow the MS. .to leave the precincts of the College. It is to be hoped that the MS. in question may one day be printed, but certainly the requisite conditions for the ac- complishment of that object seem likely to render this extremely difficult The MS., with which we are now engaged, is generally in excellent condition, being only in a few places disfigured, perhaps by attempts to revive the writing, thereby afterwards, as usual, rendered illegible or extremely faint at best ; with the exception, however, of a few words, or, in one or two occasions, lines, the whole has, it is hoped, been here deciphered and transcribed. Where any word or words are abandoned as hopeless, the circumstance is noted in each case at the foot of the page. The volume, one of the register books and a portion of the Archives of the University, is not, strictly speaking, a letter-book. The larger and more important part of it consists of letters to and from the University, but it contains also a very considerable amount of miscellaneous matter, e.g. letters testimonial, acquittances of various kinds, especially of the Abbeys of Eynsham and Oseney, which are entered with scrupulous care, though not always in their chronological place, nearly, if not absolutely, every year, for the annual pensions paid by them to the University. There are also acquittances for subscriptions given for building various edifices, such as the New School of Theology, St. Mary's Church, and the schools of Canon and Civil Law; for this fifteenth century may be considered as the period of the commencement of what we should call the public buildings of the University; which now witnessed a great effort to restore learning, and especially the study of theology ; stimulated, no doubt, by the rapid growth of heretical doctrines, and aided by the munificence of sympathisers. Several other matters will occur also to the reader ; commemorations of founders and benefactors, the statute for the New Library, catalogues of the books given by the Duke of Gloucester, and one or two ordi- nances for the management of chests, one of which, the Exeter Chest, viii INTRODUCTION. is mentioned in no other register of the University a remarkable fact, since all such ordinances were strictly required to be entered in every register. There occur also several indentures, and some decrees of Congregation, &c. From these remarks it will be seen that this work is a continuation of the Munimenta Academica, edited by the present writer for the Rolls series ; more properly speaking, perhaps, I should say that it is a part of the same family of MSS. published in that work, is of the same date with the larger part of them, and deals with events of the same period of our academical history, covering nearly the whole of the fifteenth century, and a few years of the sixteenth, from 1421 to 1503 (p. i, note). Indeed, it was designed to immediately follow the Munimenta Academica by the publication of the present work, but circumstances, which it is unnecessary to do more than mention in passing, prevented the execution of that design, and the Register F has remained, not indeed altogether unknown, but in a great measure unexplored until this time ; partly, no doubt, from the difficulty of the MS., and partly because no public demand likely ever to repay the expense of printing exists, or is likely to exist, for a work of this character. I thank the Oxford Historical Society, therefore, for enabling me to rescue this, I hope, not uninteresting collection from oblivion, ' the stepmother of memory.' From the frequent occurrence of the acquittances above mentioned, almost verbatim identical, and from the large number of letters testimonial, closely resembling each other, the forms of citation of accused persons, and some other articles of the routine of University business, there will be found a large amount of unavoidable repetition. Whether it was unavoidable is, it is true, a debateable point ; for of course, by judicious selection, much might have been omitted, and the bulk of the work very appreciably reduced. This alternative, it hardly needs be said, was duly weighed, but on consideration it has been thought best to publish the MS. entire. The object is to reproduce exactly an historical MS., a complete as well as genuine record of the past. A shorter and perhaps more interesting work might have been written by selecting the more striking documents ; and it is not disputed that cooking renders, or should do so, the material operated upon more palatable. It will, however, be conceded that the principle of selection once admitted, genuine evidence is indefinitely weakened, and confidence correspondingly shaken ; for it is clearly not possible for the reader to know what has been suppressed, or how far what has been so suppressed would have modified what was preserved. Nothing, INTRODUCTION. ix therefore, has been omitted; everything between the covers of the binding is here given, except here and there a note by some com- paratively quite modern hand upon the margin of the page. These are few and brief, and, where they seemed of any value, have been noticed at the foot of the page, forming no part of the MS. properly so called. There is a further reason in favour of the plan here adopted. The genealogist and antiquarian would be unwilling that the names of persons who figured in University life in this century should be omitted. These are numerous, and may no doubt occasionally furnish a missing link in family history, if not in the wider sphere of political life. The MS. contains five hundred and twenty-seven numbered articles; but two of them have the same number, and of one the number is omitted. Of these, one is an indenture and twenty-two are letters testimonial, which were considered as epistles proper, and numbered as such up to p. 170. There remain, then, five hundred and seven epistles to and from the University, exclusive of the testimonial letters, indentures, and other miscellaneous matter alluded to above. Of the epistles forty-eight are in English, as is also one indenture, the remainder are in Latin. It will be seen, therefore, that no uniform numeration of the contents is employed, and the figures are not of the same date as the MS., but have been added considerably later. Such as it is, the numeration has not been altered in any instance, but stands as it is in the MS. The first document in the collection is of the date 1422, or perhaps 1421 (see note, p. i); the last, after a break of six years, is of the date 1 509 ; so that the contents profess to be the epistles, &c. of the University during nearly a century. They are not, however, a com- plete collection, as has been stated above; and several indications, I think, appear in the present volume, which go far to prove that this is only one perhaps of several registers containing epistles. For instance, it will be noticed that of those in this register nearly all are from the University, and comparatively very few from correspondents ; and it seems hardly probable that the answers to their letters would be altogether neglected. On p. 487 another register is actually named, nor are other indications of the same sort wanting ; take, for example, epistle 32 (p. 29), from which it is plain that letters were sent to other citizens. Next comes a difficult question to answer who wrote the MS., and when did they write it? It has been stated already that the x INTRODUCTION. MS. is a contemporary one: that is beyond question; I should not venture to be so positive perhaps on my own judgement, but it is corroborated by Mr. Macray, of the Bodleian Library, whose opinion may be taken as conclusive. When, therefore, it is asked when the various articles were written, it is not intended to dispute the contemporary origin of the MS. But there is another sense in which the question is very difficult to answer, and that is, when were the entries made in the Register? One would have supposed that they would be entered immediately, and it may be taken for granted that it was intended that this should be done, when the copy, brought from the house of Congregation, was handed to the person whose duty it was to enter it. Unfortunately there is too much reason to think that this duty was not by any means performed with scrupulous punctuality, a circumstance which has added greatly to the labour of editing the volume. It will be found, for instance, that many of the epistles and other articles are misplaced, that is to say, do not come in due chronological order. Where more than usually glaring instances of this occur, notice is occasionally taken of the fact in a note at the foot of the page; but I may here mention instances. There is a testimonial letter manifestly mis- placed (p. 33). And the last two letters to the Duke of Gloucester are placed in the register after the letter to the King, in which the death of the Duke is mentioned; they seem, in fact, to be entered a year after date (251-256). Again, on p. 356, the reader will find a note pointing out the complete dislocation of the MS., so great that the chronological order is altogether lost for some years. Only these three very striking examples are selected, but the fact is that the chronological order of a very considerable portion of the MS. is more than doubtful ; and this character of the MS. was well known by those familiar with it in former times, for I find more than one note to this effect in the handwriting, as, I think, of Mr. Smith, sometime Keeper of the Archives, who calls attention to the unreliable nature of the chronology. How is this disorder to be explained ? I suggest that the solution may be found in the following remarks. On examining the MS., we find that there is a very large number of the folios remaining partially blank, and no less than six entirely so. I count ninety- one blank portions, varying from three quarters to one quarter of the whole folio ; I do not here reckon the blank folios at the beginning of the volume, which have been already mentioned, nor INTRODUCTION. xi others occurring at the end ; so that here was ample room for insert- ing additional matter. I infer from this that the MS. existed from the first in the form of a volume, and probably was bound much as it is at present; and when an epistle or other article had to be entered, this was often done not by making the entry immediately after that last written, but by leaving a folio or two, or perhaps only a part of one, blank for future use. This I conceive to have been done not carelessly, but intentionally, by the copyist, who probably knew that there were other things that would have to be entered acquittances, for instance, for money not yet received, and letters testimonial, the precise place of which latter would really be of no great importance and accordingly left what he considered sufficient space for that purpose ; and very probably on receiving a copy, he would be reminded that this should be done. This would account for the existence of blank folios, many of which were never wholly filled, and some, as we have seen, not at all, and would also leave abundant opportunity for a not very intelligent scribe to insert documents, as clearly was done, in wrong places. Under these circumstances it is almost superfluous to observe that the marginal dates throughout the work cannot be taken as more than approximately correct ; except in those cases where the date is given in the text and corresponds with that on the margin. And while on this subject it is convenient to mention, what will be evident to any one examining the work, that dates are, singularly enough, seldom found attached to the more important documents, or perhaps, I should say, those documents we should now consider most important; whereas in the case of more insignificant matters, as acquittances, for instance, they are rarely absent ; but on the con- trary, are written in nearly every instance with a regularity and exactitude which sufficiently prove how great was the importance attached to the preservation of these documents; and indeed not without reason were the evidences of such things carefully guarded, as the poverty of the University, a subject to be alluded to later on, would lead one to expect that they would be. This naturally raises another question who were the writers? And here again what we should have expected is not confirmed by the evidence of the MS. That they were very numerous is put beyond question by the great variety in the handwriting occasionally we have more than one hand employed in the same letter though it should be stated that this variety is much less in the later part xii INTRODUCTION. of the volume; from which I infer that, in the earlier part of the time embraced in this register, the duty of making the entries did not devolve upon an official specially appointed for that work. And this conjecture amounts almost to a certainty when we find that the University scribe, when there was such a functionary, appends not infrequently his own name at the end of the letter he has just written, as in the cases of the scribes Mannyngham, Farley, and Burgeys(367, 263, 647). Of these it is to be noticed that the second- named, Farley, writes his name in Greek characters more than once ; and as a considerable portion of the MS. is written in one hand- writing at the time when he was scribe, there needs be no doubt that he is responsible for it ; though, as it is of all the volume the most inaccurate and disjointed as to date, he must clearly have taken a not very strict view of his responsibility (356). We know then that there was a scribe, who seems to call himself a ' Notary ' on one occasion (272), and we also know from other sources that he was allowed an undergraduate assistant. My conjecture is, therefore, that the peculiarities of the MS. are in great measure attributable to the fact that it was in many parts the work of young and ignorant copyists perhaps undergraduate boys, that is to say, whose knowledge of Latin was but small, and their ability to read the document entrusted to them more than questionable. The handwriting is, as has been said, very various, and varies likewise exceedingly both in legibility and gram- matical correctness, as also in the number and character of the abbreviations employed. Some parts of the MS. are very clear, and easily legible by one accustomed to such work; but on the other hand, very much of it is of great difficulty, not only from the very numerous and somewhat arbitrary nature of the abbreviations, and, in parts, the faded condition of the ink, but, which is more serious, from the innumerable blunders in spelling and grammar; so numerous, indeed, and so great are the latter, frequently amounting to a complete disregard of the construction of a sentence, that it is quite inconceivable that any official of standing in the University, as a proctor, for instance, or the Vice-Chancellor himself, can be thought to have been responsible for them. I think that previous to the appointment of a scribe, and perhaps occasionally afterwards, the labour of copying was entrusted by the Vice-Chancellor or Proctors to an amanuensis acting occa- sionally in that capacity. And this theory is confirmed by the singular circumstance that when the handwriting is of a distinctly INTRODUCTION. xiii individual character, and often difficult to decipher, it is almost always grammatical, while the more regular writing of a more formal character, though easy to read, is full of blunders. If this explanation be correct, it will account for much that is some- what puzzling in a study of the MS. It is possible, moreover, that shorthand copies may have been handed to the clerk; in which case, of course, there would be the greater probability of such errors as I have described finding their way into the register. It should perhaps be mentioned, in these remarks on the nature of the MS., that many of the epistles to the popes are crossed out, but not in any way rendered illegible this may be undoubtedly put down to an ebullition of protestant zeal at a later period and the same disfigurement is observed to have been suffered, and to a much greater extent, by the Vice-Chancellor's and Proctor's books, A, B, and C. Sometimes also, but not often, lines are crossed out and obliterated altogether. In some instances, and these are more frequent, the epistle breaks off suddenly, and occasionally a mere fragment is left us sometimes the concluding portion only is lacking. I am inclined to believe that there was a reason for this latter variety of mutilation; those cases where only a few lines occur before the breaking off of the epistle, have been caused, I think, by the copyist finding that the epistle had already been entered in this or some other register, for such fragments seldom extend beyond the address, or but little beyond it. But where the whole letter, or nearly the whole, is given, only breaking off before the customary laudations, and prayers for the welfare of the person to whom it is addressed, perhaps there is ground for supposing that the writer, being perhaps a strong opposition member of Congregation, rebelled against the use of the customary conclusion of the epistle, and satisfied his rancour by this little exhibition of spite. Sometimes the copy would be lost in the house of Congregation, for we find that the writer adds a note below his letter ' Copia fuitperdiia in domo Congregationis et ideo non scripsi plus' (349). Often it is said that the epistle is written 'raptim' (390, 393), and on one occasion it is remarked, l quo die disc urrebatur in domo Congregationis'. Naturally all such conjectures must be conjectures and nothing more, but when we try to represent to ourselves the scenes of a state of society, the true character of which is with difficulty discernible, these little and obviously perfectly natural notes are not without their value; on the contrary, like a flash of light, xiv INTRODUCTION. they give a sudden and even vivid view of things more or less buried in the darkness of the past. One plainly sees here unmis- takable indications of stormy assemblies in Congregation, nor is the suspicion of a general free fight at all unfounded; that strong language, to put it mildly, was not uncommon, we have good reasons to believe, and that it ended in blows would be nothing extraordinary. The Chancellor or his Commissary would come ' down to the house,' no doubt, duly provided with a draft of the letter to be sent (say to the king or archbishop), buj there would be expressions in it not at all to the taste of the opposition ; for it will be observed that an opposition clearly existed, and in a very self-asserting form, so much so, indeed, that letters were sometimes dispatched for which humble apology had to be made, and high court interest invoked (527, 517- 1 9). Then would come debates, and sometimes something stronger, and if the copy was lost in the Congregation-house, there is nothing so surprising in that as in the scribe being able to write down from memory the document he had to enter in the register ; for clearly he did not obtain a second copy, otherwise no need would have existed for leaving the letter incomplete. On the whole there are sufficient disturbing causes or defective arrangements to fully account for the bad spelling, bad writing, bad grammar, and mutilated documents, which, if they surprise, will not be without amusement to any one who has a taste for this kind of study. And again, while on the one hand the defects and inaccuracies we have noticed have considerably aggravated the difficulties of the editor, they are not without their value ; for the entire artlessness of the whole production is beyond question, and it is a pleasure peculiar to the perusal of a work of this kind that such undoubted confidence may be placed in the good faith of the facts and statements ; and that, if they be but meagre, the points of interest are not selected for a purpose, or mis- represented for publication. Clearly not the faintest apprehension ever troubled the mind of the poor copying clerk that his mistakes would or could be multiplied in innumerable copies and made the subject of the contempt or ridicule of a better instructed age. No fear disturbed the Chancellor's equanimity lest the transactions of the University, their fawning adulation of the king, their congratula- tions to both sides in the desolating war that brought the country and the University to ruin, their humble petitions to popes and bishops, and all the other things they wrote, some of which must have been INTRODUCTION. xv more or less bitter to flesh and blood, even in those days when violence engendered servility, and the ignorance of the great was only equalled by the poverty of the educated, would ever be known beyond the limits of the actual correspondence. Such as they are, and as far as they go, these documents faithfully represent the thoughts and feelings of the writers, and the condition of the Church, the University, and education in those days. It is therefore not without some hope that the work may prove to be acceptable, that this MS. is now edited. As to the facts, or at least the main facts, of the history of the University, I think it may be safely concluded that nothing of any great importance can now be added to what is already known, and the present collection of documents does not pretend to add materially to what has long ago been published on that subject ; but what the student of history always longs for and very seldom finds is, not the dates and figures, not the dry facts and statements, however exact, as to the succession of kings, battles and sieges, the numbers of the slain and the like, or even the intrigues of courts and the successes of statesmen or warriors, but the thoughts and feelings of men, the private or domestic life of the past, the dress, the manners and language of the people, the structure of their dwellings, and all those details of the existence of the mass of mankind, to which we are conscious that the corresponding circumstances of our own day present so great a contrast. We desire, in a word, the flesh and blood to clothe and animate the dry bones of history, to restore something like a picture of the living reality. I know of nothing in this kind existing in respect of our Universities in the Middle Ages, beyond what has already been published and what is here offered to the reader. If the Paston letters, truly interesting as they are, somewhat disappoint us by the very homeliness of their con- tents, they present a picture almost, indeed so far as I know, wholly unlike anything else we possess a vivid and genuine view of the cares and troubles, the language, manners, and occupations of a private country gentleman in what is probably the least known of any period of our national history. The letters here edited in no way pretend to compete with the Paston letters, and are indeed as dissimilar from them as possible. While the latter are expressed in the humblest vernacular, and are concerned mainly with the private affairs of a single family, the former are, as to the very much larger number, in the language of the learned, and are occupied almost wholly, with here and there, xvi INTRODUCTION. as it were, a few touches of colour accidentally illustrating private life (pp. 512 and 596), with the state of the University, the condition of learning, its hopes of patronage by the great, its fears and dangers from the hostility of a brutal age of ' blood and iron,' its constant care for religion and zeal for the maintenance of the faith, the libraries, the schools, and the Church ; the bloodless warfare ever being waged from this ' the fortress of learning ' against the foes of religion and culture, compassing it about on every side. Here we have recorded the pitiable appeals of the persecuted clerks to the secular arm, imploring protection for this 'vineyard of the Lord' from the ruthless attacks and insidious machinations of foes without and foes within ; all their poverty and misery is without any false shame exposed; and there is no shadow of suspicion that such disclosures could have ever been intended for publication in any way, even by such a multiplication of MS. copies as took place in those days in the case of some of the more popular productions. Such as they are, these epistles reflect with exact truth the thoughts and feelings, the hopes and fears, of the University in the fifteenth century. A few words should be added here on the treatment of the MS. in this work. It is full of erasures and corrections. A practised eye, of course, immediately discerns between contemporary and subsequent dealings of this sort ; and where corrections, &c. are by a contemporary hand, they are considered to be the second, and therefore better, thoughts of the writer, and accordingly retained in the text. Other corrections, &c., when adopted, have been noted at the foot of the page. The spelling of the original is throughout the work carefully pre- served ; or if, from some exceptional cause, it has been thought desirable to alter it, this too is noted at the foot of the page. The variation also of names, as well surnames as Christian, has always been preserved as in the MS. In these the variation of spelling would be extraordinary, but that we know there was no recognized orthography of the English tongue at this time. v Thus we find the same surname spelt in several different ways within the compass of one epistle ; even the name of that great champion of the University, such is the care- lessness or ignorance of the writer, is on one occasion made to be John instead of Thomas Bourchier. I am afraid to say how many varieties there are in the spelling of the name Bourchier, or in that of the Abbey of Eynsham ; of this, many more examples might be given here, but these will suffice. In the case of the Latin letters, that is to say, nine-tenths of the whole, there is very consider- INTRODUCTION. xvii able variation, but much less than in those which are written in the vernacular ; and it will be noticed by a careful reader of the epistles, that there is a very marked difference between those of the earlier and those of the latter part of the century. In the latter, we find the modern spelling rapidly asserting itself gignasium, for example, has became gymnasium; exibeo, exhtbeo; quatinus, quatenus] and a number of other words in a similar way indicate a great advancement. And this perhaps is a convenient place in an introduction (which has to notice many things difficult to arrange in a connected order), that I think a very considerable change will also be detected in the Latin ; and certainly, in the style of address and conclusion : the ' old things ' seem in great measure to have ' passed away ' before the conclusion of the century. The solemn religious tone of the earlier testimonial letters has, for example, become quite superseded by a far more business-like form. In the ordinary epistle, S. P. D. is actually found to have crept in, I think probably from Dr. Chandler's superior knowledge of Cicero, aided very probably by the copies given by the Duke of Gloucester. These, however, are of course only specimens ; the general style is also altogether changed at the close of the volume. When we come to examine the English letters, which are, as has been already stated, forty-eight in number, the variety in spelling, far more striking, has been noticed above ; but what is most curious in this connexion is that some of the English letters in this MS. are so like the ordinary language of to-day, that they would with but slight alteration be hardly considered more than somewhat peculiar ; whereas others, and that the greatly larger number, present almost as extra- ordinary specimens of phonetic spelling as are to be found even in the Fasten letters. The same remarkable disparity is also found in the letters of the Paston collection, one or two of Lord Hastings' being almost like our language at the present time, and varying from it in spelling to no very considerable extent. In all the English letters also the spelling of the MS. is, of course, carefully preserved, the use of capital letters also is like that in the MS., but punctuation, being, as usual in MSS. of that date, either wholly wanting or only very partially and wrongly used, has been supplied. As no other copy of this MS. exists, there is no collation to be noticed, as in the case of the MSS. used for the Munimenta Academica, but the number of the folio, on which every epistle or other article is to be found in the MS., is given on the margin of the pages. As to the dates, it has been already stated that there are considerable i. b xviii INTRODUCTION. difficulties, and more need not be said, except that even the names of the Proctors for the year, which might have been considered a sure criterion, are, I fear, not quite so much so as may be thought; for sometimes these officials did not enter upon their office until some time after the beginning of the year (supposing the 25th of March to be reckoned as the beginning), so that the proctorship of the previous year would overlap the next. Nor am I certain that the 25th of March is always reckoned for the beginning of the year. The very considerable variety of use in this matter, and the consequent difficulties arising from it, will be seen in some notice of the subject in that most useful work The Chronology of History, by Sir H. Nicholas. In the Latin letters there is a great variety in the arrangement, sometimes the address is at the beginning, and sometimes at the end, sometimes both. Some have a title, most, however, have none ; and therefore it will be understood that, in all cases where there is no title in the original, one has been supplied in English. Of the titles which may be called original, that is to say, found in the MS., not all are contemporary, some having been added by later hands ; occasionally, and particularly in certain parts of the volume, the titles are written on the margin, the letters being so closely one upon the heels of the other as to leave no space between. As to the position of the address, this has been made uniform by being placed at the commencement of each letter ; at any rate that has been the intention, and if it has not been done in every instance, the omission must be here apologized for. As to the spelling of the Latin letters, the original is carefully reproduced everywhere, or (for the cases have occurred here and there) where a correction has been thought desirable, the error being un- mistakably a genuine lapsus calami and no more, an acknowledgement is made in a footnote. It would perhaps have been better to omit even these few corrections, for to make them has, of course, introduced to a slight extent the principle of selection, and it was often perplexing to determine what should be considered a mere clerical error and what an ignorant writer's blunder : I have done the best I could in this difficulty. The subject of the MS. must not be dismissed without noticing a curious feature, viz. the introduction occasionally of the Sacred Monogram JHS, or of invocations such as St. Maria, Caterina, orate, &c. ; these occur. I think it will be noticed, at very critical junctures in the affairs of the University, as in the case of the death of the Duke of Gloucester, or the proposed burning at the stake (as INTRODUCTION. xix was reported) of Philipp Norreys at Oxford ; and I take them to be expressions of the anxiety naturally then felt (135, 254). There are, it may be noticed lastly, some articles here printed which have already been published ; these, too, in accordance with the general plan of the work, have been preserved, the more willingly because they are not generally accessible. As to the Latinity of these epistles, it is probably very much what any one acquainted with the Latin in use at that day would have expected, though, as has been already observed, the reader will find a considerable difference between the earlier and the later part of the work, the letters of the date of Dr. Chaundler's chancellorship being decidedly an improvement. I find, however, that the infima Latinitas has been enriched by a few words I have not elsewhere met with, as raucesco, ramunculus, nullorsum, and others which will occur to the reader. On the whole, what is surprising is not the faults of the language, but that it is not worse. It is not easy for us to conceive what the difficulty must have been in acquiring and teaching even what was taught of the Latin language without books; and that literally is the problem that had to be solved (204, 178). The master lecturing, or, as we should say, giving the lesson, had of course a book, or portion of one, from which to dictate to the boys ; the latter had none, the instruction was wholly oral. Without dictionaries or grammars, and in their Halls and Inns, crowded together as they certainly were without privacy or necessary quiet for preparation, it is difficult to con- ceive what must have been the discomfort, or worse, of the poor scholar in the long dark evenings of the autumn and winter terms, and what the labour of instruction during the hours of daylight. And it will be remembered that the Latin to be acquired was never considered at this time as an exercise of scholarship, a means to a cultured style, a classical education, but as a language, first for current use in dis- putations, chiefly logical and theological; and for those who, after attaining the ALA. degree, proceeded to the higher steps, as an instrument for opening the treasures of a student's life, and moving freely in a literature of which such Latin was the only source. The masters teaching had certainly some, but very few, books; and when it is said that the University had no books, it is meant literally that, except in the case of such masters who, from superior wealth, or probably from being members of some religious house in Oxford, or of one of the colleges, were so fortunate as to be provided with b 2 xx INTRODUCTION. such treasures, there were no books, and no library worth mentioning, to which the poor scholar (i. e. master) might have recourse. We speak now of Latin books, and it will be noted that the Duke of Gloucester in his posthumous gift specifies ' all his Latin books' (295, 298). As to Greek, it is sufficiently well known that the study of that language did not exist at Oxford in the time included by the larger part of these epistles : one may almost say that the only traces we find of any knowledge of it are the signature of J. Farley, written on the margin in Greek character on two or three occasions, and in another single case that of William Grocin [BtXeX/xor Tpoiciv], similarly in Greek character. But the latter instance is not a signature, as the others are, at the foot of a document, but is on the superior margin of a folio : perhaps the work of Grocin himself; more probably of some admirer, pondering the prodigious knowledge of that scholar, and the possible effects of the new studies introduced into the University, while practising his hand, clearly unfamiliar with the strange characters. While on this subject, perhaps some of my readers will excuse my introduction of a few specimens of the ignorance of Greek in those days, even among the best-educated clerks. In the Legenda aurea (by Jacobus de Voragine, Archbishop of Genoa at the end of the thirteenth century, and one of the most learned men of his time), a book of which Panzer enumerates no less than ninety-eight editions between the years 1470-1500; besides more than thirty translations, one of which is Caxton's Golden Legend, printed by him in 1483, and several times reprinted afterwards by Wynkyn de Worde, we find some very curious derivations. To the life of each Saint is prefixed an explanation of the meaning or origin of his name. Thus of Gregorius, we are told that the name is from ' grex, et gore quod est praedicare. Agatha ab agios quod est sanctus, et theos quod est Deus. Katherina a Katha quod est um'versum, et ruina, quasi universalis ruina, omne enim diaboli edificium in ea universaliter corruit. Diony- sius a dya quod est duo, et nisus quod est elevatio, quasi secundum duo elevatus, scilicet corpus et animam. Egidius, ab e quod est sine, et geos terra, et dya clarum sive divinum, fuit enim sine terra per ter- renorum despectionem.' These are a few among very many, and suffice to show what educated Europe of that day accepted without correction in thousands of copies for many years. (I quote from a copy in my possession printed at Cologne in 1483.) If the condition of learning among those who used this book may be inferred, as it surely may be, from this evidence, we can have no INTRODUCTION. xxi hesitation in accepting as correct the generally received opinion that the Greek language was practically unknown ; and the absence of any study of it in the Universities, until its introduction towards the close of the period embraced by the present MS., were there no other proofs, would be conclusively proved. When, under the influence of Grocin and Erasmus and their admirers and pupils, the attention of students was directed to this object, the study of the Greek language rapidly advanced, and soon asserted a foremost place in the 'curriculum' of the day. The foregoing observations lead naturally to some notice of that which perhaps is the most prominent subject of the MS. under con- sideration, the Library of Oxford in the fifteenth century. It is not necessary to repeat here, what is well known from other sources of the meagre facts relating to libraries before existing at Oxford; and I do not know that any additional facts have been acquired ; it was with the gifts and bequests of the Duke of Gloucester that a library began to exist in a form and to an extent capable of in- fluencing and assisting students. Bearing this in mind, it is easier to appreciate correctly the feelings of the University on the acquisition of these benefactions. The out- pouring of gratitude they evoked may be read in these epistles in all its genuine extravagance (114, 139, 177, 184, 197, 203, 216, 240, 244, 254, 255). If the first impression produced by reading these letters is one of amusement or even disgust at the extravagant eulogy and adulation bestowed upon the donor, I am inclined to think a more careful recognition of the circumstances, an effort to place ourselves in some measure in line with the state of society, so far as it can be known from the scanty records of that dark and troubled century of our history, may perhaps in no small degree tend to modify our more hasty judgement. If there is one predominating colour, tinting or staining, so to speak, the whole picture of academic life, it is the gloomy shade of poverty poverty, 'the stepmother of learning' (154, 115, 106-7). This it is that is always represented as the great hindrance to the student ' seeking in the vineyard of the Lord the pearl of knowledge ' (71). This is the danger against which all the privileges of the University are granted to protect its members (56-58). The price of provisions is strictly guarded, and the civic authorities constrained to prevent exactions for this reason (40, 42). It is this, more or less, xxii INTRODUCTION. that is the subject of the greater portion of the letters. Even those which do not directly mention or seem to relate to the subject, applications, for example, for the remitting of a member of the privilege to the Chancellor's Court, are in reality dictated by fear of the great expense a suit elsewhere would entail ; and when, as so often happens, the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Lord Chancellor are implored to order their officials to recognize the claim of the Oxford Chancellor's Court to decide all cases of the kind, and send the accused to Oxford for that purpose, the real motive is the ruinous expense of lay courts ; and this weak point in the armour of the University was being continually aimed at by the shafts of her enemies. The trial of a member of the privilege in a lay court seems to have been quite legal, if the University did not claim her privilege. Then, too, we cannot doubt, came in the exertion of backstairs influence of every kind, extortion of fees, and worse, inevitable bribes, unfortunately not only to the officials of the courts, but even to the very judges in some instances. Again, it is the dread of diminution of fees to masters lecturing that calls forth some of the most earnest remonstrances, even to the king, against the grammar masters, who refused to pay them to Lecturers in Arts (210), and to the Duke of Gloucester begging him to use his influence with the Benedictines, whose scholars will not pay (77). This again is the cause of the anxiety about foreign priests shriving penitents at Oxford (322). The evil effects of the papal ' provision/ and the failure to execute the ' Provincial con- stitutions,' produce some of the most urgent, even eloquent, appeals to the Archbishops; chiefly on this account, that the hopelessness of promotion to benefices discouraged the poor clerks, whose life of labour and poverty found no reward (i, 153, 185). This is the reason for the dread lest the Benedictine scholars should leave the University (375), and for the lamentation over the diminution of men of rank and fortune among the graduates, and the consequent drying up of the source not only of fees, but of what was even more seriously felt, strange though it may seem the feasts on inception. This is the plea for help to build the Schools l of Theology, Canon and Civil Law, and the Church of St. Mary's. This is, in fact, the invariable subject of the greater part of the letters : the dismal lament of all, from the Chancellor, who could not afford to retain the office 1 The School of Medicine was repaired, it seems, wholly by the liberality of John Major (20). INTRODUCTION. xxiii he so efficiently discharged (247), to the learned but penniless masters (19), for whom no decent outfit of clothes, nor money for their journey, could be provided, to send a deputation to the council at Basle (72), even to the poor boy who had to make his own clothes (596). In this short sketch I cannot allow myself more on this subject; I must ask the reader to look at the epistles themselves; to all he will find an analysis prefixed, in some cases a long one, almost amounting to a translation where the matter seemed to deserve it; a method of treatment which, all things considered, appeared to be better than writing an introduction capable of really presenting a full view of the work, which, being so miscellaneous, and extending over so long a period, must have required another volume or more to do it justice. In alluding to the poverty of the junior members of the University, that is to the boys at school at Oxford, it will be borne in mind that Oxford was in reality an assemblage of schools private schools, but all under the same regulations, and governed by the same bonds of academic union and privilege. Every large religious house had its school, but otherwise the only schools were at the Universities, and here too the religious orders had their houses. The boys sent to school at Oxford remained there until the M.A. degree, which would usually be acquired before the age of twenty, after that age those who still resided at the University, and they were very numerous, pursued the study of the superior faculties of Theology, Canon and Civil Law, and Medicine, in which they graduated in due course. Now it was these latter (94, 81, 106), these who gave their lives to the pursuit of learning, on whom the burden of poverty fell with so heavy a weight, and it was to enable such men thus to remain after the M.A. degree that the colleges were founded, in which boys from scholars might proceed to Masters, and then to Bachelors in Theology or the other faculties, and lastly to Masters in those sciences, or as we now style them, Doctors. It need not be supposed that any great anxiety would be felt about the maintenance of the scholars proper, whose parents or friends of course provided for them, and need not continue to keep them at Oxford it was the difficulty of maintaining the struggling teachers, and the lack of any hope of sufficient provision for retirement for them, that seems to have been the great terror of University life. Nor need this surprise us, for literary work there was none, of course. The great resource of a Master so continuing to reside at Oxford was xxiv INTRODUCTION. the setting up of a Hall of his own, or rather the obtaining the principalship of any that became vacant ; beyond this there were only the fees for teaching, always small and often precarious ; there were celebrations of masses (71) at the numerous churches, feasts, or equivalents for them, at inceptions, loans from the chests what else ? We cannot feel our way in this darkness, but there is enough light to make us wonder not that the poverty was great, but that it was not even greater than these letters testify in one continual wail (151). Now the pinch of poverty was most keenly felt in the impossibility of obtaining books ; for of what use to him was the poor master's daily pittance, if that, for which alone he desired to live, was yet beyond his reach, and books from the very nature of the case were a luxury of the rich ! They existed, of course, and were continually being multiplied, slowly, but probably more than enough to supply the waste, in the religious houses, where a scribe's room was always at work, in which copies were made of popular or necessary authors : some great personages, we know, collected them and possessed valuable libraries ; there is evidence also that men in humbler life, merchants of London and the like, had at this time occasionally a taste for literature (222), and the difficulty experienced in gaining possession of the books bequeathed to the University clearly enough proves that this sort of property was greatly prized by many, and not always acquired with scrupulous honesty (483, 309, 318). But to the poor master, to whom they were the necessity of his life, they were a thing longed for with an ardent desire, treasured and read with an eagerness and enthusiasm, and loved with a tenderness unknown now, unless it be by the happy bibliophile, the possessor of a first edition. To a society of this character, to sufferers in this extremity, appears on the scene of University life the great figure of Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester. The 'picturesque' morality, as it has been cynically called, of his private life, sufficiently hinted at in the advice of his medical adviser, Dr. Kymer (see Hearn, in his edition of Liber niger Scaccarii), were it not otherwise well known, in no way obscured the lustre of his renown; in an age indeed, when the divorce between religion and morality was so conspicuous, and when profligacy in high places evoked no surprise and little reprobation ; when the popular literature of the time rather represented vice in the clergy as a subject of humour than of indignation, and when the most flagrant acts of INTRODUCTION. xxv immorality were made the subjects of highly-spiced anecdotes, they were none the less regarded as the channels of divine grace, and the faults of the individual priest or nun were forgotten in veneration for the Church the Church, notwithstanding all, ever the mother and home of all that was lovely in art, pure in earthly life, divine in heavenly hope. Add to this that the breaking up of the long night had already begun to be felt ; and even in this remote island (203), as one of the letters says, the dawning of the new literature, at present but a thin streak of faint light on the horizon, heralded the approach- ing day; the internecine butcheries of the Wars of the Roses were rapidly exhausting the ancient feudal nobles, a citizen class (29) of conspicuous wealth, had already won an important influence, and an irrepressible impulse towards knowledge, the history of the past, the secrets of distance and futurity, had begun to enlarge the hitherto con- tracted, mental, political, and geographical limits of the Christian world. We shall not, I think, wonder at the fulsome epithets in which his character is lauded, the abject flattery in which his liberality to the University is recorded, for with whatsoever drawbacks it be weighted, when measured by the balance of a higher morality, the character of the Duke is remarkable, nay great. Almost alone of the laity in this country he stands forth the champion of culture, to revive the dying embers of learning or kindle the flame of a new literature. Nor could his advocacy of the Friars, of whose troublesome presence (161-7) in the University this MS. bears ample witness (161-7), blunt the keen sense of obligation or shake the solid foundation of obedience so great munificence had justly laid (166, 197). The admiration was, we may be sure, quite genuine, the gratitude altogether sincere, if not perhaps wholly free from that lively sense of future benefits which is said to be the constant symptom of its presence: it was with a firm faith in their own imperishable remembrance of his beneficence that they compared him with the heroes of antiquity, and esteemed him as a second founder of the University ; and their last letter, not without a sad presage of his death, concludes with the wish that his life may be long here and everlasting hereafter. But it was not so much to his actual benefactions as to his example that the great development of the library, and of the Uni- versity generally, traced their source during the remainder of the century. Whether the intentions of the Duke of Bedford (94) to found lectures were ever carried into effect, we are not distinctly informed in this volume; if they were, then his foundation pre- xxvi INTRODUCTION. ceded that of his brother the Duke of Gloucester, and the will, if not the deed, should be remembered ; but howsoever that may be, the example of Duke Humfrey was speedily followed by others, considerable, if not so great as his; and while the public buildings above-mentioned were either rebuilt or now first built in Oxford, the endowment of lectures, useless without books, also commenced at this period of its history ; and in a general sense, before the century closes, the whole scene has greatly changed. The old things of mediaeval Oxford had already begun to pass away, the new learning had become firmly rooted, and the advance of the new religion, the not distant rumbling of that disturbance of the lower strata of society which was shortly to upheave the surface of political and religious thought, was not obscurely apprehended and foretold (359) ; so that I think it may even be asserted with confidence that the efforts to build the Schools of Theology and Canon Law, and the rash but successful venture to rebuild St. Mary's Church, the heart and centre of Academic life and religious teaching, were but the signs of a deep-seated conviction that the old faith needed more earnest advocacy, better education, more special studies. On these points some of the letters are most explicit, and the remonstrances most earnest, as the abuses of which they complain were most flagrant and unquestionable (151, 3, 169). It was thought, and the thought was plainly expressed, that the heresies, with which the ecclesiastical horizon was darkened, were rapidly spreading and threatening a storm capable of rending the kingdom asunder (359). For these existing and impending calamities, the promotion of illiterate men to benefices, and the consequent failure of efficient ministrations in the parishes throughout the country, is held responsible ; and bitter are the complaints, and earnest the oft- repeated prayers, representing the dangers of this state of things; and also the disastrous effect upon the Universities and learning generally produced by the fatal discouragement of laborious and learned clerks, who failed to obtain promotion, lingering in poverty and neglect in Oxford, while they saw men promoted over their heads who could neither read nor write ; and more than once the request is urged that the intercession of St. Frideswyde may be invoked throughout the province of Canterbury to check the spread of wickedness and insubordination, and foster with her effectual benediction the growth of piety and the prosperity of learning (360-2). Sufficient has been said to show how important was the patronage INTRODUCTION. xxvii of the Duke of Gloucester, how inexpressibly valuable his powerful championship and donations of books : for greater detail the reader must be content to refer to the letters themselves. We have said above that his example was speedily followed, and it will perhaps be not unwelcome to the reader if the progress of the library is here shortly traced. In this too, as in the case of endowment of lectures, the Duke of Bedford's name precedes that of his brother, and his gift of books is clearly acknowledged (81), but does not seem to have been one of great magnitude ; moreover, to go farther back, Henry the Fifth had anticipated both, by a bequest of books, which however had not been obtained by the University in 1437, and whether it was eventually received or not we have no information. So tardy and so difficult was the making of the road to learning, so unwilling were those who held them to surrender the books they had in charge (150-2). The next notice of the subject is in a letter of thanks to the Duke of Gloucester (114) for a gift of books and money, but no mention is made either of the names or nature of the former or of the amount of the latter; but only two years later, in 1439, commences that suc- cession of life-giving showers wherewith ' the vineyard ' was rendered fruitful, and from which an abundant supply of oil from the ' olive-trees ' of the University might be expected by the Church. The benefactions of the Duke, of which we have specific notice, are four in number; of the first of these, valued at more than a thousand pounds (184), we have an indenture of receipt between the University and the Duke, containing the names of each book, marked, as was usual, in the first words of the second folio; but it is not a little singular that the number of the books is variously stated as 120 in one place, 126 in another, and, in a third, 129 volumes. Of the fourth donation also, we have a similar catalogue in an indenture of the same description (232); this consisted of 135 volumes. Of the two intervening donations, we have no further record beyond the facts that one consisted of seven and the other of nine books. Altogether there were, then, 280 volumes, besides the donation, of which no particulars at all are given, as above noted (114). These were all, no doubt, duly received, though of the two smaller gifts no indenture is forthcoming. But besides these, the Duke being, it appears, in the Congregation- house shortly before his death, did by word of mouth then and there, in the presence of a large assemblage of Masters (252), promise to xxviii INTRODUCTION. give them all his Latin books (quos studio dignos arbitrates esf) (294-5), ' to the lovyng of God, increce of Clergy and connyng men, to the gode governaunce and prosperite of the Realme of Englond withouten ende,' and often afterwards confirmed the promise by messenger, and eventually bequeathed the books in his will (ibid.). Unfortunately when his death took place the books had not been actually received, and we have a protracted struggle represented to us in the numerous epistles to the King, the Marquess of Suffolk, W. Waynflete, Dr. Somersett, the House of Commons, the executors of the Duke and others, whose aid or influence is implored to obtain possession of them (251, 258, 285). It would seem that the books had found their way into other hands (318), and the executors themselves do not escape the imputation of having appropriated them ; at least that is the inevitable conclusion to be drawn from the outspoken letter addressed on the subject to Dr. Somersett (286), one of the staunchest friends, be it remembered, of the University. Whether or no these books ever came to the library, we have no evidence in the volume before us. From a letter to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, asking his help in the matter, we find that the collection of books by private individuals was not uncommon ; and the superior claims of the University to the possession of these treasures and the greater utility of them where they would be in constant use is strongly urged as a reason for the employment of his powerful assistance to obtain them. Eventually an agent was appointed (358), more than twenty years later, with authority to collect by every possible means all books and other property whatsoever belonging to the University, to prosecute in spiritual and lay courts any one unlawfully detaining the same, and with powers to grant acknowledgement of receipt of them when duly delivered. We find from a letter to the Bishop of London (483), after a lapse of ten more years, that thirteen volumes were recovered by his instrumentality, but it is probable these were not a portion of the Duke's bequest. The effort to obtain that must, one would suppose, have collapsed in so long and weary a pursuit. But, in any case, these thirteen volumes could have been but a small fraction of all the Duke's Latin books. What may have been the contents of this last bequest of the Duke, we do not know; we are told it consisted of 'all his Latin books proper for study,' and again, ' scole ' books, expressions which are, I think, significant, and plainly imply that they were of a different INTRODUCTION. character from those contained in the two large donations of which we have catalogues in the indentures. It will probably not be without surprise that these catalogues will be perused by one who inquires into the course of reading and study generally, both at the University and among the learned laity of the day. Consisting mainly of theological, medical, legal, and philosophical works, with several copies of the Italian poets so greatly affected by the Duke, but with only a comparatively slender contingent of classical authors of antiquity, and with very little that could be useful to the scholar on his way to his M.A. degree, to whom we find the bulk of the works would be unattractive, nay, to speak plainly, useless. And useless to us they would no doubt be found, but I would venture to remind some of my readers, who may not be aware how greatly we are indebted to the laborious writers of such works, that from these in great measure has been compiled, i. e. stolen without acknowledgement, nearly all the divinity, the foundation of laws, and much of medical knowledge not yet superseded. But, as has been above stated, the books were not wanted, and could not be used by the youths preparing for the M.A. degree. The learned masters, we repeat, were those who stood in such need of them, and to these the gifts we speak of were a priceless boon, spending, as they often did, their whole time in the sole pursuit of such learning as was prescribed for them by the Academical course, and afterwards finding in it the employment of a studious life. The practical disappearance of such a class of students from our modern Universities diverts our sympathies, and directs our inquiries to the younger scholars, and we naturally ask how were their needs re- lieved or their position improved by the beneficence of Duke Humfrey. It cannot be for a moment supposed that these boys were or could be permitted to use the library their numbers, very probably at some periods amounting to as many as two thousand, or even more, would render such an indulgence impracticable nor is there in the statute for the regulation of the library any mention of others than Masters of Arts, at the least, who should be entitled to such a privilege ; and even for them the space contained in the old library was soon found altogether too narrow, so that with the augmentation of the books came the need urgently felt for a more commodious receptacle for them (244, 390). Nor, again, had the boys leisure for such a purpose; their time was occupied in their lectures, i. e. lessons, for which they wanted no books, the instruction being wholly oral, writing from dictation, xxx INTRODUCTION. and so forth. Only indirectly, then, did they find themselves benefited by these splendid acquisitions to the library, so that when we read of the crowds of eager students intent on the books (gregatim mcumbunt, 245, 258), we must not picture to ourselves a spirit of emulation among schoolboys, or young men such as our modern undergraduates, or draw an invidious comparison between the two periods, in favour of either according to our private sympathies ; but we must revive a throng of mature men (154, 156, 362), among whom many already advanced in age ; in many cases their dress is no longer new, their features too often suggest a lack of comfort, but their thirst for learning is strong; it is a passion, it is a means of rising to a higher level not only in the social scale, though there too it was nearly the only avenue to rank and power ; for thus not only might the most needy rise to the highest dignity the Church and that was also the world could bestow, but they felt it alone could raise them ' above the beasts' (139, 169), a thought and motive often expressed in these letters and felt, in a manner we hardly now realize, in that ignorant and brutal stage of society. These were the students, from whom rose the chorus of gratitude and praise, when the munificent gifts of the Duke revealed to them the unwonted marvel, that one of the greatest of statesmen and warriors, of royal birth and noble fortune, whose life had been spent in courts and camps, yet through all, and, it seemed, above all, retained a cultured taste and educated mind, and a practical charity to the needy clerk. But the fame of the newly-endowed library was not confined to the students of this country ; we read that they flocked hither from 'every part of the world' (178), and that incessant was the toil by night as well as by day of those, who came from foreign parts as well as from every corner of England, to make copies of the books ; and moreover that the nucleus now established speedily began to attract from Greece and Italy and from every country a continual stream of books (202), and not only so, but that the original Greek (240, 244) language was now within the reach of all. This is a very remarkable letter, and the more so, because in the catalogue of the Duke's books it is doubtful whether we find any Greek book in the Greek tongue ; but since all the books given by the Duke of Glou- cester have long since disappeared from the library unless the single specimen, which the late librarian (Mr. Cox) told me remained there, yet exists we cannot be satisfied on this point. Such are the readers, each, I suppose, intent on making his copy of INTRODUCTION. xxxi some work long hopelessly desired and now at last within his reach ; though with very strict limitations, for the statute prescribes that every book shall be carefully kept in a chest, and that the librarian or chaplain of the University shall have custody thereof. On no pretext whatever could any book be borrowed except under an indenture, and since probably even these restrictions proved in- effectual, the books were afterwards chained to the oak desks, as we find in the case of certain books of a later donation (544). This last precaution was taken not so much to prevent possible theft, for any attempt at such a crime must have been detected, first by the con- stant presence of the librarian, whose eye, in so small a chamber, could scarcely fail to observe it, but also by the system of marking in the register every book so that it would be infallibly recognized by the University stationer; the purpose was rather to prevent the monopoly of any book by one reader, and obviate confusion in the library. The chief occupation of the readers was, I think, that of making copies of the books, first because any real effectual study of a particular book by one reader must have been almost impracticable under the circumstances, and secondly because such copying is clearly recognized as the natural object of readers, for special re- strictions are introduced in the statute for the regulation of the library, to the effect that under no circumstances shall any book be divided into parts and lent to be copied in that condition (188), and even the Duke himself could only borrow any book he himself had given by signing an indenture (ibid.). These gifts and bequests of the Duke were followed by others, hardly less important though, as might be expected, not so highly valued or welcomed with such enthusiasm. Of these, the first is but a single book, Josephus, given by a citizen of London, one Thomas Knollej, a grocer and a specimen of the rising class of wealthy merchants, whose cultivated tastes in art and literature began to mark a new era of civilization (222). This was a specially acceptable gift, indicating, as it did, an interest in education on the part of such citizens, whose good offices would be so efficacious in advancing the interests of the University and strengthening the true faith ; we shall not be surprised therefore to read that the 'beatific vision' will doubtless be the reward of all such as shall thus exert themselves by using their worldly wealth for the glory of God. Next we have a gift of the De naiura rerum of Alexander Neckham, presented by Master Somersett, a famous doctor of medicine (309, 285) and, if I am not xxxii INTRODUCTION. mistaken, a supervisor of the faculty sworn before the Lord Mayor along with Gilbert Kymer (see Memorials of the Craft of Surgery, by Darcy Power). The same Dr. Somersett likewise gave other books (3 13) and vestments for use in St. Mary's, and if his beneficence did not evoke so much gratitude as that of others, perhaps the reason may be found in a letter of a very remarkable nature addressed to him by the University, wherein more than a suspicion is plainly expressed that this distinguished son of their common mother, nourished at her breast, was, while presenting his gift, nevertheless privy to the designs of those who were wrongfully detaining the much-needed ' Latin books/ if not himself personally guilty of that dishonest conduct (285). A little later comes a gift of several books by Master Richard Broun, alias Cordon, a donation qualified by a stipulation, found in no other instance, that the donor shall be allowed free use of the books during his life, and even be entitled to remove them at will, either in person or by his messenger, from the custody of the librarian (279). Of a donation by the Duchess of Suffolk, we have no more precise account than a general acknowledgement of the gift in a letter of thanks (326); but of the gift of his Propinarium, by the famous Abbot of St. Alban's, John Whethamstede, we have an amusing record in the characteristic letter of thanks addressed to him (373). The only other donor of a single volume is Master T. Graunt, Precentor of St. Paul's, who presented to the library ' suavis- simum librum,' but of this we have no further description (382). It is difficult to suppose there were no other such benefactions of single books ; none, however, are recorded, though larger bequests and gifts were soon to follow. The first of these is that of J. Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester, whose literary tastes were not incompatible with a char- acter in strong contrast to the adage ' ingenuas didicisse fideliter artes, emollit mores nee sinit esse feros.' To him we find a most fulsome letter of flattery, and that is nearly all the meaning to be extracted from it, so full is it of mistakes and imperfections. I sup- pose that, after the death of the Duke of Gloucester, the University, casting about for support and countenance among the rich, and especially those with a reputation for learning, turned its eyes to the Earl of Worcester and approached him with the hope of enlisting his sympathy as a patron in some degree calculated to replace the irreparable loss they had sustained. Their efforts "were so far suc- cessful, that it was found upon his death that he had bequeathed INTRODUCTION. xxxiii a large number of books to the University estimated to be of the value of not less than five hundred marks (390). We have no information as to what was the nature of the books; and whether they were ever received or not remains unknown, though we are told that thirteen volumes were recovered from wrongful possessors (483), but whether these were a portion of the Gloucester or Tiptoft bequests, or of what other source, is nowhere mentioned. And now the difficulty experienced in obtaining possession of such bequests was not thrown away; for it was felt, and none too soon, that since the many urgent letters to the great and powerful sons of their mother the University proved ineffectual, some more direct steps must be taken both to recover, if possible, what was still outstanding, and to prevent losses of a similar kind in future; and accordingly in the year 1471 Master Whitley was appointed agent, accredited by a patent letter to that effect, to collect and receive all books and other property of the University whatsoever and by whomsoever detained, to prosecute in any spiritual or temporal court any persons illegally detaining them, and empowered to give a sufficient discharge for their receipt (358). That the library continued to grow, receiving other accessions than those here noticed, is, as has been suggested above, very prob- able, and that this really happened is the more likely, because hitherto no great difficulty is found to have been felt in housing the books ; though the narrow limits of the room were rendered yet narrower by the system of storing the books in chests, which must have been of great size (189) : but now the prospect of further additions made it evident that, unless better accommodation could be provided, it would not be possible to place the books in security, and at the same time provide necessary room for the constantly increasing number of readers. With this in view, the University addresses an urgent appeal to the Bishop of Norwich, whose beneficence was well known, begging for his assistance in the erection of a suitable building (390). The site proposed was over the new Theology School, not yet completed, after the lapse of nearly sixty years (5, 469), and this plan was apparently approved by the Duke of Gloucester as being both a retired and convenient situation (244), in strong contrast with the situation of the old library. And now there was a solid ground for hope that the long lingering Theology School would at last be completed by the magnificent liberality of Thos. Kempe, Bishop of London, whose donation of one thousand xxxiv INTRODUCTION. marks made the accomplishment of the work not so much a question of expense, as of finding competent workmen and sufficient scaffold- ing and machines. Of the latter difficulty a solution was at hand, for W.Waynflete's new college was only just completed, and the scaffolding would serve the purpose for the new school and library excellently well. To W. Waynflete, then, application is made (443). And workmen could be engaged if the king would allow any such no longer needed by the king himself to be employed on the new school (446). All seems to have gone smoothly, the chief obstacle being removed by the munificence of Thos. Kempe. The work went briskly forward ; and one of the liveliest letters in the volume is that in which the busy labours of the builders are described, though the engagement of the architect and stonemason and their remuneration are also not without a special interest (46, 191); not perhaps so much as exhibiting the rates of payment for such services at that date, as for the curious information about the ornamentation of the building as originally designed, but afterwards abandoned (ibid.). Others had from time to time contributed both in materials and in money ; a certain Edmund Reed, esquire, especially is noticed as having given timber for the work, but it languished for many years from inability to provide the needful money, and it certainly is due to Thos. Kempe alone that the completion of the work at last, after two generations had seen its unfinished walls looking out over the ramparts on the neighbouring house of the Austin friars, crowned the efforts of the builders. This, it may be mentioned, for the sake of those not well acquainted with such details, is the building at this day known as the Divinity School, and Duke Humfrey's Library over it, and the writer may perhaps venture to add that it has been not without certain pleasure that the whole of the work of writing the present volumes has been done in that venerable room sheltered beneath the very rafters, lighted by the very windows of the days long passed away. To recompense in any commensurate degree the donor of the books was of course impossible ; the University had but one resource thanks and praise in the present, and prayers and masses for his soul after death in the future. For these due provision is made in the statute for his commemoration, and the bitterest drop in their cup was the thought that he was mortal (227), a foreboding prompted perhaps by the anticipation of actual danger or, perhaps merely expressing a natural apprehension of the loss of a life so INTRODUCTION. xxxv valuable. Nor were similar honours, a similar recompense, wanting in the case of Thos. Kempe, for whose commemoration, with that of his uncle, due provision is made, with one somewhat businesslike stipulation, viz. that not until after the completion of the payment of the one thousand marks, which was to be made by instalments, should any such prayers or masses be said (434). From what has been now said, it will be seen that the library in all probability increased quickly by other donations not here mentioned. We are told that not only was there a great influx of readers, but that this influx was in no small degree augmented by foreigners, and that Greek and Latin books also began to be attracted to Oxford ; every possible effort, moreover, was made by the Univer- sity to augment their store ; we have with this view several letters, written to the executors of persons known to be possessed of books, begging them to give for the use of the library some of the property of the deceased (277, 281), among whom we have another citizen of London, John Gedney. The executors were empowered to make such gifts for pious uses, and are reminded that by them the cause of true religion will be advanced, by furnishing the soldiers of the Church with the weapons of its earthly warfare. No further large accession, however, is recorded in this MS. for some years, the next in order being a promise of some, number not stated, by the Bishop of London (533) ; and shortly afterwards, in a letter of thanks without address, an unknown benefactor is thanked for a present of thirty books and one on medicine, which he is told are, in accordance with his request, chained in the library (544). Lastly, there is the large number of one hundred and thirty-two volumes given by the bountiful Dr. Lichfield, Archdeacon of Middle- sex ; for whose exceeding liberality both in this matter and also in the rebuilding of St. Mary's Church, to which he was the chief contributor (571, 630), we cannot pass unnoticed the comparatively slender meed of thanks and praise accorded to him, in contrast with the extravagant adulation exhibited in the case of more exalted patrons. But while we acknowledge some little feeling of surprise, perhaps even of disappointment, on this score, it must not be forgotten that there is a probable, nay an undoubted, reason for a diminution of the gratitude of the University for this kind of benefaction ; for of course MS. books must at this date (1489) have become very considerably reduced in value by the rapid advance of the art of printing, already in c 2 xxxvi INTRODUCTION. 1468, as Wood asserts, introduced into Oxford ; and his statements on this subject, especially that he saw a book, which he names, there printed in 1481, should need no confirmation, though the reader of that portion of his history will desiderate references to those authorities and sources of information, so numerous in the historical part of his work. It is remarkable, to say no more, that not the faintest allusion to the art of printing is to be detected in our MS., and yet surely in Oxford, if anywhere, the minds of men must have been greatly occupied by this discovery, without which we, who look back, plainly discern that neither the liberality nor the enlightened example of Duke Humfrey, Thos. Kempe, and the rest of the heroes of the library could have failed to produce more than a feeble wave of that tide of literature already visibly rolling forward to swallow up the laborious products of the past. In this connexion it is not without interest to notice the Latin authors read in Oxford at this time ; I speak not of the text-books used by the masters in their lessons, but of the authors with whom the senior members of the University were familiar, so far as we are able to judge from quotations in these letters. Though these are not what we can consider any equipment for a scholar at the present day, yet the list is on the whole better than might have been expected. Cicero is quoted or mentioned on sixteen occasions, Virgil several times, Horace, Terence, Sallust, Seneca, Aristotle, Plato (these two last from translations), all are met with in more than one, some of them in several instances. To these should be added a considerable number of historical allusions hardly to be discovered in these authors, the source of which certainly may be found in the Duke's donations, and I think may fairly be taken to imply a considerable knowledge of more ancient authors than at first sight we should have been inclined to put to the credit of the student of those days, the direction of whose mind was so widely separated from the pursuit of such studies. If it be thought, and it may be so with reason, that the quotations and allusions to ancient classical history are of the most elementary character, and rather savour of a schoolboy's early essays than the solid learning of reverend masters and doctors; when we find Romulus and Camillus, Achilles and Hector, Alexander the Great, Pompey, Hannibal and the like made to do duty in comparison with the Duke of Gloucester, and the several other benefactors, whose praises are thus enhanced, and with the several kings whose patron- INTRODUCTION. xxxvii age is successively sought in such hyperbolic eulogium ; it must be remembered, I think, that in the case of most, if not all of the persons to whom such letters were addressed, we may fairly give the writers credit for selecting such historical characters and allusions as they considered were certainly within the somewhat narrow limits of the erudition of the laity of the period; that, in short, their object was not to display their own learning, but to flatter the patron they addressed. Some remarks have above been made on the language of the epistles in this collection, and no more need be said on that subject, but the style and matter of them suggest a few observations ; for here we have a very vivid portraiture of some of the most distinctive characteristics of academic life, thought, and feeling. 'Alma mater' is an expression familiar to us all, though it may be doubted whether the full significance of the words is often appreciated. It is but a part of a complete system of allegorical and metaphorical language, ex- pressing no mere poetic fancy, no mere figure of speech or empty ornament of diction, but a sincere, powerful, and effectual appeal to the strongest affections and the most solemn sense of piety and duty. With us it has faded into something hardly more substantial than a humorous reminiscence of undergraduate life, almost meaning- less if not flatly ridiculous. To our forefathers it was far otherwise. It must not be forgotten how widely different were the conditions of the student's life in those days from anything with which we are now conversant. The large majority were quite boys, a very considerable proportion mere children, who, once committed to the care of the University, remained there with but few and short intervals until the attainment of the M.A. degree, and to many of them it was expected, and in fact proved, to be their home for life. Again the very great preponderance of the priesthood, and conse- quent renunciation of family ties by the large majority of the resident masters, suggested with a peculiar force the creation of fictitious bonds of relationship, and gave them a reality and strength which rooted them in the heart and became a powerful motive of action and guide of conduct in life. When the Bishop of Salisbury writes to say he will bring E. Pole to Oxford, he does but use language expressing the universal sentiment, when he says he will come to lay the noble infant in his mother's lap (461), and the University in their turn reply that he thereby furnishes a proof they did not need of his own filial piety (455, 7). If any privilege of the University was threatened with viola- xxxviii INTRODUCTION. tion, the Lord Chancellor is appealed to as a son by his mother, com- plaining that while she is in labour bringing forth the fruits of learning, she is attacked by unnatural sons (97). If an excuse is needed for asking help to rebuild St. Mary's, the writers say that the natural affection children feel for their parents bids them plead for the church of their mother, to whom they owe, not indeed their natural being, but more education to a virtuous life. And if the care of their mother and her incessant vigilance were ever on the alert to relieve her sons from the anxiety of poverty, and to protect them from loss and injury, she was not less solicitous for the welfare of those who left her household and were launched on the stormy sea of the outside world ; following their course and accompanying them on their journey by testimonial letters bearing witness to their blameless conduct and proved erudition, their un- disputed orthodoxy, or their ministerial abilities; or sometimes she would back their suits, to pope, king, or bishop, and commend them to all and sundry by whom preferment could be given, or from whom advancement or assistance might be expected; and to whom the writers express their hope that, though he to whom they address themselves be rather of an age when the title of father would be more appropriate, he will not disdain to be called a son. As the mother of Zebedee's children she entreats for her sons, as the woman of Canaan she perseveres in her prayer for them (46, 102). As Rachel for her lost children, she mourns the dwindling numbers of her sons (57, 155, 494), when from scarcity of provisions, the disastrous effect of the protracted and desolating war, the University finds her members so scanty that halls and inns are closed. If, when asked for help, they respond with liberality, she rejoices that they are so successful in life, and that she has been so favoured as to have given birth to sons so distinguished (120, 309), and whose gratitude does not suffer them to forget the mother that suckled them in their infancy. The idea, or allegory, is indeed worked out in every detail, of which the foregoing are but a few specimens, and is made the basis upon which favours are entreated, obedience claimed, and every appeal for sympathy is made more or less to rest. The evil reputation of stepmothers is not forgotten, but repeatedly pressed into the service ; while the University is the mother, poverty is the stepmother, of learning, whose malign influence, if it be not counteracted by the charity of their more prosperous brethren, must blast the scholar's life, extinguish the flame of science and virtue, the learning which raises man above the beasts INTRODUCTION. xxxix and lifts him up to heaven (139, 169), and whose loss, to use Seneca's expression, would be no less than a separation of soul and body (291). Thus (117) also in the testimonial letters, though not in all, it is de- clared that what is done for the advancement of one benefits the whole body corporate. But if the motherhood of the University was practically asserted and incessantly claimed, the brotherhood of its members was not less con- stantly inculcated, but was also actually cemented, not by figurative and allegorical terms, but by very real and tangible means. Again, every step in the scholar's career, every office in the University, from the Chancellor downwards, was defined and guarded by most solemn and stringent oaths (159), to break which we find, even in so small a matter as necessary residence (8), was deemed to require nothing less than a papal dispensation : and it is not a little significant that the crime of perjury, involved in any violation of such oaths, and the summons to appear before the Chancellor at St. Mary's for the ' correction of the soul ' (318), involved the penalty of excommunication, with deprivation of degrees, banishment, &c. (450). Even the failure to pay the fee for licence in Arts, or to faithfully render an account by the guardian of a chest, seems to have involved these most alarming consequences. Similarly stringent, and obeyed with more ready allegiance, were those oaths by which all masters were bound to cast their votes, at elections of officers of the University, without fear or favour ; and it is not without a feeling of astonishment, if not of admiration, that we witness the steadfastness with which this poor brotherhood of defence- less clerks stood shoulder to shoulder and defied the king and their greatest friend their Chancellor, declining on more than one occasion to elect a bedel at their nomination (663), or to surrender a political offender 'lurking' in Oxford (513-523). The privileges of the University and their violation, either by her own unnatural sons or by the townsmen or others, chiefly in suing members of the privilege in a court other than that of the Chan- cellor, are a very frequent subject of these letters : and though her purse was short, her arms were long, and they were stretched out in urgent entreaty for help to maintain the fortress and repel the foe. Every son educated by his mother and successful in the world was another source of strength and aid in time of need. No sooner is one such appointed to any office or dignity in Church or State than he receives a letter of congratulation on his great promotion, and of thankfulness to God for the good influence he cannot fail to xl INTRODUCTION. exert in the discharge of his duties; and for having raised up such a pillar of strength in a son who will never fail to remember the debt of gratitude he will ever owe to the mother whose ubera nectarea sugebat (120). The other great difficulty the University had to contend with was the exactions of the town and civic officers (40, 1 08, 343), and both in this case and in the former it was the poverty of the University that was the weak point; in the one, the ruinous expenses of suits (143) from the venality of justice (649), the remoteness of the lay courts and consequent difficulty of obeying the citations and providing for the attendance of witnesses ; in the other the extortionate prices of provisions and rents of houses alike struck at the very life of the University. Thus, then, this ' city of the priests/ protected from without by the rampart of privilege, and defended within by the solidarity of the garrison, united by the closest bonds of motherhood and brotherhood ; whose members felt their mutual sympathies and interests knit ever more firmly by that most enduring of all affections, which grows up between those who have lived long together in the same society in pursuit of the same studies (658); armed with books, the weapons of the soldier of the Church (281, 296), waged a bloodless warfare (300) against the enemies of the true faith (41, 168, 226, 338), the vices of a brutal age, and the furious hostility of the world both to learning and religion (359, 604). And it is to their sympathy with this noble struggle that we see constant appeal made to the friends of civil order in the state, orthodoxy in the Church, and virtue and science every- where. The writers are well aware that the affection of parents for their children is greater than that of the children for the parents (664), yet they urge the claim that parents have to the honour and respect of their offspring and to their help in time of need; to the House of Commons they plead that the University is the ' moder lanterne and welle of the clergy' (294), and entreat that, if the design of taking away again (resumptio) of the lands given for pious uses by the king be indeed carried into effect, at least the endowments of the colleges may be excepted ; foundations ' of piouse intencione to y e worship of God and encrese of holy fayth by diverse sciencys and vertus of home growyt' (294). It will be noticed that the metaphorical figures and allegorical language employed, of which only a specimen here and there are here quoted in this introduction, are exceedingly numerous, and may be said to pervade the whole of the volume ; but those of most frequent INTRODUCTION. xli occurrence are such as belong to the description of the University and its individual members, and cannot fail to depict in a vivid light how great is the contrast between these letters all of which are, as we should express it, on business and such as would be written on similar subjects at the present day. In defence of the privilege, the King or Lord Chancellor are reminded that the University is the vine- yard of the Lord, and that vainly is it fenced about (193) if the fences are not maintained ; if the whirlwinds of political strife devastate the labours of the husbandman, and if no defenders prevent the enemy from leaping over the boundaries, or the beasts of the field from devouring the fruits. Here are planted the olive-trees, from which alone can be produced the oil of sound doctrine; here the pearl of great price, science and virtue, is the object of the student's incessant toil ; who, if not sustained and refreshed by the streams of charity, must wither in the arid soil of poverty, and bring no fruit to per- fection. If the Pope, or some great prelate, is exhorted to remember the mother of so many, who have grown up to become ' fathers rather than sons/ he is compared to some stately cedar, beneath whose beneficent protection the humble shrubs find shelter. To these might be added many more similar figures, and especially such as are of most frequent occurrence; as that of the ship tossed on the waves of the troubled world and steered by the ' Nauta indefectibilis'; together with such other imagery as belongs to the several parables, and in particular those derived from agriculture ; but enough has been said to give an idea of the general texture of the letters to any who may read this introduction and not find time or inclination for a more close acquaintance with the pages that follow it. No more is here attempted on this part of the subject ; but there are yet a few points deserving notice amusing characteristics of the writers. Not the least of these is the scrupulous care everywhere taken to adapt the address and language of the epistles to the quality, position, or character of those to whom they are written. The example of Thetis in her prayer to Zeus is continually borne in mind, and the patron is ever reminded how great have been his kindness and care in the past ; sometimes, indeed, it is to be feared, not without some sacrifice of truth, as when in soliciting from the black monks a contribution for the new Theology School, they are flattered by being told that the University owes its foundation to them (21). When it is proposed to invite the assistance of the wealthy citizens of London in furtherance of the same object, the Master of St. Thomas' (29) is asked to give xlii INTRODUCTION. his advice on the style of letter to be used to the greatest advantage ; how, as it is expressed, ' to cast the net on the right side of the ship ' : the useful topics of flattery in the case seem to have been familiar, ' cives venerabiles, qui divitiis fulgent, devotione relucent et largitate precellunt, nobiliores in dignitate, potentiores in thesauris/ and what is certainly not a little difficult to understand, ' praeclariores in forma ' ; for how or why the wealthy citizens should possess peculiar personal attractions is at least a puzzling inquiry. The Chancellor, however, though furnished with all these means of stimulating their charity, did not feel confident that he could throw his net over any miraculous draught. When the succour of the secular arm is invoked to repress disorders beyond the apostolic (318, 449) or academic powers of the Chancellor to control, the Earl of Warwick is told that power and knowledge must assist each other, for military force will fail if not directed by wisdom (56) ; and the Duke of Bedford, whose sympathy with learning had already been proved by substantial assistance of the poor clerks (53, 81), and was expected to be further manifested by a foundation of lectures (106), is flattered by the evidence of history to show that learning is the defence of kingdoms. In a similar style of mingled exhortation and supplication, the Earl of Stafford is implored to interfere to quell the disturbance in the University, because rulers are therefore intrusted with the sword that they may maintain peace and do justice. When the Earl of Northumberland endows University College, ' our eldest daughter/ with the advowson of Arncliffe, he is comforted by the assurance that immortal honour is by no actions so surely obtained as by those that foster the true faith and provide medicine for the soul (220). When the University firmly but respect- fully declines to readmit Morgan Philipp to residence at the request of Henry VI (264), we shall note the grounds on which the refusal is made, and see an adaptation of the phraseology to the known religious character of the king ; as also in the letter of congratulation to the same monarch on his recovery of the throne, wherein the examples of David and Solomon are made to do duty in enforcing the rhetoric (392). On the other hand, we shall find no scriptural allusions or religious language in the epistles to Edward IV. His zeal for the faith is thankfully acknowledged, his beautiful buildings are duly praised, his favour to the clergy and unsparing efforts to extirpate heresy are gratefully admired, but the pious argument ad hominem is lacking. Henry VII, again, whose pretension to learning and practical wisdom, INTRODUCTION. xliii in addition to the glory of victory, were sufficiently well known, finds these qualities indirectly attributed to him in the comparison of his character to that of Hannibal and Alexander the Great, whose exploits in war were equalled by his wisdom in his patronage of the 'University' of Athens (500), the noblest action of his glorious life. Similar adapta- tion is observable in a very conspicuous degree in the case of Richard III, to whom unselfish aims, true patriotism and zeal for the glory of God, are attributed in language only to be accounted for on the supposition ; either that his assumption of such a character was well known to the writers, who dexterously made use of it to obtain his favour; or, which is conceivable, that they really believed in the reality of his pretended claims, and, immersed in the labours of teaching and study, had but a slender acquaintance with the greater world : con- ceivable, but not probable ; for, so far as these letters throw any light on the subject, they would incline us to think that those who directed the lesser politics of the Oxford world were shrewd, practical men, and exhibited no lack of practical wisdom in their dealings with those in power. I am afraid we cannot acquit the writers of unblushing flattery, in this, as in other instances, affecting a recognition of false claims, rather than expressing a sincere appreciation of true character. To turn to a lighter shade of the same portraiture of these letters ; not infrequently it was considered to be in good taste to make the name of the person addressed a sort of humorous vehicle to convey a com- pliment, or a motive for complying with the request of the writer. So Geoffrey Simeon, Dean of the Chapel Royal, is assured that the devout Simeon felt not greater joy receiving the Saviour in his arms than does the University in having educated so distinguished a son (684). And when John Whethampstead (Johannes de loco frumenti) presents his work, the Propmarium, to the library, his gift is gratefully acknow- ledged, with the remark that the Duke of Gloucester had already provided food by giving the author's other work, the Granarium, and now they found themselves able also to slake their thirst from this other production of his pen ; adding, in a similar strain, their intention to pray that, though he may have to surfer thirst in this mortal life, he may drink from the eternal fountain in the life to come (373). This was considered a very pretty compliment, no doubt ; but very different are some of the modes of thought or expressions then esteemed both appropriate and not irreverent; and it requires some effort to place oneself in the circumstances of the writer to be xliv INTRODUCTION. able to read without a distinct shock of surprise, if of no stronger emotion, the language employed in thanking the king for his intention both to provide for the good education of his own children and, which was of more importance to the University, to allow his nephew, E. Pole, to be sent to Oxford for that purpose. As the King of Kings, he is gravely told, selected the Jewish nation from all the world, and made His Son to be incarnate of that chosen race, so had he chosen Oxford to be the special object of his favour : to whom, then, could he more prudently commit the care of this adopted child of God than to the University, wherein would then be living a likeness of his own glory (456)! Of the letters to the kings generally, it may be noticed that all are conceived in somewhat more of stately style and language, as might be expected ; but with few exceptions, the one, or rather two, all-engrossing subjects, poverty and privilege, the relief of the one and the maintenance of the other, are the monotonous burden of the melancholy ditty. It is significant that while in every other instance a congratulatory letter greets the king on his accession, we do not find one to have been written to Edward IV; though on his recovery of the throne, the joy and thankfulness for that event, and confident hope that the conclusion of the Civil War was now attained, were expressed in no measured terms. Probably the regret of the Uni- versity and clergy generally at the fall of Henry VI was deep and heartfelt. In him they had found a constant and generous patron ; but during the ten succeeding years their experience of Edward IV, whose advent had been dreaded, completely won their regard and confidence ; his vices, if gross, were not unpopular, and much could be condoned to one so unswerving in the persecution of heresy, so gracious in the patronage of learning. On the whole, I suppose we must admit that obsequiousness and flattery are the prevailing tone of these letters, greeting each king in turn with praise and congratulation only so far modified as the circumstances of each case required. Thus Henry VI's restoration is a miraculous restitution, an undoubted work of God. The letter to Edward IV in the same year is couched in similar language ; but to suppress regret and eschew comparisons was of course obvious policy no less than mere politeness, and it must be borne in mind that the continuation of the royal favour was vitally necessary to the very existence of the University. If, then, it is not without a slight sense of shame that we notice these features in the letters, we shall on the other hand welcome the reverse INTRODUCTION. xlv side of the picture. For if, on the one hand the writers hardly escape the charge of insincerity, on the other we cannot withhold both surprise and admiration at the constancy and courage with which, on more than one occasion, we find the whole University standing shoulder to shoulder, to resist what they considered unjustifiable interference of the king and others, in the management of their academic elections and other private concerns. It is true that in some of the instances, of which several occur, the matter in question is, as we should regard it, of a trivial character ; as, e. g. the refusal to readmit Morgan Philipp ; the less energetic defence of their conduct in the banishment of an infamous woman (486); or, again, the several occasions on which the wishes of the king, the prince, and the Bishop of Lincoln, and their letters in favour of their nominees for the office of bedel, were dis- regarded ; and it is possible that, though the office was in those days one of great importance and some dignity, and would provide comfort- ably for one of the king's gentlemen, the king may have smiled, not without approval, at the sturdy independence of the clerks in main- taining the purity of their elections and the sanctity of their oath. But the case was widely different when Henry VII demanded the surrender of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, a political offender ' lurking,' as was said, at Oxford, and when the royal summons failed to elicit a direct reply, but only fair words and ' lytyl or none effect off dede.' Indeed, the not obscure threats of the angry king plainly show that if a solution of the difficulty had not been discovered and a com- promise effected by the Bishop of Lincoln, nothing short of absolute revocation of all privilege, and consequent corporate extinction, was apprehended (513-521). So, too, the very well-written defence of John Morton, Bishop of Ely (493-4), must have been felt to be a very hazardous exercise of eloquence ; and that courage was not lacking so to address such a king as Richard III, certainly implies in the writers, in addition to a conviction of the justice of their plea, an advancing sense of confidence and strength. I cannot conclude these remarks on the style of the letters without a few words on a very prominent, though not very important, note common to them all; I allude to the extraordinary profusion and variety of the abstract titles of honour in which not only popes, kings, and bishops are addressed, but even ordinary citizens of no rank whatever : of these last even a London grocer is styled 'reverencia tua,' a military man ' strenuitas tua,' and, of course, priests ' paternitates vestrae.' xlvi INTRODUCTION. It would be no uninteresting inquiry to trace the growth of this language of deference or servility, the use of which has remained with us to the present day. The earliest instance I find of anything in this kind is in the twelfth letter of Pliny to Trajan, where he uses the words ' bonitas tua.' But that, I think, is hapaxlegomenon. In the letters of Symmachus the use of these titles had become not uncommon ; thus we find him addressing the emperor as ' mansuetudo tua,' ' perennitas tua,' ' aeternitas tua,' ' dementia,' ' sublimitas/ ' pietas,' &c. Yet even at that day (390 A. D.), considering the large number of his epistles and their length, we shall find, I think, that the instances of the use of these titles of honour are by no means numerous. It remained for a later age to develop the practice, probably confined, in the first instance, to correspondence with the emperors, and subsequently extended, at Constantinople, to the innumerable officials and creatures of the court; whose vanity was gratified and favour cultivated by an organized system of parasitic adulation unknown before in the western world. Closely connected with this practice is the style of the concluding sentences of the letters ; for in these also the rank or position in life are distinguished with the most curious exactitude ; so much so that not infrequently, where no title to the epistle exists, we are enabled to identify the person to whom it was written. The invariable practice (suppose, for instance, a request for help) was to express a fervent prayer that God would reward the donor, or expected benefactor, with a recompense commensurate with his gene- rosity ; for the University has nothing but a spiritual return to make, but she offers, like the widow, all she has, and will ever remember him in her prayers, &c. In the case of a soldier this will be expressed as a prayer that, ' after the warfare of this life ended, he may be granted a triumph in heaven ' (65) ; or if his aid be invoked to quell a disturbance or preserve tranquillity in Oxford, it is the ' Prince of peace ' whose blessing is implored. If a dignitary of the Church be the recipient, the guidance of his flock in his earthly charge, and the peace of the Church, are remembered along with supplication for his enjoyment of the beatific vision. For the citizen grocer, prayers shall not be lacking that his business may increase and prosper (223). From observing this peculiarity, I think it may be concluded that there existed in the year 1427 a society or guild of physicians ; for in a letter asking for assistance to build the Theology School (28), commencing 'honorandi et in Christo carissimi,' the concluding words are ' ad solatium pauperum longaevet in prosperis INTRODUCTION. xlvii Medicus vitalis omnium/ In the Memorials of the Craft of Surgery, by Darcy Power, it is stated (pp. 53, 299) that no separate society of physicians is mentioned before Linacre's time ; so great is the care, however, in discriminating rank and station of life in these letters, that I am inclined to think there may have been such a separate guild. Even superiority of rank and office in one bishop over others is carefully recognized; for the Bishop of Bath and Wells, being also Lord Chancellor, the prayer is, 'Deus pater paternitatem vestram reverendissimam inter sanctos antistites prae- sidere tribuat in excelsis,' while an ordinary bishop is held to be sufficiently provided for by 'paternitatem vestram diutine conservet in prosperis,' &c. The epistle, then, thus carefully prepared and approved by Congre- gation, was entrusted to a faithful messenger, in whose fidelity implicit trust is alike expressed in the writers and invited in the recipient of the missive. And this was no unimportant precaution ; for it will not escape the notice of even a cursory reader that in almost all the letters there is a ' hiatus valde deflendus ' ; for they are all conceived in the most general terms, the details of the business and all the circumstances of the difficulty are, unfortunately for us, left to be supplied by word of mouth of the messenger, who vomere verbi will unfold the matter at full length. Sometimes, indeed very fre- quently, the Chancellor himself in person conveyed the letter, but sometimes, and more often, it was committed to the care of a trusted messenger ; and it is not without a strong curiosity that we imagine the interview, for it is precisely in such intimate relations that history is lacking and all is left to imagination. The progress, too, of the Chancellor on his journey, in which plainly both robbery and the surprise of his secrets were a danger to be apprehended, would be of a most entertaining description could we but gain a sight of him, riding with his attendants by cross-roads or no roads, carrying all their academical dress and ornament so as to appear before the King or the great Archbishop or Chancellor not without a dignity be- coming the occasion. We have, however, one humorous letter from the Bishop of Lincoln (513), describing, but briefly, his misadven- tures in riding about his diocese discharging arrears of duty, in the course of which he finds himself without the needful academical dress, so that he cannot make his appearance, as he had hoped to do, at Oxford. This introduction, already, I fear, too long, must now be brought xlviii INTRODUCTION. to a close ; the purpose of it is not to give an account of all that is to be found in the pages of the book to which it is prefixed, but to give a sketch of those most salient points, as I conceive, which are peculiar to the epistles, and serve to illustrate the life and manners of the University in the fifteenth century. To comment upon other things, or to attempt a connected history, is of course both impossible and unnecessary ; impossible in this work, for it would have required an introduction as long as the whole work itself; unnecessary because the history of the University, so far as facts and dates may be so considered, is, I think, sufficiently well known from other sources, and there is little new in that kind to be found, I believe, in these two volumes. I may observe also, in conclusion, that it is hoped the analyses prefixed to every letter will in no small degree be found, as they are designed to do, to render a longer introduction superfluous. As to the general history of England, in so far as it touches the events and preoccupations of University life, nothing can be, for the same reasons, attempted in this place. And indeed there is nothing, I think, of any considerable importance likely to result from a discursion into so wide a field, were it within the scope of the writer. Here and there a little point strikes the reader; for instance, the use of the word ' nex ' in speaking of the death of the Duke of Gloucester but we cannot infer from this that the writer believed that death to be due to violence ; for the word in baser latinity is used as synonymous with ' mors.' Again, in the notes to Lingard (vol. iii. note B), is noticed an attempt to ' whitewash ' the character of Richard III by purging him of the charge of murdering the princes. If the dates of his journey, in which Oxford was one halting-place, could be exactly determined, the argument for or against, so far, would be conclusive; but here again our MS. does not help us, his visit to Oxford being mentioned, indeed, but without date. Here, then, I take leave of this MS., and hope the present repro- duction of it may prove of some interest to the reader ; to say that the labour of preparing it for the press has been great, will be easily understood. Neither in deciphering the original, in many parts ex- tremely difficult to read, nor in transcribing, nor in any other way, has anything been deputed to another ; so that the present editor is wholly responsible for the result. A few portions of the MS. are selected as specimens, some of the better, some of the worse hands. In this choice the Vice- Chancellor, Dr. Magrath, kindly assisted me by his judgement, for which I thank him, as also for his general INTRODUCTION. xlix interest in the progress of the work ; an interest extended generally to historical subjects, and which would, I feel sure, have found expression in more literary results, had not his time been so fully, and more usefully, employed in the administrative labours of his busy life. HENRY ANSTEY. UPLANDS, OXFORD, September 20, 1898. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. i. No. 62, page 77, line 9 (fol. 23 a) . . ii. Page 192, line i (fol. 55 b) . . . . Hi. Page 207, line 3 (fol. 60 b) . . . . iv. No. 153, page 208, line 27 (fol. 61 a) . v. No. 169, page 230, line 29 (fol. 67 a) . vi. Page 257, line 6 (fol. 76 a) . . . . vii. No. 208, page 293, line 29 (fol. 91 a). viii. No. 217, page 303, line 32 (fol. 94 b). ix. Page 407, line 21 (fol. 125 a) . . . x. No. 271, page 424, line 22 (fol. i29b) xi. No. 370, page 542, line 25 (fol. 159 b) xii. No. 399, page 569, line 22 (fol. i65b) xiii. No. 449, page 604, line 14 (fol. 172 b) xiv. No. 508, page 667, line 10 (fol. 185 b) At end of Part I. \ At end of Part II. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE^ Foi. la . OXON. i. Littera directa domino Cantuariensi pro promocione et provisione. To the Archbishop of Canterbury. A deputation sent to wait upon him : thanks for promotion of their Chancellor : other bishops do not give effect to the ' provincial constitution' by promotion of graduates ; his grace is earnestly requested to apply a remedy. REVERENDISSIME in Christo pater et Domine, premissa nostra recom- 1421. mendacione humillima, cum omnimodis obediencia et honore debitis tanto patri. Inclinet se, quesumus, suis oratoribus perpetuis vestre paternitatis pietas, et gracie ianuam nostris nunciis apperiat cum visceribus compassivis. Recolimus gaudenter vestre gratissime affec- cionis penes promocionem graduatorum, et regraciamur ex intimis quod execucionem vestre constitucionis provincialis non sub modio 1 Registntm lohannis Farley is written in late hand at left-hand comer of first folio of this MS., see fol. 1140, where J. Farley has written his name in Greek characters, as also on folio 115 b and elsewhere. Note in late hand on leaf facing first page of the MS. Reg. F. Hunc librum ab Academia Oxoniensi olim surreptum vel abalienatum venerabilis vir Dominus Dr. Abbott, tune Collegii Universitatis Magister et ecclesiae cathedralis Wyntoniensis Decanus, nunc autem Archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, Wyntoniae invenit, et, anno vicecancellariatns sui tertio, hoc est anno Domini 1605, m qaadam Convocatione, universitati Oxoniensi restituit. Another hand writes on the same leaf: ' Ab anno Domini 1422 usque ad annum Domini 1503 partim etiam ad annum Domini 1508 ut in folio penult.' This, however, seems to be not quite correct, for the first epistle in the MS. is dated July 7th, the second February i3th, the third July 6th, 1422, so that the date of the first must be in the year 1421. B 2 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. latere voluistis, sed, ad ceterorum venerabilium patrum lucidum exem- plum, supra candelabrum in aperto lucescere ponere decrevistis, in graciosa promocione domini nostri Cancellarii ; humillime imprecando contentacionem felicem pregustate dulcedinis. Sed, dum hiis gaudio- rum exhilaramur iniciis, nos circumvenire videntur 1 motiva meroris, ut, quod vestra immensa paternitas nobis erexit in titulum gaudiosum, ceteri, ut 2 credimus, honorabiles patres et prelati eiusdem execucionem non curant reponere in effectum. Ad cuius reformacionem et tanti vulneris medelam, quesumus ut nobis vestre manus paternales super- veniant effectualiter adjutrices. Amantissime pater, ex spe firmissima quam habemus, vestre dominacioni graciose quatuor de nostris con- fratribus, scilicet magistrum Petrum Partrick sacre pagine professorem, T. Colas nostrum procuratorem ex officio, Ricardum Praty scolarem in theologia et Robertum Beomond magistros in artibus duximus destinandos, quibus dignemini fidem indubiam adhibere, et vestram dominacionem in suo apice pastorali conservet summus Pastor felicis- sime, ad ecclesie et cleri incrementum cum omnimodis prosperis et honore. Scripta in domo nostre congregacionis septimo die mensis lulii. Vestre paternitatis reverendissime humillimi oratores et perpetui Can- cellarius regentes et non-regentes vestre Universitatis Oxoniensis. 2. Letter to the Bishop of London 3 . To the Bishop of London : begging him to dispense with residence on his cure in the case of Master Simon Alcok, rector of Westyllebury, in order that he may be able to remain at Oxford, and, by his example and teaching, advance the study of theology. 1421. REVERENDO in Christo patri et Domino Johanni Dei gracia Lon- doniensi episcopo, domino suo singular! et precipuo protectori 4 . Honoracionis precipue virentem fervorem a devoti cordis germi- nantem radicibus, et sub vestre dominantis proteccionis aura faventi vestre exaltacionis commoda semper prospere vegetari. O venerande pastor, ecclesie sidus, cleri cedrus et presulum gemma preradians; 1 indies erased after videntur, MS. 2 ut inserted over the line, ib. 3 Where there is no title in the MS., it will be understood that the title given in English has been supplied by the editor in all cases. * This address is at the end of the letter in the MS. To avoid repetition, it may be here observed that no uniform method is used in the MS. Sometimes the address is at the beginning, other time? at the end of the letter; it seems to be more convenient to arrange all the letters in the same order, and this has been done. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 3 limpide racionis vivax consilium vestre discrete mentis in aula senten- ciat quod honoris paterni tune flos decenter pululat et digne laudis fragrancia redolescit in populo, quociens humilium filiorum iusto precamini sue exaudicionis ianuas benigne reserat clemens pater. Filius itaque naturalis legis stateram examine iusto ponderat, qui, materne deprecacionis pulsatus instanciis, a sue recordacionis non abradit registro ubera predulcia que sugebat ; quorum pretextam seriem dum Universitas nostra mature deliberacionis convertit ad aciem, nostre peticionis audacitas dupplicis confidencie alas iam induit, ut vestre secure convolet clemencie pastorali. Quoniam spe inconcussa tenemus quod tarn in vobis gratuite filiacionis nobilitas, per 1 rivos alme Universitatis nostre potata de pectore, materne precis saciabit affectum, quam eciam vestre paterne dignitatis sublimitas pontificalis eminencie tronizata in arce, nostri precaminis filialis graciose dilabetur ad vallem, et precipue in hiis que vestre episcopalis celsitudinis onus alleviant, vobis commissi gregis salutem amplificant, et nostri lumen honoris pariunt nutriunt et decorant. Quocirca pro magistro Simone Alcok rectore ecclesie parochialis de Westyllebury vestre diocesis, quern in artibus magistralis decoris venustat habilitas, theologicique studii collaudat infancia, nostre humilitatis preces, sinceri cordis accensas fervoribus, vestre veneracionis ad conspectum perdu- cimus, attencius supplicando quatenus dictum magistrum, in orto studii virentem palmitem, vestre ordinarie vocacionis securis nondum ad residendum in beneficio suo nostri cetus prescindat a vite ; quin pocius ipsum vestrarum literarum pro certis annis quesumus fulcite tutela, ut ipse in vitali ligno theologice facultatis decenter iam ramificans peram- plius frondeat, frondescens germinet, germinansque floreat, et flores- cens fructificet in catholice doctrine semine, quod posterius in ani- marum campis spargere poterit habundanter. Huius revera nostre peticionis vultum ad graciosi consensus amplexum eo cicius, ut spera- mus, vestri predigni pontificatus invitabit prudencia, quo has nostre supplicacionis fervide vobis immolamus primicias pro viro qui ingenio extat non chaos sed Stella, moribus non urtica sed rosa, in studio non fucus sed apis 2 fructifera, et in sue conversacionis exemplo non lignum aridum sed oliva ; ymmo, si eius ad laudem nostre commendacionis veridice non immerito laxantur habene, inficte assercionis testari potest veritas quod est hie vite speculum, honestatis lucerna et vere virtutis balsamum, quod, divine ducatu gracie, intra latas vestre diocesis fimbrias doctrinalis odoris dulcedinem largiter exalabit. Et utinam in agro dominico vestre cure multi tales nascerentur agricole, qui tribulos 1 A word obliterated, MS. * apes ib. B 2 4 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. a segete, zizannia a tritico, et virtutis granum a viciorum palea extirpare noscerent velut iste, qui seduli sudore studii inter nos sane doctrine metit manipulos, quibus oves Christiani ovilis in future disponit pascere ; si sibi a vestre sede potestatis emanet auctoritas ad sancte predicacionis imbres distillandum in pascua gregis Christi. Qui, >1. i b. futurorum bonorum Pontifex, et Princeps regum terre, ad nostre con- solacionis solacium, dies vestros adaugeat adauctosque felicitet in culmine prelacie. Scriptum in domo nostre congregacionis sub sigillo nostro communi tercio decimo die mensis Februarii. Vestri humiles et perpetui oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis regencium in eadem, 3- Testimonial Letter for Master Robert Pyke. 1422. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in Domino sempiternam. Cum non deceat honeste conversacionis lucernam occultari sub modio, sed pocius hiis, qui in domo Domini sunt, in aperto lucescere, ut sit fidelibus in exemplum; iccirco laudabilem ipsorum vitam, qui inter nos disciplinis scolasticis insistebant diucius, ad communem hominum noticiam eo fervenciori studio pervenire cupimus, quo nonnullos credi- mus ea occasione ad maioris honestatis graciam invitari. Quia ergo venerabilis vir Robertus Pyke, in artibus magister, inter nos in moribus et sciencia sic profecit, quod, tarn laudabiliter quam honeste inter socios conversando, ceteris se prebuit studii et virtutis exemplum, ne ex aliqua calumpniancium invidia tante honestatis splendor mendaciorum nebulis obfuscetur, ad commendacionem dicti magistri pleniorem, eidem super premissis has litteras testimoniales sigillo communi nostre Universitatis fecimus consignari. Datum in domo nostre congregacionis sexto die mensis lulii anno millesimo quadringen- tesimo vicesimo secundo. 4- Testimonial Letter for Master William Parker, alias Corps. 1422. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonie cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore. De summo celo egressus Unigenitus Dei Filius ad ima mundi descendens veritati testimonium perhibuit, nobis relinquens exemplum testimonium EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 5 veritati consimiliter perhibere. Hinc est quod nos super vita et conver- sacione honesta dilecti fratris nostri magistri Willelmi Parker, alias Corps, in artibus magistri certiorare volentes, per has nostras litteras attestamur quod idem magister in dicta Universitate, ceteris se prebens virtutis exemplum, laudabiliter studuit et profecit; et eum nullo novimus crimine innodatum; sed, morum gravitate prefulgens matura, Dei amorem et hominum immaculati nominis titulo vendicavit. Unde, ne calumpniancium invidia aut hora insidiancium maliciose captata eius status alicui posset in dubium revocari, eidem magistro super statu suo laudabili, ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras testimoniales sigillo communi Universitatis nostre predicte fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis decimo die mensis Marcii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo secundo. 5- To the Chancellor of the University. To Master John Castel their Chancellor: whereas a certain venerable person has promised to give money for building a school of theology in Oxford, the Chancellor is earnestly requested to endeavour to obtain payment thereof. EXIMIE discrecionis viro, Magistro lohanni Castel sacre pagine 1423. professori ac Universitatis Oxoniensis matris nostre Cancellario, vestri confratres Commissarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, votorum internis desi- deriis filiales reverencias et honores. Prehonorabilis domine et magister, cum pro matris nostre alme Universitatis profectu et honore vestra maturitas circumspecta longeva affeccione dinoscatur insudasse, ad sperandum firmius invitamur honorem eiusdem matris nostre tarn venerabilis patris favente labore amplius fecundari; nostre igitur congregacionis cetus unanimis totis viribus vestram paternitatem supplicat instancius, quod, cum quidam venerabilis pro edificio scolarum matris nostre aurum certum ex pietatis spiritu compromisit, pro eiusdem auri solucione gratuita viis honestis hac vice laborares \ ut sic edificium Dei inceptum, ad sue laudis excel- Fol. a a. lens preconium ac matris nostre amplianda ubera, futuris succes- soribus doctrine pabulum stabilito fundamine habundanter apponat. Scriptum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis vicesimo die mensis Aprilis. 1 laborare MS. 6 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 6. Testimonial letter for Master John ffossars. 1423. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonie 1 cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in Eo qui est omnium vera salus. Cum eterni Patris Filio, quern Beate Marie Virginis viscera portaverunt, credimus complacere quociens veritati testimo- nium perhibemus. Hinc est quod nos super mora et graduacione in dicta nostra Universitate venerabilis viri domini Johannis ffos- sars, in decretis bacallarii, omnes quorum interest certiorare volentes, per has nostras litteras attestamur, quod idem dominus Johannes graduatus extitit inter nos in iure canonico secundum consue- tudines laudabiles dicte Universitatis. Ut 2 [igitur] super prefata graduacione dicti domini Johannis omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras nostras testimoniales sigillo communi nostre Universitatis predicte fecimus consignari. Datum in domo nostre congregacionis Oxonie octavo die mensis Maii anno Domini millesimo quadringen- tesimo vicesimo tercio. Nota quod Universitas non consuevit vocare bacallarios Magistros 3 . 7- Testimonial letter for Master Richard ffranke. 1423. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonie 1 cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in Eo qui est omnium vera salus. Egressus summo de celo Unigenitus Dei films misera- bilem humanitatis ad vallem descendens veritati testimonium per- hibuit, nobis relinquens exemplum testimonium veritati consimiliter perhibere. Hinc est quod nos super vita moribus et conversacione honesta dilecti nobis in Christo magistri Ricardi ffranke, sacre pagine professoris, Eboracensis diocesis, confratris nostri, omnes quorum interest certiorare volentes, per has litteras attestamur, quod idem magister, dum inter nos steterat, facultati theologie 1 The words Oxonie and Oxoniensis are used indiscriminately in the MS. 9 Igitur omitted in MS. * This note is in a different and smaller hand, and was plainly inserted afterwards, I suspect at the time of the great dispute and trouble occasioned by the attempt made by the Bachelors to have the title of Masters. Vide infra, epist. 107. EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL. 7 dans operam efficacem in eadem laudabiliter studuit et profecit, ac iuxta statuta nostreque Universitatis consuetudines pacifice quiete et honeste inter nos fuerat conversatus ; adeo quod, quamdiu cetum nostrum sua presencia decoraverat, eum nullo novimus crimine innodatum, sed morum gravitate prefulgens matura Dei amorem et hominum immaculati nominis titulo vendicavit. Unde, ne calump- niancium invidia aut ora x insidiancium maliciose captata tante honestatis splendor possit alicui in dubium revocari, eidem magistro, et super statu suo laudabili, ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras testimonials sigillo nostre Universitatis communi fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis vicesimo secundo die mensis Junii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vice- simo tercio. 8. To the Earl of Warwick. Fol. a b. Whereas certain rebellious scholars made an attack upon the earfs family and the proctor of the University, the Chancellor is doing his utmost to punish them as they deserve. Thanks for gracious reply to deputation. NOBILISSIMO et prepotenti domino, comiti de Warwyke, suo sin- 1423. gulari domino et gracioso protectori. Nobilissime et magnifice domine, premissa nostra recommenda- cione humillima cum omnimodis reverencia et honore. Dignetur scire vestra nobilitas graciosa, quod ad castigacionem nostrorum rebellium, qui in vestram familiam et nostrum procuratorem insur- rexerunt enormiter et iniuste, dominus Cancellarius omnimodam diligenciam et 2 rigorem iuridicum exhibet; et nos nostram assis- tenciam concilium ac potenciam ex totis nostris precordiis prebe- mus et prebebimus; nee aliud in hac causa concipiat vestra domi- nacio ; quia, teste Altissimo, maliciam huius facti non minus contra nos in Universitatis nostre scandalum, quam contra vestram fami- liam equo pondere computamus. Vere igitur dignum et iustum et equum atque salutare ut condigna subeant penarum stipendia, qui tanti facinoris damnosa scandala in clero erigere minime formida- bant. Super singulis nempe articulis materiam concernentibus plenam informacionem magistro Johanni Bedminstyr nostro pro- curatori tradidimus in credencia, per quem vestre dominacionis 1 The h in hora carefully erased, MS. a rigorem et iuridicum ib. 8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. responsum recepimus graciosum; ob quam quidem 1 tante nobilitatis graciam reputamus nos vestre serenitati perpetuo obligates, et pro- mittimus nos facturos quicquid possumus in hac parte. Et vestre magnifice milicie nobilitatem prepotentem conserve! et adaugeat multiplicis gracie incrementis summus judex omnium, ad sui honorem et vestri premii apicem et ad vindictam malorum laudem- que bonorum. Amen. Scriptum in domo nostre congregacionis decimo septimo die mmst's Decembris. Vestre magnifice dominacionis humiles oratores servitoresque perpetui Cancellarius cetusque unani- mis magistrorum Universitatis Oxoniensis. 9- To the Pope. In behalf of Master Ely as Vare, who is bound by his oath to reside in Oxford, as necessary regent, but is absent on account of urgent business, that he may be absolved from the obligation of that oath. BEATISSIME pater devotissima filiali recommendacione 2 premissa cum humillima obediencia [et] 3 subieccione ad oscula pedum beato- rum. Sanctissime pater, ubilibet orbe terrarum Celebris fama pre- conizat, quod licet summe vestre clemencie circumspecta prudencia similiter se prebeat graciosam, illos tamen libencius, ad exaudicionis * graciam benigno prosequens favore liberius premovet et admittit, quos matura decorat profunditas 8 scripturarum, saneque conversacionis insignia reddunt merito commendandos ; unde, quia confrater noster Elyas Vare 6 sancti 7 ordinis Minorum, sacre theologie professor, vir vite laudabilis conversacionisque honeste, regens necessarius in nostra Universitate Oxoniensi existit, et sue regencie actibus obligatur virtute prestiti iuramenti, dignetur igitur vestra clemencia paternalis nos- trarum precum mediacione se exorabilem exhibere ; et rutila suorum meritorum commendacione, in sua absencia ad presens notabiliter excusabili, dignis favoribus habere specialiter recommissum. Et vestre unice et indubitate 8 sedis 9 apostolice apicem gloriosum, ad sacrosancte ecclesie regimen et munimen, felicissime conservet in pro- speris summus Pastor ovium, cuius vicem geritis, Jesus Christus. Scriptum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis undecimo die mensis Februarii. 1 quid MS. * recommendissima corrected in MS. 3 et omitted in MS. * exaudiciones MS. * funditas ib. 6 or Vore ib. 7 sancte ib. 8 indubiente apparently, ib. 9 sedes ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 9 10. To the Bishop of Exeter. Soliciting the promotion of Master William Brounynge. REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino, domino Edmundo, Dei 1423. gracia Exoniensi episcopo confratri nostro carissimo. Reverende in Christo pater et domine, post devotum nostre com- mendacionis obsequium. Tenere vos credimus ex iusticie debito quod hii debeant in percipiendis premiorum manipulis ceteros anteire, qui sciencie et virtutis rutila preeminent honestate. Ea propter pater- nitati vestre, quam fraternali et sincera dileccione prosequimur, carissi- mum confratrem nostrum, magistrum Willelmum Brounynge, vestre diocesis, in decretis doctorem, virum itaque laudabilis vite et conver- sacionis honeste aliisque virtutibus multipharie insignitum, necnon in spiritualibus et temporalibus circumspectum, cuius periciam et dis- crecionem per operis exercicium indies experimur, specialius quo possumus commendantes, vos attencius deprecamur, quatenus eidem confratri nostro thesaurum vestri favoris et gracie effundatis ad graciosum sui status incrementum ; ut eo plenius eidem paternitati vestre ad graciarum teneamur acciones, quo nostrum sincerius con- fratrem de vestri pectoris armariolo noverimus exaltatum; ex dicto recensentes philosophico ' hoc pertinere ad tocius integritatem quod sui parti impenditur ad profectum'. Vestram paternitatem reverendam diu et feliciter conserve! in prosperis et dirigat in agendis Trinitas in- creata, noxia removens universa. Scriptum in domo nostre congrega- cionis octavo die mensis Aprilis. Vestri confratres et oratores Cancel- larius Universitatis Oxonie cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. II. To the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Fol. 3 Begging for assistance in building the new theological school, and commending their deputation in this behalf. REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino Nicholao, Dei gracia Wellensi 1423, et Bathoniensi episcopo ac suo domino gracioso. Reverende in Christo pater et domine, premissa recommendacione humillima cum sinceris vestre salutis affectibus. Concepimus ex venerabilium personarum relatibus quomodo vestra pietas paternalis io EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. in pauperes digne respicit, et plura pietatis opera caritatis intuitu amplexatur. Nos vero sub penuria laborantes in quodam scolarum edificio iam incepto ad vestras dignas manus respicimus adiutrices ; et, pro pleniore vestre dominacionis informacione in hac causa, dignemini magistro Thome Colas, presencium latori, viro discreto et fideli nostroque confratri, fidem indubiam adhibere, ac ipsum in nostris negociis atque suis, que penes vestram dominacionem graciosam in se assumpsit humiliter et votive suis laboribus exponenda, clementer acceptare et pie exaudire. Et graciam vobis pro gracia Altissimus ipse reddat, dirigatque in prosperis, ac felicissimis adaugeat future glorie incrementis. Scriptum in domo nostre congregacionis duodecimo die mensis Aprilis. Vestre dominacionis paternalis humiles oratores et votivi Cancellarius cetusque unanimis regencium Universitatis Oxon. 12. Testimonial letter for Master W. Certeyn. 1424. ANNO Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo quarto, vicesimo quinto die mensis lunii sigillata fuit una littera testimonialis magistro Will mo . Certeyn sub forma secunde littere testimonialis scripta superius in secunda parte primi folii istius registri, viz. Magistro W. Parker. Testimonial letter for Master John Brente. 1424. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum in eadem salutem in Domino Jesu Christo. De summo celo egressus Unigenitus Dei filius ad ima mundi descendens veritati testimonium perhibuit, nobis relinquens exemplum testimonium veritati consimiliter perhibere. Hinc est quod nos, super vita et conversacione honesta dilecti confratris nostri magistri Johannis Brente, in artibus magistri, certiorare volentes, per has nostras litteras attestamur quod idem magister in dicta universitate regenciam suam fine votivo con- cludens laudabiliter studuit et perfecit, et eum nullo 1 novimus 2 crimine innodatum ; sed 8 morum gravitate prefulgens matura, Dei amorem et hominum immaculati nominis titulo vendicavit. Unde, ne calumpniancium invidia aut hora insidiancium maliciose captata eius 1 Erasure before nffviuius. * nominis MS. 3 Erasure after sed. EPISTOLAE ACADEMJCAE. n status alicui possit in dubium revocari, eidem magistro super statu suo laudabili, ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras testimoniales communi sigillo nostre universitatis predicte fecimus consignari. Datum Oxom'e, in nostre congregacionis domo quinto die mensis Julii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo quarto. 14. Testimonial letter for Master John Lord. ANNO Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo quarto, quinto 1424. die Julii sigillata fuit littera testimonialis magistro Johanni Lord sub forma littere immediate precedents. Littera directa domino Cantuariensi pro excusacione Fol. 3 b. maledictorum de Universitate. We beg that your grace will wait for more evidence and not believe the partial accounts you have hitherto received of the University. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Henrico Dei gracia 1424. Cantuariensi archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati et apostolice sedis legato ac suo singularissimo protectori. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, premissa recommenda- cione nostra humillima cum omnimodis reverencia et obediencia debitis tanto patri. Dignetur vestra paternitas graciosa, in qua singulariter nos speramus, pie nobis exaudicionis annuere intervallum, et corde, ut credimus, amplexari gravamina que sentimus; et intendimus Deo duce per nostrum Cancellarium et consilium ab Universitate deputation inquirere suscitate litis fomitem, et oblatrantis discidii sementina in pacis gremium resarcire. Hec subito non feruntur nee quibuscunque relatibus nisa condescendunt * ; nam et inquit precipuus pugil ecclesie Augustinus, ' multi multa referunt sed non omnia digna fide ' : exoramus igitur vestram clemenciam paternalem, humillime pro respectu a , aciem 1 opportune continuacionis in hac vice usque ad nostros nuncios vobis destinandos, legitimis causis subsistentibus, ob honorem Dei et vestre dominacionis reverenciam et pleniorem veritatis informa- cionem capiscendam. Pater prestantissime, speramus in vestra domi- 1 There is no difficulty here in deciphering the MS., the words are perfectly plain ; the word 'aciem ' may perhaps be doubtful. 12 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. nacione graciosa, nee ei dignum dabimus obicem, quern timemus, quern amamus, et quern cupimus protectorem. Conservet ideo nobis vestram dominacionem exorabilem Omnipotens felicissime cum gra- ciosis incrementis in prosperis et honore. Scriptum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis duodecimo die mensis Decembris, Vestre reveren- dissime paternitatis obedientes filii et oratores humillimi Cancellarius et cetus unanimis regencium Universitatis Oxoniensis. 16. To the King's Council. Praying that they, having the sword committed to them for that purpose, will at once take steps to preserve peace in the University ; and commending their deputation, the Chancellor thereof. 1424. CLARISSIMIS prudentissimisque concilii regii dominis, reipublice ac pauperis sui cleri dignissimis protectoribus. Clarissimis consilii regii dominis suus clerus Oxoniensis, ad intima subieccionis obsequia humillimus et devotus, reverencias omnimodas et honores, ac celebre regni regimen sub tarn felici prudencia in omnibus pacifice prosperari. Magni consilii angelus pacem reddens terrigenis gladium commisit principibus, quo in nocentes subditos pax tueretur firmior, iusto metu improbos cohercente. Nam tanquam racioni consonum spectabilis patrum antiquitas suis posteris contradidit, ut rebellium contumacias ferri censura feriat, quos ad vivendi regulam lenitas non emollit. Attendat vestra solers sublimitas, prudenti iuris acie, ex qua facili iuventutis lignicula accenduntur, cuius fumo exalante formidamus infamia denigrari *, et, nisi vigili cura obstaremus principiis, in eventu, sepissime crescente malicia et iusticia tepescente, scintilla exurgeret in incendium, et gutta grandesceret temere in torrentem. Ad quern ergo rectius ibimus pro succursu et pro tuicione quietis nobis necessarie, iam rege nostro iuvenilis sue nobilitatis preludia naturali presagio amplexante, quam ad consilii sui apicem, ex quo, inconcussis 2 nobis libertatibus prerogative regie, sicut per reges actenus consuevimus communiri ? Tanti igitur consilii prudenciam 3 famosissime policie laudibus adornatam 4 humillimis 6 pulsamus precibus in nomine quietis clipeum manus porrigere protectricem, ut expositis causis et nostri meroris motivis per nostrum Cancellarium cum aliis sibi assistentibus 1 denigrare MS. a in conssis (without any sign of abbreviation) ib. 8 prudencium ib. 4 adornatum ib. 5 humillimus ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL, 13 vice nostra, dignemini l intuitu caritatis contra debacantium turbines, ne insolencia effrenis nimium invalescat, nos pio munimine consolari. Et Deus, auctor pacis et amator, adaugeat 2 felicissime commissum vobis regimen regni atque cleri. Vestri subditi humillimi oratoresque perpetui Cancellarius et s congregacio regencium Oxonie, 17- Littera directa domino Cantuariensi de non trahendo Fol. 4 a. causas ad extra. The privileges of the University were granted that peace, so necessary to students, might not be disturbed. If suits terminable in the University are allowed to be taken elsewhere, our statutes are violated. Our Chancellor and others with him will give all necessary information on the point now in question. REVZRENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, domino Henrico Dei 1424. gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati, et apostolice sedis legato, ac suo singularissimo protectori. Reverendissime in Christo pater et singularissime nobis domine, premissa recommendacione nostra humillima, cum sincere subieccionis reverencia obedientiali debita tanto patri. Vestre paternitati dilectissime scribere curavimus ex precordiis, cui in omnibus, ut tenemur, honorem deferrimus et amorem. Pater prestantissime, noverit vestra solidissima discrecio quod pre omnibus quies studio est optabilis, et pax prehonora- bilis cunctis bonis ; ad cuius efficaciam propensius consequendam conceduntur nobis privilegia, conduntur statuta, et consuetudines concinunt diucius approbate, de non trahendo causas ad extra, que sunt ad infra terminabiles; nisi primitus observatis remediis statutorum et ex inde ulterius iuris beneficium nullatenus denegatur. Facile ergo mutare non convenit precipicii per abruptum quod a longevis temporibus pacifice perpenditur confirmatum. Solum pacem cupimus et liberum studii exercicium, ac vestram dominacionem paternalem nobis piissimam protectricem. Et nostro Cancellario et aliis secum vices nostras gerentibus pro informacione pleniori dignetur vestra paternitas graciosa credenciam indubiam adhibere : cuius dignissimum apicem conservet dignus Pastor felicissime cum prosperis incrementis, cum omni gracia et honore. Vestre reverendissime paternitatis humiles subditi oratoresque perpetui Cancellarius et congregacio regencium Universitatis Oxoniensis. 1 sibi repeated before dignemini, MS. 2 adauget ib. 3 et omitted in MS. 14 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 18. To the Bishop of Winchester. To the same effect as the preceding letter. 1424. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo episcopo Wyntoniensi, &c. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, nobis singularissime- que protector, premissa nostra recommendacione humillima cum omnimodis reverencia et honore. Confidimus sub proteccione vestre dominacionis nobilissime pacifice nostris gaudere privileges et statutis, sicut actenus consuevimus ab antiquis ; ac eis rependere vices resistendi qui sibi nequiter palliant perizomata oppugnandi. Ex preteritis nempe vestre dominacionis beneficiis spes magna nobis redditur de futuris ; rogamus ea que ad pacem sunt, ne insidie nos preocupent * emulorum, et ne litigiis evocemur forinsecus per eos 2 qui novitates querunt querelarum, et dispendiosas lites fovent. Nobis vero congruum et sufficiens reputamus veterum servare decreta, quia philosophicus sermo dictat quod ' novitas plura parit pericula ubi antiquitas non peccavit? Respiciat igitur, si dignemini, sub iuvene principe, vestra maturitas nobilissima ad studii nostri quietem caritatis intuitu, sicut speravimus et speramus. Et, ut nihil de contingentibus omittamus, nostrum Cancellarium et alios vice Universitatis deputatos plenam credenciam commisimus vestre dominacioni nobilissime luci- dius exponendam ; vestreque nobilitatis celsitudinem paternalem dirigat Altissimus felicissime ad sui laudem in prosperis et honore, &c. Among other your charity for the soul of the deceased, we venture to ask that you will bestow a share upon us for the new school of theology. We send to you our Chancellor, who will declare to you how great is our poverty. 1424. HONORABILIBUS viris et discretis, executoribus Johannis Whytynton. Honorabiles domini, premissa recommendacione humillima in vis- ceribus Salvatoris. Fama laudiflua nobis innotuit de eximiis miseri- cordie operibus pro anima bone memorie Johannis Whytynton, per vestram fidelem execucionem indefesse ministratis ; unde et nos in 1 freocnpant MS. 2 eo ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 15 vestra clemencia confidantes sincerius * audemus pulsare vestras reverencias et nostram necessitatem vestris piis animis exponere, sub- sidium et succursum vestre elimosyne ad quoddam magne pietatis opus devocius exorando. Et, ut nostre pie paupertatis vota vestris discrecionibus apercius elucescant, dominum nostrum Cancellarium vobis mittimus vice nostra, cui dignemini credenciam indubiam adhi- bere ; et vobis pro mentis graciam reddat pro gracia piissimus Jesus Christus, qui pro temporalibus dat eterna. 20. Hec littera missa fuit convocacioni cleri anno domini mille- Fol. 4 b. simo quadringentesimo vicesimo quinto, existentibus tune Cancellario Universitatis Oxonie magistro J. Castell et procuratoribus magistro J. Shirebourn et Willelmo CoUyng. The University abhors and condemns the new and monstrous heretical doctrine (of W. Russell} that personal tithe needs not to be paid to parochial clergy. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri ac domino, domino Henrico Dei 1425. gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati et apostolice sedis legato ceterisque venerabilibus patribus et prelatis Cantuariensis provincie, Universitas studii generalis Oxonie reverencias et honores devotos et debitos tarn venerando cetui prelatorum, ac ceteris quibus- cunque fidelibus salutem in amplexibus Salvatoris ; et ad defensionem percelebrem catholice fidei firmiter et feliciter consistere, ac errores et hereses salubriter expugnare. Pristinorum temporum vicissitudines exempla varia et gesta tradiderunt fidelibus intuenda, quomodo ab exordio nascentis ecclesie, quam celestis Agricola Christus Jesus Dei Filius suique successores apostoli in sacro suo sanguine plantaverunt, continue per varias mundi provincias varii pulularunt heretici, qui sub specie pietatis et veritatis pretextu suis perversis dogmatibus populos alliciebant ignaros ; et spiritu presumpcionis inflati matrem suam ecclesiam Christi sponsam suffodere, et ut perversa viperarum genimina corrodere 2 satagebant. Quorum calliditati et perversitati pestifere Spiritus sancti clemens provisio obviare benigne disposuit, dum patres et pastores ecclesie velut firmissimas columpnas erexit, doctoresque varies voluit florere vicissim; et exinde sacra concilia 1 senccrius MS. 2 An allusion to the belief that the young of the viper gnaw their way into the world through the mother's belly. 16 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. elaborata decreta auctoritate sacrosancte matris ecclesie posteris firma- bantur fidelibus, ut Jam non figura sed veritas, non mine opinio sed autoritas publice traduntur servande sub pena contemptus. Sed quia 'in multis novitas parit pericula, in quibus antiquitas non peccavit,' illud esse censemus inconcusse tenendum quod ab antiquis patribus constat clarissime prefinitum. Verum quia nuper nobis innotuit cuiusdam novelli insana doctrina contra decimas personales, cuius miramur audaciam et dolemus insipienciam, sed eius pertinaciam et ecclesie contemptum sustinere veremur, et ne nostra taciturnitas seu negli- gencia tacito consensui ascribatur, in ipsa materia scribere curavimus quod Concordes sentimus, et in evidens testimonium nostro sigillo communiri decrevimus, ad veritatis delucidacionem et obsequium ecclesie ut tenemur. Dicimus et firmiter concipimus quod decime personales, tarn ex preeepto iuris divini quam sanctorum patrum tradicionibus, sub autoritate ecclesie cum concordi iuris iudicio deben- tur ecclesiis et earum ministris curam animarum habentibus sue fame et glorie maculam, quam non meruit, molientes imprimere, nullatenus consueti favoris et gracie prescindat vestre dignacionis influxum a dicto pastore nostro, laudabili plurimum ac ecclesie Anglicane perutili; in qua, micans irradiacione virtutum, imitandus anteponitur ceteris ad exemplar. Quin universi per limites sciunt principes, sciunt proceres, proclamant pauperes quod dictus noster reverendissimus pater est in ecclesia Fol. 10 b. gentis nostre non rapax lupus sed pastor bonus, non arundo flatum sequens amicicie, sed stabilis ut columpna sacrosancte matris ecclesie, non piger et negligens in tuendis ecclesie libertatibus ; sed ut fidus vestre sanctitatis ac sacrosancte Romane ecclesie films, in sanctuario Dei solidus stat ut murus, quern fodere nequit simonista cupiditas, quern quatere nequit heretica pravitas; cum sit hie alter Jonathas, cujus sagitta nunquam abiit retrorsum hereticos persequendo. Mi- ramur ergo, miramur, quis apud sanctissimam sedem vestram, timore Dei postposito, os suum aperire ausus est in verba mendacii contra patrem tarn modestum et pium, virtutibus undique radiantem ; cum sit hie vite speculum, vas virtutum, lucerna morum, fulcitus consilio, amabilis populo, clefique specialis alumpnus ; cujus nos testes esse debemus, cum Universitatis nostre graduati plurimi, quos morum ac sciencie maturitas animarum preparavit ad curam, per antedictum patrem nostrum in vineam Domini Sabbaoth beneficiorum collacione provida fuerint vocati. Pater ergo beatissime, aures vestre sanctitatis avertite a scandalosis mendaciis incidiancium emulorum, qui, ut audivimus, sattagentes effundere sanguinem injuste nituntur opprimere virum justum. Et ut s dicti domini nostri Cantuariensis beatitudini vestre mores et vita pateant, credite regni nostri presulibus, credite proceribus, credite et nobis, licet indignis; quoniam sic in scriptis palleam pro grano, lollium pro tritico quis non tremeret presentare ? Hinc obsecramus humillime quatenus dictum dominum et patrem nostrum, candelabrum aureum in templo ecclesie Anglicane pro- secucione solita 4 favoris et gracie, ad subditorum sibi gaudium et munimen, confovere dignetur 5 vestri beatissimi culminis clemencia pastoralis; quam, post felix regimen ecclesie militantis, inter apostolice 1 humilis MS. 9 circumJenmt ib. 3 ut omitted ib. 4 solitata ib. * digenetur ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 35 sedis vicarios in triumphant! Jerusalem futurorum bonorum Pontifex collocet Jesus Christus Scriptum Oxonie in nosire congregacionis domo vicesimo quarto die mensis Julii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo septimo. Devotissimi sanctitatis vestre filii Cancellarius cetusque unanimis magistrorum vestre Universitatis Oxoniensis. 37- To the Duke of Gloucester and the King's Council. Fol. n a. Power is given from above 'for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of them that do well' To you therefore, as zealous defenders of the truth, we with humble spirit open our difficulties. One William Melton of the Friars minors, a degenerate son of this University, has, notwithstanding his vows to the contrary, preached un- circumcised words and led astray the ignorant up and down the country. Hereupon we cited him to appear before us, and he submitted ; but u;hen we required him to appear again and to receive from us a sound form of discourses for his use, he failed to do so, and still remains impenitent, defies our authority and violates his oath. ILLUSTRI et potenti principi ac domino nostro metuendo, Humfrido 1427. duci Gloucestrie comiti Hainaultie 1 , Hollandie, Zeelandie, &c., ac regni Anglic protectori, reverendissimis in Christo patribus ac pre- latis, ac dominis magnificis de consilio illustrissimi et metuendissimi domini nostri regis, dominis nostris graciosissimis. Illustris et potens princeps, reverendissimi in Christo patres et domini magnifici, nobis plurimum graciosi, humillima matris nostre recommendacione premissa: A summo prodiens in filios hominum derivata 8 potestas, ad bonorum laudem vindictamque malorum, quosdam, ut non horreret confusio, sublimavit salubriter principes et pastores, quorum manu robusta lex communita succresceret s , et justicia tribueret cunctis equo 4 libramine quod est suum. Sic in magna domo militantis ecclesie, sue bipharie mancionis spiritualis et temporalis, in firmissimas turres vos dignissime novimus exaltatos, quatinus alto vestri consilio, spiritu, brachioque vigoris extento, quod in subjecta plebe notorie deviat ad pacis et reclitudinis viam blande vel aspere reducatur. Ad vos igitur prenobiles domini, quos tenemus 1 This word is quite hopeless in the MS., but there can be no doubt felt in supplying it, as the epistle belongs to the short time during which the Duke used this title. * dirivata MS. 3 successeret ib. * eque ib. D 2 36 EPISTOLAE ACADEM1CAE. studii nostri defensores precipuos et veritatis fervidos zelatores, super hiis que nos et matrem nostram conturbant et angunt, que eciam non valemus dissimulate silencio, cum prostrate spiritu in presenti recurrimus uno corde ; et eo fervencius dominacionibus vestris que- rulosa nudamus, quanto per easdem solidius credimus ecclesie et libertatibus nostris obvia reformari. Conceptam enim de quodam nunc degenerante, licet olim dicte nostre matris alumpno, fratre Willelmo Melton * de ordine Minorum admiracionis et turbacionis non injuste materiam, non sine punccione nostre mentis attendimus, sed inviti pocius earn referimus cum dolore. Hie enim obedienciam filialem in obsequendis privilegiis et statutis sepius matris nostre verbis et gestibus promittebat ; qui eciam regni discurrendo provincias insana predicando disseruit, ac inter simplices et plebeios in plerisque locis per verba incircumcisa sediciose 2 docebat, prout fama publica, seu verius infamia, et fidedignorum testimonia testantur 3 . Quibus enormitatis excessibus nos ex pondere caritatis obviare curantes, dictum fratrem Willelmum citatum personaliter et postea comparentem sen- tenciam, correccionis modo, in venerando Minorum consilio benigniter affabamur. Ubi quibusdam articulis objectis sibi dulciter, qui et sui reformacionem ac debitum juramenti concernunt, ad tune palam et libere decreto et ordinacioni Universitatis nostre protinus in omnibus se submisit. Et quia cor nostrum dedimus ob animarum salutem, ut quos dictus frater Willelmus prius incauto sermone nube quadam dubietatis * obvolverat, nostre diffinicionis luculento tenore per veritatis viam solide duceremus, ipsum alias ad diem certum comparere mandavimus, deliberaciori consilio purgatam a nobis predicandi formulam recepturum ; que nee scrupulum ambiguitatis admittat, nee simplicibus oculis materiam offerat questionis. Ipso tamen adveniente die, eciam ulterius lapsis mensibus et diebus, sepedictus Willelmus proprie salutis immemor, licet graciose ad multos terminos exspectatus, non 5 sacramento per eum prestito aut salutaribus sue matris monitis adquiescens, ad ipsius matris ignominiam, contra libertates ejusdem stabilitas per tempora, supra quod in evo nostro de quovis patuit, in perniciosum exemplum aliis rebellavit ; in qua rebellione, quam docent opera, usque in presens velut protervus et contumax perseverat. Quibus omnibus pia consideracione pensatis, dominacionibus vestris voto supplicamus unanimi et ex idemptitate cordium humillime deprecamur, quatinus dictum nobis rebellem, qui juramento recalcitrans in duricia sui cordis obdormit, coartare velitis 1 This name is written, in contemporary hand, over the line, the original is only in initials W. M. 2 sedicioso MS. 8 tetestantur ib. * dubertatis ib. 5 nam ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 37 manu potencie, ut ad obedienciam debitam et domicilium redeat sue matris ; ipsorum itaque potestates agnoscet, quorum vii tute statuta et privilegia nostra sunt condita, a Christianissimis regibus approbata; ne, quod absit, ipsorum violator et transgressor legum, latores legum et conditores per ilium haberi occasionabit 1 in despectum. In pre- missis vero Cancellarius et procurator nostri, latores presencium, veridice noverunt dominaciones vestras prenobiles specialius infor- mare ; quibus favorem in agendis nostris et aurem credulam adhibere dignemini graciose. Et easdem vestras dominaciones clarissimas ad suum beneplacitum et tocius regni munimen defendat et roboret Rex omnium triumphator. Scrip turn Oxonie in nostre congregacionis [domo*] anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo septimo, sepiimo die Novembris. Humillimi dominacionum vestrarum oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium et non regencium in eadem. 38. Fol. n b. Testimonial letter for Master Henry Cheret. 1427. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonie cetusque unanimis magistrorum in eadem regencium 3 , salutem in Eo qui via veritas est et vita. Tociens altissime veritatis conspectui condignum cre- dimus offerre 4 libamen quociens virtutibus 5 precellenti et sciencia fidele perhibemus testimonium digne laudis: Hinc est quod nos super vita et conversacione honesta dilecti confratris nostri magistri Henrici Cheret, in artibus magistri, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, per has litteras nostras attestamur, quod idem magister in dicta Universitate regenciam suam fine concludens votivo, lauda- biliter studuit et profecit 6 , adeo quod, quamdiu sua presencia cetum nostrum decoraverat, ilium nullo novimus crimine innodatum ; sed morum gravitate prefulgens matura, Dei amorem et hominum im- maculati nominis titulo vendicavit. Ne igitur calumpniancium invidia aut hora maliciose capta ejus status alicui possit in dubium revocari, eidem magistro super statu suo laudabili, ut omnibus plenius inno- tescat, has litteras testimoniales communi sigillo nostre Universitatis predicte fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo mensis Marcii die decimo anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo septimo. 1 offasionabitur MS. a Omitted in MS. 3 in eadem repeated in MS. 4 offere MS. 3 virtutis ib. 6 profici ib. 38 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 39- Testimonial letter for Master Roger Downe, 1428. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Thomas Chace, sacre theplogie professor, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem et pacem in Domino sempiternam. Quia vite et conversacionis honeste odorem suavissimum in nostro grege con- versancium ad Christi fidelium noticiam ardenter cupimus, ut debemus, sub testimonio laudabili pervenire, nos dilecti confratris nostri fratris Rogeri Downe, ordinis Minorum 1 , sacre theologie professoris, in dicta nostra Universitate magistral! regentis honore predicte facultatis laudabiliter suum complentis officium, vivendi regulam in moribus et sciencia sufficient! iudicio cognoscentes, singulis orthodoxe matris ecclesie filiis per has nostras litteras attestamur, quod suis exigentibus meritis ad sue laudabilis 2 conversacionis indicium per nos sibi merujt fidele testimonium perhiberi. Ne ergo calumpniancium invidia aut hora insidiancium maliciose captata ejus status qualitercunque possit in dubium revocari, eidem confratri nostro super statu suo laudabili et sue complecione regencie has litteras testimoniales sigillo communi nostre Universitatis fecimus consignari. Data Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo mensis Julii die nono, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo octavo. Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 1428. NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, magistros Johannem Wygrym et Ricardum Babthorpe, procuratores Universitatis Oxoniensis, recepisse et habuisse die confeccionis presencium de religiosis viris Abbate et conventu Monasterii de Osenea juxta Oxoniam viginti et sex solidos octo denarios sterlingorum, pro quadam pensione de anno regni regis Henrici sexti sexto : De quibus quidem viginti et sex solidos et octo denarios, pro predicta annua pensione, fatemur nos fore solutos ; et inde predictos religiosos viros et eorum succes- sores acquietamus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis antedicte presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis quinto die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum septimo. 1 minoris MS. ' laudabiletn ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 39 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. Fol. ia a. NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, magistros Johannem Wy- 1428. grym et Ricardum Babthorp, procuratores Universitatis Oxoniensis, recepisse et habuisse die confeccionis presencium de religiosis viris Abbate et conventu monasterii de Enseham, Lincolniensis diocesis, sexaginta et octo solidos sterlingorum, pro quadam pensione, de anno regni regis Henrici sexti sexto : De quibus quidem sexaginta et octo solidis, pro predicta annua pensione, fatemur nos fore solutos ; et inde predictos religiosos viros et eorum successores acquietamus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis antedicte presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis quinto die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexli post conquestum septimo. 40. To the Pope. Commending Master John Stokis, and soliciting promotion in reward for his services. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Martino, divina 1428. providencia sacrosancte Romane et universalis ecclesie summo Pontifici. Sanctissime pater, humillima et filiali recommendacione premissa, cum devotissimis terre osculis ante pedes. Immensa Dei patris sapiencia, cuncta disponens salubria, ecclesie sue sancte saluberrime providit, dum tantum patrem digne vocari voluit ad apostolatus culmina ; qui pius pater novit esse laborantibus in studiis diuturnis, et, ut in doctrine stadio doctores catholici, morum claritate conspicui, scientificorum fructuum ub.ertate fecundi, expedicius currant, bravium statueret pro labore. Ideo vestre sanctitatis humillima ancilla, vestra Universitas Oxoniensis, nrmissime credens quod, si viscerosis precibus mentem sanctissimi patris pinguem J tetigerit, fumigabit odorem bonum; si verissimam Christi petram devotis percusserit peticionibus fluent aque gracie salutaris; exemplo igitur matris filiorum Zebedei vestra Universitas Oxoniensis se exponit pro suo filio et karissimo confratre nostro magistro Johanne Stokis, legum doctore, famoso rerum experiencia, excellenter instructo, et in determinacione ecclesie Dei solidissime radicato. Ea devocione qua possumus supplicamus, quatinus sinceris matris precibus, pro filio digno deprecantis, aures MS. 40 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. sue clemencie benignius inclinet pater sanctissimus, eumque sic commendatum suscipere [dignetur] l , ut matris preces humillime cum effectu profuisse senciat' 2 ; etfidelis servi industria congruis honoribus premietur. Vestram sanctissimam paternitatem diu et feliciter ad re- fugium ecclesie et fidei conserve! et protegat in humanis, cujus vicem geritis, unus Deus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo Februarii die nono. Humillimi et devoti apostolice sanctitatis filii Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. Decree of Congregation 3 . 4 The University will maintain the Chancellor, proctors, and other their officers in defending their privilege, by resisting the mayor and his subordinates whenever they attempt to levy illegal taxes upon the vendors of provisions. And they will assist the Chancellor in raising money for repair of the streets. 1428. UNIVERSIS Christi fidelibus, notum sit per presentes, quod, decimo nono die mensis Marcii, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo octavo, in plena congregacione regencium Universitatis Oxoniensis, ex unanimi assensu et consensu omnium doctorum singu- lorumque magistrorum ibidem, decretum erat quod, si contingat magistrum Thomam Chace Cancellarium, procuratores aut aliquos alios magistros et servientes dicte Universitatis molestari seu quovis- modo gravari racione execucionis privilegiorum ejusdem Universitatis ; videlicet in resistendo Majori, ballivis seu aliis quibuscunque ser- vientibus ville Oxonie, extorquentibus seu capientibus a venditoribus victualium, scilicet ostreorum, piscium, cuniculorum, ovorum et aliorum victualium infra libertates dicte ville, contra voluntatem dicte Universitatis, tolnetum vel stall agium, seu aliquod aliud genus ex- accionis illicite ; tune dicta Universitas eosdem et eorum quemlibet defendet et defendere faciet ejusdem Universitatis sumptibus et expensis. Item, predicta Universitas eosdem et eorum quemlibet defendet seu defendere faciet suis sumptibus, ut premittitur, et expensis, ab omni molestacione et gravamine racione execucionis privilegiorum predictorum in parochia Sancti Thome, et in ceteris suburbiis dicte ville ; videlicet arestando et incarcerando et in aliis 5 faciendo pro pace, 1 The word dignetur omitted in MS. * senciant MS. s See Epist. 45. Also the memorandum following Epist. 41 and the patent letter next succeeding it. Also the memorandum fol. 20 a. * At head of this article are written in the MS. in a different and later hand, the words, decreium, lolnetum stallagium. 8 aliisque MS. EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAE. 41 et ut dicta privilegia exigebunt l . Item, predicta Universitas predicto domino Cancellario assistet in levando expensas factas circa repara- ciones pavimentorum dicte ville, quousque sibi fuerit plenarie satis- factum. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo congregacionis dicte Universitatis die et anno superius expressatis. 41. Fol. 12 b. To the Bishop of Durham. We cannot complete the new schools, and knowing well your munificence, we confidently ask for assistance in this work for the advancement of learning, the confirmation of the true faith and the salvation of souls. We depute our Chancellor to wail upon you and explain fully our circumstances. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Thome, Dei 1428. gracia Dunelmensi episcopo, nostro protectori et domino singulari. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine prestantissime, quia nuper ex Spiritus clemencia septiformis, piis quorumdam cordibus fuerat celitus inspiratum ut, ad summi Regis honorem augmentumque studii salutaris, scole universales sacre theologie, quibus a primevo caruimus, durabili fabrica levarentur ; nos quoque opus hujusmodi parcialiter inchoatum ad optatum finem ex nostris deducere non valemus, vestre dominacioni predevote pro nostri defectus relevacione confidencius duximus supplicandum, quo nostris profundius radicatur in mentibus, quam graciose munifica manus vestra grata solebat egentibus subsidia propinare ; per hoc tenentes firmissime, certissime- que sperantes quod nostra supplex peticio, que caritati consonat et universalem studencium prefect urn respicit, quorum semper extitistis singularis alumpnus, a tam liberali devocione vacua non redibit ; presertim cum, inter cetera pietatis opera, putamus illud magis in salutem animarum redundare finaliter, quod ad fulcimentum ortodoxe fidei sciencieque crementum principalius se extendit. Quocirca prelibate dominacioni vestre devota precum libamina effundimus, pia mente unanimiter supplicantes, quatinus ad tam sacri, tam utilis, tamque necessarii operis incrementum liberales palmas vestras ex- tendere dignemini graciose. Et, quia singula nostrum concernencia negocium in hac parte, literali compendio claudere non valemus, nostre cause promocionem Cancellario nostro, magistro Thome Chace, 1 exigebant MS. 42 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. devocioni vestre committimus declarandam ; cujus relatibus aures favoris et credencie inclinare dignetur tante dominacionis nobilitas predevota; quam ad solamen pauperum et fulcimentum ecclesie in prosperis per diuturna continuet fons et vitale principium omnium creatorum. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo Mail die duodecimo. Oratores vestri Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. Declaration by Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Oxford l . The mayor, aldermen, recorder and other officers of the city, being summoned, appear before the Chancellor in Convocation; and in their presence, and in the presence of master Thos. Bourgchiere, master Thos. Pole, and master William Scrope, sons of nobles, declare that neither they nor any other by their authority have ever, to their knowledge, made illegal exactions from the vendors of provisions. 1428. MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo octavo 2 , ... in plena et solempni convocacione regencium et non-regencium Universitatis Oxoniensis in domo congregacionis, prout moris est, celebrata, vocati Thomas Coventre, Major ville Oxonie, Willelmus Offord, Willelmus Herberfeld, aldermanni, Willel- mus ffrankelen, ballivus, Nicholaus 3 Norton recordator, Willelmus Goldesmyth, Hugo Benet et alii burgenses dicte ville coram magistro Thoma Chace sacre theologie professore, Cancellario Universitatis Oxoniensis predicte, et in presencia dicte solempnis convocacionis, ac in presencia nobilium filiorum dominorum, Thome Bourgchiere, et magistri Thome Pole, et Willelmi Scrope, inibi existencium, per pre- dictum Cancellarium sub forma correccionis pie interrogati, ex hoc quod tollenagia, quin verius extorciones a communibus victualariis, sive a vendentibus victualia, puta ostria, ova, cuniculos, columbellas extorquendo exigebant, in prejudicium regie Universitatis, in communis fori dispendium, in communitatis studencium iniquum detrimentum, et contra cursum consciencie regularis, dixerunt palam et puplice tune ibidem quod nee ipsi nee eorum unus, aut aliquis alius per eos seu eorum nomine, talia exigebant nee talia per antea, in quantum eis constabat, per aliquem erant exacta. 1 See the Decree of Congregation, fol. 1 2 a. * A blank space in the MS. * Michael marginal correction, Mb. EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL. 43 Public notification of preceding declaration. Fol I3 a UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Commissarius reverendi viri magistri Thome Chace sacre theologie professoris, Cancellarii Universitatis Oxoniensis, cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, in Eo semper et feliciter vivere qui via veritas est et vita. Cum nuperrime in solempni con- vocatione regencium et non-regencium predicte Universitatis vocatos Thomam Coventre, Majorem ville Oxoniensis, Willelmum OfFord, Willelmum Herberfeld, aldermannos, Willelmum ffrankelen ballivum, Nicholaum * Norton, recordatorem, Willelmum Goldesmyth, Hugonem Benet, et alios burgenses ejusdem ville in domo congregacionis Universitatis predicte prefatus Cancellarius ibidem sub correccionis forma pie interrogaret, palam et puplice in presencia dicte solempnis convocacionis regencium et non-regencium, ac in presencia filiorum dominorum Thome Burgchiere, magistri Thome Poole et Willelmi Scrope inibi existencium, ex hoc quod tollenagia, quin verius extor- ciones, a communibus victualariis sive a vendentibus victualia, puta ostrea, ova, cuniculos, columbellas, extorquendo exigebant, in pre- judicium regie Universitatis, in communis fori dispendium, in com- munitatis studencium iniquum detrimentum, et contra cursum con- sciencie regularis ; predicti quidem Major aldermannique burgenses et ceteri dixerunt, palam et puplice tune ibidem, quod nee ipsi exigebant, nee eorum unus aut aliquis alius per eos, seu eorum nomine, talia exigebat, nee talia pro antea, in quantum eis constabat, per aliquem erant exacta. Quam quidem responsionem dominus Cancellarius fecit in scriptis redigi ad perpetuam rei memoriam, predicte Universi- tatis notabiliter in registro. Igitur venerabilibus reverenciis a vestris, quibus presentes exhibite fuerint, predicta singula unanimiter attestamur communi sub sigillo Universitatis predicte ad fidem et testimonium premissorum. Datum Oxonie in nostre Congregacionis domo decimo die Octobris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo nono. Audit of Chancellor's accounts 3 . A commission, appointed to audit the accounts of the Chancellor find that the University is largely in debt to him. MEMORANDUM, quod ultimo die septembris anno Domini millesimo 1430. quadringentesimo tricesimo, facto pleno compoto Magistri Thome 1 Michaelem written over the line by a later hand. 2 These words would seem to indicate that this epistle, though in form of a patent letter, was addressed to dignitaries of the Church or superiors of religious houses. * This audit of Chancellor's accounts and also the acquittances of guardians of the Gyldeford chest are misplaced in the MS. and belong to the year 1430. 44 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. Chace, Cancellarii Universitatis Oxonie, coram magistris Johanne Elys, Reginaldo Martyrderwa, doctoribus, Johanne Martyn, Johanne Perche, Michaele Trefgore, Roberto Pepyr, arcium magistris, auditoribus per dictam universitatem deputatis, de certis accommodatis et expensis factis per ipsum Cancellarium pro dicta Universitate ; parcellis ex- aminatis 1 , compertum erat quod dicta Universitas debebat prefato Cancellario de quodam alio priori scripto, de dato ultimo die Januarii ultimo predicto, quinquaginta et duas libras undecim solidos et undecim denarios. Item, pro aliis expensis ipsius Cancellarii et aliorum secum existencium citra festum natale Domini, in certis viagiis et expensis magistri Georgii Redclyff, et pro datis attornatis et aliis de consilio Universitatis 2 , de claro debebat die confeccionis pre- sencium prefato Cancellario quadraginta et octo libras tredecim solidos et octo denarios et obolum. Item, pro accommodatis citra quartum diem mensis Augusti, ad opus novarum scolarum, sedecim libras. Item, memorandum, quod in partem solucionis premissorum idem magister Thomas Cancellarius recepit de cista quinque clavium sex libras. Item, de gracia doctoris Carmelite [idem Cancellarius recepit] 3 quinque libras. In quorum omnium testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum in domo congregacionis Universitatis predicte die et anno supradictis. Item, memorandum, quod expense nuper facte pereundem Cancellarium pro predicta Universitate in quodam viagio versus partes Normandie non computantur neque allocantur in premissis. 42. To Cardinal Ursino. The great favour you have ever shown to this University emboldens us to commend Master Roger Bulkeley to your eminence, and to request your interest for the furthering of his business at Rome. 1429. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino nostro Cardinali Ursino. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, omnimodas reverencias tante paternitati debitas cum honore. Quia fidedigno ex relatu accepimus, quod vestre nobilitatis grata benignitas nostram Universi- tatem Oxonie tarn sinceri cordis amplexatur in brachiis, ac si ipsam 1 Here follow (but erased in the MS.) the words non computatis expensis nuper factis in quodam viagio versus partes Normandie pro ipsa Universitate. 3 The passage erased as above (note 2 ) here again occurs similarly erased. 3 These words are supplied on the margin by a contemporary hand in the MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 45 vestram dignitatem excelsam a vestre juventutis cunabulis scienciarum cum dulcore proprio lactasset ex ubere; in tantum quod pro nostris ampliandis honoribus vestra mens pervigilat, lingua laborat, effectus- que operis per signa multimoda manifestat, que vestre intime gratitu- dinis flamma non cessat indies nostros extendere ad filios, et precipue graduates ; hinc est quod firme confidencie in presenti nobis accrevit audacia, ut dicte Universitatis filium confratremque nostrum, caris- simum magistrum Rogerum Bulkeley, quern liberalium arcium in- signivit preclara facultas, ac ejus negocia in curia felicius promovenda vestre constantis dominacionis aspectui duximus presentandum, vestri favoris auxilium in hac parte instancius supplicando ; in nullo diffi- dentes quin died confratris nostri negocia felicem sorcientur effectum, si tante celsitudinis progeniem nostris precibus humillimis noverimus benigniter inclinatam ; quam in ecclesia militante ad sustentacionem fidei ortodoxe Christus feliciter conservet in terris ; Qui vos eternaliter premiabit in celis. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregations domo mensis Novembris die vicesimo quarto. Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. Acquittance of guardians of the Gildford Chest. Fol. 13 b. NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Cancellarium et procuratores cetumque unanimem regencium Universitatis Oxoniensis, recepisse clara raciocinia ciste de Gyldeford de magistro Johanne Arnold, pro toto tempore custodie sue predicte ciste; unde dictum magistrum Johannem ab ulteriori compoto racione predicte custodie absolvimus per presentes sigillo nostro signatas. Datum in domo nostre congrega- cionis, sexto die mensis Marcii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum nono. Et memorandum, quod eodem die sigillate fuerunt due alie ac- quietancie in eisdem terminis, mutatis tantum nominibus, videlicet magistro Waltero David et magistro Johanne Chestyrfeld, custodibus ejusdem ciste. 43- To the Pope. Fol. 14 a. In behalf of Master Roger Bulkeley, SANCTTSSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Martino, divina 1439. providencia sacrosancte Romane ac universalis ecclesie summo Pontifici. 46 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. Humillima filial! recomendacione premissa, pedum oscula beatorum ; Gloriosus Sponsus, uteri virginalis procedens de thalamo, nuptam sibi ecclesiam constituit in alto, ut potestatis plenitudine universas tran- scenderet orbis dignitates, sibique mundus obediat et patrem in terris recognoscat l ac dominum, qui cunctis constituitur excelsior dux, rex et pastor piissimus sui 2 gregis. Tali namque patri cedit ad gloriam se ad subjectorum devotissima inclinare rogamina filiorum; quia ex sacrosancto evangelice tradicionis eloquio mulierem Cananeam, clamore improbo pro filio obsecrantem, votum recolimus misericorditer im- petrasse. Ipsius igitur exemplum 3 Universitas Oxoniensis mater nostra, vestre apostolice sanctitatis ancilla humillima, pro filio suo confratreque nostro carissimo, Rogero Bulkeley, in artibus liberalibus magistro, preclaris virtutum gemmis multipliciter redimito, supplicat indefesse, quatinus pauculas vestre multiformis gracie micas sub mensa vestre uberrime largitatis eo amplius colligere valeat, quo ipsum tarn spaciosa terrarum climata laboriosis passibus duxerunt ad pedes : indubie confidentes quod vestram paternitatem sanctissimam precum nostrarum instanciis sibi sentiet multifarie graciosam; quam in sublimi cathedra apostolice dignitatis diu feliciter residere, et post hujus vite curricula inter sanctos eterne beatitudinis antistites faciat collocari Filius Virginis gloriose. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre con- gregacionis domo, mensis Novembris die vicesimo quarto. Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. Salary of the superintendent of the building of the new Divinity Schools. Forty shillings a year, a gown or money equivalent, four shillings a week while living in Oxford, a house, fodder for one horse and travelling expenses. 1429. UNIVERSIS Christi fidelibus, presentes litteras inspecturis, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis et eadem Universitas salutem : Sciatis nos concessisse magistro Ricardo Wynchecombe, lathomo, unam pensio- nem quadraginta solidorum sterlingorum annuatim solvendam, ad festa S. Michaelis Archangeli et Pasche, per equales porciones, quam- diu ipse steterit et intenderit ad supervidendum opus novarum scolarum theologie in dicta Universitate ; et unam togam de liberata generoso- rum quolibet anno, vel tredecim solidos et quatuor denarios pro 1 recognosat MS. * sue ib. 3 Supply imilata, there is no ambiguity in the MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 47 eadem; ac qualibet septimana, cum presens ad opus ibidem fuerit, quatuor solidos sterlingorum pro stipendio suo. Et dictus magister Ricardus habebit unum mansum competens pro se et suis consortibus, et fenum sufficiens pro uno equo, cum idem Ricardus presens fuerit ad dictum opus, sumptibus dicte Universitatis ; et habebit eciam rationabiles expensas, quocies missus fuerit in negociis dicte Universi- tatis. In cujus rei testimonium has litteras nostras fieri fecimus patentes. Data Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, quarto die Augusti anno regni regis Henrici sexli post conquestum octavo*. 44- To the King and his Council. Fol. 14 b. We pray that, as defenders of the church and clergy and of the privileges of this University, you will take measures to secure us in our lawful rights, and especially in that of being sole judges in cases arising within the precinct of the University, with power to imprison persons convicted of violence, $c. We depute our Chancellor to explain our case in person. SERENISSIMO Principi Henrico, Dei gracia regi Anglic et Francie et 1429. domino Hibernie, regiique consilii dominis illustrissimis, reipublice et devoti sui cleri nobilissimis protectoribus. Serenissimo et Christianissimo nostro principi, illustrissimisque dominis de ejus glorioso consilio humillima regie celsitudinis oratrix Oxoniensis Universitas, in prosperis sic negocia regni terreni dis- ponere, ut angelorum consiliis valeant in celo conjungi. Serenissime princeps, jam in vestri inclitissimi progenitoris solio ut Justus sedens judex, illustrissimique domini, quos magnifice insignivit divine spiritus sapiencie, quoniam inter gloriosas reipublice curas, quas perpeti cogitacione, auxiliante Domino, revolvitis 2 corde vestro, confidenter tenemus quod magnus consilii angelus celsitudines vestras firmissimum posuit pro ecclesia sua murum, inexpugnabiles pro fide turres, pro clero clipeos, et fortissimos defensores. Cum, ad stabile et perpetuum fidei clerique augmentum, Universitas prelibata per graciosa privilegia regie celsitudinis, diversis temporum intersticiis, ad permanentem studencium quietem, nobiliter extitit decorata, ut studentes continuata quiete in fortes ecclesie columpnas regis et regni, suis in dandis con- siliis poterint excrevisse ; in tantum quod dicte Universitatis Cancel- larius convictas pro maleficiis personas possit incarcerare, et si minus 1 This article seems to be dated wrongly; it should be given to the year 1430. Vide fol. 17 b, where it is repeated. 3 rewolvitis MS. 48 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. juste, quod absit, incarcerantur, nee eo pretextu debeat ilia causa coram aliquo regis justiciario, vel judice qualicumque, trahi ad extra ; ne ex versipelli perversorum malicia, per mentamenta ficticia alia quam plurima subdoleque fabricata commenta, in dicte Universitatis et rerum suarum dampnosa dispendia, eadem finaliter compellatur 1 succumbere, et studens inibi clerus a legendo et disputando sub brevi desistere. Igitur celsitudinem tanti regis tantorumque dominorum suorum circumspectam prudenciam, sagacissime policie laudum titulis claris- sime redimitam, spiritu cum prostrate unanimiter compulsamus ; sup- plicantes humiliter et devote, quatinus ad dicte Universitatis privilegia et antiquas ac solitas ejusdem consuetudines, in nostri studii quietem et cleri Anglicani succursum, graciosarum dominacionum vestrarum manus dignemini protectrices apponere; in quibus per regie celsi- tudinis majestatem a primevo semper et inconcusse actenus fuimus communiti ; et precipue quoad illud privilegium, omnino necessarium Universitati, de quibuscunque imprisonamentis ut predicitur 2 ; ne ob hujusmodi arrepcionem dicta Universitas ad exterminium et cessa- cionem finaliter deducatur. Et, ne epistolaris sermo redderetur ex- tensior, nee pretermissi aliquid nostre peticionis videretur 8 , nostri negocii causam in hac parte per magistrum Thomam Chace nostrum Cancellarium serenitatibus vestris exponendam commisimus ; quem, una cum dicendis ab eo vice nostra, votivis affectibus exoramus in visceribus caritatis acceptare dignemini graciose ; ad regie serenitatis honorem felicemque regnorum ejus requiem. In felicitate continua floreat, quesumus, et rex noster et gloriosus ac magnificus cetus vester. Scriplum Oxonie in nostra congregacionis domo, penultima die Novembris. Regie serenitatis et sui gloriosi consilii oratores perpetui Universitas Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 45- A Public caution against Slander. The cause of the University was committed to the Chancellor thereof by unanimous vote of convocation ; and we hereby declare that we live in peace with our neighbours of the town and pursue our studies without offence to any one. 1439. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Commissarius reverendi viri magistri Thome Chace, sacre J compellantur MS. * predicere ib. s videremur ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 49 theologie professoris, Cancellarii Universitatis Oxoniensis, cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, in Dominum nostrum Deum et feliciter vivere, et fidem credulam presentibus adhibere. Ne hesitationis vicium, sinistram per emulorum assercionem, quin verius malivolam per suggestionem, oriatur aliquibus de prosecucione nostre cause, nostre Universitatis privilegia concernentis ; unanimi nostre Uni- versitatis ex voto cordiali pariter et assensu, predicto venerabili viro magistro Thome Chace nostro Cancellario commisse; et ne oblo- quencium perniciosa contagies de tranquilla nostre Universitatis pace opinionis perverse errorem generet in populo ; venerabilibus reverenciis vestris, quibus presentes exhibite fuerint, unanimiter attestamur, quod dicto nostro Cancellario prefatam causam nostram prosequendam unanimi consensu et assensu nostre Universitatis commisimus uno corde. Et quantum ad quietam pacis observanciam indubitata fide asserimus, quod, nee inter nos neque ex parte nostra, villanis vicinis nostris aliisve forinsecis ulla pacis infertur violacio, sed tota nostra Universitas pacis pulchritudine suo floret in studio : glorificatus sit pacis Auctor residens in excelsis ! In cujus rei testimonium sigillum nostrum commune presentibus duximus apponendum, in fidem et testimonium premissorum. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo sexto die Decembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo nono. Acquittance of W. Russell. Fol. 15 a. Commutation for feast at inception. Ten pounds received. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Thomam Chace, Cancellarium 1429. Universitatis Oxoniensis, Ricardum Bapthorpe et Johannem Kyng, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse et habuisse in die con- feccionis presencium de fratre Willelmo Russell, ordinis Augustinen- sium, pre manibus, decem libras sterlingorum, virtute cujusdam gracie sibi concesse de commutacione convivii debiti in die incepcionis sue : De quibus quidem decem libris fatemur nos nomine dicte Universitatis fore solutos, dictumque fratrem Willelmum inde quietum per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis pre- sentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, primo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum octavo. Audit of accounts of Dr. Chace. MEMORANDUM, quod ultimo die mensis Januarii, anno Domini mille- 1429. simo quadringentesimo vicesimo nono, secundum cursum et computa- cionem ecclesie Anglicane, facto pleno compoto magistri Thome E 5 o EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. Chace, theologie professoris, Cancellarii Universitatis Oxoniensis, coram magistris Willelmo Prentis, Thoma Southam, Reginaldo Martirderwa, doctoribus in theologia, jure canonico et civili ; Simone Roo, Willelmo Nithgingall et Willelmo Basset, arcium magistris, auditoribus per dictam Universitatem ad hoc specialiter deputatis ; de certis accommodatis et expensis factis per ipsum Cancellarium pro predicta Universitate, com- pertum erat, parcellis examinatis per dictos auditores, quod ipsa Uni- versitas de claro tenebatur prefato magistro Thome in quinquaginta et duabus libris sterlingorum undecim solidis et undecim denariis. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus apponitur, die et anno Domini supradictis. Acknowledgement of a debt by Dr. Chace. 1429. NOVERINT universi per presentes, me, Thomam Chace, clericum, teneri et firmiter obligari Ricardo Babthorpe [et Johanni Kyng 1 ] clericis, procuratoribus Universitatis Oxoniensis, in decem libris sterlingorum, solvendis eisdem Ricardo [et Johanni 1 ] vel eorum alteri vel eorum attornatis seu deputatis suis, in festo S. Matthei apostoli proxime future, ad [quam quidem 1 ] solucionem bene et fideliter faciendam 4 6. Fol. 15 b. To the Pope 3 . Master Thomas Bromis, a truly learned and virtuous man, a zealous opponent of the Lollards, has been duly elected to be Bishop of Chichester ; King, Lords and commons heartily approve the choice. We humbly entreat your holiness to confirm the same. 1429. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Martino, divina providencia sacrosancte ac universalis ecclesie summo Pontifici. Beatissime pater, solita et filiali recommendacione premissa, cum devotissimis terre osculis ante pedes. Ubilibet orbi terrarum militantis ecclesie licet summi pastoris cura singulis se pateat 4 graciosam, illos tamen specialius ad exaudicionis graciam solet, ut condecet, ad- mittere, qui sui et sacrosancte sponse sue ecclesie noscuntur peculiares et fervidi zelatores. Hinc humillima apostolice celsitudinis filia, Uni- versitas Oxoniensis mater nostra, se humiliter exponens pro precaris- 1 The words inclosed in brackets, obliterated in MS., are supplied from pre- ceding article. 2 This memorandum is imperfect, and has been crossed out in the MS. 3 This epistle to the Pope is (as is commonly the case) crossed out in the MS. * Should be praebeat. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 51 simo filio suo, confratre nostro et maternis uberibus propriis nobi- lissime lactato, magistro Thoma Bromis, utriusque juris doctore diser- tissimo, lugubris ecclesie Cicestrensis concanonico 1 quern concors virtutum caterva multiformiter predicat rediraitum, quern affate Cices- trenis ecclesie, ut a fide dignis accepimus, canonice celebrata eleccio, ut inexpugnabilem ecclesie et fidei pugilem contra hereticos versi- pellesque Lollardos sepissime approbatum, nominavit canonice in pastorem supplicat humillime et devote, quatinus virum tarn magne probitatis et sciencie excellencia preditum, in regendis ecclesie rebus notorie idoneum, aurigamque currus Israel et humilem Bedsaide pis- catorem ; quern Ille novit erigi dignum quern non fallit eleccio, ' qui corda scrutatur et renes ' ; quern eciam non solum peculiaris eligentis populi, sed eciam serenissimi domini nostri regis, procerum et com- munitatis ejusdem opcio precordialis affectat dicte viduate ecclesie eligi in pastorem cum dicta eleccione commendatum suscipere et confirmare dignetur apostolica selsitudo : tenentes firmissime, quod cum dictus egregius doctor, sub archipresule Cantuariensi in minoribus agens officiis, contra sevos ecclesie et fidei inimicos nobiliter dimica- verit, si super gregis dominici speculam fuerit constitutus 2 , ut luminans in eternum columpna ecclesiam sponsam proteget a ruina ; ad uni- versalis ecclesie tranquillum regimen. Precessam 3 sanctitatem vestram in humanis conservet feliciter, cujus vicem geritis, Deus unus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo mensis Februarii die quarto. Humillima sanctitatis vestre filia et oratrix specialis Universitas Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis regencium in eadem. Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. PATEAT universis per presentes, nos, Magistros Ricardum Babthorp 1429. et Johannem Kynge, procuratores Universitatis Oxoniensis, recepisse de religiosis viris Abbate et conventu de Oseney Lincolniensis diocesis, duas marcas pro quadam pensione, de anno regni regis Henrici sexti septimo : De quibus duabus marcis, pro predicta annua pensione, fatemur nos fore solutos, et inde predictos religiosos viros acquietamus per presentes : In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universi- tatis antedicte est appensum. Datum in domo nostre congregacionis septimodecimo die Februarii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post con- questum Anglie octavo. 1 ecclesie concannonico MS. * consecutus corrected to constitutus in MS. 3 praecelsam probably. E 2 52 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 1429. PATEAT universis per presentes, nos, Magistros R. Babthorp et Job. Kynge, procuratores Universitatis Oxoniensis, recepisse de re- ligiosis viris Abbate et conventu monasterii de J Eynsham Lincolniensis diocesis, tres libras octo solidos, pro quadam pensione de anno regni regis Henrici sexti septimo : De quibus tribus libris et octo solidis pro predicta annua pensione fatemur nos fore solutos, et inde predictos religiosos viros acquietamus per presentes : In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis antedicte presentibus est appensum. Datum in domo nostre congregadonis quintodecimo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti Octavo. Fol. 16 a. Acquittance of Abbot of Abingdon for part of contribution to Theology-School. 1430- NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Thomam Chace, Cancel- larium Universitatis Oxoniensis, et procuratores ejusdem recepisse et habuisse die confeccionis presencium, vice et nomine Universitatis predicte, de venerabili patre, domino Radulpho Abbate Abyndoniensi, viginti marcas sterlingorum ; in partem solucionis centum librarum nuper concessarum eidem Universitati, ad opus novarum scolarum theologie in eadem, de sancta religione ordinis Benedicti in ultimo suo generali capitulo apud Northamptone celebrate: De quibus quidem viginti marcis, ut predicitur, fatemur nos nomine dicte Universitatis fore solutos per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum in domo nostra capitulari Oxonie ultimo die Aprilis anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum octavo. Acquittance of Abbot of S. Alban's for part of contribution to the same purpose. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Thomam Chace, Cancel- larium Universitatis Oxoniensis, et procuratores ejusdem recepisse et habuisse in die confeccionis presencium, vice et nomine Universitatis predicte, de venerabili patre Johanne Whethampstede, sacre theologie professore, Abbate monasterii S. Albani, viginti marcas sterlingorum, in partem solucionis centum librarum, nuper concessarum eidem Uni- versitati ad opus novarum scolarum theologie in eadem, de sancta religione nigrorum monachorum ordinis S. Benedicti in ultimo suo 1 de repeated in MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 53 general! capitulo apud Northamptone celebrate : De quibus quidem viginti marcis, ut predicitur, fatemur nos, nomine dicte Universitatis, fore solutos per presentes : In cujus rei testimonium sigillum com- mune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregations, terciodecimo die mensis Maii anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum octavo. Another similar acquittance. MEMORANDUM quod eodem die fuerit alia acquietancia sigillaia sub eisdem terminis, solum summa mutata in viginti libras. 47- To the Duke of Bedford. Fol.i6b. History shows that military power needs to be directed by wisdom, and that in those states, wherein the liberal sciences have been fostered, arms have been successful. We feel that your life and conduct are guided by this truth ; for, in the multitude of your cares and labours both civil and military, you have by your munificent gifts stimulated the pursuit of learning in this place. We send our Chancellor to explain to you how our privileges are threatened, and to receive instructions as to what you would have us do. SERENISSIMO principi duci Bedfordie *, domino nostro graciosissimo 143- et singularissimo protectori. Serenissime princeps, milicie decor, fidei atque cleri validissime defensator ; inter cetera per que regnorum et principum eriguntur preconia, ac subditorum consulitur commodis et quieti, illud videtur attenta consideracione precipuum, ut in ipsorum regimine potencia et sapiencia, que de fluvio liberalis 2 sciencie potissime derivantur, sua communicent officia et mutuo se supportent. Nam potestas militaris, nisi fuerit per sapienciam regulata, de facili deviat, et, velut navis sine gubernaculo procellis exposita, cito perit ; et visum est communiter, testantibus cronicis, quod, ubi studium scienciarum liberalium plus invaluit, illic floruit eminencius milicia secularis ; et, abcedente hujus- modi studio, milicie strenuitas est secuta. Illud firmissime credimus innate sublimitati vestre contemplacionis infixum, istiusque 3 con- sideracione provida utrobique disponi feliciter actus vestros, quod selebriter orbi fama personuit et quotidiana vestra in opere con- 1 Bc>-ford MS. 2 literalis ib. 3 istfus quod, corrected in MS. 54 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. testantur. Nam que strenua manus celsitudinis vestre potenter aggreditur vestre temperamento sapiencie equissime moderantur, et que vestre mentis acies circumspecle fienda proposuit vestro vigoris brachio farther conducitis in effectum. Hec sane nos oratores vestri continui in nostris propriis veraciter experimur ; dum, inter labores immensos regencie vestre et curas milicie secularis, vestra dignabatur nobilitas nos ad fervorem studii, liberalibus scienciis evocatis ad lucem, vestris graciosissimis litteris et allectivis numeris l invitare : pro quibus spiritu cum prostrato offerimus gracias, supplicantes intimius 2 ut vobis digna merces a Domino sit in celis. Et, quia putamus com- modius illis, quibus in longo respondere jussistis, viva voce satisfacere quam compendio litterali, misimus providum virum, oratorem vestrum, Cancellarium nostrum magistrum Thomam Chace, nostrum specialem nuncium in presenti, qui vestre dominacioni, spe consolacionis habende, quantas per impugnacionem privilegiorum nostrorum angustias patimur, qualis eciam sit status omnium que per nos fieri voluistis, seriatim et lucide declarabit; cui, in dicendis pro parte nostra, favorem et fidem adhibere dignetur graciosa vestra serenitas prelibata ; quam Deus, ad regnorum clerique solacium, longevet in prosperis, et post vie miliciam faciat cum superis triumphare. Datum Oxonie, quarto die Augusti, $c. Serenitatis vestre oratores humillimi studentes Universitatis Oxoniensis, 4 8. To the Bishop of Bath and Wells. We pray that you will use the power committed to your charge in defending the privileges by which the University, as the vineyard of the Lord, is hedged about, and which our enemies are ever striving to destroy. Our Chancellor will in person explain more fully our circum- stances, which can be ill expressed in the short compass of a letter. 1430. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, domino Johanni, Dei gracia episcopo Wellensi et Bathoniensi, protectori nostro et domino singulari. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, affliccionis nostre solacium et spes firma. Fontalis gracie plenitude, secundum men- suram donacionis Christi, sublimiores patres ecclesie sue tesauro potencie fecundavit, ut ortum dominicum excolentes eorum communiti presidiis liberius valiant eterne legis dispergere semina, et celestes 1 One would expect muneribus, but the abbreviation used does not warrant it. 1 intimis MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 55 plantulas ad fructus dirigere spiritales. Et licet fecunda mater nostra Universitas Oxoniensis, velut ager fertilis ad fructus fidei suos late per orbem emiserit palmites speciosos, sepe tamen pessime familiares emuli semper nobis infesti hanc viniam Domini, plurimis et antiquis privileges circumseptam, per astutam impugnacionem eorumdem nefarie satagant demoliri. Nos igitur, oratores vestri, nequientes cum progressu pacifico studii tot procellosis adversariorum turbinibus obviare, ad vestrum paternalem subsidium, sub cujus alis respirare putamus, confidenter recurrimus una mente. Et quia dominacionem vestram de singulis que timemus juxta votum nostrum non sufficimus infformare angustia litterali, providum virum magistrum Thomam Chace, Universitatis nostre Cancellarium, ad exponendam intencionem nostram vive vocis oraculo unanimes direximus in presenti, cui creden- ciam singulis in dicendis et favorem benivolum in nostris promovendis adhibere velit vestra paternitas graciosa ; quam ad cultum sui nominis longevet in terris vere vite principium Deus ipse. Scriptum Oxonie quarto die Augusti, &fc. Vestre paternitatis oratores humillimi studentes Universitatis Oxoniensis. 49- To the Bishop of Ely. A similar letter to the preceding was sent to the Bishop of Ely. MEMORANDUM, quod eodem die quo sigillata fuit littera immediate precedens fuit alia littera sigillata, mittenda domino Philippe episcopo Eliensi, que in omnibus terminis concordabat cum littera immediate precedenti, mutata solum superscripcione, que fuit hec ; ' Reveren- dissimo in Christo patri et domino, domino Philippo Dei gracia episcopo Eliensi, protectori nostro et domino singulari.' 50. To the Bishop of Durham. Fol. 17 a. We thank you from our innermost heart for your generous contribution to the fund for building our new schools of theology. We hope you will continue to be gracious to your humble petitioners and that God will reward you. The bearer hereof, Master Thomas Eland, may be entirely trusted. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, domino Thome Dei 1430- gracia episcopo Dunelmensi, nostro graciosissimo protectori. 56 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, semper nobis promtissime consolator; nuper ex vestre devocionis gracia speciali ad construc- cionem et fabricam nostrarum scolarum communium, que Dei ad honorem, matris nostre ad decorem, et studencium in eadem omnium commodum se extendunt, de tesauris vestris per manus Cancellarii nostri, magistri Thome Chace, notabilem summam pecunie largissime contulistis. Pro quibus omnibus affectibus vicerosis preconia gracia- rum unanimi cum consensu referimus, humillime supplicantes quatinus penes matrem nostram solita vestra gracia pro futuris temporibus perseveret ; et confratri nostro, filio vestro, magistro Thome Eland, portitori presencium, credenciam in dicendis adhibere velit vestre dominacionis benignitas consueta : quam salvo ducat Altissimus per hujus vite stadium, quo possitis in fine percipere bravium gloriosum. Scrip turn Oxonie quarto die Augusti, c. Vestre paternitatis oratores humillimi Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis inagistrorum regencium in eadem, &c. Si- To the Earl of Warwick. Our enemies continually attack our privileges. The peace and quietness necessary for study, and to secure which those privileges ivere granted, are so disturbed that learning must perish if we are not succoured. 1430. MAGNIFICO principi Comiti Warwyci, domino nostro singulari et graciosissimo protectori. Magnifice princeps, milicie decor, fidei atque cleri validissime defensator; inter setera per que regnorum et principum eriguntur preconia ac subditorum consulitur commodis et quieti, illud videtur attenta consideracione precipuum, ut in ipsorum regimine potencia et sapiencia, que de fluvio litteralis scienciae potissime derivantur, sua communicent ofiicia et mutuo se supportent. Nam potestas militaris, nisi fuerit per sapienciam regulata, de facili deviat, et, velut navis sine gubernaculo procellis exposita, cito perit. Et visum est communiter testantibus cronicis, quod ubi studium scienciarum liberalium plus invaluit illuc floruit eminencius milicia secularis, et, abcedente hujus- modi studio, miliciae strenuitas est secuta. Istud firmissime credimus innate sublimitati vestre contemplacionis infixum, istiusque considera- cione provida utrobique disponi feliciter actus vestros. Nam que strenua manus celcitudinis vestre potenter aggreditur, equissime EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 57 temperamento vestre sapiencie moderantur; et que vestre probata mentis acies circumspecte fienda prospicit vestro vigoris brachio conducitis fortiter in effectum. Sane cum nos oratores vestri continue, ex percelebri vestri fama, noverimus evidenter strenuitatem vestram temperari l sciencia, ut e contra scuto vestre potencie defensetur ; nos- que dicti oratores vestri, constudentes Universitatis Oxoniensis, per impugnacionem privilegiorum nostrorum, que ad augmentum sciencie principum nobilitas statuit atque potenter hucusque defendit, tanta paciamur emulis ac per eorum astucias tarn graviter conturbemur, quod propter inquietudinem mencium inter nos verisimiliter deperibit sciencia, si non celerius per oportuna remedia succurratur ; ad vestre proteccionis clipeum spe consolacionis habende prostrati confugimus, uno corde humillime deprecantes, quatenus exponenda pro parte nostra nobilitati vestre per honorandum virum magistrum Thomam Chace, Cancellarium nostrum, cordi graciose reponere, et eidem 2 in dicendis favorem et fidem annuere vestra velit nobilitas prelibata ; cui post tropheum transiture miliciae coronam Deus glorie tribuat in supernis. Datum Oxonie quarto die Augusti. Nobilitatis vestre oratores humillimi studentes Universitatis Oxoniensis. 52. To the Cardinal Bishop of Winchester. Fol. 17 b. Knowing that you are ever ready to feel for the afflicted, we implore your aid. We have suffered long and can endure no more. In conse- quence of the persistent persecution of our enemies the number of our members, once so great, daily dwindles. The University, formerly like a queen among nations, is now as it were subject to tribute, and like a widow bereft of her sons. We see no hope of a remedy except in your all powerful influence. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, domino Henrico, Dei 143' gracia tituli S. Eusebii Cardinali &c., ac episcopo Wyntoniensi, nostro singularissimo protectori. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, singularis alumpne studii fideique protector; longa satis et plusquam satis attenuacione consumpti diucius sustinere non valemus refugio destituti, si non pre- nobilis et circumspecta clemencia vestra, que semper consuevit afflictis compati, benigne per oportuna remedia nos supported Nam vestre 1 temperare MS. 3 idem ib. 58 E PISTOL AE ACADEMICAE. dominacionis ancilla Universitas mater nostra, quondam scientifice prolis innumerositate fecunda, jam lacessita nimium ob illatas injurias tendit passu cotidiano, pro dolor, ad occasum ; et que prius domina gencium, scienciarum expandens ubera filios in letitia sui vultus lactare solebat, specie privilegiorum suorum obfuscata, per emulos desolata solacio, in tristicia residet, ut lugubris vidua sub tribute. Nee contra premissa discrimina posse nos credimus adipisci medelam, nisi per supereffluentem graciam dominacionis vestre, ad quam velut ultimatum refugium prostrati recurrimus una mente ; et quia singula, que precelsi dominacioni vestre expandere cupimus, litterali sub compendio claudere non valemus, honorandum virum magistrum Thomam Chace, Can- cellarium nostrum, eidem dominacioni nostrum specialem nuncium ordinavimus in presenti ; cui in dicendis pro parte nostra favorem et audienciam credulam adhibere dignetur eadem dominacio prenobilis graciosa : quam utinam, ad tuicionem fidei regnorum et cleri semper Deus felicitet in agendis. Scrtptum Oxonie quarto die Augusti. Reverendissime paternitatis vestre oratores humillimi studentes Universitatis Oxoniensis. Remuneration of the stonemason, Master Richard Wynchecombe. 1430. UNIVERSIS Christi fidelibus, presentes litteras inspecturis, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis ac eadem Universitas salutem. Sciatis nos concessisse magistro Ricardo Wynchecombe, lathomo,unam pensionem quadraginta solidorum sterlingorum, annuatim solvendorum ad festa S. Michaelis Archangeli et Pasche per equales porciones, quamdiu ipse steterit et intenderit ad supervidendum opus novarum scolarum theologie in dicta Universitate ; et unam togam de liberata generosorum quolibet anno, vel tredecim solidos et quatuor denarios pro eadem ; ac pro vadiis suis qualibet septimana, cum presens ad opus ibidem fuerit, quatuor solidos : et dictus magister Ricardus habebit unum mansum competens, pro se et suis consortibus, sumptibus dicte Universitatis, et habebit eciam racionabiles expensas quociens missus fuerit in negociis dicte Universitatis. In cujus rei testimonium has nostras litteras fieri fecimus patentes. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, quarto die Augusti, anno regni regis Henrici sex ti post conquestum octavo. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 59 Payment of debt to Master Thomas Chace, the Chancellor. The debt to the Chancellor shall be discharged out of the sums paid for graces, as to one half of the said sums, the other half shall be applied to the building of the new theological school. MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo die mensis Marcii anno Domini 1430. millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo, viginti libre levande de gracia domini Johannis Stokes monachi, &c., si contingat ipsum incipere, erant congregacione regencium assignate magistro Thome Chace Cancellario, in partem solucionis debitorum Universitatis. Item, sexto die Julii anno supradicto, ordinavit eadem Universitas in congregacione regencium quod omnes alie pecunie levande de graciis forent dividende in equas porciones, ita videlicet quod una medietas servaretur ad fabricam novarum scolarum, et alia medietas ad solucionem debitorum Universitatis magistro Thome Chace Cancellario, quousque sibi de debitis per Universitatem fuerit plenarie satisfactum. Item, eadem Universitas, vicesimo nono die Julii, anno Domini supradicto, in quadam congregacione regencium et non-regencium, per fidem ordinavit, quod omnia mutua, inter ilium diem et festum S. Michaelis sequens fienda pro fabrica novarum scolarum, forent resolvenda de primis pecuniis, non ante specificatis, dicte Universitati post idem festum S. Michaelis qualitercunque proventuris. In quorum omnium testimonium sigillum commune prefate Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum in nostre congr eg adonis domo quarto die Augusti anno regni regis Henrici sex 'ti post conquestum octavo^ Sfc. 53- Testimonial letter for Master Michael Tregour. Fol. 18 a. Universis sancte matris ecclesie filtis, ad quos presentes littere per- 1430. venerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in Eo qui est fidelium salus eterna. Tociens altissime veritatis conspectui devotum credimus offerre libamen, quociens virtutibus precellenti et sciencia fidele peribemus testimonium digne laudis, illo evangelice tradicionis eloquio informati quod rutila fax lampadis non debeat occultari sub modio, sed pocius super candelabrum erecta in aperto lucescere, ut sit Christicolis in exemplum. Hinc nos super vita et odorifera fama predilecti confratris nostri magislri Michaelis Tregour, arcium magistri, 60 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE quern concors scienciarum chorus mirifice lauriavit, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, per has litteras nostras attestamur, quod predictus magister, post longeva studia in facultate arcium magis- tratum adeptus, illese opinionis constancia firmatus, regenciam suam finaliter complevit ; adeo quod, quamdiu sua presencia cetum nostrum decoraverat, se in apicem honoris pretulerunt gloriose accionis pre- conia; et, morum gravitate prefulgens matura, Dei amorem et hominum immaculati nominis titulo vendicavit. Unde, ne calumpni- ancium invidea tante honestatis splendor alicui possit in dubium re- vocari, eidem magistro super premissis, ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras testimoniales sigillo communi nostre Universitatis predicte fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, tercio die Decembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo. Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey '. 1430. NOVERINT universi per presentes, me, Thomam Chace, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Thomam Graunt et Thomam Gelyfeld, pro- curatores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse et habuisse die confeccionis presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Eynesham in comitatu Oxoniensi, sexaginta et octo solidos sterelingorum : De quibus quidem sexaginta et octo solidis fatemur nos nomine dicte Universitatis fore solutos, dictosque Abbatem et conventum et eorum successores inde quietos per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo congregacionis, tercio die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum nono. Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 1430. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Thomam Chace, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Thomam Graunt et Thomam Gelyfelde, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse [et] 2 habuisse die con- feccionis presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Oseneya juxta Oxoniam viginti et sex solidos et octo denarios : De quibus quidem viginti sex solidis et octo denariis fatemur nos nomine dicte Universitatis fore solutos, dictosque Abbatem et conventum et eorum successores inde quietos per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo congregacionis, tercio die Februarii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum nono. 1 This and the following acquittances are misplaced in the register under the year 1429. ' et omitted in MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 61 54- To Humfrey, duke of Gloucester. Fol. 18 b. We thank you for your great favours. Since you have been our protector your beneficence to us has been such thai, though our tongues were silent, your noble generosity would be conspicuous to all men. SERENISSIMO principi, domino Humfrido duci Glowcestrie, Comiti H3- Pembrochie, &c., et locum tenenti Anglic, graciosissimo nostro domino et singularissimo protectori. Eximie celsitudini et dominacioni precelse jugi cum servicio ob- sequium quam perhumile ; ac, pro impensis beneficiis Universitatis vinee, eterne beatitudinis vinea in felici per manus celestis agricole perenniter complantari. O princeps serenissime, et domine metuende, postquam vinea in preclara militantis ecclesie dominacionis vestre prenobilem potestatem, pro vinee tuicione firmissima et secura, summi patrisfamilias erexerat Dei dextera, qualiter vinetum fertilescens alme matris nostre continue proteccionis potencia tanti principis humeris supportabat, etsi lingue palmitum crescencium in eadem sub silencii cespite tacite sepelirent, gesta tamen tanti ducis et opera quam magnifica sub oblivionis gleba hoc nequiunt tumulare. Nee mirum, nam indies hec vinea impinguatur pinguedine, cum donorum im- pinguata incrassatur *, turn affluencia munerum, que ex liberalitate 2 maxima dominacionis eximie velut a fonte rivuli effluunt copiose : pro quibus complantati in hac vinea, vestri oratores, preclare celsitudinis innatam bonitatem oculis intellectus limpidius intuentes, pro collatis beneficiis vitibus atque vinee, potestati metuende exennia graciarum unanimiter comportamus manibus pii cordis. Sed, quia quantos volumus non valemus manipulos graciarum, laudis, atque premii afferre tanto principi, summo patrifamilias singuli supplicamus, ut dominacioni precelse eterne felicitatis denarium gloriosum in celesti vinea annual pro mercede. Et, quia in ortulo scripture brevis nostrorum nequimus conceptuum plantamina radicare, procuratorem nostre vinee dominum Cancellarium nostrum, humilem capellanum et oratorem vestrum, decrevimus destinandum, qui vomere sui verbi singula explanabit que calamus conscribencium non sufficit colonare. Cui credenciam in dicendis dignetur adhibere tante dominacionis potestas metuenda ; quam ad regni regimen conserve! Altissimus, 1 incrassata, corrected by contemporary hand in MS. The passage is plainly confused, but there is no ambiguity here in the handwriting. 2 libertate MS. 62 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. presidens in excelsis, rex ille pacificus Christus Jesus. Scrip/am Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo quintodecimo die Decembris. Vestre celsitudinis perpetui oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. Acquittance of Abbot of St. Albans. We have received fifty of the hundred marks promised by the Bene- dictine chapter at Northampton for the new schools. 1430. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos,Thomam Chace, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, et magistros Thomam Graunt et Thomam Eglishfelde, procuratores ejusdem, recepisse et habuisse die con- feccionis presencium, per manus reverendi in Christo patris et domini Johannis Abbatis S. Albani, quinquaginta marcas, ad opus novarum scolarum, in partem solucionis centum librarum, quas nuper honorandi patres sancte religionis S. Benedicti, in ultimo suo generali capitulo Northamptonie celebrato, ad dictum opus graciose contulerunt: De quibus quidem quinquaginta marcis fatemur nos, nomine Universitatis prefate, fore solutos. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune predicte Universitatis est appensum. Datum Oxonie quintodecimo die Decembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo. 55- Fol. 19 a. To the Abbot of St. Albans, the Prior of Durham, the Abbot of Pershore, presidents of the Benedictine order in England, and to other prelates, members of the same. The labour of your order in the founding of this University would be ever fresh in our remembrance, though your recent benefaction had not given a new life to our gratitude. The members of your order shall have equal right with the secular members of the University to use the new theological school. 1431. REVERENDIS in Christo patribus Johanni Abbati S. Albani, Priori Dunelmensi, et Willelmo Abbati de Persaora, presidentibus nigrorum monachorum in Anglia, ceterisque prelatis ac membris ipsius ordinis infra regnum Anglie constitutis. sui, Thomas Chace, Cancellarius Uni- versitatis Oxoniensis, cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, hie ad longevum in Domino felicitervivere, et per sancte religionis EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 63 semitas post scandere felicius ad superna. In recenti servare cogimur, nee valemus nee volumus leviter oblivisci, quam devote clari patres religionis vestre ad hujus, ubi nunc sistimus, more nostre fundamina manu, verbo, speciale suffragium attulerunt: ex quo dignanter hec sancta religio, tracta 1 solum amoris pondere, deduxit in morem Universitatem matrem nostram venustare continue floridis suorum membrorum plantis 2 , et eandem cepius grandium frequencia munerum impinguare. Sic, ad ampliandam fidem, veteribus donis cumulando novella, pro levandis generalibus sacre theologie scolis, quibus nostra mater Universitas ab inicio caniit, hiis diebus eadem religio non modicum thesaurum pecunie per vos gratissime propinavit. Pro quibus omnibus inlimiores, ad quas sufficimus, gracias offerimus una mente, pro nobis et successoribus nostris ; volentes in corde et per hoc scriptum firmiter concedentes quod, cum dicte scole gracioso succursu perfeccionem acceperint, singulis religionis vestre nobiscum in theologia studentibus ad semper erit cum secularibus equalis libertas et par communicacio quoad usum ; ut, videlicet, secundum exigenciam meri- torum et graduum, legant, tarn libere disputent et audiant in eisdem, sicut alii seculares quicunque facient penes dictam Universitatem reputacionis similis sive gradus. In quorum omnium testimonium sigillum nostrum commune presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo septimo die Aprilis anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo prime. Acquittance of Master W. Saundre, guardian of the Winton Chest. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Cancellarium Universitatis 1431. Oxoniensis, cetumque unanimem magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepisse de magistro Willelmo Saundre, nuper custode ciste Wyntonie, clara raciocinia pro toto tempore custodie sue, de omnibus et singulis de quibus racione antedicte custodie predictus magister Willelmus habuit respondere ; ipsumque magistrum Willelmum ab omni accione ulteriori, racione predicte custodie, absolvimus et aquietamus per presentes sigillo communi Universitatis nostre consignatas. Datum in domo nostre congregacionis, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquesium Anglic nono et mensis Mail die sextodecimo. 1 tractu MS. 2 plantus ib. 64 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 56- Fol. 19 b. JESUS . * . MARIA . . * Testimonial letter for Master Philipp Norreys. 1431. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, quibus presentes littere exibite fuerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magis- trorum regencium in eadem, salutem et omne bonum in omnium Salvatore. Quia vite et conversacionis honeste odorem suavissimum in nostra Universitate studencium ad Christi fidelium noticiam, et ut in omnibus honorificetur Deus, cupimus, ut debemus, pervenire sub testimonio digne laudis ; nos, dilecti confratris nostri magistri Philippi Norreys sacre theologie bachallarii, quern concors virtutum concio redimivit, honeste conversacionis vitam mores et scienciam notorie cognoscentes, omnibus quorum interest innotescimus per presentes, quod suis exigentibus meritis et sciencie preconiis, ad sue laudabilis 2 conversacionis indicium, per nos sibi meruit fidele testimonium per- hiberi. Ne igitur, calumpniancium invidia aut hora insidiancium maliciose captata, ejus status posset alicui in dubium revocari, eidem magistro Philippo, super statu suo laudabili et sue vite splendore, has litteras testimoniales sigillo communi nostre Universitatis predicte fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie, in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo die mentis Junii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo primo. 57- JESUS.'. MARIA.'. ANNA, ORATE 1 . To Humfrey, duke of Gloucester. This our fortress of morals and learning can never fall while defended by your arm. We, her sens, thank you, in behalf of our mother the University ', and of her daughters the several faculties therein. Though most anxious to obey all your commands, we cannot carry out the three reforms you desire at this present time, when so many of our members are absent. Before Christmas we will write and relate what steps we have taken to satisfy your desire. 1431. ILLUSTRISSIME princeps, fortis atleta fidei, studiique protector, serenitatis vestre perlucidas litteras cum omni qua decuit reverencia 1 The invocation at the head of this and of the following epistle to the Duke of Gloucester seein to show the great anxiety caused by the case of P. Norreys, and by the requests of the Duke. > laudabile MS. EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL. 65 suscepimus die Martis; quarum perlectus tenor nos ad internum jubilum consolacionis erexit, dum tanti principis plenitudine graciae perfundi nos vidimus salubriter ad munimen. Nee quidem morum aut scienciarum castra posse credimus de facili mere, que suffulta brachiis tante potencie secure novimus undique defensari. Nos igitur, vestram celsitudinem advertentes Universitatem matrem nostram inter anxia laborum pondera benigniter intueri, et eandem piam matrem nostram in filiarum suarurn, videlicet facultatum, optare sinceriter gloria jocundari, perhumiles oratores vestri, simul cum matre, de- bemus ad quaslibet graciarum acciones et gaudia surgere, eo quod tanti muniminis brachio sublevamur. Non enim a nostra mente labitur, sed totum in viscera merito se diffundit, quod vestris graciosis- simis litteris ad reformacionem trium, que significastis eisdem, nimietate amoris in presenti termino, vestra dignacio voluit nos hortari. Et licet jussionibus dominacionis vestre simus, et semper erimus, obtemperare parati, partim tamen ob quorumdam nostrorum absenciam, partim eciam ob brevitatem signati temporis et gravitatem operis recommissi, non juxta vota modo valuimus mandata vestra sufficienter, ut cupimus, adimplere; sed confisi desuper regnantis influxu, ad laudem sibi complendam vestram, et ad nostros speciales honorem et commodum, quos, velut metimur ex opere, corditer affectatis, ante festum natalis Domini, coadunatis professoribus omnium facultatum, celerius quo sufficimus hec tria curabimus salutare : et quam cito digestum fuerit quod nobis Deus inspiraverit de premissis, prelibate celsitudini vestre nostri laboris terminum certificabimus scripto nostro. Velit igitur dignacio vestra nos ad tempus sustinere benigne, et offeremus, ducente Domino, que serenitatis vestre desideria placite quietabunt : quam Deus ad cleri solacium longevet in orbe, et post hujus vie miliciam in celestibus annuat triumphare. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congre- Fol. 20 a. gacionis domo, mensis Julii die sexto. Ista litter a precedens fuit miss a dud Glocestrie, cujus superscripcio fuit hec. ILLUSTRISSIMO principi, atlete fidei et studii protectori, duci Glou- cestrie, locum tenenti Anglic, &c., nostro refugio singulari. Infrascripcio fuit hec ; Vestre serenitatis oratores humillimi Can- cellarius cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium et non-regencium Universitatis Oxoniensis. Debt of the University. The Chancellor shall be repaid the money spent by him for the University. Pledges belonging to him in any chest shall not be sold without his consent. MEMORANDUM, quod sexto die mensis Julii, anno Domini millesimo 1431. F 66 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. quadringentesimo tricesimo primo, in plena congregacione regencium et non-regencium Universitatis Oxoniensis, eadem Universitas voluit et decrevit, quod magister Thomas Chas, pro tune Cancellarius ejusdern Universitatis, post compotum et allocacionem habitam et habendam ab auditoribus ejusdem Universitatis, habebit resolucionem omnium sibi debitorum per ipsam Universitatem pro expensis per ipsum factis pro dicta Universitate ; et quod eadem Universitas manum apponet, cum opus merit, ad levandum debitum predicti magistri T. Chas pro pavimentis et aliis infra precinctum antedicte Universitatis ; ac eciam quod cauciones ejusdem magistri Thome jam incistate non debeant exponi vendicioni contra voluntatem ipsius magistri T. Chas, licet fuerint superannuate, quousque sibi de debitis Universitatis fuerit satisfactum. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxom'e, in nostre congregacionis domo, die et anno supradictis. John Stephens fined. Fine paid for failure to incept within the prescribed time. 1431. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Cancellarium ac procuratores Universitatis Oxoniensis, cetumque unanimem magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepisse in die confeccionis presencium de Johanne Stephenus, licenciato in jure civili, quinquaginta solidos bone et legalis monete. Causa, quia non incepit infra annum a tempore sue licenciacionis, secundum exigenciam statutorum. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum nostrum commune presentibus est appensum. Datum in domo nostre congregacionis, nono die Aprilis anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo primo. 5& Fol. ao b. Littera directa domino Cantuariensi pro cista. Your letter, received by the hands of Master Green, expresses such zeal for God and for learning that we account it as sacred: and what you have done for us will enable the youlh here planted, so to speak, in the vineyard of the Lord to grow and bear fruit in his church. We send herewith a copy of the statutes for the chests, and humbly entreat a favourable consideration of the statement of our case, which we entrust to your messenger. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Henrico Dei gracia Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, tocius Anglie primati et apostolice sedis legato, domino nostro et graciosissimo protectori 1 . 1 The word protectori has been erased, but is faintly discernible. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 67 Reverendissimo in Christo patri et domino, quern magnifice laudis protectorem collaudancium preconio filiorum glorificat cetus unanimis, filialia ad continuanda solacia per longeva tempora, piis radiis rutilare. Graciosas vestras epistolas apicesque sacros per dilectum nobis con- fratrem, vestrum clericum, magistrum J. Greene humillima service 1 recepimus ; quos ideo sacratissimos nuncupamus, quia Domini zelum, studii et cleri augmentum, et quicquid continent, est virtutis. Pro quibus, et continue alias, Universitas mater nostra reverendissime paternitati vestre perpetua oratrix, vivaci contemplans memoria circa eandem vestra preterita, presencia, et futura beneficia, nequiens singula repetere, sed vobis in singulis graciarum pro tributis exponit organa sui cordis. O felix vestrum exordium, felicissimumque progressum, ut ampli orbis de finibus congregata genimina, que vestre Universitatis complantantur in agro, in scienciis frondeant, in virtutibus pululent, floreant et fructificent in ecclesia sancta Dei. Preterea fervidum ad tanti patris zelum, per predictum magistrum vivo relatu nobis minis- tratum, humillimas inclinamus aures, vestris sanctis desideriis ob- secundantes humiliter, ut tenemur. Dominacioni vestre mittimus copias statutorum cistarum per eundem vestrum clericum, humillime obsecrantes et devote, quatinus eidem in dicendis ex parte nostra graciosas aures dignemini prebere credencie paternali solito cum favore. Et reverendissimam paternitatem vestram diutine prospereque conservet in human is summi Patris splendor et noster Redemptor, quern pudicissima virginum susceperat incarnatum. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo quarto decimo die Ociobris. Humillimi paternitatis vestre oratores et filii Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetus[quej 2 unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. Acquittance of Master Thomas Rodnet, guardian of the Vaughan and Husy chest. PATEAT universis per presentes, quod nos, Cancellarius Universitatis 1431. Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepimus de magistro Thoma Rodnet, nuper custode ciste Wacchane 8 et Husy, pro toto tempore suo vera et legalia raciocinia de omnibus et singulis, quibus racione custodie dicte ciste fuerat per dictam Universi- tatem onoralus 4 ; videlicet tam de receptis quam de deliberatis et ex- crescenciis quibuscunque suo tempore contingentibus, ac insufficienciis caucionum, et omnium aliorum: De quibus dictum magistrum racionem 1 i. e. cervice. 2 que omitted in MS. 3 or Waukane, i e. Vaughan MS. 4 i. e. oneratus ; there is a confusion between honoratus and oneratus here and in other similar acquittances. F 2 68 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. dicte ciste de Wacchane et Husy reddendo absolvimus, exhoneramus et in perpetuum quietum reddimus per presentes. In cujus rei testi- monium sigillum commune Universitatis nostre presentibus apposuimus. Datum Oxonie in domo noslre congregacionis, quarto die Februarii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo primo, el regni regis Henrici sexli post conquestum decimo. Fol. 21 a. Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 1431. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Gilbertum Kymere, Can- cellarium alme Universitatis Oxonie, Willelmum Tibard et Willelmum Brandon, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse et die con- feccionis presencium habuisse, de Abbate et conventu de Eynsham in comitatu Oxoniensi, sexaginta et octo solidos sterlingorum, nomine cujusdam pensionis annue nobis et dicte Universitati, pro anno regni regis Henrici sexti nono ultimo preterito, debitos ab eisdem : De quibus quidem sexaginta et octo solidis dictos Abbatem et conventum ac- quietamus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo congregacionis dicte Universitatis, vicesimo secundo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti decimo. Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 1431. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Gilbertum Kymere, Can- cellarium alme Universitatis Oxoniensis, Willelmum Tibard, et Willel- mum Brandon, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse et die confeccionis presencium habuisse de Abbate et conventu de Oseneye in comitatu Oxoniensi viginti sex solidos et octo denarios sterlingorum, nomine cujusdam annue pensionis nobis et dicte Universitati, pro anno regni regis Henrici sexti nono ultimo jam elapso, debitos ab eisdem : De quibus quidem viginti sex solidis et octo denariis dictos Abbatem et conventum acquietamus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est ap- pensum. Datum Oxonie in domo congregacionis dicte Universitatis vicesimo secundo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti decimo. Three acquittances of guardians of the Gildford chest. 1431. PATEAT universis per presentes, quod nos, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepimus de magistro Roberto Feder, nuper custode ciste de Gylford, pro toto tempore suo vera et legalia raciocinia de omnibus et singulis, EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 69 quibus racione custodie dicte ciste fuerat per dictam Universitatem oneratus, videlicet tarn receptis quam deliberatis et excrescenciis quibuscunque ac suo tempore contingentibus, ac insufficienciis caucionum et omnium aliorum : De quibus dictum magistrum 1 racione dicte ciste de Gylford reddendo absolvimus, exoneramus et in per- petuum quietum reddimus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis nostre presentibus apposuimus. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis, duodecimo die Marcii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo primo, et regis Henrici sexti post conquestum decimo. PATEAT universis per presentes, nos, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis cetumque unanimem magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepisse et habuisse die confeccionis presencium de magistro Johanne Hute completa et fidelia raciocinia ciste de Gylford, pro toto tempore sue custodie ciste antedicte; et dictum magistrum Johannem ab omni ulteriori raciocinio et quacumque accione racione custodie absolvimus et acquietamus per presentes sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis duodecimo die mensis Marcii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo primo. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis cetumque unanimem magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepisse die confeccionis presencium de magistro Nicholao Messyng- ham vera raciocinia, tam de receptis quam deliberatis per eundem pro toto tempore custodie sue antedicte ; a qua quidem custodia pre- fatum Nicholaum quietum reddimus, et ab ulteriori compoto racione predicte custodie absolvimus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis nostre presentibus apposuimus. Datum in domo nostre congregacionis vicesimo octavo die mensis Maii anno regni regis \Henrici\ 2 sexti decimo. Two acquittances of guardians of the Queen's chest. Fol. 21 b. PATEAT universis per presentes, quod nos, Cancellarius Universitatis 1432. Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepimus de magistro Thoma Wyllkok, nuper custode ciste regine, pro toto suo tempore vera et legalia raciocinia de omnibus et singulis quibus racione dicte ciste fuerat per dictam Universitatem oneratus 3 , tam de receptis quam de liberatis ; necnon de insufficiencia caucionum 1 The words ab ulteriori compoto are omitted, or else racione should be rationem. Cf. acquittances on next page. 2 Henrici omitted in MS. 3 The same confusion again as to the words oneratus and honoratus; the latter word here has been first written, then the former, both remaining in the MS. 70 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. et omnium aliorum, de quibus dictus magister racione custodie dicte ciste habuit respondere ; et eundem magistrum ab ulterior! compoto racione dicte ciste* reddendo absolvimus, exoneramus et in perpetuum quietum reddimus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis nostre presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis vicesimo quarto die Junii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo secundo, et regno regis Henrici sexti post conquestum decimo. PATEAT universis per presentes, quod nos, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem, recepimus de magistro Willelmo Collis, nuper custode ciste Regine, pro toto tempore suo vera et legalia raciocinia de omnibus et singulis, quibus racione custodie dicte ciste fuerat per dictam Universitatem oneratus ; videlicet tam de receptis quam de liberatis et excrescenciis quibuscunque suo tempore contingentibus, ac insufficiencia caucionum et omnium aliorum. De quibus dictum magistrum racionem dicte ciste Regine reddendo absolvimus, exoneramus et in perpetuum quietum reddimus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis nostre presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis vicesimo die Junii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo secundo, et regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum Anglie decimo. 59- To the Archbishop of Canterbury. The foundation of Chests in the University revives the scholars, who, as vines in the vineyard of the Lord wither from lack of water, while seeking the pearl of great price perish for want of the means of subsistence. We venture to ask your approval of an ordinance for the management of the chest you propose to found, and deeply regret that we are not able to adopt that which you have proposed for our use. 1432. REVERENDO in Christo, &c., H. Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi. Reverendissime in Christo pater gracioseque domine, vestre benig- nissime paternitati filiali obediencia humillimaque devote premissis. Sane velut, humoris deficiente subsidio, plante aliquantulo marcore arescentes paucissimi roris irrigacione aliquociens eleganter rebotre- scendo in habundancia lautissimos edunt fructus ; sic revera nonnulli studio litterarum insistentes, qui paucarum gazarum defectu, omisso discipline gignasio, plerumque in viam vergerent perdicionis, pusille tamen substancie mutuo relevati, per sue conversacionis maturitatem E PISTOL AE ACADEMICAL. 71 scolasticique laboris assiduitatem, in palmites vinee Domini crescunt litteraiissimos. Quorum itaque morum venustate, sciencie claritate, ac redolentis fame suavitate non minus temporalis potestas quam cleri, sublimitas regni, cujus sunt alumpni, quasi quodam sidereo splendore multipliciter decorate existunt. Unde nimirum, inter cetera pietatis opera, ad fructiferum geniminum in ecclesia Dei uberius incrementum, pro inopia scolarium, in agro Domini sciencie margaritam querencium, misericorditer relevanda in Universitatibus cistas errarii 1 mutuandi fundare perpetuas misericordissimum indubie estimatur. Cujusmodi ex caritativa liberalitate erigere larga manu, in nostra Universitate, sua gracia vestra decrevit reverendissima paternitas. Pro cujus nempe desiderabili fundacione, articulos vestri voti in ea parte in quadam cedula vestre destinacionis nobis per nostrum Cancellarium explicates, vestro intento viciniora quo poteramus, nostris saltern salvis libertatibus, redigimus in statuta. In quibus tamen, consideratis laboribus, quos, in celebracione divinorum officiorum et aliis actibus nostre Univer- sitatis solempnibus, regentes in artibus, ultra alios, Dei subeunt ad honorem, cum aliarum facultatum regentibus, in mutuo recipiendo de vestra cista fienda dignum arbitramur equari: prout utique in acco- modato quarumlibet aliarum nostrarum cistarum inconcusse fieri debere, racione jam dicta, specialiter cautum existit. Ipsis vero licenciatis et bachalariis, qui in aliqua facultate suas legendi formas laudabiliter compleverunt, quod hactenus infra nos nunquam ordi- natum prefuerat, aliis bachalariis ampliores de vestra cista pecunie summas mutuari benevole, vestra contemplacione, de novo concessi- mus ; ut magis vestra elimosina sic 2 ampliata vobis alias in excellen- cioris glorie cedat augmentum. Vestre igitur paternitatis graciosam dominacionem unanimes suppliciter exoramus, quatinus ordinacionem pro efficaciori vestri promissi graciosi expedicione propositam s , quan- tum nobis attinet, animo vobis intimius complacendi, et nostre inten- cionis rectitudine, si libeat, editam, benevole acceptare dignetur; pro- pensius considerando, quod formam ordinacionis a vestra paternitate reverendissima, ut prefertur, nobis transmissam, si absque perjurii reatu gravique tumultu, prout affectuose optavimus, quomodolibet fieri potuisset, ex nostrorum cordium integritate unanimi non minus gaudenter quam libenter observandam procul dubio statuissemus. Unde oculos compassionis et misericordie, juxta incepta, super nostram inopiam continuantes, promissum vestrum tarn clemens tamque bea- tum propositum ad profectum sacrosancte matris ecclesie, nostreque Universitatis comodum singulare et vobis in eterne glorie premium 1 i. e. aerarii. * hie MS. 3 propositi ib. 72 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. dignemini graciose dirigere, beneficum 1 operis in effectum : quo inde vestre tarn pie munificencie caritative 2 scolares participes, ob eorum indigenciarum subvencionem graciosam, pro vobis apud fontem misericordie devoti et perpetui efficiantur oratores. Et vestram reverendissimam paternitatem ad prosperum regimen sue ecclesie diutissime felicitet nostri clemencia Salvatoris. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, quinto die mensis Junii. Fol. 22 a. Graces granted to Masters Thomas Colas, Richard Cawntone, and Richard Andrew. 1432. MEMORANDUM, quod petita erat gracia pro magistro Thoma Colas, Ricardo Cawntone, Ricardo Andrew, sub hac forma. ' Supplicant venerabili congregacioni regencium Magistri Thomas Colas, Ricardus Cawntone et Ricardus Andrew, quatinus vesperie illorum habite in jure canonico possint illis stare pro vesperiis in jure civili.' Ista gracia fuit concessa et ab altero procuratore legittime pronunciata, sub istis condicionibus ; quod quilibet illorum disputet gratis bachallariis ejus- dem facultatis, et quod quilibet illorum faciet repeticionem solempnem infra annum primum sue regencie, et quod tantum solvant Universitati pro vesperiis quantum solvissent doctoribus si aliquid solvissent ; et quod gracia ista registretur infra septimanam post suam concessionem in registro Universitatis et in libris procuratorum. 60. To the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Convocation. The Universities abound with men of learning, able to refute the pestilent heresies now prevalent. The council of Basle accordingly invites us to send a deputation to represent our University. We cannot accept this invitation, not having the means to provide our deputation with a creditable outfit and money for the journey. We humbly ask for your assistance, having no other source from which we can hope for aid. We leave the amount to your discretion and wonted liberality, but we are anxious that we should not be less creditably represented than other old Universities, whose equal we are in other respects, if not in wealth. 1432. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati s ac apostolice sedis legato, necnon celebri convocacioni cleri Londoniis jam instanti, nostris dominis protectoribusque graciosis. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, ceteri patres ac proceres reverendi, virique alii egregii et honorabiles. Almis sane, ut remur, 1 beneficium MS. 3 caritatem ib. 3 primato ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 73 studiorum Universitatibus, in quibus virorum copia habundat litteris et scienciis fulgidorum, ad pestilentissimos errores, sediciones et excessuum enormitates, singulis pene in provinciis desolatorie undi- quam subortos, de vinea Domini penitus evellendos, presertim con- gruit, debitumque censetur pro viribus et ultimum opis et salubria 1 prebere consilia. Hinc namque sacrosancta sinodus universalis ecclesie, Basilic 2 jam celebrata, nostre Universitati, tanquam cui plurimum incumbit fidei orthodoxe Christianeque saluti consulere, de disertissimis preclarissimisque doctoribus et magistris nostris elec- tissimos oratores, tarn pro pestiferarum heresium extirpacione terri- biliumque guerrarum tranquillacione quam de privatarum nequiciarum populi correccione, sibi festinanter dirigere nuperrime suis litteris graciosis injunxit ; veluti quidem a celeberrimis doctissimisque viris, Rectore doctoribus et magistris preclarissime Universitatis studii Parisiensis, notabiles epistole nobis dudum directe, pro tarn benedicti premissi propositi complemento, aliarum Universitatum exemplo, ipsi sacre 8 convencioni nostros oratores, una cum eis continue ad tribu- endam assistenciam benigniter persuadere. Que nimirum sacra mandata sanctaque hortamina, nostro unanimi cetui merito pre- carissima, quamquam, ut nostrum speciale debitum interniusque affectatum, cum aliis celeberrimis Universitatum studiis pro universali catholice plebis comodo gratissime exsequeremur ; inedia tamen, qua premimur, impediente ipsa, nostro salvo honore, quo interius gravi merore concutimur hac vice, debito mancipare effectui non valemus ; nisi a vobis, utpote nostris benefactoribus vestri gracia pocioribus, prout hactenus est consuetum casu in consimili, pro expensis nostrorum oratorum, ad nostri cetus statum, licet exiguum, in ipsa celebri et sancta congregacione generali honorifice presentandum, copiosa fiat provisio. Nullorsum igitur in ea parte forinsecus a nobis expectato succursu, ad vestras paternales reverencias graciosasque dominaciones confidentes recurrimus, easdem . . .* obnixeque deposcentes integri Fol. 22 b. cordis affectu exoratas haberi, quatenus pro tante rei tarn beate tarn Celebris et necessarie expedicione felici, a cunctis Christi desideranda fidelibus, ad nostrorum, quin pocius vestrorum, oratorum in solempne ac sacrum Basiliense concilium honorabilem transitum, aliquantulam monete summam, vestris visam prudentissimis competentem discre- cionibus, de vestra consueta magnificaque munificencia in nostre tante oportunitatis instantis peculiare subsidium graciose et liberaliter con- ferre dignentur ; ut nostra Universitas, et sine gazis ceteris veterum studiorum Universitatibus non impar, vestris modo exuberante 5 adjuta 1 saluberia MS. * Basilice ib. 3 sacri ib. 4 A word completely lost in a blot ib. s exuberanti ib. 74 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. muneribus, eciam venusta suorum oratorum presencia, in sui status presentacione venerabili, eisdem inibi coequelur pariter et honore ; quo ex tune ipsa, vestrarum reverendarum paternitatum magnificis donacionibus in speciali humiliter et devote teneatur perpetuo salvari 1 , et constanter itaque in Salvatoris speramus clemencia salvantur omnes sperantes in se, quod tantum opus, tarn sacrum, tamque salubre beatissime inchoatum, vestrorum prestantissimorum ambaxiatorum, virtutum et scienciarum dotibus insignitorum ; nostrorumque oratorum eisdem dirigendorum consilio, communicata solercia, necnon exactis laboribus pariter et operis debite impendendis ; ad nostri regni singu- lare preconium laudemque perpetuam et quasi immortalem, dirigente Paraclito ad felicem consummacionem salubriter ducetur optatam 2 ; dum tamen ibidem gerenda per eos, vestrarum providissimarum paternitatum instruccione sagacissima articulatim maturius predi- gerantur, quas, ad doctrine ecclesiastice proteccionem regnorumque dissidencium unionem ac tocius plebis Christiane universalem salutem, suis carismatibus desuper irradiet, prospere dirigat et firmiter corro- boret Spiritus Sanctus. Cancellarius et Universitas magistrorum studii Oxoniensis vestri humillime oratores. 61. To the Archbishop of Canterbury. Of all works of charity that of relieving the necessities of poor scholars is the greatest, enabling them to acquire virtue and science for the confirmation of the true faith. Such are your exhibitions and the chest to be founded here by you. With one accord we thank you, and pray that your charitable offices and designs may be continued to us. Our Chancellor, Master G. Kymer, in whose statements entire confidence may be reposed, will wait upon you. 1432. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico Dei gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglie primati et apostolice sedis legato. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, vestre dominacioni 1 This passage, and, in particular, the words salvari and salvantur are not a little puzzling. One would have expected a word meaning ' to pray for ' ; there is however no difficulty in the MS. Antony Wood in the Latin version of his History and Antiquities prudently gives only the earlier part of this epistle, and many mistakes occur in his version ; etiam quidem for veluti quidem, de quo in- terim for quo interim, contristamur for concutimur, procuratoribus for pocioribus . 2 optatum ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 75 paternal! humillima l filiali obediencia cum omnimodis reverencia et honore, ut tenemur, devote premissa. Illud sane inter pietatis opera plus meritorium magisque magnificandum putamus, quo alicujus munificencie subsidio pauperum studencium graciose relevatur inopia; ut in Universitatum studiis, ad orthodoxe fidei robur ac perspicuam beatorum morum instruccionem in grege dominico precipue ampli- andum, virtutum et scienciarum culmina addiscendo copiose lucrentur. Quo modo revera vestre reverendissime eximium paternitatis zelum ejusque largifluum oflBcium, quos penes nostram Universitatem sua gracia gerit et ostendit indies speciales, ex vestra magnifica et cari- tativa inopum scolarium exhibicione, cisteque per vos in singulare talium relevamen fundande intencione piissima, in vobis luculencius continue experimur ; et eo patencius quo, premissis sacris, sacro et proposito, vestra satagit dominacionis benignitas ut in nostri studii agro plus solito virtutes una et facultates universe abundancius plantate fertiliter radicentur ; ac in fragrantem et suavem pullulent, crescant, floreant et fructificent singularis preeminencie venustatem. Unde nos, vestre reverendissime paternitatis et obediencie humiles filii sup- plicesque oratores, ad genua sancta gracias eidem impendentes, veluti obligamur, unanimiter consurgentes, eandem internius quo valemus dominacionem quesumus exoratam haberi, quatinus in corrobora- cionem fidei catholice precipuam, peculiareque redolencium morum et scienciarum incrementum, prefata misericordie opera, tarn pia, tarn utilia, tamque beata, per vestram caritativam liberalitatem nobiscum generosius inchoata, perpetua continuacione dignetur firmiter stabilire. Quo vestro tam benedicto tarn felici beneficio, chorusco splendore nostre fame, in exuberancia virtutum et scienciarum per orbem orbi- culariter crebrescente, pro eodem reverendissima vestra paternitas, nostrum cunctorumque fidelium oracionibus perenniter merito recom- mendata, etiam digne et in perpetuum per gloriam vivere intelligatur. In quod quidem negocium, vestre dominacioni non minus meritorium Fol. 23 a. quam nobis utile sinceriterque affectatum, concernentibus, et aliis vestre paternali reverencie ex parte nostra per magistrum G. Kymer nostre Universitatis Cancellarium benigniter perorandis, credenciam adhibere dignetur vestra reverendissima paternitas graciosa 2 : quam, ad sue militantis ecclesie prosperitatem pariter et munimen, diutine et feliciter conservet incolumem Jesus Christus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo vicesimo nono die Januarii. Vestre reveren- dissime paternitatis et obediencie humiles filii et oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque magistrorum unanimis in eadem. 1 After humillima an abortive word occurs, apparently for recommendacione MS. 3 gloriosa corrected to graciosa MS. 76 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAE. v Acquittance of Eynsham abbey. 1432. NOVERINT universi perpresentes, nos,Gilbertum Kymer, Cancellarium alme Universitatis Oxoniensis, Willelmum Brandon et Johannem Hals, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse, et die confeccionis pre- sencium habuisse de Abbate et conventu de Eynsham in comitatu Oxoniensi, sexaginta et octo solidos sterlingorum, nomine cujusdam pensionis annue, nobis et dicte Universitati, pro anno regni regis Henrici sexti decimo ultimo preterite, debite ab eisdem : De quibus sexaginta et octo solidis dictos Abbatem et Conventum acquietamus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo con- gregacionis dicte Universitatis vicesimo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti decimo l . Acquittance of Oseney abbey. 1432. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Gilbertum Kymer, Cancel- larium alme Universitatis Oxoniensis, Willelmum Brandon et Johannem Hals, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse, et die confeccionis presencium habuisse de Abbate et Conventu de Oseney in comitatu Oxoniensi, viginti sex solidos octo denarios sterlingorum, nomine cujusdam pensionis annue nobis et dicte Universitati, pro anno regni regis Henrici sexti decimo ultimo preterito, debite ab eisdem : De quibus viginti sex solidis octo denariis dictos Abbatem et conventum acquietamus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum com- mune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo congregacionis dicte Universitatis vicesimo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti decimo 1 . 62. To Humfrey duke of Gloucester 2 . Every member of the Benedictine order, being a scholar ', pays a fee of six and eightpence to the master whose lectures he attends. If this fee were abolished the recent revival of learning here would receive a mortal blow. And whereas this would be the effect of a certain appeal to the Holy See now supported by an inhibition and citation from the Court of arches, we, knowing how great is your influence with the aforesaid order, 1 In a late hand a note is added on margin as follows, ' ex errore scribe annus decimus Henrici sexti ponitur pro undecimo ut pateat exfol. 21 a' And the same observation applies to the next acquittance. 2 After the number 62 a con- temporary hand adds ' prima' vide { secundam' fol. 24 b, and on fol. 24 a (not b) the second epistle numbered 62 occurs, viz to Robert, Bishop of London. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 77 of whose monasteries you are a sort of second founder, earnestly beseech you to use your good offices with the Lord Chancellor in our behalf, that he may stop further proceedings in the cause ; and with the presidents of the said order, that they may oblige the members of the same lo pay the customary fee in question. SERENISSIMO principi et inclitissimo domino, Domino Humfrido, 1432. duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie et magno camerario Anglic, nostro domino et graciosissimo protected. Serenissime princeps, magnificeque domine, hinibicione una et citacione inauditis ab official! curie Cantuariensis 'de arcubus,' pro quadam injusta tuenda appellacione, in causa mere civili (cujusdam collecte sex solidorum octo denariorum, proprio magistro regent! in artibus nostre Universitatis, pro lectura scienciarum liberalium philo- sophiarumque, ordinarie a quolibet monacho ordinis S.Benedicti, ibidem in eisdem scolare, annuatim consueta persolvi,) ad sedem apostolicam inique * studentibus, [et] famulis eorum, nuper directis, ac in venerabilemvirummagistrumGilbertum Kymer,vestrum servitoremper- petuum nostrumque Cancellarium,per quendam mandatarium presump- tuosum indebite executis nedum contemptibiliter, violatur regium dyadema 2 Itaque execucioni nostrorum statutorum, ordinariam septem arcium liberalium triumque philosophiarum lecturam con- cernencium, vestro votivo editorum mandate 3 , dampnose plurimum impedita, ipsa lectura, quam vestro beato sacroque jussu ad nostram non modicam utilitatem, tarn in doctrina quam disciplina jam tarde expergiscimus, propter subtraccionem collecte, in summa nunc dicta, eadem debite pro lectura, quod absit, de verisimili infra breve desola- torie revertetur in soporem : necnon ad intollerabilem nostrarum liber- tatum et jurium enervacionem enormemque nostri studii subversionem. De quo nimium trepidamus ; aliis inter nos causis eciam consimilibus Fol. 23 b. grassari volentibus, continue in posterum conformiter appellandi, hinibendi, vexandique nostram Universitatem exemplum tribuitur perniciosum, nisi vestre celsitudinis magnificencia, ad cujus protec- cionem nobis indeficientis, velut ad nostrum singularius presidium, inpresenciarum fiducialiter currimus, nostro cetui in dictis injuriis resistendo graciosius suffragetur. Verum quia venerabilem supra- dictorum religiosorum ordinem tanto peculiarius in alendo virtuosa 1 The MS. here is, as so often happens, defective. These words are illegible ; they look, however, like interpositum quibuslibet pro trahendo. The passage may perhaps have been intended to be ad sedem apostolicam inique interpositis, de trahendis quibuslibet studentibus, &c. * Three more words inexplicable. 3 mandatorum corrected in MS. 78 PISTOL A E ACADEMICAE. et scientifica opera, vestris inchoata preceptis, vestris parere jussibus eximie obligari 1 sencemus ; quod vos nempe divino quodam instinctu, in ipsorum et tocius ecclesie dirimendo 2 adversaries, fortissimus fidei facti estis athleta, atque quasi novus cenobiorum suorum fundator: quos nimirum eciam consuetudinibus nostre Universitatis laudabilibus tanto conformiores fore convenit, quanto revera ex nostrorum magis- trorum favore eminencioribus supra ceteros scolares gaudent inibi prerogativis. Vestram igitur inclitissimam humillime implorando cordialiter quesumus serenitatem, ut, pro regie corone, nostrarumque constitucionum ordinariam premissarum scienciarum tangencium lecturam, vestra auctoritate editarum, speciali tuicione, Cancellario Anglie continue affectuose mandare dignetur, quatinus regia pro- hibicione officiali curie predicte in causa prefata eidem . . . 3 , appellata, tanquam ab eodem minime audienda, ut moris in causis civilibus existit, celeriter supersedere precipiat : veluti insuper venerabilibus patribus Abbatibus de S. Albano et Abendon, ordinis memorati presi- dentibus, Priorique monachorum ejusdem religionis nobiscum studen- cium vestras litteras, in nostrarum prefatarum injuriarum relevamen, placeat dirigere graciosas ; ut suis subditis monachis, arcium scolaribus in nostra Universitate, specialiter dent in mandatum, quatinus in causa prelibata, eorum appellacione et rebellione contra nostram Universitatem suam matrem prorsus omissis, in solvendo collectam &c. statui suo competentem, regentibus facultatis arcium debitam, antique consuetudini Universitatis in ea parte inconcusse hactenus usitate protinus et integraliter se conforment ; Universitatem nostram ejusque Cancellarium, prout bonos filios proprios congruit, parentes absque infestacione, in pace de cetero penitus demittendo ; ne eorum hujuscemodi adversacione contra Universitatem constituta scienciale* vestrarum manuum opus, tarn utile quam honorificum nobiscum noviter ortum, absque vestra graciosa ope in hac parte, cito vergat flebiliter in occasum; quod quidem perfecte continuatum, suorum radiorum fulgore undequaque diffuso, vestri nominis ut auctoris, una et nostri cetus ut executoris, fame gloriam per orbem spargeret universum. Unde sub tutissimo vestrarum alarum tegmine noster magistrorum cetus unanimis, graciosum 5 expectans munimen, propter vestram quam excellentem munificenciam indies eis similiter pre- ostensam, cum continuis graciarum accionibus, vestre dominacioni serenissime in cunctis precipiendis perenniter complacere et obsequi est paratus. Quam ad cleri et regni solamen in omnimoda prosperitate 1 obligare MS. 2 derimendo ib. * A word illegible in ib. scitntiali ib. 5 graciosam ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 79 diutine felicitet Christus Jesus. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo tercio die Februarii. Vestre serenitatis fervidi oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 62 (2). To the Bishop of London. Fol. 24 a. Thanks for favour shown to Master Richard Chesire, with commenda- tion of his character and learning. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Roberto Dei 1432. gratia Londoniensi episcopo. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, omnimodas reverencias tante paternitati debitas cum honore. Quia ex fidedigne relacionis fama nuper accepimus, per venerabilem confratrem nostrum magistrum Ricardum Chestre sacre theologie professorem, quanta gratuita domina- cionis insignia eidem contulit et confert vestra paternitas graciosa ; hec vivaci contemplantes memoria ad reddendas cordiales graciarum acciones merito excitamur; dignum namque recensentes, philosophico ex dicto, illud tocius ad integritatem pertinere quod sue parti im- penditur ad profectum ; nee desistimus, ex fiducia, quam penes nobilem paternitatem vestram jam habemus, eundem confratrem nostrum moribus et scienciis decoratum eidem dominacioni vestre amplius commendare ; ut quod graciose dominacionis vestre benevo- lencia inceptum recognoscimus, ejusdem caritatis intuitu et nostrarum precum adminiculo, continuare feliciter in posterum senciamus. Vestram reverendissimam paternitatem diutine prospereque conservet in humanis futurorum bonorum Pontifex Jesus Christus. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo septimo die mensis Februarii, Vestri oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 63- To the Lady Abbess of Syon. We have heard of the signal marks of favour you have bestowed upon one of our brethren, master Richard Chestre, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, being sensible that where one member is benefited the whole body shares with it. 8o EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 1432. REVERENDE domine, Domine Johanne North, Abbatisse de Syon. Reverenda domina, sancte religionis augmentum in Eo cujus est Illius aspectus, et celesti Sponso continue complacere. Quia nuper nobis innotuit, ex relacione venerabilis confratris nostri magistri Ricardi Chestre, sacre theologie professoris, quanta graciose benevo- lencie vestre insignia eidem contulistis; hec vivaci contemplantes memoria ad reddendas interniores nostri 1 cordis graciarum acciones, quas valemus, merito excitamur ; dignum namque recensentes philo- sophico ex dicto tocius ad integritatem illud pertinere quod sue parti impenditur ad profectum; nee nostra desistit fiducia, quam vestram penes reverenciam graciosam habemus, eundem confratrem nostrum laudabilibus meritis et scienciis et moribus 2 omniumque virtutum splendoribus ac bone fame fragrancia redimitum, manibus vestre caritatis incepte benevole amplius commendare : supplicantes devote quatenus quod ex caritatis vestre ardore eidem impensum recogno- scimus, nostris intervenientibus precibus ad continuacionem felicem in posterum senciamus. Reverenciam vestram sic dirigat et conservet Dei patris splendor, ut 3 vos vigilantem lampadem inveniat sine fine. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo septimo die mensis Februarii. Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 6 4 . Fol. 24 b. Testimonial letter for Master Richard Chestre. 1432. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere per- venerint, Gilbertus Kymer, medicinarum doctor, Cancellarius Universi- tatis Oxoniensis, cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore. Tociens altissime veritatis conspectui credimus offerre libamen, quociens virtutibus precellenti et sciencia fidele perhibemus testimonium digne laudis. Hinc nos, super vita laudabili et honeste conversacionis fragrancia dilecti confratris nostri magistri Ricardi Chestre, sacre theologie professoris, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, has nostras per litteras attestamur, quod de predicti confratris nostri 4 laudabilibus meritis, per diversarum facultatum gradus et studia, tanta precessit experiencia unde odorifera sui nominis fama, quam apud nos in honoris apicem pretulerunt gloriose accionis preconia, latere non valuit; sed, super eminentem columpnam erigi digna, ceteris se prebuit studentibus vitale imitacionis 1 nostre MS. 2 redimitiim omnium, &c., but corrected ib. 3 et ib. 4 nostris ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 81 exemplum et populo lucem magnam ; adeo quod, quamdiu sua pre- sencia nostrum cetum decoraverat, morum omnium gravitate prefulgens matura, omnium amorem immaculati nominis titulo vendicavit. Ne igitur, calumpniancium * invidia aut insidiancium hora maliciose captata, ejus status possit alicui in dubium revocari, eidem magistro super statu suo et conversacione laudabili, ut omnibus plenius in- notescat, has litteras testimoniales sigillo nostre Universitatis communi fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo septimo die mensis Februarii anno Domini millesimo quadrin- geniesimo tricesimo secundo. 65. To the Duke of Bedford. Wherever the seven liberal arts and the three philosophies are studied renown may be foretold, and special honour to him by whom they have been fostered. The examples of Rome and Greece are a proof of this, wherein, while learning flourished, success in war spread their glory over the world. Already your aid has given an impulse to these studies here, and we humbly beg for a continuance of the same, and particularly for means of regular payment to masters lecturing, provision of necessary books, and schools in which to hold the lectures. Our Chancellor will explain to you our necessities more fully. SERENISSIMO principi inclitissimoque domino, Domino duci Ande- 1432. gavie et Bedfordie, necnon regent! regni Francie, nostro domino et graciosissimo protector!. Serenissime princeps prepotentissime 2 que domine, devotissima vestre celsitudini metuendissime recommendacione, omnimodo quo decet honore, humillime premissa : Redolens et splendidum fructifere doctrine egregiarum septem arcium liberalium triumque philosophiarum augmentum, sedulo earum continuato gignasio in quavis regione con- tingens, non minimam glorie ejusdem excellenciam presagire solebat futuram ; et presertim ipsius cujus auctoritate seu solercia ibidem fulgidam processere primitus in doctrinam. Quam, inquam, dudum Romana potestas, dum premisse s sapiencie in suo florebant senatu, totum orbem suo imperio gloriose tenebat subjectum ! Quemadmodum utique Illirica regio, dum in propriis pagis, Achademia videlicet et Athenis, philosophorum crevere gignasia, Minerve interventu universe telluri omnique climati sui cinguli 4 militaris spergendo honorem, de suis hostibus victoriosum feliciter continue reportarunt triumphum ! 1 calumpnientium MS. 3 prepontissime ib. * premisso ib. * singuli ib. G 82 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. In quibus namque, sacro Mercurii et philologie soluto conjugio, non modicus marcor floridi honoris et celebritatis protinus esse traditur consecutus. Conformiter quidem, inclitissime princeps, ex celebri et florigera septem arcium triumque philosophiarum doctrina, nobiscum vestro gracioso et votivo jussu scolatim fructuosum sumente inicium, non minus vestre illustrissime serenitatis et gloriosi regni Anglic amplissimum glorie et laudis fastigium veraciter credimus certissime pronosticari venturum : et eo pocius, si ad scientificam ipsarum sophiarum tarn utilem quam honorificam lecturam nobiscum perpetuo continuandam, de competent! stipendio pro laboribus magistrorum ipsas docencium, librisque sufficientibus et ad earum doctrinam necessariis, ac scolis in quibus amodo docentur, mediacione vestre magnifice dominacionis graciosa fiat provisio. Per 1 cujus nempe graciam o quante desideratam sapientiam eloquencie nobiscum celebri freta connubio, sue conversacionis maturitate laborisque assiduitate, preclare doctrine radiis proprios divinitus auditores illustrans, fra- granciam morum venustatem et rutilancium scienciarum claritatem, ac odorificam fame suavitatem nostre Universitatis, et gloriosam vestri nominis magnificenciam immortalem undequaque per orbem circumfunderet universum ! Qua de re memores promissi in hac parte vestre suavissime pietatis, quod nostrum cetum firme spei nonnullis perfudit gaudiis, vestre precellentissime dominacionis affec- tuosissime imploramus magnificenciam, quatenus pro vestro opere doctrinali speculacionum premissarum tarn mature quam sciencialiter nuperrime, ut prefertur, incepto, nobiscum perhenniter continuando, ex sinu vestre largiflue bonitatis dignetur graciosum impertiri sub- sidium ; necnon celeberrimo viro egregioque doctori, magistro Gilberto Kymer, Universitatis nostre Cancellario, necessitatem nostram in hac parte vestre prevalentissime inclitudini proposituro, nostrarum humilli- marum precum instanciis aures efficaciter inclinare vestre magnifice pietatis. Et vestre graciose fundacionis patrocinio dicte liberates artes et philosophic nobiscum perpetuo florentes, propter preclarissimam tanti operis tanteque elemosine indigenciam, nomen vestrum celebre merito reddant in eternum, ac demum 2 celestem, post hanc lucem, vobis lucrentur beatitudinem in excelsis. Scrtp/um, c. Serenitatis vestre oratores perpetui Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 1 This passage in the MS. is clearly written, and the whole epistle is in one of the best handwritings in the collection. It is given here precisely as in the original. 8 or donum, domum MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 83 66. To the Duke of Gloucester. Requesting him to speak or write to the Duke of Bedford in support of their prayer, as in the next preceding letter. SERENISSIMO principi prepotentissimoque domino, Domino duci 1432. Gloucestrie, Comiti Pembrochie, et magno Camerario Anglic, nostro domino et graciosissimo protectori. Eadem littera, in sentencia et in terminis ut precedens immediate, dirigitur predicto domino duci Gloucestrie cum ista clausula super- addita, scilicet, ' necnon, si vestre graciosissime dominacioni expediens videatur et libeat, inditissimum principem illusiremque dominum, dominum ducem Bedfordie, vesirum germanum prenobilem, dictarum scienciarum incrementum alias sine er Her affectantem, ad felicem ipsarum lecture nobiscum conlinuacionem in aliquo suffragandum epistola dignemini, seu affatu attectum reddere vel suasum'. In quo, $c. Vestre serenitatis oratores perpetui Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. Ordinance for the Chichele chest. Fol. 25 b. Henry Chichele Archbishop of Canterbury, desiring to relieve poor scholars, who, while seeking the priceless pearl of knowledge in the field of divine learning, are distracted by the cares of poverty, has given to the University the sum of two hundred marks. This money shall be kept in a chest, which shall be called the Chichele Chest. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 1432. pervenerint, Gilbertus Kymer, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis, cetusque unanimis Universitatis Oxoniensis magistrorum regencium et non regencium in eadem, salutem in omnium Salvatore: Inter cetera pietatis opera pium esse dinoscitur studencium necessitati con- sulere, necnon compassionis et misericordie oculos ad eorum relevandas indigencias convertere ; ipsis de oportuno subsidio providendo, qui, ut in agro Domini sciencie margaritam adquirant, laboribus et erumpnis variis se exponunt ; ut, submotis ab eis inopie a studio distrahentis molestiis, tanto uberius exercitacione scolastica fructus afferant sciencie ac virtutum, quanto abundancius elemosinarum recepcione tempore oportuno de sua inedia fuerint relevati. Hac igitur consideracione motus et divinitus inspiratus, reverendissimus in Christo pater et dominus, dominus Henricus, dictus Chichele, Dei gracia Cantuari- ensis Archiepiscopus, tocius Anglic primas et apostolice sedis legatus, G 2 84 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. nostreque Universitatis legum doctor, propter benevolenciam graciosam et specialem affeccionem, quas ad magistros et scolares Universitatis nostre gerit, nobis et Universitati predicte donavit et tradidit ducentas marcas, quas ab eodem, sua gratia, nos habuisse et recepisse cogno- scimus et fatemur, in cista nova Universitatis integre reponendas ; quam cistam, ex ejusdem reverendissimi patris cognomine speciali, cistam ' Chichele,' Anglice ' Chichele Wyche Y pro perpetuo nominari, ac dictas ducentas marcas in utilitatem magistrorum et scolarium in Universitate predicta studencium per viam mutui convert! volumus 2 , sub modum et formam per nos ordinatos et subscriptos. For the safe custody thereof three guardians shall be elected every year, who shall be empowered to lend from this fund on receiving sufficient pledges ; and they shall be bound by oath to observe this ordinance. At the end of their term of office they shall render an account of the state of the fund ; principal, interest and pledges. They may appoint deputies under proper restrictions. The University, for the corporate use, may borrow therefrom one hundred shillings ; and any College, except the College of S. Mary of Winchester, five marks. A Master of Arts, actually engaged in study in Oxford, may borrow forty shillings, a licentiate two and a half marks, a bachelor two marks, a scholar one mark. A second loan may not be contracted until the first has been repaid. No loan shall be granted unless a pledge, exceeding in value the sum to be borrowed, be first deposited ; and such pledge, if not redeemed within a year and a month, may be sold to satisfy the debt. Pledges must be bona fide the property of the person depositing the same. The guardians shall visit the chest every month after due proclamation. Pledges offered for sale shall only be lent on approval under careful restrictions and upon sufficient security. Nos igitur, Cancellarius antedictus cetusque unanimis magistrorum Universitatis predicte, pro secura custodia dicte ciste et summe pecunie prefate reposite in eadem, ordinamus et volumus, quod, de fidelioribus et discrecioribus magistris arcium duo regentes et unus non-regens in ejus eligantur custodes, singulis annis, in vigilia concepcionis Beate Virginis, qui plenam habeant potestatem magistris et scolaribus nostre Universitatis et communitatibus de vera sorte ciste, seu ejus excre- scenciis, pro sufficientibus caucionibus, in forma subtaxata mutuare; ita quod, post eleccionem eorum ad custodiam dicte ciste, quam cito 1 This is probably a mistake for ' hutch' The chests were called ' hutches? 2 volimus MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 85 commode fieri poterit, in aliqua congregacione Universitatis nostre, antequam ad ipsam custodiam admittantur, sacramentum prestent corporale, quod singulas ordinaciones huic ciste pertinentes absque dolo vel fraude bene et fideliter observabunt; ac ipsam pro tempore sue custodie indempnem custodient, saltern quantum ad se pertinent et in ipsis est ; sic quod nullus eorum ultra unum annum et mensem in custodia predicte ciste quoquo modo continuet, sed illi ipsam aliis custodibus, sic ut prefertur electis, in prima congregacione magistrorum post natale Domini facta, omnino deliberent; in qua, ante suam deliberacionem hujusmodi, de sua administracione coram auditoribus, ad hoc l per procuratores dicte Universitatis deputatos, de vera sorte ciste ejusque excrescenciis, si que fuerint, et singulis caucionibus ejusdem, necnon de aliis quibuscunque dicte ciste pertinentibus fidelem et plenam teneantur reddere racionem: quo modo eciam, si quis substitutus fuerit alicujus custodis dicte ciste absentis, tempore raciociniorum ejusdem, nomine custodis cujus vices gerit, una cum reliquis custodibus, vel, in eorum absencia, eorum substitutis, tanquam procurator principalis in hac parte custodis, ad raciocinia reddenda compellatur 2 : proviso, quod nullus custodum dicte ciste administra- cionem ejusdem vice sua alicui committat, nisi magistro vel bachilario Universitatis jurato, predictum juramentum tempore substitucionis sue consimiliter subeunti : sic eciam quod, lapso anno et mense custodie dicte ciste, custodibus prioribus de sorte ciste vel ejus excrescenciis non liceat cuiquam mutuare ; nee datas impignoracionis cujuscunque pignoris immutare, neque quamque caucionem renovari permittere quoquo modo : liceat tamen eis excrescencias solvere hiis, quibus debentur, et pecuniam debitam ciste exigere et recipere ac pignora liberare; hoc addito, quod Universitas ad communem usum mutuo de dicta cista recipiat centum solidos pro una vice, et quodlibet collegium quinque marcas. Item, quilibet magister regens vel non-regens, studens in Universitate, de eadem mutuare poterit, ad usum suum proprium et non alterius, quadraginta solidos et non plus pro una vice. Item, quilibet licenciatus in aliqua facultate mutuari potest, ad usum suum proprium et non ad alterius, solum duas marcas et dimidium pro una vice ; et bachalarius, qui in aliqua facultate formam legendi complevit, mutuari potest, ad suum usum et non alterius, solum duas marcas pro una vice; necnon quilibet bachilarius alius viginti solidos ; et quilibet scolaris unam marcam, et non ultra quovis quesito colore, per se vel per alium, pro una vice mutuari possunt cista de predicta : nee quivis predictorum mutuancium iterum de eadem per se vel per alium quicquid mutuo recipere debet, donee de 1 hoc supplied on margin by later baud. a compellantur MS. 86 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. priore mutuo plene fuerit satisfactum ; et ex tune, post medietatem anni, tantumdem de eadem cista mutuo recipere potest, et deinceps, absque fraude et malo ingenio, quum opus habet ; hoc diligencius observato, quod nulli communitati vel persone, nisi alicui predictorum, prestetur mutuum de sorte predicte ciste vel ejus excrescenciis quoquo modo, nee eciam alicui ipsarum, nisi sub reali et sufficienti pignore, pecuniam sic mutuandam in valore notabili excedente ; quod quidem pignus, nisi infra mensem post suam superannuacionem, si plenus terminus fuerit, vel infra primum mensem proximi termini, si vacacio fuerit, debite luatur, statim proclamacione publica precedente, vendi- cioni publice exponatur ; ita quod, cum pignus venditum fuerit, retenta ciste summa proprii mutui, residuum precii, si quod fuerit, impignoranti Fol. 26 a. solvatur \ Item, quod quicunque exponentes pignora, sive pro pecunia dicte ciste, sive pro aliis pignoribus vendicioni expositis, et ad in- speccionem seu examinacionem receptis, jurent se potestatem habere taliter obligandi hujusmodi pignora que exponunt. Item, quod quo- libet mense pleni termini teneantur custodes dictam cistam visitare, proclamacione more solito per scolas publice precedente. Item, quod nullum pignus de cista predicta vendicioni expositum, sive de voluntate impignorantis infra annum, sive per custodes ciste post annum, cui- quam ad examinacionem vel inspeccionem tradatur, nisi corporale prestiterit juramentum, quod pignus hujusmodi non accipit fraudulenter ad implendum 2 vel differendum vendicionem illius ; et ad juramenta hujusmodi exigenda quilibet librarius vel stacionarius Universitatis astringatur. Item, quod qui pignus vendicioni expositum ad in- speccionem vel examinacionem habere voluerit. aliud pignus, nota- biliter excedens precium pignoris venalis, secundum estimacionem stacionarii seu librarii venditoris, eidem exponat, et sic pignus venale ad examinacionem per octo dies licenter habeat ; quod si infra octo dies dictum precium constitutum super pignore venali eidem stacionario non solvent, nee ipsum pignus venale eidem restituerit, extunc pignus ejus sic stacionario expositum remaneat ciste in statu prioris pignoris obligatum ; ita videlicet quod, per custodes ciste precio constitute vendicioni exponatur, sicut de pignoribus superannuatis fieri con- suevit : quo vendito, reservetur summa mutui principalis, et, si quid residuum fuerit, assignetur ei, qui primo pignus exposuit, solum tantum quantum precium super ejus pignore constitutum excedit summam mutui principalis ; et, si adhuc preter hoc aliquid super- fuerit, illud ei, qui pignus posterius stacionario tradidit, assignetur ; et sic fiat singulis impignorantibus quod justum est. 1 solvantur MS. 2 Probably an error for impcdienditin. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 87 In the chest a register shall be kept of names and other particulars, which register shall be examined every year, and afterwards cancelled, but not rendered illegible. The auditors who examine the accounts of the outgoing guardians shall deliver an indenture of the same to the proctors. All statutes relating to chests in general shall hold good as respects the Chichele Chest, and misuse or embezzlement of the funds shall involve excommunication. Item, quod in prefata cista sit registram,in quo annis singulis, instante compoto, per custodes compotum reddituros scribantur singillatim nomina illorum, quibus debebuntur excrescencie de pignoribus venditis anno illo, videlicet post ultimum compotum precedentem, una cum summis excrescenciarum debitarum singulis eorumdem ; que scriptura per auditores compoti examinetur, ut concordet cum summa novarum excrescenciarum inserenda indenture super ilium compotum faciende ; ne quis, cujus pignus, ultra summam mutui per ipsum de cista accepti, venditum forsan fuerit, per custodum ciste injuriam seu negligenciam, debitis sibi excrescenciis defraudetur. Cum excrescencie sic in registro descripte illi cui debebuntur fuerint persolute, scriptura ipsas * con- cernens cancelletur in prefato 2 registro, ita tamen ut videri possit quod fuerat ibi scriptum; cancellate vero hujusmodi scripture per auditores proximi compoti sequentis examinentur s , ut concordent cum summa excrescenciarum, quas custodes coram eis allegabunt de temporibus suam administracionem precedentibus, ut liquere possit sic se solvisse, ne forte in posterum eedem excrescencie indebite per- solvantur. Item, quod auditores compoti custodum priorum dicte ciste exquisite ipsum audient, ac indenturam summam sortis 4 ciste continentem, una cum excrescenciis et caucionibus ejusdem ciste quibuscunque, post hujusmodi compotum receptum statim procura- toribus Universitatis deliberent, in eorum cistam reponendam ; cujus indenture alia pars remaneat in predicta cista, per quam custodes novi in suo compoto future valeant onerari. Item, quod omnia statuta et consuetudines laudabiles conservacionem cistarum concernencia, per Cancellarium et Universitatem nostram facta vel in posterum facienda, dummodo presenti ordinacioni nullatenus repugnent, circa custodiam predicte ciste per presentes ordinamus et volumus observari. As a recompense for his charily, the founder of the chest shall be reckoned among the benefactors of the University ; and every year, when the priest goes round all the schools to ask the prayers of the scholars for 1 ipsos MS. * prefata ib. 3 examinetur ib. 4 sorte ib. 88 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. all benefactors, his name shall be specially mentioned. Every year also mass ' de Trinitate ' shall be said for him ; and after his death, on the anniversary of that event if possibk, mass ' de defunctis ' shall be said for him for ever. Likewise every one who borrows from the said chest shall be bound to say five times the 'Pater nosier' and ' Ave Maria] for the souls of the founder and all the faithful departed ; and, if a priest, he shall be bound to celebrate mass ' de requiem 'for the said souls. This ordinance shall be a statute of the University, and be entered in the books of the Chancellor and proctors. Nos igitur, Cancellarius predictus cetusque unanimis magistrorum Universitatis premisse, predictam pecuniam nullatenus alienandam, sed in prefatos pios usus, et non in alios quoquo modo convertendam, diffinitive et finaljter pronunciamus ; omnes et singulos prime et secundo et tercio monendo, sub pena excommunicacionis majoris, quam ferimus in hiis scriptis in omnes contravenientes, ne de dicta pecunia quicquid maliciose et fraudulenter auferre, diminuere, vel in alios usus vertere quam premisses aliquis aliquo modo presumat aliquive presumant. Insuper, attenta consideracione diligencius adver- tentes devocionis nobilitatem, ac caritativam liberalitatem a prefato reverendissimo in Christo patre nobis graciose monstratas, suamque munificenciam cum graciarum accionibus merito amplectentes, sibi spiritualium munerum retribucionem rependere cupiendo, prefatum reverendum patrem inter benefactores nostre Universitatis admittimus, concedentes eidem quod sit particeps omnium bonorum, que pro benefactoribus dicte Universitatis fient in perpetuum ; et quod nomen ejus nominibus benefactorum nostrorum perpetuo ascribatur ; quodque annis singulis, sacerdote circuiente scolas singulas magistrorum ad orandum pro benefactoribus Universitatis, nomen prefati reverendissimi patris, tam in vita quam post obitum ipsius, inter ceteros benefactores specialiter recitetur: singulis insuper annis, dum vixerit, convenienciore die per Cancellarium et procuratores ad hoc assignata, a regentibus Universitatis missa pro eo ' de Trinitate ' decantetur ; ita quod, post mortem dicti reverendissimi patris, die quo de hac luce migraverit, si comode fieri poterit, seu alio viciniore sequente, saltern non legibili, missa ' de defunctis ' cum exequiis mortuorum precedentibus a nobis et Fol. 26 b. successoribus nostris pro eodem reverendissimo patre cum diacono et sub-diacono fiet in perpetuum Celebris et solempnis; magistris re- gentibus ad hoc more solito convocandis, quorum quilibet hujusmodi misse a principio evangelii usque ad ultimum 'Agnus Dei] in fide prestita Universitati, interesse teneatur ; ita quod quilibet, mutuum secundum formam predictam recipiens de dicta cista, statim bona fide EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL. 89 promittat quod, pro bono statu dicti reverendissimi patris, dum vivit, aut pro anima ejus post mortem et animabus omnium benefactorum ejusdem ciste, et omnium fidelium defunctorum, quinquies oracionem dominicam, tociensque salutacionem Beate Marie Virginis devote dicet ; ac, si non presbiter sit, quod infra octo dies a tempore hujus- modi mutui recepti exequias 1 cum novem leccionibus dicet defunc- torum : quodque, si presbiter sit, celebrabit infra idem tempus ' de requiem ' unam missam pro animabus omnium predictorum. Volumus- que et ordinamus, quod omnia et singula predicta pro statutis de cetero inviolabiliter observentur in perpetuum, et in libris Cancellarii et procuratorum cum statutis aliis inserantur perpetuo duratura ; que ad perpetuam rei memoriam volumus et concedimus coram nobis sentencialiter recitari, cum statuta nostra adjurata legi contigerit, ut est moris. Acta et statuta sunt hec in congregacione solempni regen- cium et non-regencium, in ecclesia Beate Marie Virginis Oxonie solempniter celebrata, ex unanimi consensu non-regencium et omnium facultatum, existentibus procuratoribus venerabilibus viris magistris Willelmo Brandone et Johanne Hals, vicesimo quarto die mensis Mayi, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo secundo. Ad premissa autem omnia et singula fideliter et sine fraude perpetuo facienda et inviolabiliter observanda, nos, Cancellarius et magistri pre- dicti per presentes obligamus nos et successores nostros, et ea omnia facere et observare promittimus bona fide : et ut prefate nostre con- cessiones et ordinaciones robur obtineant perpetue firmitatis, presentes litteras nostras patentes fieri fecimus, sigilli Universitatis nostre com- munis appensione munitas, in fidem et testimonium omnium pre- missorum. Datum in domo noslre congregations anno predicto mensis Junii die quinta. 67. Testimonial letter for Master William Carelake. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 1433. pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore. Tociens altissime veritatis conspectui credimus offerre libamen, quo- ciens virtutibus precellenti et 2 sciencia fidele perhibemus testimonium digne laudis : Hinc nos super laudabili vita et honeste conversacionis fragrancia dilecti confratris nostri Willelmi Carelake, arcium magistri, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, has nostras per litteras attestamur, quod de predicti confratris nostri laudabilibus meritis per 1 exequies MS. * ex ib. 90 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. septem liberalium arcium studia tanta precessit experiencia, unde odorifera sui nominis fama, quam apud nos in honoris apicem pro- tulerunt gloriose accionis preconia, latere non valuit; sed super eminentem columpnam erigi digna, ceteris se prebuit studentibus vitale imitacionis exemplum et populo lucem magnam ; adeo quod, quamdiu sui presencia cetum nostrum decoraverat, omnium morum gravitate prefulgens matura, amorem omnium immaculati nominis titulo vendicavit. Ne igitur, calumpniancium invidia aut insidiancium hora maliciose captata, ejus status possit alicui in dubium revocari, eidem magistro super statu suo laudabili, ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras testimoniales sigillo nostre Universitatis communi fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in nostra congregacionis domo, vicesimo septimo die Aprilis anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio. 68 \ To the Pope. Congratulatory on his efforts to suppress heresy and schism, and assuring him of the cordial obedience and cooperation of the University. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Eugenio, Romane ac universalis ecclesie summo pontifici. Sanctissime pater, perhumillima, usque ad sanctitatis vestre 2 pedum oscula beatorum, recommendacione premissa: Ex tenore litterarum ejusdem sanctitatis, quas cum humilitate debita pariter et devota vice- simo primo die mensis Aprilis recepimus, pium cognovimus desiderium quod habere deproperat ad gregem sibi creditum a Domino Jesu omnium Salvatore ; presertim circa unitatis ecclesie preservacionem, heresium 3 extirpacionem ac dissidencium pacificacionem ; pro quibus omnibus Deuin humillime petimus, quatenus ex alto ad ea votive dignetur respicere, usque ad exaudicionis efFectum sua ineffabili pietate ; ut sic ecclesia catholica colla contra earn volentes erigere in virtute Altissimi vehementer comprimere, et superbas eorum cervices jugo rectitudinis valeat incurvare. O felix hora coronandaque intencio, quibus divina clemencia supremum ecclesie speculatorem super gregem suum sic ammonuit vigilare, ne Petri navicula scismatice tempestatis fluctibus ac Christianorum discordia invalescente funditus deperiret! Ymmo in non modicum solamen Christi ecclesie militantis late jam per orbem extirpare desudat tante sanctitatis industria, nedum horrenda genimina heresium 3 et errorum, vcrum eciam Christianorum scissuram 1 This epistle is crossed out in the MS. '* veslrc repeated in MS. 3 hcresuin MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 91 quorum deflenda divisione humani sanguinis indies provocatur dilu- vium, et Christiana religio plus solito refrigescit ad Spiritus unitatem in pacis vinculo studiose nititur invitare. Certissime speramus quod ecclesie membra, vario scismatice ' pestis, proch dolor, infirmata con- tagio, vestre sub sanctitatis presidio diffuse in orbis finibus preoptatum sanitatis recipient incrementum ; ecclesiaque liberabitur ab hostibus, purgabitur a spurciciis, solidabitur in fide, et finaliter vestro sanctissimo regimini per obediencie vinculum corda subdentur tocius populi Chris- tiani. Et nos pro viribus nostris, apostolicis votis obedientes, humillime ofFerimus nos semper paratos exsequi quecunque fuerint vestre bene- placita sanctitati ; quam conservare dignetur Altissimus sue tranquillo regimini ecclesie sacrosancte. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo tercio die mensis Aprilis. Sanctitatis vestre humillimi 2 oratores Cancellarius cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium vestre Universitatis Oxonie. 6 9 . To the Abbot of Gloucester. Fol. 27 a. Commends to his favour Master William Brandon, lately proctor. REVERENDO in Christo patri, Domino Roberto, Dei gracia Abbati 1433- Gloucestriensi. Reverende in Christo pater et domine, internas reverencias tanto patri debitas cum honore, et de vestri paternalis favoris oliva gratuita nostri studii fructus continue parturire 3 . Tenere vos credimus quod, ex justicie debito, hii debeant in percipiendis premiorum manipulis ceteros anteire, qui sciencie et virtutis rutila preheminent honestate : Ea propter paternitati vestre, quam cincera dileccione prosequimur, carissimum confratrem nostrum magistrum Willelmum Brandon, ar- cium magistrum, nuper nostre Universitatis procuratorem, virum quippe laudabilibus scienciarum et vite meritis, conversacionis fragrancia aliis- que virtutibus multifarie insignitum, in spiritualibus et temporalibus circumspectum, cujus periciam et discrecionem per operis exercicium indies experimur, specialius quo valemus commendantes ; vos attente deprecamur, quatinus ad eundem confratrem nostrum paternitatis vestre affectus inflammetur, favoris et specialis benevolencie radios convertens ad sue exaltacionis commodum ; ut eo plenius eidem vestre paternitati ad graciarum internius teneamur acciones, quo ipsum gracio- sius de vestri pectoris armario noverimus exaltatum ; ex dicto recen- sentes philosophic illud pertinere tocius ad integritatem quod uni sue 1 scismatie MS. " humillime ib. 3 parturiri ib. 92 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. parti impenditur ad profectum. Paternitatem vestram inter sanctos 1 collocari antistites infinita felicitate plenus 2 tribuat ipse Deus. Scriptum Oxonie in noslre congregacionis dome, mensis Maii die quarto. Can- cellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 70. Fol. 27 b. Testimonial letters for Master John Treguran, and several others. 1433. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere per- venerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore. Tociens altissime veritatis conspectui credimus offerre libamen, quo- ciens virtutibus precellenti et sciencia fidele perhibemus testimonium digne laudis : Hinc nos, super laudabili vita et honeste conversacionis fragrancia dilecti confratris nostri magistri Johannis Treguran, arcium magistri, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, has nostras per litteras attestamur, quod de predicti confratris nostri laudabilibus meritis, per septem liberalium arcium studia, tanta precessit experiencia, unde odorifera sui nominis fama, quam apud nos in honoris apicem pre- tulerunt gloriose accionis preconia, latere non valuit, sed super emi- nentem columpnam erigi 8 digna ceteris se prebuit studentibus vitale imitacionis exemplum et populo lucem magnam ; adeo quod, quamdiu sua presencia cetum nostrum decoraverat, omnium morum gravitate prefulgens matura, amorem omnium immaculati nominis titulo vendi- cavit. Ne igitur, calumpniancium invidia aut insidiancium hora maliciose captata, ejus status possit alicui in dubium revocari, eidem magistro, super statu suo laudabili, ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras testimoniales sigillo nostre Universitatis communi fecimus con- signari. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, ultimo die mensis Junii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio. Consimiles littere erant sigillate pro magistris Morgano Wynter et Petro Provost; et alia pro magistro Vincencio Clement, sub dato penultimi diei predicti mensis Junii. Consimiles etiam littere pro magistris Willelmo Dowson et Benedicto Burgh, sub dato tercii diei mensis Julii. Item, consimiles litterae erant sigillate pro doctoribus Thoma Colas utriusque juris doctore et arcium magistro, Roberto Grenewode et 1 santos MS. 2 plenius MS. : cf. Epp. 87 and 93. 3 eregi ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 93 Ricardo Caunton legum doctoribus, sub dato secundi diei mensis Julii anno Domini supradicto, millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio 1 . Item, consimilis littera erat sigillata pro magistro Johanne Croxby, magistro arcium, et baccalario sacre theologie, sub dato decimi noni diei mensis Julii anno Domini supradicto. Item, consimilis littera fuit sigillata pro magistro Thoma Luddelowe, sacre theologie professore, sub dato 2 vicesimo septimo die Augusti anno Domini supradicto. Item, consimilis littera erat sigillata pro magistro Johanne Pygg, magistro arcium, sub dato decimi noni diei mensis Octobris anno supra dicto. To the Archbishop of Canterbury. Fol. 28 a. We know your care for us, and how you desire that our fertile soil may produce fruitful olive trees, to multiply the oil of Catholic doctrine. We are deeply grateful, and make bold to commend to your favour Master T. Colas, hoping that our intercession may be of service to him in the business he has in hand. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei H33- gracia Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, tocius Anglie primati, et apostolice sedis legato, domino nostro graciosissimo. Reverendissimo in Christo patri et domino, quern magnifice laudis protectorem perpetuum collaudancium humilium preconio sue obe- diencie filiorum cetus glorificat unanimis, diutine ad ecclesie et sui cleri solamina vivere in humanis. Immense leticie jubilo dies gaudii solempnizat mater nostra Oxoniensis Universitas, vestre consolacionis s ex uberibus graciose refecta ; eo quod vestre sanctissime paternitatis pietas sue grade ymbres continue distillare non cessat, ad Dei nostrique studii incrementum pariter et honorem. Scimus etenim, manifeste operacionis lumine, quod fecunda vestra devocio vigilanti ex animo desiderat ut nostre Universitatis fertili de campo germinantes oriantur olive, crescant, floreant, fructificent et sancte conversacionis diffundant odorem, oleumque catholice doctrine multiplicent in ecclesia Dei sancta. In nostre igitur mentis registrata firmissime memoria repeti- mus quanta et qualia largissima manus vestra nobis graciose donavit ; pro quibus ex profundi cordis vena fontali graciarum acciones una- nimiter exhaurimus, quas vestre reverendissime paternitati totis viribus immolamus, supplicantes cum prostrato spiritu, quatinus ad alme 1 Here follow five lines completely obliterated. a sub dates s^^b. MS. 3 consulacionis ib. 94 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAL. matris nostre commodum et honorem continue perseveret gracia pater- nalis ; nee amplius nostra desistit fiducia, quam vestram penes paterni- tatem habemus, karissimum confratrem nostrum magistrum T. Colas utriusque juris egregium doctorem, virum providum et circumspectum, laudabilibus meritis, moribus, et scienciis omniumque virtutum fragrancia redimitum, manuum vestrarum pio favori humiliter commendare ; ut has devotas et humiles sue matris preces sibi suis in agendis senciat valituras. Reverendissima vestra paternitas, pro vigili putacione vinee, in felicitate plena per manus celestis Agricole premietur. Scriptum Oxonie in nostra congregacionis domo mensis Julii die secundo, vestre Universitatis humillimi filii Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque magistrorum regencium in eadem. 72. To the Duke of Bedford. Nothing is more praiseworthy than providing for the necessities of masters engaged in teaching, that their minds may be free from the anxiety of want. Having heard from our Chancellor of your intention to found a perpetual exhibition for this purpose, we venture to urge that it may be speedily effected. The teaching of the liberal arts and philosophy has been long almost extinct, and your liberality will redound to your honour, I 433- ILLUSTRISSIMO principi serenissimoque domino, Domino duci Ande- gavie et Bedfordie regentique regni Francie, domino nostro singularis- simo. Serenissime princeps strenuissimeque domine, vestre precellentis- sime celsitudini humillima recommendacionis humanitate premissa. Nil sane laudabilius nilque memorabilius rebus sensetur in humanis quam, pro peculiari scienciarum et virtutum incremento, magistrorum in almis Universitatibus ipsas docencium relevari inopias ; quo bono- rum fortune freti adminiculo iidem, quos aliter inedia a studio distra- heret, pro studentes ibidem efficaciter imbuendo, prosperius continuare valent : et presertim tanto pocius quanto hujuscemodi studiorum * fama, fulgore vere doctrine talis mediacione subsidii continuato, et tandem in quarumlibet scienciarum ac facultatum plenam crescente ubertatem, merito apud universes supereminenter crebrescens, suorum et relevan- cium gloriosum et splendidum ubilibet reddit nomen. Modo namque ut relatu egregii ac honorabilis doctoris circumspectique viri, magistri 1 studeorum MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 95 Gilbert! Kymer, vestra contemplacione in nostrum denuo prefecti Cancellarium, necnon magistri W. Kilnewelmersch, vestri capellani, nuperrime unanimiter exultando recepimus vestra dominacioquandam exhibicionem perpetuam pro doctoribus et magistris regentibus, ad or- dinariam nedum 1 arciura liberalium et philosophiarum, itaque 2 quarum- libet aliarum facultatum in nostra Universitate continuandam lecturam, Deo propicio et annuente, liberaliter providere graciose intendit et proponit ; ut plereque sciencie satis nobiles diutino 3 sopore, seu verius nexibus mortis oppresse, ad vitam, vestra benefica manu de sepulchro ignorancie expergefacte, gloriosissime resuscitentur. Unde vestram inclitissimam suppliciter deprecando quesumus serenitatem, quatenus vestram toti ecclesie Catholice et nobis tan) honorabilem et tarn profec- ticiam intencionem celerem deducere dignemini in effectum : internius, princeps preexcellentissime, advertentes, quod tarn meritorii operis magnifica execucione, quam ardentissime spei affeccione flammea prestolamur, vestra largiflua munificencia nostra Universitas locu- pletata, ad vestri nominis perpetuam magnificenciam eterneque glorie premium, in diviciis scienciarum procul dubio ad apicem crescit desideratissime perfeccionis. In quibus vobis, quoad utrumque homi- nem, continue feliciter prosperatis, vestram prepotentissimam inclitu- dinem tarn in via quam patria jugiter abundare optamus munimine Christi Jesu. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, penultimo die mensis Junii. Vestre illustrissime serenitatis humillimi oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 73- To the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. Master Christopher Knollys has told us of your goodness to him ; and we are thankful both for that and also for your favour to us shown by your promotion of graduates. REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino, domino Willelmo, Dei gracia 1433- Conventriensi et Lichfeldensi episcopo. Reverencias omnimodas, et, pro impensis constudencium vinee beneficiis, eterne beatitudinis recompensam possidere finaliter cum beads. Quia ex relacione venerabilis confratris nostri Cristopheri Knollys, arcium magistri et in theologia baccalarii, nuper accepimus quanta vestre paternalis benevolencie beneficia graciosa eidem con- tulistis; nee cessat indies paterna vestra gracia, eciam non pulsata, 1 septem ? " atque ? * diuteno MS. 96 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. sacras vestras manus [ad] * nostre matris filios promovendos extendere graduates; hec igitur vivaci contemplantes memoria, ad interniores nostri 2 cordis reddendas graciarum acciones, quas valemus, merito excitamur; dignum namque resensentes philosophico ex dicto illud tocius ad integritatem pertinere quod sue parti impenditur ad pro- fectum. Preterea nostra non desistit fiducia, quam penes vestram Fol. 29 a. habemus paternitatem graciosam, eundem confratrem nostrum, lauda- bilibus moribus meritis et scienciis omniumque virtutum splendoribus ac fragrancia redimitum, manibus vestre incepte caritatis graciosis commendare; supplicantes devote quatinus, quod ex vestre caritatis ardore eidem impensum cognoscimus, nostris intervenientibus precibus, ad continuacionem felicem in posterum senciamus. Paternitatem vestram Jesus Christus conservet in humanis, et in terra vivencium vos ascribat collegio pontificum supernorum. Scriptum Oxonie in nosire congregacionis domo, quinto die mensis Augusti. Vestre paternitatis devoti oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque una- nimis magistrorum regencium et non-regencium in eadem. 74- To the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Chancellor. We know that you distribute justice equally to all, and are sure of your filial love for the University, your mother and ours. To you we feel no shame in exposing our calamities. At this critical time, when this our mother is, so to speak, in labour, bringing forth the fruits of learning, she is threatened by unnatural sons with loss of her vital privileges. Suprascripcio Littere. J 433- REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei gracia Batoniensi et Wellensi episcopo, Anglie Cancellario, suo domino singularissimo. Humillime recommendacionis obsequium omnimodis cum reverenciis pariter et honore. Etsi singulis juris beneficia petentibus sub favore vestre paternitatis libera pietas scaturiat distribuitque manu larga ; per- maxime tamen pias ipsius matris preces lacrimosis evisceratas cum suspiriis, de cujus lactante ubere absque defectu vestra florigera scien- ciarum maturitas traxit ortum, exaudire 3 solet ab antique, prout ordinati amoris normula decrevit perenniter. O pie pater, pastor vigilans circa gregem, zelator cleri, regni consultor ac tribunali judex 1 ad omitted MS. 2 nostre ib. 8 exaudiri ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 97 in majori, ad vestre exaudicionis oraculum Universitas mater nostra, tamquam ad firmiorem ipsius columnam ejusque precipuum solamen, in adversis, ululantem erigit vultum, non dedignando genuflectorias precum effundere instancias, nee sua inaudita damnosaque opprobria fateri veretur; sed velut inverecunda, multiplicem verecundiam, per ingratos, licet non iniquos, utinam equos, filios sibi nuperrime initam pariterque prosecutam, audet proclamare voce alta. Nam ipsa, morum et scienciarum fecunditate gravida, timet cum timore, ne a suis emulis uterinisque filiis molestetur in partu ; ac pavescens ululat, cum videt a suis se libertatibus denudari pristinis. Igitur ad tarn sinceri patris favorem consueteque a proteccionis refugium festinat in presenti, per discretes providosque viros magistros W. Dowson, nostre Universitatis procuratorem, et Robertum Bewley, arcium magistrum ; vestram pater- nalem informando clemenciam de et super omnibus et singulis actis vel 2 factis, propter que reverendissime paternitati vestre predicti ma- gistri delegantur in oratores ; votis cum internis supplicando, quatenus prefatos oratores clemencius exaudire 3 , ac in dicendis ceterisque pro- ponendis fidem in mente vestre paternitatis dignemini stabilire ; cujus inclitissimam pastoralemque paternitatem in prosperis augmentet Deus unus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Octobris die secundo. Infra-scripcio litlere. Devotissima vestra oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 75- To the Pope. Fol. 29 b. In behalf of Thomas Rodebourne, begging that his election to the Bishoprick of S. Davids may be confirmed. He has filled the highest offices in the University and the royal palace ; he is chosen alike by king, nobles and commons, is of irreproachable life, and of profound learning, and will, we cannot doubt, faithfully feed the flock committed to his charge. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Eugenic, divina 1433. providencia sacrosancte ac universalis ecclesie summo pontifici. Devotissima ante pedes terrarum oscula humillime recommenda- cionis votis cum omnimodis. Beatissime pater, militantis ecclesie diadema, firmissima fidei petra, sceptrum spei Christiane celicaque potestas, vestre sanctitatis preterrenda clemencia benignitasque magni- fica, a supplicatoriis precum votis per fidem 4 oblatis domesticus 5 nulla- 1 consueti MS. 2 ve ib. 3 exaudiri ib. 4 fidei ib. B domesticum ? H 98 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. tenus retardat auditum, dum ad sacrosancte ecclesie honorem fidelium- que salutem sua pertractant negocia, immo pocius, tanquam materna pietas claustrata in visceribus, ipsorum preces resalutare solet cum effectu ; hinc est quod tarn sanctissimi l patris . obedientissima proles Universitas studii Oxoniensis, mater tamen nostra, omnimode eru- bescens vecordie audacem erigit 2 animum, genuflexas ministrando supplicaciones s pro incorporatissimo filio suo confratreque nostro Thoma Rodebourne, in longevis virtutum diebus probatissime stabi- litum, scienciarum liberalium sacreque theologie irradiante fulgore; quern quondam concors Universitatis prelibate caterva, suis interne contemplatis meritis, in ipsius studii regimen ejusque Cancellarium tanquam solidiorem vocavit in agendis, quern et illustrissimi regis nostri vivax consilium humanis in regendis * providum, lucidiorem velut lucernam in regio palacio ordinavit, ut ipsius lux conversacione ac vita juvenescens aliorum luceat ad exemplar; et quern jam his novissimis in diebus ac ad Dei laudem, tuitorium Petri navicule solamen 5 , monstruosorum morum extirpacionem ac fidei augmentum, ut speramus, devota famosaque ecclesia Menevensis, Spiritu Sancto duce vie 6 , Canonice elegit in pastorem ; quern ad cathedram exaltari pastoralem metuendissimi 7 domini regis nostri quam felix regalia procerum ac tocius populi inviscerata affectat adopcio. Quis pater pius tarn circumspecti filii denegaret honorem, quis pastor benevolus subditi tarn providi retraheret mercedem, quis dispensator fidelis servi tam diligentis rejiceret famulatum ? Numquid circumspectum Salo- monem paterna pietas, cum sceptro honoravit regali ; numquid legem per Mosaicam, ubi ministrorum ecclesie militantis fructus figuratur mercedis, tribus preaccepta Levitica ; numquid et ipse Pharao dili- genciam Joseph in famulatu adoptavit regni ad salutem ? O pie pater, porta salutis, mundi vita, sidus aureum cunctis illustrans Christicolis, lex regnorumque regimen, presulum gemma ac celigenis 8 compar, per humillimas precum instancias mediis cum commenda- toriis, prout caritativum veritatis vinculum nos coarctat, sanctissime vestre dirigimus habundanciusque effundimus paternitati; quatinus tam felicem viatorem, in vinea Domini custodem pervigilem, vita immaculata, moribus virtuosis, conversacioneque modesta pubescentem senili sub mensura, sua in eleccione suscipere commendalum, et con- firmare ac admittere apostolica dignetur celsitudo ; inopinatam tenentes credenciam, quod dictus vir egregius, quia in agro dominico, diebus juvenescens ab antiquis, scienciarum quesivit margaritas, ac sancte conversacionis oleum interioris sui hominis aptavit lampade, si ad 1 sanctissime MS. 2 erregit ib. s supplicationis ib. 4 regendisque ib. 5 solamen repeated in MS. 6 via ib. 7 metuendissime ib. * ciliginis ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 99 quietum . . - 1 gregis laborem ejusque servile regimen vocatus fuerit vel 2 admissus, velut pastor mansuetus Mosaica sequens vestigia, sic pane vite apostoliceque doctrine populum saturabit esurientem, ac aqua sapientis potabit exempli, ut tandem gregem sibi commissum, ad viatice ecclesie honorem triumphantisque augmentum, velut alter Josue, ad promissionis terram deducet celestem. Ad cujus terre fertile gaudium, post hujus vite terminum vestre paternitatis subli- mitatem dirigat Dei verbum. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, terciodecimo Octobris. Humillima vestre sanctitatis Universitas studii Oxoniensis, Cancellarius cetusque unanimis magistrorum regen- cium in eadem. Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Longe. Fol. 30 a. LITTERA testimonialis sub communi forma erat sigillata pro magistro 1433- Thoma Longe. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Octobris die vicesimo quarto anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio. 76. To the Pope. Praying that the election of Thomas Bourchier to the Bishoprick of Worcester may be confirmed. He is both by character and attainments most fitted for the office ; and distinguished by royal descent, a qualifi- cation acknowledged by Moses in the appointment of the seventy. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Eugenic, divina 1433- providencia Sacrosancte Romane ac universalis ecclesie summo pontifici. Sanctissime pater, fidelissima servitutis obsequia ad apostolice grade sacra vestigia, officiaque uniformis obediencie et recommendacionis humillime, ac sue Solaris gratifice 3 splendoris radium graciosum pre- stanti in apice honestatis stelle clemencius impertiri. Quoniam in splendifero militantis ecclesie firmamento vestre sanctitatis inex- haustam plenitudinem, velut tocius mundi solem omnium graciarum radiis radiantem, summa in apostolice sanctitatis arce supernis per- petuo titulis inthronizat sol immensi luminis Jesus Christus, ut permicantes sui liberalissimi luminis radios Stella firmissimis fidei matutinis, specialiter regii sanguinis claritate fulgentibus, morum nobilium et scienciarum splendore illustratis, eximie ex sue munifice 1 An abortive word here, MS. 2 ve ib. 3 sue gratifice ib. This letter is written in a good clerkly hand, and as usual, when that is the case hi this collection, is more confused. H 2 TOO EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. celsitudinis luciflua largitate et velit et valeat graciose respergere ; ac quos amplioribus virtutum luminibus et meritis preconceperit relucere, hos spiritualium beneficiorum insigniis dignetur gratanter aspicere et graciosius premiare. Quapropter, vestre in apostolice sanctitatis gracia tarn immensa indubiam spem ponentes, ejusdem sanctitatis filium predevotum, magistrum Thomam Bourgcheour, regalis san- guinis serenitate insignitum, quern magistralis honor in artibus illustre Universitatis sidus preclarissimum precipue sublimavit, et quern sacra facultas theologica gratissimum preelegit in alumpnum, eo internius et affectuosius vestre graciosissime celsitudini commendare curavimus, quo ipsum morum illustrium et meritorum insignium celeberrima gravitate prepollentem, tanquam predicande presentis vite speculum et lucernam, ecclesie forte robur, prerutilans cleri jubar, in spiritua- lium et temporalium regimine gemino circumspectum, providissimum virum et maturum preagnovimus clara luce : firmissime tenentes ecclesie statum sub regii 1 sanguinis illustrissima columpna semper prosperius et felicius roborari. Ad pedum igitur beatorum sacratissima prostrati vestigia, humillimo spiritu unanimiter supplicamus, quatenus quem tocius regni procerum optumatum et communitatis votiva desideria digne preofferunt erigendum, meritorum suorum intuitu, et vestre sanctitatis humillime ancille nostre Universitatis supplici inter- ventu, et precipue regalis sanguinis clarissimi generis contemplacione, exemplo Moisi, qui illustris sanguinis minime obliviscens majores natu preferendo voluit revereri, cum dicit ' congregate ad me omnes majores natu per iribus vestras, atque dociores,' dignetur paternis affectibus confovere, et in Wigorniensis ecclesie pastorem sublimare apostolice gracie dignissima plenitudo : quam ad sue universalis ecclesie tran- quillum regimen et munimen conservare dignetur, Qui vos caput orbis constituit et dominum providencia sua sancta. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, secundo die Decembris. Humillima vestre sanctitatis ancilla Universitas studii Oxoniensis. Testimonial letter for Master Theobald Dages. 1433. LITTERA testimonialis sub communi forma erat sigillata pro Theo- baldo Dages. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Decembris die septimo, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tri- cesimo tercio, eciam testimoniales de gradu et regencia consueta. Fol. 30 b. Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Loughburgh. LITTERA testimonialis sub forma communi cum ista clausula addita, 1 regie MS. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 101 scilicet, qui in ultimo anno preterito per cujuslibet termini majorem partem, prout statuta dicte Universitatis requiruni, inter nos sacre theo- logie studio, exerctiit, &c., fuit sigillata pro magistro Thoma Lough- burgh, arcium magistro, sub dato scilicet mensis Decembris die vicesimo primo anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio, &c. Acquittance of Agnes Bokbynder, widow. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Gilbertum Kymer, Cancellarium 1433. Universitatis Oxoniensis, Willelmum Dousyn et Rogerum Bulkeley, procuratores ejusdem, totumque cetum magistrorum in eadem remi- sisse, relaxasse, et omnino, pro nobis et dicta Universitate et succes- soribus nostris, in perpetuum quietum clamasse Agneti Bokbynder, vidue nuper uxori Walteri Bokbynder, quondam stacionarii predicte Universitatis omnimodas acciones reales et personales, querelas, sectas et demanda, cujuscunque fuerint nature, ab origine mundi usque in diem confeccionis presencium : In cujus rei testimonium presentibus sigillum nostrum commune apposuimus. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo octavo die Januarii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio, et anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum duodecimo. Acquittances of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. LITTERA acquietancie pro pensione annua octo et sexaginta soli- 1433. dorum de Abbate de Eynsham, pro collecta magistrorum regencium. Datum undecimo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti duo- decimo. Alia littera acquietancie pro annua pensione sex et viginti solidorum octo denariorum de Abbate de Oseneya, pro collecta magistrorum regencium. Datum undecimo die Februarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti duodecimo. 77*. To the Pope. A second letter in behalf of Thomas Bourchier, to the same effect as the former. Importunity in his behalf excused by the examples of the Canaanitish woman and the blind man. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino nostro, Domino Eugenio, 1433. divina providencia sacrosancte Romane ac universalis ecclesie pontifici. 1 This epistle is crossed out in the MS., as is also that next following. 102 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. Sanctissime pater, subditissima famulatus obsequia cum devotissimis terre osculis ante pedes. Quia ab apostolice plenitudinis excelso throno, velut a fecundissimo fonte, in membrorum 1 rivulos et com- pagines mistici corporis Jesu Christi omnem regni celestis potenciam firmissima fide agnovimus 2 derivari ; membra 3 presertim capiti vicin- iora, que multiformioris grade et virtutis capitalisque influencie magis redduntur capacia, ad sublimiorem prestancioremque vite decorem plenius promovendo assolet influere capitis plenitude. Quocirca in precelsa sanctitate vestra ad plenum confidantes, beatitudinis vestre devotum filium, sciencia maturum, discrecione providum omniumque virtutum redimitum splendoribus, magistrum Thomam Bourgchier, filie vestre nostre Universitatis Oxoniensis Cancellarium, in spiritua- libus et temporalibus notorie circumspectum quern vicini regii sanguinis regalisque prosapie illustrissima sublimitas conserenat, et quern nuper in Wygorniensis ecclesie antistitem Sancti Spiritus in- stinctus purissimus canonice sublimandum assumpsit apostolice celsitudini in dicta ecclesia graciosius confirmandum sinceris com- mendantes affectibus flexis genibus unanimiter supplicamus; sicut nuperrime in aliis nostris humillimis litteris eidem vestre beatitudini destinatis supplicamus viscerose ; quatinus dictum magistrum Thomam quern tocius regni Anglie procerum, optimatum, et communitatis Fol. 31 a. votiva desideria digne proclamant erigendum meritorum suorum intuitu, regalisque prosapie clarissimi generis contemplacione, instar Moysi majores natu preferendo, paternis dignetur confovere affectibus, et in dicte Wygorniensis ecclesie pastorem sublimare gracie apostolice plenitude [devotissima *]. Et si sepius iterata rogamina improbitate pulsancium sint molesta, tamen fervencius in rogando persistitur ut demum graciosius rogans propositum consequatur. Obtinuit siquidem salutem filie clamor improbus Chananee, et visum recepit magis ac magis clamans cecus Domino transiunte. Nos igitur sanctitatis vestre fervidissimi zelatores eo securius preces precibus superaddimus pro dicto nostro Cancellario, quo specialius de apostolice sanctitatis gracia ad cleros spe inconcussa duximus confidendum. Sanctitatem vestram prosperari facial in tranquilla dierum plenitudine, cujus vicem geritis, ipse Deus. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Maii die undedmo. Humillima apostolice sanctitatis ancilla Universitas sludii Oxoniensis. 1 menbrotum MS. 2 agnovovimus ib. 3 tnenbra ib. 4 Added in margin, but by a contemporary hand. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 103 78. To the Pope pro Magistro T. C. The widespread fame of your virtues emboldens us to commend to your holiness Master Thomas Chace, many years our Chancellor, and Chan- cellor of Ireland ; and recently chosen to be bishop of Meath. We beg that, weighing his great merits and our prayer in his behalf, you will confirm the appointment. Pro Magislro T. C. SANCTISSIME pater, humillima consuete recommendacionis obse- 1433- quiosa libamina cum devotissimis terre osculis ante pedes. Sacer et insignis militantis ecclesie principatus, quem, ut presit orbi, Pontifex ille eternus instituit qui ' semel in sancta proprium introiit per san- guinem,' nuptam sibi ecclesiam constituens in alto, ut in omnis honoris excellencia cum plenitudine potestatis universas orbis transcenderet dignitates sui luminis splendoribus illustravit, cum sanctitatem vestram summa thronizabat in apostolorum sede, ut cedrina vestra sub celsi- tudine humiles ramunculi firmissime efficianlur ecclesie columpne, filii patres providi, et subjecti pastores gregis Christi. Concors igitur omnium virtutum concio et amplissima sanctitatis insignia, que de vestra sanctitate precelsain human am prodeunt noticiam, mira nostram mentem suavitate reficiunt, et ad eandem humilius devociusque sup- plicandam allectiva sua dulcedine nos inducunt, pro honorabili viro et patre egregio magistro T. Chace, sacre theologie professore et sua ob famosissima merita circumspecteque mentis industriam nostre Universitatis, vestre humillime filie, annos per plurimos Cancellario sepius electo ; et jam per aliquot annos illustrissimi domini nostri regis terre sue Hibernie Cancellario, exigentibus semper suis laudabilibus meritis in agendis quatenus eundem, denuo jam ad Midensis ecclesie in Hibernia pastorale regimen nominatum, cujus virtutum fontana lux in occiduis scintillantis fame splendoribus in regno prerutilat universo, commendatum suscipere et [confirmare] x dignetur vestra apostolica celsitudo: tenentes istum magne probitatis et sciencie virum, in regendis ecclesie rebus notorie idoneum, aurigam currus Israel et humilem Bethsaide piscatorem ; quem Ille novit erigi dignum ' qui corda scrutatur et renes,' quem eciam tocius regni procerum, optimatum, et communitatis votiva proclamant desideria digne eri- gendum dicte ecclesie in pastorem, et nostra eciam vota paternali vestre clemencie ipsum offerunt commendandum internius; ut has nostras instancias et preces humillimas sibi cum effectu senciat pro- 1 confirmare added in the margin, but by a contemporary hand, MS. 104 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. fuisse. Sanctitatem vestram ad tranquillum militantis ecclesie regimen prosperari facial in humanis, cujus vicem geritis, Dei Filius gloriosus. Scripium Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Junii die septimo decimo. 79- To the Duke of Bedford. Master Thomas Chace has been nominated to be bishop of Meath. We ask your intercession for him, with the Pope, the King, and others who have influence, that his appointment may be confirmed. Princes do honour to their high lineage by procuring good pastors for the church. 1433. SEREXISSIMO principi Johanni, duci Bedfordie regentique regni Francie, domino nosiro specialissimo et graciosissimo protectori. Serenissime princeps, precellentissime vestre dominacioni recom- mendacionis humillime oblacjone premissa, et ut nomen et potenciam in eternum paveant inimici. Christianissimi principi s devocio tune laudabiliter honorat sue serenitalis prosapiam, cum militantis ecclesie locis in supremis congruos et ydoneos facial eligi pastores, qui sciant velinl el valeant utilitatibus ecclesie inservire ; speculatorem namque domus Israel vigiles decet oculos circumferre, vigilias noclis incumbit agere supra gregem, ne populus Dei, scilicet oves paschue Ejus, quibus cura defuerit, luporum, quod absit, morsibus exponantur. Ad ecclesiam igitur Midensem in Hibernia, sue viduitatis incommoda deplorantem, honorabilem virum magistrum Thomam Chace, illus- Fol. 31 b. trissimi domini nostri regis terre sue Hibernie Cancellarium, et nuper plures per annos nostrum in Oxonia providissimum Cancellarium, ac nuper ad ecclesiam Midensem nominatum in pastorem, potentibus vestre serenitatis manibus promovendum humillime commendamus; supplicantes prostrate spiritu quatenus mediis et litteris vestris graciosis penes dominos Papam, regem et proceres, quorum interest in hac parte discemere, ipsum erigi in dicte ecclesie pastorem dignetur vestra serenitas graciosa : per quod indubie rem Deo et sue ecclesie ac- ceptam, nob is et universo populo gratissimam vestra poterit magni- ficencia operari, ad metuendissimi domini nostri regis robur honorificum, et felicem regnorum requiem. Vestram dominacionem prosperari facial splendor et vigor omnis milicie solus Deus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Junii die septimo decimo. Vestre dominacionis perperui oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magislrorum rcgencium in eadem. EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL. 105 80. To the Duke of Gloucester. To be the means of defending the faith, banishing heresy and promoting wise and good men to places of dignity makes the name of princes glorious; we therefore humbly pray that you will use your interest with the Pope, the King, and others, in behalf of Master Thomas Chace. four goodness to us in the past gives us confidence that you will assist us now. SEREXISSIMO principi duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie, magno 1433. camerario Anglic, domino nostro specialissimo et graciosissimo pro- tectori Serenissime princeps, tante celsitudini, devocionis et servicii premissis humillimis desideriis pro maximis constudencium vinee beneficiis im- pensis, cum Christi gloriosis in future militibus triumphalis glorie laurea coronari. De innata ingenuaque proceritate procedit, ut, sicut de Domino accepta devocio fervescit in subditis, sic apud dominum suis de servitoribus vivens semper memoria perennatur; et nullum opus, ut tenemus, principis nomen diucius facit vigilare in laudem, quam illud opus quo prudentes circumspectique viri majores eriguntur ad dignitates, fides pululat, heresis exulat, vineaque doctrine fructificat in ecclesia Dei sancta. Igitur dominacioni vestre devota effundimus precum libamina, unanimiter supplicantes prostrate spiritu pro humil- limo vestro servitore et capellano, magistro T. Chace, nuper nobis honorando patre, quatenus ipsum, sicut alias vestra decrevit serenitas, ad ecclesiam Midensem in Hibernia promovere mediis et vestris litteris graciosis dignemini penes dominum Papam, regem et proceres, quorum interest in hac parte. Speramus enim quod non de facili labitur fundamentum in solido fixum, nee negocium levibus potent obviancium casibus occumbere, quod tanti principis serenitatis magnifica decrevit dextera sustinere. Nos insuper, per assidua et amplissima a domina- cione vestra percepta beneficia sincero favore ad nostram Universi- tatem vos aflBci censentes, attamen eo securius preces precibus super- addimus, quo de solita dominacione vestra, in omnibus honores nostros et commoda concernentibus, indubitata duximus fiducia confidendum ; sicut et, ad complendum totis viribus que precipienda duxeritis, in nobis non deerit debita promptitude. Dominacionem vestram in eterna prosperari facial memoria, ecclesie ad fulcimentum, cleri subsidium et tocius regni gaudium ineffabile, Trinitas increata. Scriptum Oxonie in noslre congregacionis domo, mensis Junii die septimo decimo. Vestre dominacionis perpetui oratores Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis celusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadcm. 106 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. Si. To the Duke of Bedford. Learning is the noblest of noble things, it is at once the glory and defence of kings, the source and strength of good government ; it com- poses strife, encourages justice and renders subjects obedient ; but poverty is its stepmother, we trust therefore that you will carry out your design of founding lectures in the seven liberal arts and three philosophies, and we send our Chancellor who will explain to you how great is the poverty of our masters lecturing here. J 433- SERENISSIMO principi Johanni, duel Bedfordie regentique regni Francie, domino nostro et graciosissimo protectori. Serenissime princeps, quern collaudancium preconio oratorum Uni- versitatis nostre cetus glorificat unanimis, pro zelo fidei [et] 1 cleri, donum glorie consequi cum beatis. Glorioso principi cedit ad gloriam, efficiturque in dominantis obsequium fide et dileccione devocior plebs 2 subjecta, si sub ipsius temporibus sciencia velut lux merediana in medio firmamenti prefulgeat in clero. Sciencia enim, virtus virens assidue, regum decor et regnorum tutela, ex cujus thalamo policia progreditur regnorum, regum firmantur edicta, bellorum discrimina compescuntur, justicia prodit pacifica 3 , plebs 2 plaudit subjecta, no- bilium extat nobilis principissa. Quod advertens vestra serenitas, dum ad septem arcium liberalium triumque philosophiarum in nostra Fol. 32 a. Universitate continuandam lecturam, quandam perpetuam exhibicio- nem providere intendebat et proposuit graciose. Unde vestram in- clitissimam efflagitamus serenitatem, quatinus inchoatam lecturam per vos inventam et erectam, toti ecclesie catholice et universe orbi honora- bilem, expulsa studiorum noverca egestate, in manibus prevalentissime vestre potencie manutenere dignemini, ad Dei gloriam 4 , vestri nominis perpetuam magnificenciam eternaleque vobis meritum sine fine : con- siderantes graciose, quod non procedet de posse tarn pauperculorum magistrorum tam arduum et honorificum opus continuare absque sufficiente sustentacione studentibus requisita. Et quia sub compendio litterali singula claudere non valemus, hoc intentum nostrum negocium concernencia egregio viro, domino nostro Cancellario, commisimus serenitati vestre declaranda ; cui aures favoris et credencie benigniter adhibere dignetur vestra illustrissima celsitudo : quam optate sub pacis nodo regna dirigere, que vestri principatus subduntur regimini, annuat orbis Conditor ineffabilis 5 Princeps pacis. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre 1 et omitted in MS. * pies ib. 3 proacifua ib. * laudem erased ib. 5 inaffabilis ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 107 congregacionis domo, octavo vicesimo die Junii. Vestre dominacionis perpetui oratores, doctores et magistri regentes Universitatis Oxoniensis. 82. To the Duke of Gloucester. What aim can be more noble than the advancement of learning, which raises man above the beasts and lifts him up towards a higher life? It was a divine inspiration that suggested the foundation of lectures, and we hope the intention will be fully carried out. Let not poverty, that cursed stepmother of learning, disappoint us of our hopes. SERENISSIMO principi, duel Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie, magno 1433- camerario Anglic, domino nostro et graciosissimo protector!. Serenissime princeps, milicie jubar, justicie splendor et sane fidei tutissime defensator, vestre metuendissime celsitudini quicquid recom- mendacione humilius aut devocius in humanis. Quis 1 hie in via devo- ciori, quesumus, valebit incorporari proposito, vel sanccioris 2 sibi voti in- viscerari 3 operibus, quam nutrire sciencias, que erectum hominem supra bestias terre feliciter provehunt usque celum. O precelsa vestra serenitas, O celica inspiracio, cujus septem liberalium arcium triumque philo- sophiarum ope, cura, et studio inventa lectura fuerat et erecta; cui nescimus voces erumpere graciarum nee digne laudis excogitare tributa, apud cujus celsitudinem providissimam fidei ortodoxe et cleri virentis fulciminis inoccidua memoria perennatur ! Sed dum his ex- hilaremur iniciis, et nostrum quilibet intentissimo animo, in attenua- cione spirituum et lugubracione noccium continuatis laboribus, studiis se exponat, circumveniri timemus, ne execranda studii noverca pau- pertas lamentabiliter surripiat ad occasum quod vestra serenitas selitus * inspirata, non solum nobis viventibus verum eciam uni verso Christianis- simo erexit in titulum gloriosum. Nam necessario arbor arescit que radicis non sentit fomentum. Qua de re vestre magnificencie memores promissi in hac parte, quod nostrum cetum spei firme inagnis profudit gaudiis, serenitati vestre inclitissime supplicamus humilius et cordialius quo valemus, quatinus in fertili campo scienciarum predictarum, sub cedrina vestra celsitudine, teneri studiorum ramunculi crescant, frondeant et floreant, flores fructibus secuturis; ut dominacioni vestre honor pululet eximius, et ex honore fama ad Dei laudem oriatur altiloqua sine fine. Et egregio viro domino nostro Cancellario nostram insufficienciam et penuriam in hac parte vestre inclitissime 1 Quid? a sanctions vile sibi volt, vile erased MS. 3 eterne laudis operibus, eterne laudis erased MS. * i. e. celitus. io8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. dominacioni proposituro, nostrarum l humillimarum precum instanciis, credencie aures dignemini efficaciter inclinare : Cui post tropheum hujus transiture milicie coronam ineffabilis glorie summus ipse Deus tribuat in supernis. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo octavo die Junii. Vestre dominacionis perpetui oratores, doc- tores et magistri regentes Universitatis Oxoniensis. 83- Fol. 32 b. To the Bishop of Bath and Wells. We shall never forget you in our prayers. Grateful for your past good offices we venture further to implore your assistance, and especially in defending a statute we have recently made, in accordance with our privileges, for the better preservation of peace in the town. Let not the malice and cunning of the townsmen ruin us altogether. 1434." REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei gracia Wellensi et Bathoniensi episcopo, Anglic Cancellario, et in omni singularissimo protectori. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, quern in nostrarum oracionum archivis viscerose reponimus et habemus, dies deducere leticie cum prosperitatis augmento in omnium Salvatore. Preteri- torum memoria et presencium evidencia, que benevola de paternitatis vestre gracia prodierunt in lucem, ad matris nostre Universitatis com- modum et honorem, ad reddenda cumulata graciarum tributa nos provocant et impellunt. Assurgimus igitur unanimiter ad omnimodas quas valemus graciarum acciones dominacioni vestre humillime offer- endas : nee desistimus, ex fiducia quam penes dominacionem vestram gerimus, nostre matris [negocia amplius commendare ; et precipue in defendendo statutum virtute nostrorum privilegiorum nuper pro bono pacis in villa] 2 Oxonie, ut credimus, pocius celitus quam humanitus editum ; ex quo fructus graciae et studii nobis plus solito emanavit. Ejusdem dominacionis vestre continuacionem graciosam nobis omnino necessarian! humiliter obsecramus ; corde et animo Deum collaudantes, qui tale nobis inexpugnabile providit brachium contra nocivos turbines emulorum. Ad has 3 tamen eidem paternitati vestre graciosissime iteratas nostras adicimus preces, ne villanorum dicte ville Oxonie maliciosis excogitatis insidiis succumbamus, aut desideratissime pacis nostre Universitatis dissoluta membra dispergantur 'in capite omnium platea- rum ' ; si namque pax inter nos arrideat, et nostrum studium fertilius 1 vestrarum MS. 2 The words inclosed in brackets are added in the margin, but by the same hand, ib. 3 Ad hiis ib. EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 109 efflorebit. Paternitatem vestram nostris precarissimam oracionibus dirigat in prosperis vere pads Auctor, qui ut pacem suis fidelibus emeret, sanguinem suum fudit. Scriptum Oxonie octodecimo die Januarii. Vestre paternitatis oratrix humillima Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 8 4 . : To the Bishop of Winchester. The statute, which we made in the interests of peace both of townsmen and scholars, for a time met with no opposition ; but now a veritable deluge threatens to sweep it away. We implore your help to defend it. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 1434- gratia Anglic Cardinali, episcopo Wyntoniensi et nostro singularis- simo protectori. Reverendissime pater, quern ob admirandam discrecionis et sapiencie plenitudinem universa orbis climata reverentur, obsequiosa nostre re- commendacionis libamina tarn precelso patri debita cum honore. Speramus indubie firmissimeque confidimus quod consiliis justorum assistens Dominus, et vota nostra aspirando preveniens, ipsa adjuvando prosequi dignabitur, si effusa desuper gracia tarn nobilem patrem inspiraverit affectibus, ad subveniendum nobis variis persequencium molestiis aggravatis. Cum alma mater nostra Universitas Oxoniensis privilegiorum et libertatum variis * cards multipharie instaurata stabili- taque sistat pro quibus eadem Universitas pro metuendissimo domino nostro rege suisque progenitoribus ac vestris devota Altissimo oracio- num suffragia tenetur effundere indefesse ex quarum cartarum tenore legalis eidem ministratur Universitati facultas. pro bono pacis et ad quietem studencium et aliorum omnium dictam villam inhabitancium, statuta condere et ordinaciones promulgare ; nuper igitur, ex unanimi assensu et consensu nostram Universitatem integrancium, quoddam edidimus statutum laudabile et maxime necessarium ad studencium quietem et ceterorum predictam villam inhabitancium, ut indies ex- perimur, contra pacis violatores, comprehensis in eodem ' sub penis ' virtute nostrorum privilegiorum ' exequendis] quod a tempore edicionis ejusdem continue, sine reclamacione scolarium sive villanorum extitit executum ; ob quod in dicta villa major tranquillitas habebatur : sed jam contra illud sanum statutum virtute dictorum nostrorum privi- legiorum taliter editum, adversancium villanorum diluvium intumescit. Igitur piissime paternitati vestre cum prostrate spiritu humillime sup- plicamus, quatinus nobis compassivis visceribus succurrentes dictum 1 variis repeated MS. no EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. nostrum statutum dignemini defendere graciose : ex quo nos fructus grade quoad Deum, pacis pulchritudinem quoad mundum confidimus Fol. 33 a. habituros. Et ad eandem vestram graciosissimam paternitatem in hunc effectum benignius inclinandum, nobilem virum magistrum Thomam Bourgchier, nostre Universitatis providum Cancellarium, dirigimus; cui ex parte nostra in hiis que premissa concernunt, graciosas audienciae aures dignemini inclinare. Ad felix ecclesie et sui cleri presidium, disertissimam vestram paternitatem longeve dirigat in prosperis dextra Salvatoris. Scriptum Ooconie in nostre congrega- cionis domo, undevicesimo die Januarii. Vestre reverendissime paterni- tatis oratrix humillima Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 85. To the Duke of Gloucester. A similar letter to the preceding ' mutatis mutandis, and on the same subject. 1434. SERENISSIMO principi, Domino Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie, et magno camerario Anglic, et nostro graciosissimo protectori. Serenissime princeps, quern specialiter inter alios mundi principes revereri tenemur, nostra obsequiosa servicia, oracionum suffragia et quicquid devocius hauriri valeat de latere Redemptoris. Memorabilia vestre dominacionis beneficia graciosissimaque vestre serenitatis mu- nera, quibus vestra magnificencia humilem vestram oratricem Universi- tatem Oxoniensem sublimavit, nos audaces efficiunt eandem serenitatem in nostris necessitatibus maximis exorare. Cum alma mater nostra,