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<St sacra- 
 menta ministrantibus ex autoritate ecclesie. Magna namque est 
 sacrosancte ecclesie autoritas, extra quam fides plane perpendit nullam 
 posse pervenire salutem fidelibus. Ne illic ergo resideat spiritus 
 pestilens aut opinio corrumpens, ubi locus queritur fidei ortodoxe, 
 verba per adversarium premisse nostre sententie predicata, que eciam 
 sub avaricie subtili fuco deprehendimus palliata, reprobamus, et tan- 
 quam erronea atque heretica declaramus, quorum demens tenor cum 
 reprobo sensu sic sequitur, catholica damnacione merito fulminandus. 
 ' Decime personales non cadunt sub preeepto divino, saltern ut solvantur 
 parochiali curato ; quare licet vestrum unicuique, nisi consuetudo in con- 
 trariumfuerit, in pios usus pauperum eas dispensare' : et iterum, ' per- 
 sonales decime sub divino non cadunt preeepto neque iure debentur ubi 
 solucionis non est consuetudo' Quiscunque hanc sentenciam tenuerit 
 et pertinaciter defenderit apud reputacionem nostram hereticus est 
 censendus; et quia a sana doctrina ecclesie est divisus, a corpore 
 eiusdem ecclesie velut membrum putridum est merito prescindendus. 
 O honorabiles fratres et domini, O Universitates catholice, et quique 
 fideles, scrutamini scripturas, canones inspicite, ac morum naturales 
 concipite raciones. Quam proditorium est tributum negare Altissimo, 
 quam inhumanum a laborantibus subtrahere debita, quamque scis- 
 matis exemplum auctoritati ecclesie publice pertinaciter resistere ac 
 etiam iusticie omniumque precepta canonum, res alienas invadere ! 
 Nimis cruenta atque sacrilega est hec avaricia, que antiquissimi iuris 
 decimale debitum solum consuetudini ascribit et in dubium revocat, ut 
 laborancium victum iniuste exhauriat. Quid ministris ecclesie ad 
 eorum honestam sustentacionem firmum persisteret, si decime possent
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 17 
 
 ad libitum conferri et jus decimandi ex debito non esset. O utinam 
 aut resipiscant et ad ecclesie gremium redeant, qui tanto facinori favere 
 conantur; aut asperrimis censuris, ne simplices inficiant, mordaciter 
 feriantur. Sic unanimes in vera doctrina ecclesie permaneamus, ut 
 ad Eum tendere valeamus de quo canit propheta, ' Querite Dominum 
 et confirmamini, querite faciem Ejus semper] sic letetur cor querencium 
 Dominum hie in via, quatinus ipsum querentibus dignetur esse merces 
 in patria. Amen. 
 
 21. 
 To the Pope. FoL 5 a. 
 
 Master Norton is going to visit Rome. The University, his mother, 
 after the example of the mother of Zebedee's children, humbly commends 
 her son to his holiness. 
 
 Missa fuerat hec littera in commendacionem magistri Johannis 1425. 
 Norton 1 . 
 
 SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri ac domino, Domino Martino, divina 
 providencia sacrosancte Romane ac universalis ecclesie summo 
 pontifici. 
 
 Sanctissime pater, humillima recommendacione premissa cum 
 devotissimis terre osculis ante pedes: Alma mater ecclesia jocunde 
 laudis resonare canticum, necnon ad gracias eterno Patri tenetur 
 assurgere, modernis attendens temporibus gregem dominicum sub 
 tuto providissimi pastoris regimine confoveri : cujus eciam rei gracia, 
 et si cuncte per orbem diffuse gentes habeant exultandi materiam, 
 Universitas tamen Oxoniensis devotissima proles vestra majori causa- 
 tur gaudiorum alacritate respergi ; in quam sereniores vestre caritatis 
 radios emisistis. Quod nedum permagne probitatis viros honorabilis 
 vestre legacionis functos officio in nostram venit noticiam, ymo id 
 ipsum experiencia rerum magistra cotidie manifestat. Ad preclare 
 namque fame viros, quos materna Universitatis predicte lactaverint 
 ubera, sue paternitatis extendit oculos apostolica crebrius celsitudo, 
 egenos efficiens divites, filios creans in patres, et subditos preficiens in 
 pastores. Non immerito igitur totis conatur filia viribus in patris com- 
 placenciam filios parere virtuosos enutrireque sic partos, ac enutritos 
 pabulo sciencie salutaris foras emittere, ut per laudabilia ipsorum gesta 
 et exigenciam meritorum alumpne sue titulum acquirant nominis glo- 
 riosi ; sicut et ipsa viceversim pro filiis benemeritis, in omnibus illo- 
 rum concernentibus honorem, semper parata consistit eciam non 
 pulsata. In cujus signum, beatissime pater, pro filio karissimo nostro 
 
 1 The whole of the following epistle is crossed out, but otherwise uninjured, in 
 the MS.
 
 i8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Johanne Nortun, presencium portitorem apostolica visitante limina, 
 preces nunc porrigere matris inclusa visceribus hortatur afFeccio ab 
 antiquis parentibus exemplata. Matrem namque filiorum Zebedei pro 
 suis filiis intervenisse apud Dominum evangelista commemorat. Ejus 
 igitur matris exemplo vestra se exponit Universitas pro filio supra- 
 dicto. Hie est nempe verus ejus filius, cujus infanciam tenerem suavis 
 doctrine pavit dulcedine, deindeque solidioris substancie disciplina in 
 virum perfectum suis educavit laribus ; donee tarn legum doctrina 
 quam experiencia rerum excellenter insignitus in sacris canonibus 
 cathedram meruit ascendere doctoralem. Hunc postremo, post regen- 
 ciam honorifice completam, disertissimi advocati facundia in curia 
 Cantuariensi ' de arcubus ' quatuor annis famosissimum reddidit et 
 expertum. Siquidem plenitude virtutis ejus et sciencie magnitudo 
 tot apud eos eminent argumentis, tot subnixe suffragiis tantisque 
 digne favoribus; et quod in multos superne largitatis munificencia 
 distribuit hoc in ipsum majoris affluenciae gracia cumulavit. Et licet 
 plura nobis occurrant, que in dicte persone laudem veraciter dici 
 possent, hec tamen pauca succincte narracionis stilo descripsimus, ne 
 matris taciturnitate velata ardens lucerna filii sub modio delitescat. 
 His igitur digna consideracione pensatis, ea qua possumus devocione 
 supplicando rogamus, quatenus sinceris matris precibus pro filio depre- 
 cantis sanctissimus pater aures sue clemencie propiciatus inclinet ; 
 eumque sic dignetur suscipere commendatum, ut matris instancias 
 cum effectu sibi senciat profuisse. Vestram sanctitatem ad univer- 
 salis ecclesie solacium in prosperis conservet diutine cujus vicem 
 geritis, Filius Virginis gloriose. Humillimi et devoti apostolice beati- 
 tudinis filii Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonie cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem. 
 
 Fol. 5 b. 22. 
 
 Lysurs 1 . Testimonial letter for Master John Turry. 
 
 1426. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in Eo, qui via veritas est 
 et vita. Egressus e summo celo Unigenitus Dei Filius, miserabilem 
 humanitatis ad vallem, veritati testimonium perhibuit, nobis relinquens 
 exemplum veritati testimonium consimiliter perhibere. Hinc est 
 quod nos, omnibus quorum interest per presentes attestamur, quod 
 
 1 At the left-hand corner of the margin and at the right-hand corner of the next 
 folio in the MS. is written the name Lysurs. Thomas Lysurs was proctor in 1426.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 19 
 
 venerabilis vir Johannes Turry utriusque juris bacallarius, rector ecclesie 
 parochialis de Hannberith 1 Lincolniensis diocesis, est et fuit inter 
 nos reputatus bone fame, opinionis illese, nulloque crimine notorie 
 irretitus. Ne igitur ex aliqua calumpniancium invidia ejus persona 
 status aut fama in aliquo obfuscetur, eidem super premissis has 
 litteras testimoniales sigillo Universitatis predicte fecimus consignari. 
 Datum in nostre congregacionis domo mensis Aprilis die vicesimo 
 secundo, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo sexto. 
 
 23. 
 Testimonial letter. 
 
 For Master J. Croxby and Master Robert Glowceter, resident 
 members of the University, supporting their application for assis- 
 tance <i . 
 
 VENERABILIBUS et circumspectis viris, amicis nostris carissimis 1426. 
 salutem, et fidem indubiam presentibus adhibere. Egressus e summo 
 celo Unigenitus Dei Filius, miserabilem descendens humanitatis ad 
 vallem, veritati testimonium perhibuit, nobis relinquens exemplum 
 testimonium veritati consimiliter perhibere. Hinc est quod nos super 
 vita et conversacione honesta dilectorum confratrum nostrorum, 
 magistrorum Johannis Croxby, in theologia bacallarii, et Robert! 
 Glowcetur, in artibus magistri, vestras reverencias cerciorare volentes, 
 per has nostras litteras attestamur, quod iidem magistri suis facul- 
 tatibus operam dantes efficacem in eisdem laudabiliter student et 
 proficiunt, ac, juxta statuta et consuetudines nostre Universitatis, 
 pacifice, quiete et honeste inter nos sunt et fuerant conversati ; adeo 
 quod cetum nostrum sua virtuosa decorant presencia, et eos nullo 
 novimus crimine innodatos ; set morum gravitate prefulgentes matura, 
 Dei amorem et hominum immaculati nominis titulo vendicabant in 
 presenti, licet quorundam audivimus suggestio sit adversa. Unde, 
 ne calumpniancium invidia aut insidiancium hora maliciose captata 
 eorum status penes vos mendaciorum nebulis obfuscentur illicite, 
 eisdem magistris super eorum statu laudabili, ut vobis innotescat, 
 has nostras litteras fecimus consignari ; vobis attencius supplicantes 
 quatenus eisdem magistris pleniiudinem vestre benevolencie effun- 
 datis suis in negociis penes vos prosequendis, quoad sustentacionem 
 
 1 Or Hannberich MS., probably Hanborough, 
 
 a This testimonial letter has unfortunately no title or definite address. It is, as 
 will be seen, not a patent letter, but is addressed to some society or separate body, 
 probably to the authorities of some religious house or order. 
 
 C 2
 
 20 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 eis meritoriam, cum illis non provideantur ex certo de necessariis 
 aliunde tangentibus 1 . Vestras reverencias conserve! in prosperis 
 clemencia Redemptoris. 
 
 24. 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Major. 
 
 1426. UNIVERSIS et singulis sancte matris filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in Eo, qui via veritas est 
 et vita. De summo celo egressus Unigenitus Dei Filius, ad yma 
 mundi descendens, veritati testimonium perhibuit, nobis relinquens 
 exemplum veritati testimonium consimiliter perhibere. Hinc est 
 quod nos, super vita et conversacione honesta dilecti confratris 
 nostri, magistri Johannis Maior, omnes quorum interest cerciorare 
 volentes, per has nostras litteras attestamur, quod de predicti con- 
 fratris nostri meritis laudifluis, per diversarum facultatum gradus et 
 studia, tanta experiencia precessit unde famosa sui nominis opinio, 
 quam apud nos in apicem honoris pretulerunt gloriose accionis 
 preconia, latere non valuit ; sed pocius super candelabrum erigi digna 
 ceteris studentibus lucem ingentem exhibuit, et vitale imitacionis 
 exemplum singulariter ministravit. In facultate namque, post longeva 
 studia, magistratum adeptus notabiles actus philosophicos laudabiliter 
 exercuit, et exinde ad facultatem medicinarum se transferens, scolas 
 reparans medicinales, ipsam scienciam accrescere fecit in palmites 
 sui sudoris per culturam, ac tandem, meritis suis exigentibus, incep- 
 toris honorem obtinuit in eadem. Unde, ne calumpniancium invidia 
 aut hora insidiancium maliciose captata tante honestatis splendor 
 alicui in dubium posset revocari, eidem magistro super premissis, 
 ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras testimoniales nostre 
 Universitatis sigillo fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo mensis Junii die vicesimo septimo, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo sexto. 
 
 25. 
 
 Fol. 6 a. To the President and other prelates of Black Monks in 
 
 general chapter assembled. 
 
 The University has never had a general school for theology. Now 
 that the building of one has been commenced, and we are unable to 
 complete it for want of funds, your assistance is earnestly requested. 
 All graduates and scholars of your order shall be free to use the 
 
 1 tangendis?
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 21 
 
 school. We ask in confidence, remembering the beneficence of your order, 
 and that in fact the University owes its foundation to you. 
 
 VENERABILIBUS in Christo patribus, dominis presidentibus ceterisque 1426. 
 prelatis ordinis Sancti Benedict! in sacro general! capitulo nigrorum 
 monachorum presencialiter congregatis, prospera successuum incre- 
 menta ac sinceris affectibus annuere postulatis. Reverendissimi in 
 Christo patres et prestantissimi domini, quia nuper, ex Spiritus 
 clemencia septiformis, piis quorumdam cordibus fuerat celitus inspi- 
 ratum ut ad Dei laudis honorem augmentumque studii salutaris scole 
 universales sacre theologie, quibus a primevo 1 orbati fuimus, pro 
 communi omnium utilitate durabili fabrica levarentur ; nosque ad 
 hujusmodi operis fundamentaliter jam incepti debitum complementum 
 ex nostris non sufficimus ; vestris paternitatibus predevotis pro nostri 
 defectus relevamine eo confidencius duximus supplicandum, quo 
 nostris profundius radicatur in mentibus quod alma Universitas mater 
 nostra, cujus preclara fecunditas orbem dignificat universum, per 
 vestri ordinis sacrosancti patres precipuos et alumnos sue honorifice 
 fundacionis felix exordium sumpserit felicissimumque progressum : 
 tenentesque firmissime certissimeque sperantes, quod nostra supplex 
 peticio, que consonat caritati, a tam devotis patribus vacua non redibit, 
 quos ad patrum presidencium opera confovenda divina providebit 
 gracia dignissimos successores. Quocirca vestre sacre congregacionis 
 cetui venerando devota precum libamina effundimus pia mente; 
 unanimiter supplicantes quatenus ad tam sacri tam utilis tamque 
 necessarii operis incrementum vestre 2 gratissime liberalitatis manus 
 munificas extendere dignemini graciose; indubie cognoscentes quod 
 omnes vestri ordinis graduati singuli et scolares, quoad actus quos- 
 cunque in scolis eisdem scolastice exercendos 3 , subducto quovis 
 obstaculi repulsive, facultate gaudebunt. Et quia singula nostrum 
 concernencia negocium sub literali compendio claudere non valemus, 
 nostre cause promocionem discretissimis viris patribus venerabilibus, 
 domino Edmundo Cretton, Priori studencium, necnon eximiis sacre 
 theologie professoribus magistris Thome Ledbery et Johanni Crosse, 
 ac 4 Wyllelmo Hebchestre, in eadem facultate 4 venerabili incepturo 5 , 
 vestris piis presenciis committimus declarandam; quorum relatibus 
 aurem favoris et credencie benignius exhibere tantorum dignetur 
 patrum devocio veneranda. Ceterum, patres dignissimi, cum vestre 
 sacre religionis commodum et honorem instinctus nos excitet naturalis 
 
 1 primevaMS. J vestri gratissimi ib. * exercendis ib. * An 
 
 erasure in both these places, but, apparently, only a repetition of the commence- 
 ment of the word following. s incepturi MS.
 
 22 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 intimius affectare, eo quod, ut superius est expressum, benedicta 
 manus monastica nostre Universitatis posuerat fundamenta, hinc est 
 quod vestras paternitates exhortamur in Domino et attencius exo- 
 ramus, quatinus concorditer disponatis ut singuli studentes vestri 
 ordinis, quos morum ornat honestas sciencie claritasque decorat, ad 
 universalis ecclesie et presertim ordinis vestri stabile fundamentum, in 
 facultatibus quibus proficiunt condigne valeant graduare 1 ; ut sic, 
 augmentata 2 in vestra sacra religione graduatorum clerimonia, emu- 
 lorum perversitas, que multum invigilat his diebus, facilius repellatur. 
 Sed, inter prematures alios vestre sancte religionis viros, prefatum 5 
 venerabilem patrem dominum Edmundum Kirton 4 , monachum vestrum 
 studenciumque Priorem, qui nedum legitimo cursu secundi studii, 
 verum eciam sano atque politico regimine sui 5 gregis utrobique 
 virtuose resplendet, ad apicem fastigii doctoralis, ut bravium recipiat 
 dignissime post labores, vestra promo vere dignetur discrecio pater - 
 nalis ; quibus, ad felix regnum pariter et tutum monastice religionis, 
 felices successus annual benignitas Redemptoris. Scripta Oxonie 
 domo 6 mensis Junii die ultimo. 
 
 26. 
 
 ol. 6 b. Littera directa domino Cantuariensi. 
 
 Gratitude for former favours, and thanks for his liberal donation 
 towards the building of the new schools, and for his condescension in 
 advocating the claims of the University for assistance from the prelates 
 and nobles assembled in the last Session of Parliament. 
 
 1426. REVERENCIAS omnimodas omni obediencia filiali debita tanto patri, 
 et vestre 7 prelacie sidus luciferum, ad nostre relevacionis tutelam 
 longevam, per tempora piis radiis rutilare 8 . Reverendissime in 
 Christo pater 9 , exultat Universitas nostra et, ex uberibus vestre 
 consolacionis graciose referta, dilatatur in gaudio eo quod vestre 
 prehonorande dominacionis proteccio, fraterne benignitatis cataractas 
 aperiens, continui 10 favoris ymbres distillare non cessat, ad 11 nostri 
 studii incrementum. Scimus enim, et evidencium signorum pro- 
 bacione didiscimus, quod vestra graciosa paternitas vigilanti ex corde 
 desiderat ut ampli orbis de finibus congregata genimina, que nostri 
 studii complantantur in agro, in scienciis floreant, in virtute fructi- 
 
 1 graduari MS. a augmenta ib. 3 An erasure again, similar to (4) 
 
 supra. 4 Spelt above Cretton MS. s sue ib. 6 in nostre congregationis , 
 omitted in MS. 7 vestris ib. 8 rutilari ib. 9 patrem ib. 10 con- 
 
 tinue ib. n a ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 23 
 
 ficent, et ad honores frondeant testimonii gradualis 1 ; et sic nostre 
 Universitatis fertili de campo olive oriantur fructifere, que sancte 
 conversacionis diffundant odorem oleumque catholice 2 doctrine pre- 
 dicando multiplicent in ecclesia sancta: In cujus 3 rei evidenciam, 
 ut nostris de mentibus vestre munificencie non evanesceret stabiliter 
 registrata memoria, ex nostri Cancellarii* relatu jam nuper accepimus 
 quod vestre magnificencie manus largiflue, beneficiis prioribus dona 
 de novo 5 cumulando gratuita, de vestris fertiliter paraverint errariis 
 auri summam copiosam, per quam scolarum nostrarum noviter inchoata 
 fundamina processus amplexetur felicior, ad sciencie fulcimentum. 
 O, igitur, quanta graciarum cumulata tributa juste racionis ex 
 dictamine obligamur persolvere vestre prenobili dignitati 6 ; que nedum 
 sic proprium largiencia 7 thesaurum ad filie sue Universitatis nostre 
 clementer respexerit inopiam, quin immo 8 vestre dominacionis celci- 
 tudo, gratanter 9 ubera recognoscens materna, que vestre quondam 
 juventuti lacteam dulcedinem 10 ministrabant sciencie, pro nobis formam 
 servi non verebatur induere ; quum in ultimo parliamentali consilio, 
 penes alios hujus regni venerabiles patres et dominos, ut ipsi scolarum 
 nostrarum ad edificium sua gratuita propinarent subsidia, vestra 
 viscerosis insudabat instanciis benignitas pastoralis. O generositas, 
 O gratuitas, et O precellens nobilitas vestre consideracionis in conclavi 
 quam merito extollenda ! Quum inclinetur cedrus alta humilis 
 exaltetur ut vinea, flectatur columpna elevetur ut area, descendat 
 pinnaculum bassum ut surgat edificium Domini. Sic pater pro filiis, 
 dominus pro famulis, prelatus pro subditis fieri voluit advocatus. 
 Quocirca pro vestris donis magnificis et instanciis tarn benignis 
 profunda cordis de vena fontali graciarum acciones unanimiter 
 exhaurimus, quas vestre precellencie paternali totis visceribus immo- 
 lamus, cetumque rogantes spiritu cum prostrate ut in hiis, que vestre 
 dignitatis eminencie pastorali Cancellarii nostri intimabit fidelitas, cui 
 in dicendis dignemini aures prebere credencie, vestre benignitatis 
 oculum largitatis summe et proteccionis brachium subito u cum favore 
 convertat aperiat pariter et extendat longevi temporis per successum 
 vestre prelacie preeminens celsitudo. Quam ad felix regnum gregis 
 et vestre Universitatis munimen diuturna longevet per tempora 
 futurorum bonorum pontifex Jesus Christus, quern Virginis 12 . . . &c. 
 
 1 graduates, corrected in MS. a oleum catholiceque ib. : this transposition 
 
 of que is very frequent in the MS. 3 et in cujus MS. * consellarii ib. 
 
 * nova ib. ' degnittati ib. 7 Perhaps largiendo ? There is however no 
 
 ambiguity whatever in the MS. * quin in immo ib. 9 gratenter ib. 
 
 10 delcedinem ib. u A mistake for solito, see next epist. 12 The conclusion 
 is omitted.
 
 24 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Scriptum Oxonie nostre congregacionis in dome, quum mentis Julii 
 in die septimo discurrebat c. 
 
 27. 
 To the Dean of St. Paul's, London. 
 
 Thanks for past favours and his donation to the new schools. 
 
 1426. DECANO S. Pauli Londoniis. 
 
 Honorande domine, exultat Universitas mater nostra, et ex 
 uberibus vestre consolacionis graciose refecta dilatatur in gaudio, eo 
 quod vestre prehonorande dominacionis pietas continui favoris ymbres 
 distillare non cessat, ad nostri studii incrementum : Scimus enim et 
 evidencium signorum probacione didiscimus, quod vestra fecunda 
 devocio vigilant! ex corde desiderat ut ampli orbis de finibus con- 
 gregata genimina, que nostri studii complantantur in agro, in 
 scienciis floreant, in virtute fructificent, et ad honores frondeant 
 testimonii gradualis: ut sic nostre Universitatis fertili de campo 
 olive oriantur fructifere, que sancte conversacionis diffundant odorem, 
 oleumque catholice doctrine predicando multiplicent in ecclesia 
 sancta Dei. In cujus rei evidenciam, ut nostris de mentibus vestre 
 munificencie non evanesceret stabiliter registrata memoria, mente 
 sepe repetimus quanta magnifice largiflua manus vestra nobis graciose 
 donavit, quibus scolarum nostrarum noviter inchoata fundamenta 
 processus amplexetur felicior, ad sciencie fulcimentum. Pro quibus 
 profundi cordis de vena fontali graciarum acciones unanimiter ex- 
 haurimus, quas nobilitati vestre totis visceribus immolamus ; rogantes 
 spiritu cum prostrate, ut in hiis que dominacioni vestre Cancellarii 
 nostri intimabit fidelitas, cui in dicendis aures dignemini prebere 
 credencie vestre, benignitatis oculum et largitatis sinum convertat 
 et aperiat solito cum favore longevi temporis per successum vestre 
 dominacionis nobilitas prelibata; quam ad nostri solacium longevet 
 in prosperis Jesus Christus pius 1 ovium consolator. Amen. 
 
 28. 
 ol. 7 a. To the Bishop of 8 . . . . 
 
 A petition for assistance in building the new schools. Our Chan- 
 cellor will in person give particulars. 
 
 1 et pius MS. 3 There is no title or address. At the head of this folio an 
 
 abortive address begins, Honorandi et in Christo carissimi, quia nuper ex spiritu 
 dementia septiformis, and then breaks off.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 25 
 
 REVERENDE in Christo pater et domine, quia 1 nuper ex spiritus 1426. 
 clemencia septiformis piis quorumdam cordibus fuerat celitus in- 
 spiratum, ut, ad summi regis honorem augmentumque studii salutaris, 
 scole universales sacre theologie, quibus a primevo orbati fuimus, pro 
 communi omnium utilitate durabili fabrica levarentur; nosque, ad 
 hujusmodi operis fundamentaliter jam incepti debitum complementum 
 ex propriis non valemus, vestre dominacioni predevote pro nostri 
 defectus relevacione eo confidences duximus supplicandum, quo 
 nostris profundius radicatur in mentibus, quam gratanter ejusdem 
 vestre dominacionis celsitudo ubera recognoscendo materna, que 
 vestre quondam juventuti lacteam dulcedinem sciencie ministrabant, 
 et Universitatem nostram odorifera fama vestri diffuse per orbem 
 sublimavit in laude, et membris ipsius variis gratuita multipliciter sub- 
 sidia propinavit. Hinc tenentes firmissime certissimeque sperantes 
 quod nostra simplex peticio, que caritati consonat et studencium 
 profectum respicit, quorum alumpnus probamini singularis, a tarn 
 devota paternali gracia vacua non redibit, dominacioni vestre devota 
 precum libamina effundimus ; pia mente unanimiter supplicantes qua- 
 tinus, ad tam sacri tarn utilis tamque necessarii operis incrementum, 
 vestre liberalitatis manus munificas exercere dignemini graciose. Et, 
 quia singula nostrum concernencia negocium sub literali compendio 
 claudere non valemus, nostre cause promocionem Cancellario nostro 
 dominacioni vestre committimus declarandam, cujus relatibus aurem 
 favoris et prudencie exhibere benignius tanti dignetur patris pre- 
 eminens celsitudo 2 ; quam ad felix regimen vestri gregis et Universi- 
 tatis nostre munimen diuturna longevet per tempora futurorum 
 bonorum Pontifex Jesus Christus. 
 
 2 9 . 
 To the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury. Fol. 7 b. 
 
 We cannot out of our own resources complete the new schools, and 
 venture to ask your help, with the more confidence because many of 
 your members were educated at Oxford. 
 
 VENERABILIBUS ac circumspectis viris, domino Decano et capitulo 1426. 
 ecclesie cathedralis Sarum. 
 
 Felicium incrementa successuum, et ad sacre fulcimentum sciencie 
 de vestre fontibus bonitatis grati subsidii rivulos 3 fecundius emanare. 
 In Christo prehonorandi et caritatis amplexibus dignissime confovendi, 
 
 1 gut MS. * fdsiiuio ib. * rivilos ib.
 
 26 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 quia jam nuperrime pia quorumdam precordia de Illius fontali 
 dulcedine, qui est fons vivtis, ignis, caritas et spiritalis unccio, sic 
 celitus degustarunt ut, ad divine laudis excellenciam augmentumque 
 studii salutaris, scole universales sacre theologie, quibus a primevo 
 caruimus, pro communi omnium utilitate durabili fabrica levarentur ; 
 nosque opus hujusmodi parcialiter inchoatum ad optatum finem ex 
 nostris deducere non valemus; de vestre benevolencie fecunditate 
 fontali, ad nostre relevamen inopie, eo confidencius predulcia ex- 
 haurire speramus subsidia, quo in vestro venerabili collegio, quod 
 stabilis figitur ut columpna in ecclesia sancta Dei, multa cognoscimus 
 membra nobilia, que diviciis affluunt, caritate relucent et liberalitate 
 precellunt ad exsequendum egentibus devocius opera pietatis. Ad 
 quorum corda nostras preces introducendo eciam tanto audacius 
 animamur, quo vestri predicti collegii in orto dignifico varii plantantur 
 alumpni, qui gradualis honoris gloriosos collegerunt manipulos scien- 
 ciarum ex semine, quod facultatum speciosa varietas nostre Universi- 
 tatis in agro fertiliter seminavit. Quare tenemus firmissime, et nostris 
 confidenciis certissime arbitramur, quod nostra pia peticio, que tarn 
 universalis boni promovet incrementum, non redibit inanis a tam 
 venerando collegio, cujus nobilitatis lux fontana scintillantis fame 
 splendoribus in regno prerutilat universe. Vestre igitur congregacionis 
 cetum prenobilem assiduis precum instanciis intimius exoramus; 
 concorditer supplicando quatinus, tam necessarii operis utilitatem 
 interne consideracionis oculo perpendentes, ad gratum ipsius juvamen 
 palmas extendere liberales vestre dignetur munificencie nobilitas merito 
 recolenda ; quam in statu prospero et honoris augmento per diuturna 
 continuet fons et vitale principium omnium creatorum. Scriptum in 
 nostre congregacionis do?no mensis Augusti die vicesimo septimo. 
 
 Sub hoc [forma] 1 scripsit Universitas ad Decanum et Collegium Wellense, 
 Exoniense et Lincolniense. 
 
 30. 
 
 To the Presidents and other prelates of the Order of 
 S. Augustine, now assembled in their Chapter at North- 
 ampton. 
 
 Many of your Order owe their education to Oxford, we pray you 
 therefore with the more confidence to supplement of your charity our 
 scanty means, which are insufficient for the completion of the new 
 schools. 
 
 1 forma omitted in MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 27 
 
 VENERABILIBUS in Christo patribus, dominis presidentibus ceteris- i4 3 7- 
 que prelatis ordinis S. Augustini in general! capitulo canonicorum 
 apud Northamptone congregatis. 
 
 Venerabilibus in Christo patribus, dominis presidentibus ceterisque 
 prelatis ordinis S. Augustini in sacro generali capitulo regularium 
 canonicorum presencialiter congregatis, prospera successuum, et 
 sinceris affectubus annuere postulatis. Reverendissimi in Christo 
 patres et domini prestantissimi, quia nuper pia quorumdam precordia 
 de Illius fontali dulcedine, qui est fons vivus, ignis, caritas et spiritalis 
 unccio sic celitus degustarunt, at ad divine laudis excellenciam aug- 
 mentumque studii salutaris scole universales sacre theologie, quibus 
 a primevo orbati fuimus, pro communi omnium utilitate durabili 
 fabrica levarentur, nosque ad hujusmodi operis fundamentaliter jam 
 incepti debitum complementum ex nostris non sufficimus, vestris 
 paternitatibus predevotis pro nostri defectus relevamine eo confidencius 
 duximus supplicandum, quo nostris l profundius radicatur in mentibus 
 quod vestre sacre religionis in orto dignissimo varii plantantur 
 alumpni, qui gradualis honoris gloriosos collegerunt manipulos 
 scienciarum ex semine, quod facultatum speciosa varietas nostre 
 Universitatis in agro fertiliter seminavit; tenentes firmissime certis- 
 simeque sperantes quod nostra simplex peticio, que consonat caritati, 
 a tam devotis patribus vacua non redibit. Quocirca vestre sacre 
 congregacionis cetui venerando devota precum libamina effundimus, 
 pia mente unanimiter supplicantes, quatinus ad tam sacri tam utilis 
 tam necessarii operis incrementum vestre gratissime liberalitatis 
 manus munificas extendere dignemini graciose. Et quia singula 
 nostrum concernencia negocium literali sub compendio claudere non 
 valemus, nostre cause promocionem honorando viro domino Can- 
 cellario nostro circumspeccionibus vestris prelibatis committimus 
 declarandam, cujus relatibus aurem favoris et credencie benignius 
 exhibere tantorum dignetur patrum devocio veneranda. Quibus, ad 
 felix regimen pariter et tutamen vestre sacre religionis ac tocius 
 ecclesie, felices successus annuat benignitas Redemptoris. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo mensis Junii die duodecimo. 
 
 1 nostra MS.
 
 48 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 31'. 
 
 Fol. 8 a. A form of letter. 
 
 HONORANDI et in Christo carissimi : Quia nuper, ex spiritus 
 clemencia septiformis, piis quorumdam cordibus fuerat celitus inspi- 
 ratum ut, ad summi regis honorem augmentumque studii salutaris, 
 scole universales sacre theologie, quibus a primevo orbati fuimus, pro 
 communi omnium utilitate durabili fabrica levarentur, nosque ad 
 hujusmodi operis fundamentaliter jam incepti debitum complementum 
 ex propriis non valemus; vestris reverenciis predevotis pro nostri 
 defectus relevamine eo confidences duximus supplicandum, quo 
 nostris profundius radicatur in mentibus quam graciose munifica 
 manus vestra grata solebat egentibus subsidia propinare; per hoc 
 tenentes firmissime certissimeque sperantes quod nostra supplex 
 peticio, que caritati consonat, et universalem studencium profectum 
 respicit, a tarn liberali devocione vacua non redibit ; presertim cum 
 inter cetera pietatis opera putemus id magis in salutem animarum 
 redundare finaliter, quod ad orthodoxae 2 fidei fulcimentum et aug- 
 mentum sciencie principalius se extendit. Quocirca reverenciis vestris 
 devota precum libamina effundimus pia mente, unanimiter supplicantes 
 quatenus, ad tam sacri tarn utilis tamque necessarii operis incre- 
 mentum, vestre liberalitatis manus munificas extendere dignemini 
 graciose. Et, quia singula nostrum concernencia negocium sub 
 literali compendio claudere non valemus, nostre cause promocionem 
 Cancellario nostro circumspeccioni vestre committimus declarandam, 
 cujus relatibus aures favoris et credencie exhibere benignius dignetur 
 tantorum reverencia predevota; quam ad solacium pauperum diu 
 longevet in prosperis medicus vitalis omnium ipse Deus. 
 
 32. 
 To the Master of S. Thomas' Hospital, London. 
 
 Your labours for our welfare could not be greater had you been 
 educated here ; we therefore confidently beg that you will intercede for 
 us with wealthy citizens of London, that they may assist us in building 
 
 1 No title, address, or date ; probably this is only a form for general use. The 
 Chancellor, evidently, was to be furnished with several such letters, to be delivered 
 at a personal interview. 2 ortodoxe in the MS. has the letter h written over by 
 
 the same hand.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 29 
 
 the new schools, and that you will advise our Chancellor hmv to cast his 
 net on the right side of the ship, when he appeals to them for assistance. 
 
 MAGISTRO S. Thome Londoniensi. 
 
 Venerande domine et amice predilecte : Quia fide digno ex relatu 
 concipimus, quod vestre amicicie grata benignitas Universitatem 
 nostram tarn sinceri cordis amplexatur in brachiis, ac si ipsam 
 veneracionem vestram a vestre juventutis cunabulis scienciarum cum 
 dulcore proprio lactasset ex ubere, in tantum quod, pro nostris 
 ampliandis honoribus, vestra mens pervigilat, lingua laborat effectus 
 operis quod insudat, ut amoris signa declarant, multimodaque vestre 
 gratitudinis flamma non cessat extendere nostros ad filios graduates. 
 Hinc est quod firme confidencie in presenti nobis accrevit audacia, 
 ut nostre Universitatis negocia, penes civitatis Londoniensis preclaros 
 cives promovenda felicius, vestre constantis amicicie ad humeros 
 producamus. Nuper enim, ad augmentum theologice facultatis, Sancti 
 Spiritus clemencia quorumdam cordibus inspiravit devotis, ut ad novas 
 scolas in Universitate nostra, speciosa levandas in fabrica, suas manus 
 aperirent munificas, qui ad tarn caritativum opus de suis facultatibus 
 devotissime sunt largiti. Virtute cujus largicionis graciose muri 
 scolarum predictarum, jam terre surgentes de sinu, stabilia susce- 
 perunt fundamina, et cicioris ortus processu crescerent jam in altum, 
 si vestre preclare civitatis cives venerabiles, qui diviciis fulgent, de- 
 vocione relucent et largitate precellunt, edificacionem istam, ad 
 Christiane fidei inchoatam fulcimentum, suis devotis cum muneribus 
 devocius irrigarent. Quocirca, cum tenemus quod multi inclite 
 civitatis predicte cives nobiliores in dignitate, preclariores in forma 
 et potenciores in thesauris vestre prudencie constanciam tante di- 
 leccionis amplexantur in federe, quod ad eorum corda si pulsatis, 
 aperiunt ; suadetis, assentiunt ; supplicatis, exaudiunt : igitur vestram 
 amiciciam intimius supplicamus, ut, ad opus tam pium felicius pros- 
 perandum, civium vestrorum corda, ubi congruit, pulsare dignemini; 
 nostroque Cancellario vestre prudencie de archa dignemini impertiri 
 consilium, sibi patenter intimando quibus in locis sue supplicacionis 
 rete mittere poterit in dextram navigii, ut de visceribus devotorum 
 cordium auri staterem valeat extrahere, qui nostri predicti edificii 
 cedere queat in profectum, ad catholice 1 facultatis augmentum, et 
 ad robur fidei, quam nobis tradidit Jesus Christus; Qui vestram 
 amiciciam tempora felicitet per longeva, et future premiacionis eternis 
 ditet muneribus pro multipharia gratitudine, quam nobis nostris 
 ostendit graduatis in filiis vestra benignitas generosa. Scripium 
 
 Oxonie, 6fc, 
 
 1 chatholice MS.
 
 30 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 33- 
 Fol. 8 b. Testimonial letter for Master John Clerk. 
 
 1430. ^NIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem, salutem in Domino sempiternam. 
 Quia, juxta sentenciam veritatis, accensa lucerna non est modio 
 supponenda, sed super candelabrum erigenda, ut omnibus, qui in 
 domo Domini conversantur, clarius elucescat; morum venustatem, 
 sciencie claritatem et odoriferam fame suavitatem eorum, qui inter 
 nos efficacius profecerunt, ad communem fidelium noticiam eo fer- 
 vencius cupimus pervenire, quo conversacionis sue maturitas et laboris 
 assiduitas ad Dei laudem, proximorum salutem, ecclesieque sancte 
 profectum evidencius tendere dinoscentur. Hinc est quod nos, super 
 virtuosa vita et probitate sciencie dilecti nobis in Christo confratris 
 nostri magistri Johannis Clerk, Sarisburiensis diocesis, sacre theologie 
 baccalarii, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, per has nostras 
 litteras attestamur, quod idem magister Johannes Clerk inter nos bene 
 honeste ac laudabiliter conversatus, proficiens virtute et sciencia 
 coram Deo et hominibus, ad ipsum baccalariatus gradum honorifice 
 meruit exaltari ; et jam per annos plurimos, velut lucerna a vera luce 
 divinitus illustrata, evangelice doctrine radiis auditores illuminans, 
 in vinea Domini Sabaoth, tanquam fidelis servus et prudens, qui 
 non abscondit pecuniam domini sui, fideliter laboravit, prout per 
 noticiam propriam, una cum fama celebri referente, plenam recepimus 
 veritatem. Unde, ne, quod absit, tante perfeccionis et honestatis 
 splendida lux occultetur vel pereat, quin pocius cedat aliis in lumen 
 et exemplum, et lacius diffundatur, ad sui recommendacionem et 
 testimonium omnium premissorum, eidem magistro Johanni Clerk 
 confratri nostro has litteras testimoniales sigillo communi Univer- 
 sitatis nostre fecimus consignari. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre 
 congregacionis secundo die mensis Decembris anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo tricesimo. 
 
 1 This letter is misplaced in the MS., where it occurs among other letters of the 
 year 1427. Where such misplacement is beyond doubt the fact is noticed, as here, 
 at the foot of the page ; but it appears to be desirable to reproduce the original 
 as nearly as possible in its actual form, not to rearrange anything unnecessarily.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 31 
 
 34- 
 Form of letter. Fol. 9 a. 
 
 VENERANDE domine, quia nuper ex spiritus dementia septiformis 
 piis quorum[dam] l cordibus fuerat celitus inspiratum, ut ad summi 
 regis honorem augmentumque studii salutaris, scole universales sacre 
 theologie, quibus a primevo orbati fuimus, pro communi omnium 
 utilitate durabili fabrica levarentur, nosque ad hujusmodi opens 
 fundamentaliter jam incepti debitum complementum imponere ex 
 propriis non valemus, vestris reverenciis predevotis pro nostri defectus 
 relevacione eo confidencius duximus supplicandum, quo fidedigne 
 relacionis fama nostras perduxit ad aures, quod ad opera pietatis 
 exequenda devocius vestre compassionis aperiuntur viscera, extendi 
 solet manus munifica; vestreque devocionis frequens testatur ele- 
 mosina quod celo plus quam mundo vestri spiritus copulatur. Quare 
 tenemus firmissime certissimeque speramus, &c. ; per omnia sicut 
 scribitur inprima litter a pro ximi folii precedent's, excepto quod dicatur, 
 "quocirca vestre reverencie," et non "reverenciis." 
 
 35 2 - 
 
 To the Bishop of . 
 
 Commending Master T. Benewell, with thanks for favours hitherto 
 shown to him. Fol. 9 b. 
 
 REVERENDE in Christo pater et domine, relacio fide digna nostras 1427. 
 perduxit ad aures quam caritative vestre compassionis oculus dilectum 
 confratrem nostrum, magistrum Thomam Benewell in artibus magis- 
 trum, in se ac suis munifice visitavit; cujus intuitu stimulamur 
 dignissime vestre dominacioni internissimas libare gracias uno corde ; 
 hoc ipsum recensentes nobis in communi collatum, quod matris 
 nostre minimo vertitur ad profectum. Ex operibus quidem devo- 
 cionis vestre tantam fiduciam exhaurimus, quatenus progredientes 
 ulterius pro dicto fratre nostro, concorditer et humillime postulemus 
 ut ilium sic morum et sciencie laude preclarum, sui contuitu meriti 
 et nostrarum precum instancia, gracie vestre recommissum habere, 
 et que in ipso cepta novimus continuare benigniter dignetur vestra 
 predevota semper honoranda paternitas prelibata; quam per freta 
 
 1 quorum MS. 2 No title or address.
 
 32 EPISTOLAE A CADEMICAE. 
 
 seculi indefectibilis nauta salutis ad portum cursu prospero secure 
 provehat ubertatis. Scriptum in nostre congregadonis domo die tercio 
 mensis fulii. 
 
 36. 
 
 To the Pope. 
 
 We rejoice thai your holiness is exalted to be supreme ruler of the 
 church ; and that the pest of heresy is being cured by your efforts to 
 enlighten the clergy, to induce princes to rule with justice, and to correct 
 immorality among the people. We trust you may be guided by wisdom 
 
 from above in all you do ; and we earnestly beg that you will not 
 believe the malicious reports which have been made to you respecting 
 the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is in truth universally beloved 
 
 for his Christian character, and is a zealous defender of the church. 
 
 1427. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, domino nostro Martino, 
 divina providencia sacrosancte Romane et universalis ecclesie summo 
 pontifici. 
 
 Beatissime pater, humillima filiali recommendacione * premissa; 
 terre osculum ante pedes. Beatissime pater, interne consolacionis 
 exultat in jubelo vestre sanctissime paternitatis ancilla Oxoniensis 
 Universitas; dum in corpore militantis ecclesie, quam a latere Crucifixi 
 sanguis dedicavit effusus, almam personam vestram, verum caput, 
 presidere conspicimus, quam unum summum pontificem et in terris 
 Christi vicarium ac Petri verissimum successorem concentu cordium 
 indubie profitemur 2 . Et merito vestra exaltacio summi pontificatus 
 ad arcem nobis ingentis gaudii propinat materiam ; cum varia ecclesie 
 membra, que quondam scismatice pestis erant infirmata contagio, 
 jam ex unius capitis influccione multiplici latis in ecclesie finibus 
 recipiunt sanitatem ; cujus evidenciam ex hoc sumimus, quod vestra 
 paternitas, ut pastor pervigil, augere nititur in clero lumen sciencie ; 
 suadet principibus suos gubernare subjectos per ceptrum iusticie; 
 Christianorum mores satagit corrigere, et late per orbem extirpare 
 desudat orrenda genimina heresium 3 et errorum. Non ergo tantum 
 nostra jubelare debet Universitas de tanti et sanctissimi exaltacione 
 pontificis, verum etiam universi debent congaudere Christicole, pen- 
 santes quomodo Jesus Christus, vestre paternitati suam universalem 
 desponsans ecclesiam, multas animas tenebrosi scismatis eduxerat 
 de Egypto, verum Aaron prefecit in sanctuario, fidelem Samuelem 
 judicem constituit in populo, et certe ad felix regimen Christiana 
 
 1 A word follows here, which seems to be only an abortive repetition of pre- 
 missa. 2 profetemur MS. 8 heresum ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 33 
 
 gentis alterum David sublimare disposuit manufortem, qui civitatem 
 sanctam ecclesiam Jesu Christi muniret libertatibus, liberaret ab 
 hostibus, purgaret a spurciciis, solidaret in fide, stabiliret in pace, et 
 cunctam l gentem Christianam niteretur dirigere per rectam semitam 
 legis Dei. O felix hora, in qua Christi clemencia suorum electorum 
 precibus excitari dignatur a sompno, ne scismatica tempestate Petri 
 navicula periret in fluctibus ; quia certe confidimus quod tune Christus 
 imperavit 2 ventis et mari ut fieret tranquillitas magna, quum cunctis 
 providendo salubriter sanctitatem vestram ad apostolice dignitatis 
 apicem subliraavit. Benedictus ergo Dominus, cujus manus fecit 
 hec, omnia disponens pro reformacione ecclesie sue sancte, ut post 
 scismatice noctis tenebras unitatis Aurora gaudiosa consurgeret, 
 animarum vulneribus balsamum salutis efflueret, et sponsa Domini Fol. 10 a. 
 languens in suspiriis veri sponsi amplexum in ipsa die susciperet, 
 quum, septiformis Spiritus cooperante clemencia, sacrosancti con- 
 census concilii in firmamento militantis ecclesie celsitudinem vestram, 
 ut planetam precipuum, ad Petri solium dignissime subrogavit. Certe 
 hec est dies quam fecit Dominus, cujus lumen graciosum, unanimis 
 Constancie concilii per consensum oriens, cum non sit palliatum sed 
 verum, non divisum sed integrum, non scismatice partitum sed 
 gracia Dei unitum, exultare et letari Christiane fidei fideles excitat 
 universes. Inter quos nos humillimi vestre predicte Universitatis 
 filii congratulari debemus et pariter congaudere ; precipue cum vestre 
 sanctissime proteccionis alas nobis semper expansas cognovimus, et 
 vestre dignacionis radios incessanter nobis dirigi probavimus multis 
 signis ; super quo genibus flexis vestri sanctissimi s pontificatus ad 
 pedes omnis obediencie prostrati cum spiritu, tributa persolvimus 
 graciarum. Ceterum in vobis infusa confisi de gracia, quod sicut 
 futurorum bonorum Pontifex misericors, princeps pacis, in pace vos 
 elegens exaltavit de plebe, in pace vos erigens summi pontificatus 
 tronizavit in arce, et in pace vos confirmans vestro sanctissimo 
 regimini, per obediencie vinculum, corda gentis subdidit Christiane; 
 ita speramus in Domino quod vestre sanctissime paternitati in singulis 
 actibus adest magni consilii Angelus, per quern in cunctis vestris 
 operibus tante pacis redolescit suavitas, tante justicie refulget claritas, 
 tante deliberacionis anchoratur maturitas, ut vestre sanctitatis animum 
 nee oleum adulacionis poterit demulcere, nee sinistre 4 informacionis 
 flatus quovismodo impellere, ut tarn piissimus pater, tarn justissimus 
 judex et innocentissimus pastor a subjecto sibi filio absque gravi 
 probacionis examine viscera claudat solite pietatis. Et propterea, 
 beatissime pater, in materia, qua de presenti movemur ad gemitum, 
 1 cuntam MS. 2 impervit ib. 3 vestre santissimus ib. 4 senistre ib. 
 
 D
 
 34 EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 nostras preces, licet indignas, ad innate vobis clemencie januas con- 
 fidencius animamur inducere, et coram beatorum pedum provoluti 
 vestigiis, humili l spiritu unanimes supplicamus, quatenus, impietas 
 emulorum, qui, velut accepimus, ' exacuerunt ut gladium linguas suas/ 
 et sermonibus odii circumdederunt 2 mansuetum pastorem, patrem 
 pium et Universitatis nostre fervidum zelatorem, dominum Henricum 
 Cantuariensem Archiepiscopum> 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, 
 <fr., usque ibi 1 ' intumescit '. . . Igitur prepotenti dominacioni vestre 
 cum prostrate spiritu, $c., usque ibi ' inclinare.' Serenitati vestre felix 
 arrideat fortuna, et successus non desinat prosperos continue parturire. 
 Scriptum Oxonie, ut supra. Serenitatis vestre oratrix humillima Uni- 
 versitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 86. 
 
 To the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Chancellor. 
 
 Confident in your benevolence towards your mother the University, we 
 commend to your favour the bearer hereof, a famous scholar, Master 
 John Kyng, whose trumpet tones are never hoarse or weary preaching to 
 the people the way to heaven. 
 
 1 See preceding epistle.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEM1CAE. in 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei H34 
 gracia Wellensi et Bathoniensi episcopo, Anglie Cancellario, domino 
 nostro graciosissimo et singularissimo protectori. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, ad quern solum habemus 
 refugium in nostris necessitudinibus et negociis, vestre matris consuete 
 commendacionis cordiale tributum, cum omni reverencia et honore 
 debitis tanto patri; paterne benevolencie gracia, quam pro nostris 
 indigenciis semper vigilem repperimus, pro recompensa meriti Altis- 
 simo commendata. Nee desistimus ex fiducia nostras humillimas 
 preces eidem paternitati vestre presentare pro carissimo confratre 
 nostro, magistro Johanne Kyng presencium latore, arcium magistro et 
 in sacra theologia famoso scolare; qui viam que ducit ad patriam 
 amplificans ad populum, velud sonora fructifere predicacionis tuba, in 
 ostendendo plebi sua scelera non raucescit; quatenus ipsum habere 
 dignemini commendatum, graciosam audienciam dicendis ab eodem 
 prebentes, sibique existere dignemini graciosus dominus, contempla- 
 cione predicte Universitatis nostre sue matris pro filio tarn digno 
 deprecantis, ut has nostras et sue matris preces sibi senciat profuisse. 
 Et reverendissimam paternitatem vestram perpetue nostre memorie 
 commendatam solus Deus conserve! in prosperis, ad vestrorum hu- 
 milium solamina oratorum. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, mensis Februarii die nono. Vestre paternitatis humillima oratrix 
 Universitas studii generalis Oxoniensis. 
 
 87. 
 
 To the Archbishop of Canterbury. Fol. 33 b. 
 
 As the mother of Zebedee's children interceded for them, so does the 
 University intercede for her son Master J. Kyng the bearer hereof, 
 a famous scholar and indefatigable preacher. We pray you to hear 
 his cause with the favour its merits deserve. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino nostro, Domino Henrico, 1434. 
 Dei gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglie primati et apo- 
 stolice sedis legato. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, ex cujus radiis graciosis 
 Universitas mater nostra illustratur continue, omnimode devocionis 
 tributum cum obediencia debita et honore. Magnificis beneficiis 
 tanti patris vinee constudencium impensis pro recompensa condigna 
 Altissimo commendatis, exemplo matris filiorum Zebedei eadem mater 
 nostra Universitas se exponit pro filio suo, confratre nostro carissimo,
 
 H2 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 magistro Johanne Kyng, latore presencium, arcium magistro et in 
 sacra theologia scolare famoso ; qui viam que ducit ad patriam am- 
 plificans ad populum, velut sonora fructifere predicacionis tuba, in 
 ostendendo plebi sua scelera non raucescit ; humiliori devocione qua 
 valeat supplicando, quatinus sinceris matris precibus pro tam digno 
 filio deprecantis vestre paternitatis aures inclinare dignemini, ipsum 
 commendatum una cum ab eo dicendis, que veritatem, justiciam et 
 equitatem concernunt, acceptantes, taliter ut sue matris preces sibi 
 senciat profuisse. Et reverendissimam vestram paternitatem, nostris 
 devocionibus merito precarissimam, in felici prosperitatis augmento 
 conservet et protegat infinita felicitate plenus ad vota filialia solus 
 Deus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo mensis Feb- 
 ruarii die nono. Vestre paternitatis humillima oratrix Universitas 
 studii generalis Oxoniensis. 
 
 88. 
 
 To the Lord Walter Hungerford. 
 
 To the same effect as the preceding letter, and in the same terms 
 ' mutatis mutandis' 
 
 1434. NOBILI et prepotent! Baroni, domino Waltero Hungerford. 
 
 Nobilis et egregie domine, nostrarum commendacionum primicias 
 reverencialesque devociones tanto domino debitas cum honore. Domi- 
 nacionis vestre laudabilis fama lacius circumfusa, de benevolencia 
 quam erga virtuosos cleros ostenditis, nos fiducialius animat nostras 
 preces devotas eidem dominacioni vestre offerre pro carissimo con- 
 fratre nostro magistro Johanne Kyng, latore presencium, arcium 
 magistro, $c., usque ibi ' ab eo dicendis commendatum,' ut in potencia 
 vestra veritas exultans vivat et falsitas corruat in plateis, graciosusque 
 dominus sibi existere dignemini, contemplacione nostre Universitatis 
 sue matris pro tam digno filio deprecantis, ut has nostras preces sibi 
 senciat profuisse. Et vestram eminenciam militarem, ad ecclesie 
 robur et gloriam sui nominis, conservet in prosperis Deus, in cujus 
 manu sunt hominum corda et potestates. Scriptum Oxonie mensis 
 Februarii die nono. Dominacionis vestre devota oratrix Universitas 
 studii generalis Oxoniensis.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 113 
 
 8 9 . 
 
 Testimonial letter for Mr. John Kyng. 
 
 UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 1434. 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in amplexibus Salvatoris. 
 Tociens altissime veritatis conspectui credimus offerre libamen, 
 quociens virtutibus precellenti et sciencia perhibemus testimonium 
 digne laudis. Hinc nos, super laudabili vita et honeste conver- 
 sacionis fragrancia carissimi confratris nostri, magistri Johannis Kyng, 
 arcium magistri et in sacra theologia scolaris, nostreque Universitatis 
 providi procuratoris, qui disertissime suum occupabat officium ; omnes 
 quorum interest cerciorare volentes, ut tenemur, ne tarn rutila fax 
 lampadis sub taciturnitatis modio occultetur ; has nostras per litteras 
 attestamur, quod de predicti confratris nostri laudabilibus mentis et 
 studiis tanta precessit experiencia, unde odorifera sui nominis fama, 
 quam aput nos in honoris apicem pretulerunt eximie accionis pre- 
 conia, latere non valuit ; sed eminentem super columnam erigi digna 
 ceteris se prebuit studentibus vitale imitacionis exemplum, et fructifere 
 predicacionis omni populo lucem magnam ; taliter 1 nostram Uni- 
 versitatem sua decorans presencia, omnique morum gravitate pre- 
 fulgens matura, amorem omnium immaculati nominis titulo vendicavit. 
 Quern igitur vestris venerabilibus reverenciis commendamus, intimius 
 supplicantes quatinus eidem vos favorabiles et benignos, contem- 
 placione nostre Universitatis et suorum meritorum intuitu, ubilibet 
 ostendatis. In cujus rei testimonium eidem magistro Johanni super 
 statu suo laudabili, ut omnibus plenius innotescat, has nostras litteras 
 testimoniales nostre Universitatis communi sigillo fecimus consignari. 
 Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Februarii die 
 nono, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo quarto, 
 
 Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. Fol. 34 a. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Thomam Bourgchier, Cancel- H34- 
 larium alme Universitatis Oxoniensis, Michaelem Tregurry et Ricardum 
 Tenand, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse, et die confec- 
 cionis presencium habuisse, de Abbate et conventu de Oseneye juxta 
 Oxoniam, viginti sex solidoset octo denarios sterlingorum, nomine cujus- 
 dam pensionis annue nobis et dicte Universitati, pro anno regno regis 
 Henrici sexti decimo tercio ultimo preterito, debite ab eisdem: De 
 quibus viginti sex solidis et octo denariis dictum Abbatem et conventum 
 
 1 per nostrum MS. 
 
 I
 
 H4 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 acquietamus per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune 
 dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in domo 
 congregacionis dicte Universitatis septimo decimo die Marcii, anno regni 
 regis Henrici sexti tercio decimo. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1434. NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Thomam Burgchier, Cancel- 
 larium alme Universitatis Oxoniensis, Michaelem Tregurry et Ricar- 
 dum Tenand, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, recepisse, et die 
 confeccionis presencium habuisse, de Abbate et conventu de Eynsham 
 in comitatu Oxoniensi, sexaginta octo solidos sterlingorum, nomine 
 cujusdam pensionis annue, nobis et dicte Universitati, pro anno regni 
 regis Henrici sexti decimo tercio ultimo preterito, debite ab eisdem : 
 De quibus sexaginta octo solidis dictum 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 septimo decimo die Marcii, 
 anno regni regis Henrici sexti tercio decimo. 
 
 9 0. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 May you be rewarded with eternal glory for your zeal in the cause of 
 the faith, of the church, and of us your clerks. Future generations will 
 keep in everlasting memory your magnificent gifts of books and money, 
 and your gracious defence of our privileges. It is your wisdom that 
 has revived learning, and we will devote ourselves to study with redoubled 
 energy and confidence. 
 
 I 435- SERENISSIMO principi Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pembro- 
 chie, magno camerario Anglie, domino nostro magnifico et graciosis- 
 simo protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, quern universalis vestre Universitatis cetus 
 glorificat preconio pro zelo fidei, ecclesie, et sui cleri, cum beatis 
 donis glorie finaliter premiari : Nobis non solum viventibus in eterna 
 memoria sed et posteris recolenda vestre * serenitatis beneficia, in mag- 
 nificis donis librorum et auri nostre impensis constudencium vinee ; in 
 magna quoque nostrorum privilegiorum tuicione semper graciosa nostri 
 studii quietem concernencium, vivaci mentis registro contemplantes, 
 nequimus voces graciarum erumpere, nee digne laudis recompensiva 
 excogitare tributa. Ex cujus providissima celsitudine, liberalibus 
 scienciis evocatis ad lucem, nostri studii lux virentis fulciminis splendet 
 
 1 nostre MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 115 
 
 indeficiens, cujusque indies 1 illustramur radiis. Unanimiter suppli- 
 camus intimius ut a Domino sit in celis dominacioni vestre illus- 
 trissime digna merces ; et jam his novis exhillerati dominacionis 
 vestre muneribus maximis, adoratricis vestre perpetue Universitatis 
 nostre in 2 proficuum et decorem, gemine induimus alas confidencie, 
 et intentissimo animo in attenuacione spirituum, cumulatis laboribus, 
 studiis nos exponimus et tenemus; sperantes indubie quod nostre 
 vinee 8 teneri ramunculi, serenitatis vestre 4 precelsa sub proteccione con- 
 tinuata, crescent, frondebunt et florebunt secuturis flores fructibus, ad 
 Dei precipue gloriam : magnumque vestrum nomen divine ascribent 
 memorie pariter et humane, in vestre dominacionis meritum coeter- 
 num. Quam ad regni defensionem clerique subsidium longevet Deus 
 in prosperis ; et post hujus vie miliciam faciat in supernis in gloria 
 triumphare. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis domo, undevicesimo die 
 Mail. Vestre serenitatis perpetua oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 91. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. Fol. 34 b. 
 
 To you we always have recourse in our troubles. Discord, the step- 
 mother of learning and virtue, hinders the advance promoted by your 
 glorious gifts, for bachelors now claim to be called by the title of master ; 
 which neither statute nor custom have hitherto allowed, so that the 
 authority of the Chancellor is brought into contempt, and the peace of the 
 University disturbed. 
 
 SERENISSIMO principi Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie, 1435- 
 magno camerario Anglic, domino nostro magnifico et graciosissimo 
 protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, quociens necessitatibus vel incommodis ali- 
 quibus pregravamur precelsam ad vestram serenitatem, ut ad inflexi- 
 bilem justicie columpnam recurrimus 5 ; quern inter varios rerum 
 eventus casusque fortuitos nostrum semper invenimus graciosissimum 
 protectorem ; cujus recolenda opera velut inoccidua lux meridiana, 
 cujusque radiis illustramur, continue Minerve nos promovet ad secreta 
 et virtutum omnium incrementa. Sed in hac studiorum via quedam 
 discordia, scienciarum et virtutum noverca, in Universitate matre nostra 
 nuper est orta, an debeant bacallarii, primum facultatis gradum 
 obtinentes, in publicis proclamacionibus scolasticis appellari magistri ; 
 quod nee statuta neque dicte Universitatis nostre consuetudines fieri 
 
 1 indees corrected MS. 2 in omitted ib. 3 vine ib. * nostre ib. 
 
 5 recurrimus omitted ib. 
 
 I 2
 
 n6 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 decreverant ab antique. Unde eadem nostra Universitas, scrutatis 
 antiquis suis consuetudinibus, decrevit quod in posterum, in talibus 
 scolasticis proclamacionibus in dicta Universitate nostra a suis servi- 
 toribus magistri non debeant appellari ; cum tales cum citacionibus 
 et mandato regio, a seculis inaudito, dictam nostram matrem vexant, 
 inquietant et perturbant, privilegia consuetudinesque ejusdem teme- 
 rarie violant, Cancellario et ejus commissario obedire contemnunt, 
 in nostri studii discrimina inaudita. Hinc vestre dominacionis poten- 
 tissime humillima oratrix mater nostra, vestre serenitatis brachio 
 actenus suffulta, supplicat humiliter et devote quatenus dignetur 
 vestra serenitas, in cujus capite se locavit magne sapiencie sedes, suis 
 pro statutis 1 laudabilibusque consuetudinibus inexpugnabilem se 
 ponere murum contra perturbantes matris nostre quietem, congrua 
 pacis remedia providendo. Et presencium latoribus in dicendis fidem, 
 quesumus, adhibere credulam dignemini cum favore. Et Deus, qui in 
 tempore exaudit accepto, precelsam dominacionem vestram felicitet in 
 hac vita, et in future cum superis facial in gloria triumphare. Scrip- 
 turn Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, nono die Augusti. Vestre 
 serenitatis perpetua oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 9 2. 
 To Master Gilbert Kymer. 
 
 We leg that you will use your influence with the Duke of Gloucester 
 to obtain his assistance in restoring peace at Oxford. 
 
 J 435- EGREGIO doctori, magistro Gilberto Kymare, decano de Wynbury 2 
 et thesaurario ecclesie Sarum : 
 
 Honoratissime magister et sensate prudencie domine, quem alterum 
 Joseph credimus in curia principis ; nostre matris honores et negocia 
 piis desideriis amplexari. Cum in materia execrabilis ac intollera- 
 bilis perturbacionis pacis nostre Universitatis noviter exorta, vobis, ut 
 credimus, satis nota, oratores nostros in presenti potentissimo prin- 
 cipi, domino nostro duci, delegavimus, pro congruis in hac parte 
 remediis obtinendis ; firmissime sperantes quod, in mediacionibus vestris 
 providissimis penes prefatum dominum nostrum serenissimum et 
 graciosissimum protectorem, optatum habebimus pacis talentum, 
 absque cujus excelso brachio non est nobis in studio spes aliqua 
 in future; ideo reverenciam vestram nobis fieri unanimiter que- 
 sumus exorabilem in hac causa: et venerabilem personam vestram 
 
 1 et laudabilibusque MS. a A mistake for Wynbum.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 117 
 
 de bono in melius prosperari facial ad prelacie culmina ipse Deus. 
 Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo nono die Augusti. 
 Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 93- 
 
 To the Abbot of Glastonbury. Fol. 35 a. 
 
 Commending Master John Spekynton, and desiring his promotion. 
 
 REVERENDO patri Nicholao, Abbati monasterii Glastonburiensis. 1435- 
 
 Reverende in Christo pater et domine, reverencias tanto patri 
 debitas cum honore. Cum virtutum karismata, que vasis in honorem 
 factis Spiritus infudit Altissimi, nequaquam debeant occultari sub 
 modio, sed, ut populo luceant, in publicam venire noticiam, ad Dei 
 gloriam et honorem; ea propter paternitati vestre, quam sincera 
 dileccione prosequimur, carissimum confratrem nostrum, magistrum 
 Johannem Spekynton, arcium magistrum, et nostre Universitatis pro- 
 vidum procuratorem, virum utique laudabilibus vite et scienciarum 
 meritis, conversacionis fragrancia aliisque virtutibus multipharie in- 
 signitum ; cujus periciam et discrecionem per operis exercicium indies 
 experimur, specialius quo valemus commendantes, vos attente depre- 
 camur, quatenus ad eundem nostrum confratrem vester inflammetur 
 affectus, favoris vestri et benevolencie radios ad sue exaltacionis 
 comodum convertentes ; ut vobis eo plenius ad graciarum teneamur 
 acciones quo ipsum sincerius de vestri pectoris armario noverimus 
 sic suffultum ; ex dicto recensentes J philosophic illud pertinere ad 
 tocius integritatem quod uni sue parti impenditur ad profectum. 
 Paternitatem vestram inter suos sanctos infinita felicitate plenus 
 collocari tribuat ipse Deus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, penultimo die Augtisti. Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 94. 
 To the Abbot and Chapter of Glastonbury. 
 
 To the same effect as the preceding letter. 
 
 VENERABILIBUS viris, Abbati et conventui monasterii Glastonbu- 1435. 
 riensis. 
 
 Venerabiles domini, reverencias tarn venerabili cetui cum honore. 
 Quoniam Deo acceptabile credimus et racioni suavem odorem vene- 
 
 1 decetantes MS.
 
 n8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 rabilium personarum nostre Universitatis benevolis omnibus l quorum 
 interest obnixius commendare ; exemplo igitur matris filiorum 
 Zebedei exponit se Universitas mater nostra pro digno suo filio, 
 magistro Johanne Spekyngton, arcium magistro, et ejusdem nostre Uni- 
 versitatis procuratore provide, scienciarum et rerum experiencia nobi- 
 liter experto : pie supplicans 2 et devote quatinus sinceris matris 
 precibus, suo pro filio deprecantis, vestris cum benevolenciis 3 
 dignemini suscipere commendatum, ut et sue matris preces sibi cum 
 effectu profuisse senciat, et fidelis filii industria congruis honoribus 
 premietur. Vestrum venerabilem conventum semper prosperari facial 
 Qui illius felicissimus 4 est aspectus. Scriptum Oxonie in noslre con- 
 gregacionis domo penultimo die Augusti. Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 95- 
 To the King. 
 
 The University owes its renown to the protection of your predecessors ; 
 and we are thankful that you tread in their steps ; and we trust that, in 
 pursuance of the same wise policy ', you will, by the exercise of your royal 
 prerogative of dispensing justice, put an end to the disturbances which 
 now threaten to subvert our privileges. 
 
 J 435- SERENISSIMO principi, Domino Henrico, Dei gracia regi Anglic et 
 Francie, domino nostro metuendissimo. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, rex in eternum vive ! sancte matris ecclesie 
 et tocius reipublice defensator semper invicte ! Et nomen et poten- 
 ciam semper paveant inimici. Graciosissimorum principum progeni- 
 torum vestrorum (qui nostro supplici interventu celesti perfruantur beati- 
 tudine !) strenuissimos et memorabiles actus recolentes sub quorum 
 magnificis et eterna memoria dignis proteccionibus a primevo vestra 
 Universitas semper et inconcusse hactenus communita in famosa laudis 
 precellencia floruit et honore precipue in hoc Altissimum collaudamus, 
 quod talem regno providerat successorem, in quo paterne probitatis 
 insignia et suorum progenitorum inclitudo serenissima plenissime con- 
 quiescunt. Et quia adfluens regia celsitudo immense laudis preconiis 
 attollitur, cum ex ipsa ad singulos justicie et rectitudinis plenitude diri- 
 vetur, et neminem relinquat expertem sue gracie regalie : hinc vestra 
 Universitas mater nostra coram precelsa majestate regia suum exponit 
 merorem presentibus interclusum. Quoniam igitur, nos informante 
 scriptura, rex sedens in solio dissipat omne malum, supplicamus 
 humiliter quo valemus quatenus vestra potentissima majestas caritatis 
 dignetur intuitu hujusmodi abusionis malum, quod brigosa et proterva 
 1 in omnibus MS. " supplicas ib. 3 benevolent cits ib. * felecissimus ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 119 
 
 elacio quorumdam in dicte Universitatis vestre discriminosam perturba- 
 
 cionem confovet, gracioso et regali remedio dissipare ; sic quod vestre 
 
 Universitatis privilegia, statuta, et deliberaciones ad tranquillitatem 
 
 studii illesa in suo robore permaneant et virtute ; violatoresque eorum 
 
 ad regiam vestram presenciam sint venire coacti legaliter castigandi ; Fol. 35 b. 
 
 ut in eadem vestra Universitate fiat pax hominibus et Deo gloria in 
 
 excelsis. Et metuendissima regia majestas in felicissimorum incre- 
 
 mento successuum imperet, prosperetur et regnet, quesumus, in long- 
 
 evum. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregadonis domo, mensis Octobris 
 
 die quinto. Vestre celsitudinis humillima oratrix Universitas studii 
 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 9 6. 
 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 You are our harbour of refuge in every trouble ; and for your 
 protection and magnificent gifts we are ever thankful, and daily remember 
 you in our prayers. We herewith inclose a statement of the circumstances 
 which at this present disturb our peace, and entreat you to check the pre- 
 sumption of those who are the cause of them. 
 
 SERENISSIMO principi, domino duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie, 1435. 
 magno camerario Anglic, suo graciosissimo protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, cui, tanquam humillima membra precipuo 
 capiti et protectori, offerimus omnis devocionis tributa, utinam vestre 
 oratricis preces piis oculis ut solito contemplari. Quociens urgeat 
 necessitas aut deposcat utilitas, ut ad consuetum refugii portum, ad 
 vestram dominacionem recurrimus 1 pro succursu. O quantum tantille 2 
 obligamur tanto principi, cujus vivens memoria cordibus nostris in- 
 figitur, cujus prosperitas inclitissima votis cotidianis Deo presentatur ! 
 qui nos magnificis vallavit thesauris, ubi suorum donorum memoriale 
 notabile lucet presentibus et futuris ; nostreque iminenti ruine manum 
 semper supposuit protectricem, et in fervore sui spiritus minas hominum 
 contempnens ab emulis nos defendit : que omnia, nostro supplici inter- 
 ventu, premiat cuncta Potens ! Sed jam iteratis vicibus vestre poten- 
 tissime dominacioni vestra Universitas et oratrix fidelissima suam 
 exponit tribulacionem presentibus interclusam; supplicans spiritualiter 
 et devote, quatinus vester potentissimus principatus intuitu dignetur 
 caritatis hujusmodi abusionis, perturbacionis, et temeritatis malum, quod 
 brigosa et cervicosa quorumdam presumpcio in dicte Universitatis 
 perturbacionem confovet, gracioso remedio dissipare ; ne perversorum 
 
 1 resurrimus MS. " cancille or tantille MS. The word probably should be 
 tanlilli, \vhich occurs in a similar passage in another epistle, cf. ep. 220.
 
 120 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 tanta temeritas effrenis aditum pandat injuriis, et vestre oratricis 
 studium destruat et evellat ; sed sue deliberaciones, statuta et privilegia 
 illesa ad studii tranquillitatem sui roboris firmitatem habeant et virtutis, 
 eorumque violatores refrenentur et penis debitis infligantur, ad Dei 
 honorem et vestre dominacionis illustrissime meritum sine fine. Et 
 gloriosus Deus, in cujus manu sunt vota principum, vestre serenitatis 
 potenciam sic dirigat in terris ut inter potestates angelicas presidere 
 finaliter mereatur. Scriptum Oxonie, ut supra in proximo.. Vestre 
 serenitatis specialissima oratrix Universitas, &c. 
 
 97- 
 
 To the Archbishop of York. 
 
 The father s renown is spread abroad when he mercifully hears the 
 prayers of his sons. Our mother the University therefore, proud of so 
 distinguished a son, who does not turn a deaf ear to the prayer of the 
 mother who suckled him, with confidence lays before you her present 
 distress, begging that the guilty causes thereof may be sufficiently 
 punished. 
 
 I 435- REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei 
 gracia Eboracensi Archiepiscopo, primati Anglic. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, Universitatis nostre 
 honor et splendor, sub cujus proteccionis sensata prudencia nostre 
 necessitudinis negocia piis favoribus amplexari; paterni honoris 
 gloria tune dilatescit in orbe, et flos immarcidus sue fame dignissime 
 laudis fragrancia redolescit in populo, cum humillium justo precamini * 
 filiorum favorabilis sue exaudicionis januas benigne reserat clemens 
 pater. Unde Universitas mater nostra sue vires induit confidencie, 
 internius exultans de tante honoracionis filio, qui, cum materne depre- 
 cacionis pulsetur instanciis, a sue gratuite recordacionis non abradet 
 registro ubera nectarea que sugebat: sed materni honoris statum 
 prosperum in sue innate gratitudinis statera ponderans, materne 
 precis pro refugio supplicantis saciavit affectum in suis tribulacionibus, 
 angustiis et pressuris. Quia igitur in Universitate nostra quedam 
 brigosa contencio nuper incepit, (quin verius, quod dolenter referimus, 
 cum scriptura nata est malicia, in diebus nostris,) cujus contencionis 
 Fol. 36 a. compendii causa presentibus clauditur brevis tenor ; supplicamus 
 unanimiter tam potenti patri, ut 2 transgressores paveant, et quod 
 
 1 prccamine MS. Cf. ep. 104. 8 quern ut MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 121 
 
 tarn enormia delicta absque correspondente pena non transeant im- 
 punita ; et taliter ut sub paterna proteccione graciosa, in cujus capite 
 admirabilis regnat sapiencia, quam reverentur 1 naciones varie, dicta 
 mater nostra Universitas more solito virtuosis scienciis et fame sue 
 preconiis virescere valeat : et clarissimis documentis, privilegiis suis, 
 statutis, laudabilibus consuetudinibus et deliberacionibus, ad quietem 
 studii, scienciarum honorem, et graduum distinccionem editis, in- 
 violabiliter observatis, et ejus pacis perturbatores, exortatores seu 
 eorum fautores penis debitis castigentur. Et paternitatem vestram 
 reverendissimam, post hujus viatricis vie cursum, inter supremos 
 antistites 2 collocet Jesus Christus. Scriptum Oxonie, 6fc. Vestre 
 paternitatis reverendissime oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 98. 
 
 To the Bishop of Winchester. 
 
 Your wisdom and virtues of world-wide fame comfort our hearts, and 
 encourage us to lay before you our present difficulties^ and beg that 
 a suitable remedy may be applied. We enclose a statement of the facts. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 1435. 
 gracia Anglic Cardinali, episcopo Wyntoniensi, domino nostro et 
 graciosissimo protectori. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine illustrissime, pro cujus 
 prosperitatis felicitate votiva continuo nostrarum precum tributa 
 humillima penes Deum. Concors virtutum preclaritas et admirabilis 
 sapiencie insignia, que excelsa de dominacione vestra devulgantur in 
 omnem terram, mentem oratricis vestre Universitatis matris nostre 
 mira suavitate reficiunt, et ad eandem humiliter exorandam alte sue 
 bonitatis allectivis radiis nos inducunt. Cum nuper quedam tediosa 
 discordia, corrumpens studiorum noverca, in vestra contigit 3 Universi- 
 tate, cujus tenor brevitatis causa presentibus includitur; ad vestram 
 igitur dominacionem, in cujus capite stupenda posuit suam sapiencia 
 sedem, confugimus, ipsi inheremus, ipsique preces effundimus humillimas 
 et devotas, eoque securius preces precibus superaddimus, quo de solita 
 dominacione vestra, in omnibus honores nostros et comoda concernen- 
 tibus *, summa duximus fiducia confidendum ; quatenus, proviso super 
 tantis excessibus oportuno remedio, dignetur tantus noster pater et 
 dominus graciosissimus in finibus nostris ponere pacem, tantoque 
 positam robore solidare, ne pusillum gregem predicte Universitatis 
 
 1 rcveruntur MS. 2 suppremos antistates ib. 3 conlegit ib. * con- 
 
 cernentibus is added over the line, ib.
 
 122 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 specialem vestre salutis memorem infestacio inimica tormentet; sed 
 vestre graciose proteccionis respirans in gratia, suorum statutorum, 
 deliberacionum, et laudabilium consuetudinum libertati pristine se 
 gaudeat restitutum, et pacis ejusdem perturbatores juris remediis 
 infligantur, ut in pace studeant et proficiant filii pacis interminis 
 inflammati in laudibus tanti patris. Quern ad naviculae fidei munimen, 
 honoris pulchritudinem, et ad Universitatis vestre, matris nostre con- 
 tinuanda solacia prosperari faciat Deus pacis. Scriptum Oxonie, fyc. 
 Vestre reverendissime paternitatis specialissima oratrix Umversitas 
 studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 99- 
 
 Fol. 36 b. To the Earl of Stafford. 
 
 Justice is one of the most glorious attributes of rulers, and they are 
 intrusted with the sword for its maintenance. As the lesser animals 
 before the lion, so the turbulent people flee before the face of the sword. 
 We pray that you will check the cause of our present troubles in its com- 
 mencement, for a spark may soon become a conflagration, and the very 
 pastimes of children indicate the tendency of national character. 
 
 1435. ILLUSTRISSIMO principi, domino nostro, comiti Staffordie. 
 
 Illustrissime princeps, quem ob graciose dominacionis benevolenciam 
 ad nostram Universitatem specialiter revereri tenemur, omnis devocionis 
 nostre tributa humillima cum honore. Cum inter ceteras reipublice 
 curas nullum opus nomen principis excellencius attollit preconiis, quam 
 quo pacis et justicie unitas observetur, et pacis inflates contemp- 
 tores castigando humiliet potencia militaris, (ad hoc enim magnus con- 
 silii Angelus terrigenis reddens pacem principibus commisit gladium,) 
 quo, justo metu improbos terrente, innocentes subditos pax firmior 
 tueretur ; et sicut leonis vestigia pertimescunt animalia singula, sic 
 inimica infestacio plebeica paveat potenciam principum, et a facie 
 gladii fugiat ire sue ; et 1 quia brigosa contencio nuper commovit 
 Universitatem nostram ex quorumdam elacionis fumo, ut patet infra 
 presentes compendii causa inclusum, igitur ad dominacionem vestram, 
 ut ad potentissimum brachium et securam nostri naufragii tabulam, 
 unanimiter recurrimus pro succursu et tuicione quietis nostri studii; 
 supplicantes humiliter et devote quatinus subjiciantur colla super- 
 borum, qui dicunt 'linguam nostram magnificabimus, quis noster dominus 
 est ?' ne scintilla volatilis maliciae exsurgat in incendium et guttula 
 grandescat rapidum in torrentem. A pristinis enim patribus ut 
 
 1 el omitted in MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 123 
 
 manuale spectaculum nostre Universitatis tranquillitas habebatur, quod 
 processisse videtur ex illo Platonis dicto ' per jocos pueriles sciantur 
 regni prospera vel adversa! Intuitu igitur caritatis dignetur dominacio 
 vestra potentissima ad hujusmodi enormium malorum enervacionem 
 apponere remedium graciosum. Et eo confidences illustrissime 
 dominacioni vestre preces precibus multiplicamus, quo in illustrissimo 
 sanguine vestro, domino nostro Cancellario, nostra Universitas hono- 
 ratur; firmissime tenentes quod non potest maliciosis adversancium 
 conatibus occumbere quod tanti principis potencia decrevit sustinere. 
 Nostris privileges statutis et deliberationibus in potencia vestra con- 
 servatis illesis, tarn proterva juvenum delicla, non minus in horta- 
 tionibus 1 seu fautoribus quam in transgressoribus, non transeant 
 impunita: et Universitas mater nostra vestre dominacionis oratrix in 
 pace lactet suos filios in virtutibus et scienciis, ad ecclesie et regni 
 proficuum et honorem. Dominacionem vestram illustrissimam sic 
 dirigat in terris Princeps pacis ut finaliter principare valeat in excelsis. 
 Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Octobris die, $c. 
 Vestre dominacionis oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 IOO. 
 To the Earl of Warwick. Fol. 37 a. 
 
 To the same effect as the preceding letter, 
 
 ILLUSTRISSIMO principi domino nostro, comiti Warwici. I 435- 
 
 Illustrissime princeps, quem tarn ob militarem 2 strenuitatem quam 
 ob admirabilis sapiencie 8 splendorem reverentur naciones varie, ad 
 regis, regni, et communitatis munimen et decorem continue prosperari. 
 Cum inter ceteras reipublice curas nullum opus magis facit nomen 
 principis attolli preconiis, quam quo pacis et justicie unitas observatur, 
 et inflates pacis contemptores castigando humiliat potencia militaris, 
 ad hoc enim magnus consilii Angelus terrigenis reddens pacem 
 principibus commisit gladium, quo, justo metu improbos terrente, 
 innocentes subditos pax firmior tueretur, et sicut leonis vestigia 
 pertimescunt animalia singula, sic inimica infestacio plebeica paveat 
 potenciam principum et a facie * arcus fugiat ire sue ; et quia brigosa 
 dissensio nuper commovit nostram Universitatem ex quorundam 
 elacionis fumo, ut patet infra presentes compendii causa inclusum, 
 unanimiter igitur recurrimus, pro succursu et tuicione quietis nostri 
 
 1 hortatoribust z militans MS. 3 This woid nearly obliterated 
 
 in MS., but probably sapiencie. * faciat MS.
 
 124 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 studii, ad metuendissimum dominum nostrum regem, qui, ut caput 
 nobile debilibus membris condescendens, graciosum se prebeat cla- 
 moribus oppressorum, et ad sui consilii apicem, ut ad dominacionem 
 vestram, supplicantes humiliter et devote quatenus subjiciantur colla 
 superborum, qui dicunt ' linguam nostram magnificabimus, quis noster 
 dominus est ? ' ne scintilla volatilis exurgat in incendium, et guttula 
 grandescat rapidum in torrentem. A pristinis enim patribus ut 
 manuale spectaculum nostre Universitatis tranquillitas habebatur, quod 
 processisse credimus ex illo Platonis dicto, ' per jocos pueriles sciantur 
 regni prosper a vel adversa! Igitur intuitu caritatis dignetur dominacio 
 vestra ad hujusmodi malorum enervacionem apponere remedium 
 graciosum, sic quod tarn enormia delicta 1 juvenum, non minus in 
 hortatoribus seu 2 fautoribus quam in transgressoribus, absque pena 
 acida non transeant impunita; et Universitas mater nostra vestre 
 dominacionis oratrix in pace lactet filios suos in virtutibus et scienciis, 
 ad ecclesie et regni proficuum et decorem. Dominacionem vestram 
 illustrissimam sic dirigat in terris Princeps pacis, ut finaliter principari 
 valeat in excelsis. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, 
 mensis Octobris die, $c. Vestre dominacionis oratrix Universilas 
 studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 IOI. 
 To the Archbishop of York. 
 
 X 435- REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei 
 gracia Eboracensi Archiepiscopo, Anglie primati, nostro domino 
 specialissimo. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, Universitatis nostre 
 honor et splendor, sub cujus proteccionis sensata prudencia nostre 
 necessitudinis negocia piis favoribus amplexari : paterni honoris 
 gloria tune dilatescit in orbe et flos immarcidus sue fame dignissime 
 laudis fragrancia redolescit in populum . . . 3 
 
 Testimonial letter issued for Master Philipp Morres. 
 
 1435. LITTERA testimonials magistri Philippi Morresch 4 , professoris B in 
 sacra theologia; datum in nostra congregacionis domo, undecimo die 
 mensis Octobris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo iricesimo 
 quinto, et est secundum antiquam formam. 
 
 1 delcta MS. 2 se ib. 3 This fragment here ends, but it is verbatim the 
 
 same as ep. 97. * Morresch corrected over the line to Morres MS. 6 Pro- 
 
 fessori ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 125 
 
 To the Dean and Chapter of S. Patrick's, Dublin 1 . Fol. 37 b. 
 
 Having heard of your favour shown to our brother Master Philipp 
 Norrys, we heartily thank you, for you have admitted to your society 
 a virtuoTts and learned man and an unwearied preacher . 
 
 VENERABILIBUS viris, Decano et capitulo ecclesie cathedralis S. 1435- 
 Patricii Dublinie. 
 
 Venerabiles domini, prospera successuum incrementa tam celebri 
 cetui cum honore. Quia fidedigne relacionis fama nostras delegavit 
 ad aures quanta gratuita et bene merita vestre dileccionis insignia 
 carissimo confratri nostro, magistro Philippe Norrys, sacre theologie 
 egregio professori contulit liberalitas vestri cordis ; ac hec vivaci 
 contemplantes memoria, ad reddendas graciarum acciones merito 
 excitamur, quas unanimiter reddimus vestro cetui reverendo ; ex dicto 
 recensentes philosophico hoc ad integritatem tocius pertinere quod 
 sue parti impenditur ad profectum. O quam felix vestra intencio, 
 quando virum tam excellentis sciencie, conversacionis honeste et 
 humilitatis speculum, sonoramque sancte predicacionis tubam, que non 
 raucescit in ostendendo plebi sua scelera, vestro cetui sociastis ! pro 
 quo facto firmissime tenemus meritorie laudis 2 preconium apud Deum 
 et homines meruisse ; nee desistimus de fiducia, quam penes vos jam 
 recipimus, eundem nostrum confratrem vestre venerabili cetui amplius 
 commendare, ut quod gratuite dileccionis vinculo eidem recognovimus 
 inceptum, nostrarum precum interventu perseveranter proficere in 
 posterum sensiamus. Et vestrum venerabilem cetum in prosperitate 
 votiva preservare dignetur bonitas summi Dei. Scriptum Oxonie in 
 nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Octobris die undecimo. Universitas 
 studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 I O2. 
 To the Bishop of S. David's. 
 
 A similar letter to that addressed to the Archbishop of York 3 . 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Thome, Dei 1435. 
 gracia Menevensi episcopo, nostro domino speciali. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, sub vestre paterne 
 proteccionis sensata prudencia nostre necessitudinis negocia piis 
 favoribus amplexari. ' Paterni honoris,' &c., ut supra, in epistola 
 
 1 This letter is not numbered, and is in a peculiar, irregular hand, quite unlike 
 that of any of the near preceding or succeeding letters. Probably it has been 
 inserted later on a folio left partially blank. * et laudis MS. 3 See ep. 97 supra.
 
 126 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 missa Archiepiscopo Eboracensi, usque ibi, ' brevis tenor.' Moveat vos 
 igitur, unanimiter rogitamus, communis scienciarum utilitas, moveat 
 vos earumdem jacture crudelitas, moveat vos pacific! studii instar aque 
 immote limpiditas, et vos moveat quod Universitas mater nostra 
 veslrum auxilium tanquam potentis patris manibus expansis implorat, 
 quatinus sub vestre proteccionis abiete erectissima humiles sui ramun- 
 Fol. 38 a. culi frondeant, floreant et fructiferant, nee procella in sui indicium * 
 aut exterminium debacando prevaleat : sed sine fluctuacione et a 
 morsu fere pessime preservetur agnina simplicitas sue prolis, statuta, 
 privilegia, deliberaciones et consuetudines, ad quietem studii et ad 
 scienciarum honorem et 2 graduum distinccionem suum robur obtineant 
 et virtutem, per auxilium, favorem et prudenciam tanti patris. Quern 
 prospere dirigat summi Patris sapiencia, ad nostra continuanda solacia 
 et ad ecclesie continuum fulcimentum. Scriptum, $c. Vestre paterni- 
 tatis oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 103. 
 To the Bishop of Salisbury. 
 
 As shipwrecked sailors to a raft, so we betake ourselves to you as our 
 refuge. Suffer no/, we entreat you, the mother that nursed you to be 
 destroyed by the malice of her adversaries. 
 
 1435. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri, Domino Roberto, Dei gracia 
 Sarum. episcopo, nostro domino specialissimo et conservatori. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, utinam matris nostre 
 tristiciam in tanti patris providencia aboleri. 'Magnificat anima 
 nostra Dominum et exultavit' cum in tribulacione nostra de vestra 
 graciosa paternitate nobis ad memoriam occurrit ; cujus nobilem 
 juventutem Universitas mater nostra solidissime sue dulcedinis per 
 ubera educavit ; et gemine confidencie alas induentes ad dominacionem 
 vestram, tanquam naufragii tabulam, in nostre matris mesticia suppli- 
 cando fiducialiter convolamus ; quatinus in potente et graciosa domina- 
 cione vestra nostre matris honor in suis privilegiis, statutis, et matura 
 sua deliberacione nuper edita, conservetur illesus ; cujus deliberacionis, 
 et ob eandem perturbacionis, tenor brevitatis causa infra presentes 
 clauditur; sperantes indubie in vestre paternitatis prudencia remedia 
 congrua obtinere. Credimus etenim quod non potest maliciose 
 adversancium conatibus honor maternus occumbere, quern scilicet 
 
 1 injuriam or prejudicium ? 2 et omitted in MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 127 
 
 tanti patris dextera decreverit sustinere. Intuitu igitur caritatis nos 
 contra debacancium turbines pio dignemini consolari munimine, ne 
 insolencia effrenis nimium invalescat ; sed hujusmodi rebellium proter- 
 vitas et contumacia feriatur penis jurium, quos ad vivendi regulam 
 lenitas non emollit; ut oratrix vestra mater nostra in pace lactet suos 
 filios, qui de tanti patris favoribus et remediis exultantibus animis 
 Deum laudent. Et Deus, autor pacis et amator, felicitet dies vestros 
 ad commissum vobis regimen pastorale. Scrip/urn, $c, Vestre paterni- 
 tatis oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 104. 
 To the Bishop of London. 
 
 Your incorporation is a source of exultation and confidence, and we 
 trust in your aid to repress the subversive efforts of those who would 
 destroy our privileges and confound the distinctions of degrees in the 
 University. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Roberto, Dei 1435. 
 gracia Londoniensi episcopo, nostre Universitatis conservatori speciali. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, omnimodas reverencias 
 tante paternitati debitas cum honore. Paterni honoris gloria tune 
 dilatescit in orbe, et flos immarcidus sue fame dignissime laudis frag- 
 rancia redolescit in populo, dum justo precamini humilium filiorum 
 favorabilis sue exaudicionis januas benigne reserat clemens pater. 
 Unde Universitas mater nostra vires sue induit confidencie, internius 
 exultans de tanto patre ex puris omnium votis duodecimo die instantis 
 mensis sibi incorporate in sua solemni congregacione ; et requiescit 
 in jubilo sub potente brachio tanti sui conservatoris ab apostolica sede 
 sibi deputato ; cui humiliter exponit sui meroris motiva in hac forma, 
 Quia brigosa contencio nuper in eadem pullulabat, (sed verius, quod Fol. 38 b. 
 dolenter referrimus, nata est malicia in diebus nostris,) cujus dissen- 
 cionis presentibus includitur brevis tenor, ad vestram igitur potentem 
 paternitatem preces effundimus humillimas et devotas, quatinus digne- 
 mini, caritatis intuitu et vestre conservacionis officio, nos contra de- 
 bacancium turbines pio munimine consolari; ne insolencia effrenis 
 nimium invalescat, sed contumacia rebellium penis jurium infligatur, 
 quos ad vivendi regulam lenitas non emollit : sic quod vestra oratrix 
 mater nostra sub potenti jam vestra conservacione more solito vir- 
 tutibus, scienciis, et fame sue preconiis virescere valeat, et clarissimis 
 documents ad ecclesie et regni proficuum et honorem, suis privilegiis,
 
 ia8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 statutis, consuetudinibus laudifluis et deliberacionibus, ad quietem 
 studii, scienciarum honorem et graduum distinccionem editis, sicut 1 
 actinus inconcusse fuerunt usque presens, inviolabiliter observatis. Et 
 vestram paternitatem, ad conservacionis nostre felicis continuanda 
 solacia, conservet in prosperis Dominus Jesus Christus. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, $c. Vestre paternitatis oratrix 
 humillima Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 105. 
 Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Gascoigne. 
 
 H35' LITTERA testimonials magistri Thome Gascoigne, sacre theologie 
 doctoris, sub antiqua forma cum ista clausula speciali ; ' formamque 
 suam integram et regenciam in artibus et in sacra theologia in eadem 
 Universitate exercuit laudabiliter et complevit.' Datum Oxonie in 
 nostre congregacionis domo, ultimo die Octobris anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo tricesimo sexto. 
 
 I O6. 
 Fol. 39 a. To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 The University once so prosperous is reduced to the greatest misery. 
 So deadly is the wound from which she suffers, by the insubordination 
 and violence of the ill-disposed, that lectures have ceased and a complete 
 ruin of education is imminent. History shows that where learning is 
 encouraged the state prospers, and though these our troubles are but among 
 the youth of this University, they are an index of national feeling. 
 
 1 435- SERENISSIMO principi domino, duci Glaucestrie 2 , comiti Pembrochie, 
 magno camerario Anglic, suo graciosissimo protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, exordium cogimur depromere lacrimosum et 
 tristis narracionis seriem miscere amaritudinibus et lamentis; quia 
 vestre serenitatis humillima oratrix Universitas Oxoniensis, nuper 
 secunda filia Syon, que inter ceteras fhlei filias preclaruit formosissima, 
 nunc lugubris luget in montibus et in convallibus lacrimatur ; nequis- 
 sime attracta ad contradiccionis aquas, ad serviendum in latere et luto 
 et palea, insolita servitute, ubi quondam floruit ut regina; nam earn 
 discoloravit nephanda malignorum oppressio, qui nostra statuta et 
 consuetudines necessarias ac laudabiles, ex papalibus privilegiis et 
 
 1 sic MS. a Glavcestrie ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 129 
 
 a vestris progenitoribus, Anglic regibus l , in suis chartis et confirma- 
 cionibus sibi concessa ad perpetuum studencium quietem, ut inibi 
 studentes continuata quiete in fortes ecclesie catholice columpnas, regis 
 et regni, suis in dandis sanis consiliis, excrevisse poterint, contem- 
 nunt, rapiunt et dirimunt in eadem ; in domini nostri regis et summi 
 pontificis contemptum, dicteque Universitatis dedecus 2 , opprobrium et 
 exterminium ultimatum; in tantum quod dicta Universitas, a lectura 
 compulsa desistere et ab omnibus actibus scolasticis et studiis, finem 
 sibi proponens lugubrem 3 imponere, in ululantis confusionis vultu dies 
 plangit et miserias 4 lamentatur. O quid facerent fluctuantes in pro- 
 celloso pelago si navicula dissolvatur ? quomodo staret basilica corru- 
 ente columpna ? quo pergentes in tenebris tenderent si lux extinguatur ? 
 Nam, teste Deo, tanta iminet nostre matris livida et mortifera plaga, 
 quod in present! dissoluta et dispersa corruisset, si non in vestro 
 potentissimo brachio sue spei ancoram affixisset: quare calamitosa 
 prostrata ad tante serenitatis pedes, ubi in adversis et suis miseriis 
 solebat habere refugium, clamitat pro defensionis succursu, et exclamat 
 ut audiatur 5 a superis et a vestre potencie auribus vox clamantis, ne 
 succumbat misere presidiis orphanata. O utinam vestra dignetur 
 serenitas reminisci, quod scienciarum studia ab inicio, in quavis regione 
 contingencia. glorie ejusdem maximam excellenciam solebant presagire 
 futurum. Numquid Romana olim potestas, dum scienciarum studia in 
 suo florebant senatu, totum orbem suo imperio victoriose tenebat sub- 
 jectum ? Numquid et ilia Grecia, dum in ea philosophorum crevere 
 studia, universe telluri omnique orbis climati spargendo sui cinguli 6 
 militaris honorem, de suis hostibus continuum reportavit triumphum ? 
 In quibus, dissolutis studiis, non modicus marcor floridi honoris et 
 victorie protenus esse legitur consecutus. Ideo a priscis 7 patribus 
 tranquillitas nostre Universitatis Oxoniensis ut manuale spectaculum 8 
 habebatur, secundum illam Platonis sentenciam, 'per joca sciuntur 
 puerilia regni prospera et adversa? Igitur pro Deo exsurgere dignetur 
 potencia tanti principis invincibilis, ad hujusmodi inauditorum malorum 
 enervacionem, sic quod inimica infestacio plebeica paveat potenciam 
 principis, sicut leonis vestigia pertimescunt animalia singula, et a facie 
 gladii fugiat ire sue; taliterque compescantur iniqui, qui iniqua et 
 execranda committere non verentur; ut vestre serenitatis oratrix sub 
 proteccione vestra, sicut sub illustrissimorum principum vestrorum 
 progenitorum hactenus communita, in pace lactet filios suos in scienciis 
 et virtutibus, ad ecclesie, fidei et regni decorem, proficuum et honorem. 
 
 1 vesirorum progenitorum Anglie regum MS. 2 dedicus ib. 3 ligu- 
 
 brem ib. * miseries ib. 5 audeatur ib. 6 singiili ib. 7 prisciis ib. 
 
 8 Perhaps one would expect speculum, but see epp. 99 and 100. 
 
 K
 
 130 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Et presencium latori nostre Universitatis procurator!, aures grade et 
 graciose credencie, in dicendis pro parte nostra, et in nostra lamenta- 
 bili ruina prebere dignetur vestra serenitas et potentissima celsitudo. 
 Quam sic dirigat in terris Princeps pacis, ut finaliter principari valeat 
 in excelsis. Scripium Oxonie in nostre mestose congregacionis domo, 
 septimo die Decembris. Vestre serenitatis specialissima oratrix Uni- 
 versitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 107. 
 Fol. agb. To the King. 
 
 Degrees are the reward of students ; and if is as necessary to preserve 
 the distinctions between them as between the various ranks in human 
 society. To call bachelors by the name of master is in fact absurd ; 
 and, though we have permitted bachelors in Canon and Civil laws to be 
 so styled by their servants and in their own houses, they are not content, 
 but by open violence and turbulent meetings, and lastly by an appeal to the 
 court of Arches bring the University into contempt, and stir up strife 
 between other faculties ; in manifest violation of our statutes which have 
 been guaranteed by your royal authority. If bachelors in Laws are to be 
 styled masters, they will not care to proceed to the superior degree, and 
 every one will prefer that faculty in which success is so easy. 
 
 1435. * SERENISSIME princeps ; rex in eternum vive ! Christianissimi prin- 
 cipes gloriosissimique reges vestri progenitores nobilissimi, vias justicie 
 et veritatis universas, politice direccioni sue monarchic accomodas in 
 Christo, doceri et cognosci ingenti animi fervore zelantes, ad singulare 
 incrementum fidei orthodoxe, virtutum et scienciarum, almam Universi- 
 tatem Oxoniensem super studium et gignasium quinque egregiarum 
 facultatum; legum, videlicet, decretorum, medicine, arcium ettheologie, 
 necnon unice liberalis sciencie supple 2 grammatice una et super 
 graduaciones in eisdem pro earum auctenticacione fiendas, divina 
 quadam inspiracione divinitus fundavere; quatinus inibi in iis studentes, 
 secundum suas in eis professiones, braviorum vice gradibus honoris, 
 nominibusque ipsis correspondentibus, tandem solemniter decorarentur. 
 In quarum grammatica, gradu, ex more vestre jam dicte Universitatis, 
 sub unico existente, utpote magistratu ; et in singulis predictarum 
 facultatum bifarius gradus, scilicet inferior, puta baculariatus, quasi 
 semigradus, et superior, ut magistratus, in eadem Universitate con- 
 sueverunt haberi; quorum utique superiore in quacunque facultate 
 
 1 The MS. is quite clear throughout this curious letter, and the sense sufficiently 
 plain ; but, as is usually the case in this collection, wherever the handwriting is 
 more clerkly, the sentences are confused or imperfect. * suple MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 131 
 
 premissa quis redimitus, tanquam in eadem prestantissimus merito et 
 effectu magister existit a vestra prefata Universitate nominatus, insignia 
 cum auctoritate sue magistrali preeminencie optinens ; appropriate l 
 habitu, videlicet magistrali vestiri pellura, in eo uti ordinarie, pro forma 
 posse legere et disputare, scolares habere, bacularios presentare et 
 magistros creare, consiliis Universitatis pro suo voto emittendo inter- 
 esse, necnon nonnullos actus baculario negates ex sui magistratus 
 prerogativa celebres agere potest; ubi nullus nempe inferiore gradu, 
 in quavis prenominatarum facultatum honoratus, occasione sui bacu- 
 lariatus magister existit, nee a vestra memorata Universitate magister, 
 sed bacularius et scolaris, quoquo modo nominabatur; veluti nulla pre- 
 recitatorum, magistris 2 alicujus antedicte facultatis pertinencium, habet 
 quomodolibet exercere. Ob quod ab Universitate vestra prefata, cujus 
 mos antiquissimus est tantummodo illos, qui ibidem 3 in grammatica 
 seu aliqua dictarum facultatum apicem attigerunt magistralem, nominari 
 magistros, propter repugnanciam veritati et racioni, nullus occasione 
 baculariatus, cujus pretextu revera nemo magistratu insignitur, poterit 
 vere appellari magister Bacularium, inquam, gracia sui gradus ap- 
 pellari magistrum in sua sciencia prestantissimum nomine sonante 
 magistri minus prestantem prestantissimum, principem comitem, 
 dominum armigerum, militem inferiorem superiorem, et parem im- 
 parem nuncupari existit : quod profecto, propter suam malam sequelam 
 in ordinem politici regiminis subvertendo, contradiccionemque inclusam 
 nullus sapiencium admitteret. Unde vestra premissa Universitas bacu- 
 larium, in proclamacionibus publicis in scolis pro sua forma legenda 
 habitis, magistrum nequit approbare, nisi tale approbaret oppositum in 
 adjecto ; videlicet quod magister talis, qui non est magister, tale pro 
 sua forma leget volumen ut sit magister, quod nimirum propter suam 
 ridiculosam impossibilitatem, Universitati cuique approbare foret ab- 
 surdissimum. Verumptamen vestra Universitas prefata bacularios in 
 decretis et jure civili, qui nullatenus sunt magistri, infra suum pre- 
 cinctum a personis singularibus, ut a suis servitoribus et aliis quibus- 
 libet volentibus, nominari magistros prout consueverunt, juxta vestri 
 graciosi brevis nobis nuper missi directi preceptum, libentissime tolerat 
 et tolerabit. De quo, cum nonnulli bacularii in decretis et jure civili 
 vestre Universitatis prenominate, plus nomen honoris quam ejus 
 meritum amplectentes, minime contentantur nisi quatenus ultra hoc, 
 tarn ab Universitate prefata quam in proclamacionibus in scolis pro 
 magistratu optinendo publice factis, magistri amodo appellentur: 
 occasione cujus metu et robore id extorquere satagentes, quod veri- 
 
 1 appropriate MS. a magistri ib. 3 illos qui ibidem : these 
 
 words repeated in the MS. 
 
 K 2
 
 132 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 tate suadente ipsis racio l denegat, nedum vestre 2 Universitatis studium, 
 vi armata litigiosis eorum conventiculis discidiosisque insultibus inde- 
 fesse modo enormi subvertunt. Itaque a 3 decreto ejusdem Universi- 
 tatis, in negocio predicto mere temporali, secundum nostrorum jurium 
 Fol. 40 a. exigenciam juste et rite lato, ad officialem curie ' de arcubus ' appel- 
 lantes, eandem vestram Universitatem, in non modicum prejudicium 
 vestre corone, nostrorumque jurium a vestra regia celsitudine confirma- 
 torum, illuc molestissime infestando in judicium traxerunt ; ubi, judice 
 testibusque singulis in ipsa causa receptis, dicte Universitatis adversariis 
 et partibus manifeste existentibus, videlicet decretistis civilistis, nuilo 
 juris ordine observato, omnique nobis denegato beneficio juris, in 
 despectum vestre Universitatis predicte actenus inauditum, cum arro- 
 gantissimo boatu infaustissime et iniquissime est processum. Adeo 
 quod non solius prefate cause audicione illi contentati, quinimo dis- 
 sensiones dissencionibus cumulando, causam preeminencie inter doc- 
 tores medicine et juris civilis, (in preexcellentissimum arbitrium 4 et 
 laudum potentissimi principis et invictissimi domini recolendissime 
 memorie regis Henrici quinti, vestri serenissimi progenitoris, ante- 
 cessorumque suorum, per unanimem cetum magistrorum vestre Uni- 
 versitatis prefate alias compromissam,) in vestre regalie contemptum, 
 in eadem curia et admiranda inestimabili frontosa presumpcione de- 
 cidere usurparunt; jura nostra, vestra incircumscripta auctoritate robo- 
 rata, ibidem ad eorum placitum interpretando, contra vestre dicte 
 Universitatis libertates, cui soli, ex vestrorum progenitorum graciosa 
 concessione, propria jura ab ipsa edicta vel prescripta declarare et 
 mutare incumbit. Unde ad tantum et tam graviter intus et exterius, 
 ut prefertur, vestra prescripta Universitas infestatur, quod, solita in ea 
 cessante doctrina, in non pauco numero scolares, longe pocius prefate 
 infestacionis intestine et forinsece, quam malignissime cladis illuc in- 
 stantis formidine, illam pene vacuam dimittunt pariter et desolatam. 
 Quoniam internius lamentando referimus de verisimili studii vestri 
 cessacio appropinquat, nisi vestra regia magnificencia in predicta 
 excessus et gravamina, in eandem Universitatem illata, debite cor- 
 rigendo sibi celerius oportunum imparciatur auxilium. Quas ob res, 
 magnifice princeps potentissimeque domine, vestram inclitissimam 
 clementissime quesumus majestatem nostris devotis et obnixis precibus 
 exoratam haberi; quatenus antedicto officiali de arcubus de dictis causis 
 non audiendo ulterius, neque aliquam sentenciam in eis earumve altera 
 
 1 ratio : this word is partly erased MS. 2 premisse added over the line MS. 
 
 3 a blotted in MS. * Another confusion apparently perhaps it should be 
 
 lead preSxcellentissimo arlritrio et laudo, but there is no abbreviation in the 
 writing here.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 133 
 
 latam execucioni aliquatenus demandando ; sed, si quid in eisdem 
 prius attemptaverit, revocando, vestris graciosis litteris sigillo vestre 
 cancellarie signatis prohibere dignetur; et post hoc easdem causas 
 vestrum per consilium maturius auditas, pro pacis nostre optate 
 speciali reformacione celeriter determinare, ad quod nos porro vocatos 
 fuisse ex vestri brevis tenore aliquamdiu sumus, ut decuit, prestolati ; 
 aut saltern ad minus, hujusmodi vestri prohibicione prehabita, propter 
 jurium vestre 1 Universitatis memorate indempnitatem, dictas causas, 
 ut sua privilegia exigunt, determinacioni ejusdem Universitatis remitti 
 predictosque in juribus bacallarios, decreto ab eisdem in ea parle 
 ferendo, omni contumacia cessante, vestro regio mandate parere com- 
 pellatis ; benignissime princeps illustrissimeque domine : specialiter 
 advertentes, quod si solummodo in juribus bachularii ab Universitate 
 predicta aut in puplicis proclamacionibus, ut ferventer exoptant, ap- 
 pellarentur magistri, nullarum aliarum facultatum baculariis magistris 
 nuncupatis, singuli scolares ibidem ceterarum facultatum, studio prorsus 
 deserto, ad jura adiscenda continue convolarent; necnon eciam ipsi 
 jurium bacularii, baculariatu in eisdem adepto, se ad honorem, quam 
 ultra procedere frivolum foret, venisse putantes, protinus studio dere- 
 licto amplius adiscere non curabunt ; et veri magistri nulla reputacione 
 habebuntur, in vestri generalis studii predicti gravissimum dispendium, 
 et dicte Universitatis dedecus perpetuum. Ob quod, si hujusmodi 
 prefati bacularii in decretis et jure civili, ut prefertur, pro premissis 
 transgressionibus excessibus et contumeliis, in vestram regiam celsi- 
 tudinem vestramque antedictam Universitatem commissis, hac vice 
 debite non castigentur ; aliis grassari volentibus, quotienscunque deter- 
 minacio Universitatis, quamtumcunque rationabilis, displicens *eis emer- 
 serit, cedet in exemplum in eandem Universitatem taliter continue 
 debacandi. Vestram justissimam inclitudinem tarn recte predictorum 
 flagicia castigare, ac tarn feliciter vestrum utrumque regere regnum 
 Omnipotens largiatur, ut post hujus vite cursum diadema eterne glorie 
 consequatur. Scriptum noslre congregacionis domo, quinto decimo die 
 Decembris 2 . 
 
 108. 
 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. Fol. 405. 
 
 The scholars of Devon and Cornwall carried away an image of 
 S. Peter from a parish church and placed it on the high altar at 
 S. Frideswydes, inviting other scholars io attend mass there. On being 
 required to desist the Law-students refused and, in the end, serious rioting 
 
 1 vestri MS. * No subscription.
 
 134 E PISTOL AE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 has ensued; by which sentences of imprisonment of one of the culprits 
 and banishment of another are rendered ineffectual, and a general collapse 
 of authority prevails. 
 
 H35' SERENISSIMO principi, domino duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie, 
 et magno Camerario Anglic, nostro graciosissimo protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, nostrum in adversis singulare refugium, 
 specialissime vestre oratricis Universitatis Oxoniensis utinani compati 
 gemitibus et lamentis ! Cum reverendissimus nobis pater noster, 
 dominus Cancellarius, super ilia materia discordie per legistas in 
 dicta. Universitate nuper suscitata, et vestre serenitati sepius intimata, 
 per labores suos sensatos et efficaces sudores felici fine fuerat in 
 puncto concludendi, sed in ultimo festo S. Petri in cathedra, Devo- 
 nienses et Cornubienses, (sicut ceteri de aliis plagis regni, qui in suis 
 festivitatibus sue patrie antiquitus unam missam solennem in ecclesia 
 Beate Marie Virginis, matrice Universitatis ecclesia, celebrari obtinere 
 solebant,) quandam ymaginem S. Petri de quadam parochiali ecclesia 
 ville Oxoniensis auferentes ad summum altare S. ffrideswyde posuerunt, 
 et missam, solitam celebrari in ecclesia Beate Marie predicta, in dicta 
 ecclesia S. ffrideswyde celebrari fecerunt ; scolares et laicos ad ob- 
 lacionem inibi accedere instigarunt ; et inhibicioni, rogacioni et re- 
 quisicioni dicti domini nostri Cancellarii, Prioris et conventus dicti 
 loci S. ffrideswyde, doctores et scolares legistarum obedire non cura- 
 runt, immo expresse restiterunt, unde maxima perturbacio fuerat 
 consecuta : nocteque proxima extunc sequente magna multitudo 
 armatorum de predictis legistis noctivagabat, et cum quosdam ex eis 
 convictos dictus dominus noster Cancellarius per statuta et privilegia 
 dicte Universitatis pena carceris punire voluisset, certi legiste hujus- 
 modi convictum adire carceres impediverunt per duos dies, aliusque 
 convictus adire carceres eciam jussus expresse recusavit. Et cum 
 dictus dominus noster Cancellarius dictum convictum adire carceres 
 recusantem juxta privilegia Universitatis et statuta sub certa forma 
 bannivisset, ille tamen bannitus ad metuendissimum dominum nostrum 
 regem, ut pretendit, appellavit ; quod nunquam ab evo fuerat visum 
 aut auditum, saltern in casibus perturbacionis pads, contumacie aut 
 rebellionis; et sic a dicta Universitate recedere recusat, in dicte 
 Universitatis, suorum privilegiorum et statutorum despectum mani- 
 festum, perniciosum aliis malificis in exemplum: quia sequetur in 
 posterum quod quilibet publicus pacis perturbator convictus, hujus- 
 modi appellacione tutus, dictam Universitatem finaliter opprimet ct 
 illudet. Quibus omnibus piissima consideracione pensatis, potentissime 
 sereniiati vestre voto cordium supplicamus unanimi, quatinus diclos 
 rebelles, qui in duiicia sui cordis obdormiunt, polencie vestre brachio
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 135 
 
 constringere dignemini, taliter quod ad obedienciam debitam redeant 
 nostre matris, aut ab eadem penitus abscidantur. Ipsorum sic potes- 
 tates agnoscant, quoram virtute privilegia, nostre leges et statuta sunt 
 condita, et a Christianissimis regibus vestris progenitoribus approbata; 
 nee tarn prenobiles legum latores et conditores sic publice despectum 
 paciantur. In premissis vero procurator noster, presencium lator, 
 vestram noverit dominacionem specialius informare; cui obsecramus 
 humillime favorem in dicendis pro parte nostra, et aurem credulam 
 adhibere dignemini graciose. Serenitatem vestram nostris precibus 
 in eternum commendatam, ad suum beneplacitum et tocius regni 
 munimen defendat et roboret solus Deus, in cujus manu sunt posita 
 universa. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, tercio die 
 Marcii. Vestre serenitatis specialissima oratrix Universitas studii 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 To the Archbishop of Dublin. Fol. 41 a. 
 
 Commending to his grace Master Philipp Norreys, an indefatigable 
 preacher, and conspicuous for his humility and other virtues. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Ricardo, Dei 1435. 
 gracia Archiepiscopo Dubliniensi. 
 
 Reverendissime pater, quia fide digne relacionis fama nostras dele- 
 gavit ad aures quanta gratuita et magnifica vestre dominacionis 
 insignia karissimo confratri nostro, magistro Philippe Norreys, sacre 
 theologie egregio professori vestra contulit paternitas graciosa; hec 
 vivaci contemplantes memoria ad reddendas cordiales graciarum 
 acciones merito excitamur, quas dominacioni vestre unanimiter 
 oflerimus; ex dicto recensentes philosophico, hoc tocius ad integri- 
 tatem pertinere quod sue parti impenditur ad profectum. Nee ex 1 
 fiducia desistimus tam excellentis sciencie virum, sonoram sancte 
 predicacionis tubam, que non raucescit in ostendendo plebi sua 
 scelera, humilitatis speculum omniumque virtutum fragrancia in- 
 signitum, ejusdem paternitatis vestre graciosis manibus amplius com- 
 mendare ; ut quod dominacionis vestre benevolencia eidem inceptum 
 recognoscimus, nostrarum precum humili interventu perseveranter 
 senciamus proficere, quod tam scientis filii industria congruis honoribus 
 premietur. Et paternitatem vestram reverendissimam conservet in 
 prosperis Pastor bonus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, mensis Marcii die duodecimo. Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 1 ex added, by contemporary hand, over the line.
 
 136 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 IIO. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 We have received with humility your gracious letter, which shows 
 your zeal for God and for the peaceful pursuit of learning : and we 
 offer our daily prayers for you. After the bitterness of adversity peace 
 will be sweet. Your chaplain will advise you of the present state of 
 affairs here. 
 
 1436. SERENISSIMO principi, domino nostro duci Glaucestrie, comiti Pen- 
 brochie, magno camerario Anglic, nostro graciosissimo protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, humilium oratorum vestrorum commenda- 
 ciones internas et devota oracionum suffragia penes Deum. Domina- 
 cionis vestre graciosissimas epistolas apicesque sacros per honorandum 
 virum magistrum Thomam Chace humillima cervice nuper recepimus ; 
 quos ideo sacratissimos nuncupamus quia Dei zelum, studii quietem 
 et cleri proficuum continebant ; pro quibus et aliis 1 continue recolendis 
 a seculo, eternaque memoria dignis, gloriosis vestris muneribus et 
 insignibus preciosis nobis et matri nostre impensis, in quotidianis 
 votis et precibus nostri cordis organa Altissimo presentamus; sperantes 
 in Deo et in vestra serenitate premissa, apud quam posuit admirabilis 
 sapiencia suam sedem, quod post nostre tribulacionis absinthium mel 
 pacis sapiet dulcius, et post tenebrarum tedia lux serenior gracius 
 eluccescet. Sic sub vestro 2 graciosissimo fulcimine tenemus firmiter, 
 quod nostra studia feliciter respirabunt, ad Dei laudem et vestre 
 dominacionis meritum coeternum. De statu quidem oratricis vestre 
 Universitatis matris nostre, et qualiter ibidem singula jam versantur, 
 novit prefatus capellanus vester dominacionem vestram plenius in- 
 formare : cui, quesumus, post tropheum hujus transiture milicie, 
 coronam ineffabilis glorie gloriosus Deus tribuat in supernis. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo sexto die Mail, Vestre 
 serenitatis oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 JESUS: MARIA: ANNA! ORATE. 
 Fol. 41 b. Testimonial letter for Master Robert Benet. 
 
 1436. MEMORANDUM, quod frater Robertus Benet, ordinis Augustinencium, 
 sacre theologie professor, habuit litteram testimonialem sub forma com- 
 muni, et cum hac clausula, ' formamque suam in sacra theologia in 
 eadem Universitate laudabiliter exercuit et complevit.' Datum Oxonie 
 mensis Maii die vicesimo sexto, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 
 Iricesimo sexto. 
 
 1 alms MS. * nostro ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 137 
 
 III. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Gascoigne. 
 
 Would that there were many such labourers in the Lord's vineyard ! 
 We desire specially to record the excellence of his sermons lately delivered, 
 maintaining the true doctrine of the sacrament of the altar and the King's 
 prerogative, 
 
 UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 1436. 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium salutem in Eo qui est omnium vera salus. 
 Quia altissime veritatis conspectui credimus offerre libamen, cum 
 virtutibus precellenti et sciencia perhibemus testimonium digne laudis ; 
 hinc nos super vita et honeste conversacionis fragrancia karissimi con- 
 fratris nostri magistri Thome Gascoigne, sacre theologie doctoris, 
 omnium, et cetera, sub forma communi, usque ibi. Idcirco unanimi 
 assensu omnes ad summum Judicem vota offerimus, ut in agro 
 dominico multi tales nascerentur agricole, qui tribulos a segete, 
 zizannia a tritico, et virtutis gramen a viciorum palea eradicare valeant, 
 velut iste doctor catholicus; qui cedulo sudore studii inter nos sane 
 doctrine metit manipulos, quibus oves Christian! ovilis sane et catholice 
 pascere novit. Nam inter cetera sue laudis preconia hoc testamur, 
 quod in magno festo diei Paschalis et feria tercia sequente, tanta de 
 sacramenti altaris mysteriis, tanta de sacre scripture prerogativis et 
 excellences, ac domini nostri regis prerogativis egregie et catholice, 
 ex Sanctorum testimoniis ac meris racionibus declaravit, regalemque 
 titulum defendit et contradicentes convicit, unde merito dictante con- 
 sciencia integram sui famam omnibus patefacere decrevimus per pre- 
 sentes. Ne igitur &c., sub forma communi. Datum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo vicesimo octavo die Aprilis, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo tricesimo sexto. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Borstall. 
 
 Nota. Item, eadem die frater Johannes Borstall, sacre pagine 1436. 
 professor, ordinis minorum, habuit litteram testimonialem, sub forma 
 communi. 
 
 Letters to the Archbishop of Canterbury for the two 
 Masters Gascoigne and Borstall. 
 
 ET iidem magistri habuerunt eodem die unam litteram commenda- 1436. 
 toriam domino Archiepiscopo mhtendam *, sub forma que sequitur. 
 
 1 mittendam added on margin in contemporary hand.
 
 138 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL, 
 
 112. 
 
 Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury for Masters 
 Thomas Cooper and Thomas Long. 
 
 1436. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 
 gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati, et apostolice 
 sedis Legato, domino nostro speciali. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, quern in nostre laudis 
 inocciduam memoriam reveremur, in Eo feliciter degere qui mandat 
 salutem Jacob. Dominacionis vestre magnifica opera circa nostram 
 Universitatem commendamus Altissimo celitus premianda. Et quia 
 non debeant virtutis karismata, que vasis in honorem factis spiritus 
 infudit Altissimi, occultari sub modio, sed ut populo luceant in 
 publicam venire noticiam, ad Dei gloriam pariter et honorem; ea- 
 propter reverendissime paternitati vestre, quam humili reverencia 
 prosequimur, carissimos confratres nostros, magistros Thomam Cooper 
 et Thomam Long, arcium magistros, laudabilibus meritis, moribus et 
 scienciis omniumque virtutum fragranciis redimitos piisime vestre 
 dominacionis favori concorditer commendamus ; desiderantes devote 
 Fol. 42 a. quod has sue matris preces, in suis agendis penes eandem vestram 
 dominacionem, sibi senciant valituras. Reverendissimam paternitatem 
 vestram inter sanctos collocari antistites infinita felicitate plenus tribuat 
 ipse Deus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis 
 Januarii die vicesimo secundo. Vestre reverendissime paternitatis 
 oratrix humillima Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Acquittance of Master H. Sever, guardian of the Winton 
 
 Chest. 
 
 1436. NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Cancellarium Universitatis 
 Oxoniensis cetumque unanimem magistrorum regencium in eadem, 
 recepisse et habuisse, die confcccionis presencium, de magistro Henrico 
 Sever completa et fidelia raciocinia ciste Winloniensis, pro toto tern- 
 pore sue custodie ciste antedicte ; et dictum magistrum Henricum ab 
 omni ulteriori et quacunque accione racione prefate custodie absolvimus 
 et acquietamus per presentes sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum 
 Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis, ultimo die mensis Januarii, anno 
 Domini milks imo quadringentesimo Iriccsimo sexto.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 139 
 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 Our humble devotion as usual. It was by divine inspiration that you 
 have resuscitated the seven liberal arts and three philosophies. This thought 
 supports us when exhausted by our daily and nightly studies. We 
 would not be importunate, but only desire to kindle your charity by 
 begging that you will provide for the continued maintenance of this 
 learning in Oxford ; for ; as a tree planted will perish without water, 
 so the poor scholar will faint for lack of means of sustenance. 
 
 SERENISSIMO principi Domino Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, comiti 1436. 
 Pembrochie, Camerario Anglic, domino nostro et graciosissimo pro- 
 tectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, consueta et debita nostre humillime devocionis 
 tributa, et preciosum scienciarum thesaurum continuacione inoccidua 
 perennare. Gloriosa vestre serenitatis opera, que celo plus quam 
 mundo copulantur, in vestra specialissima oratrice matre nostra 
 tanquam lux meridiana summe * fulgent ; que nostro supplici inter- 
 ventu ad plenum recompenset Qui in seculorum fine premiat labo- 
 rantes. O precelsa serenitas, O celica inspiracio, cujus ope et 
 mandate septem liberalium arcium triumque philosophiarum studium 
 et doctrina, olim 2 fere in oblivionem lapsa 3 , renovata fuerant et in 
 actum redacta, et que siquidem erectum hominem supra bestias terre 
 feliciter provehunt usque celum ; et cujus serenitatis contemplacione 
 nostrum quilibet intentissimo animo in attenuacione spirituum et lugu- 
 bratione noccium laboribus continuatis hucusque studiis se exponit. 
 Sed arbor ilia necessario arescet que sue radicis non sentit fomentum, 
 nee bene vacabit studio quem adjuncta pauperies deprimit sua mole : 
 quia, de tarn pauperculo magistrorum dictarum scienciarum posse, 
 non procedet tarn honorificum et arduum opus continuare absque 
 competenti subsidio* eorum victui et studio requisite. Igitur vestra 
 oratrix perpetua, non ut videatur nimis importuna, sed ut gracio- 
 sissimi sui domini preaccendat cor benivolum, erectis in celum lumi- 
 nibus expansisque manibus vestre supplicat serenitati, quatinus 
 graciose dignetur providere taliter ad continuandam scienciarum 
 lecturam, quod sue vinee ramunculi frondeant, floreant et fructum 
 afferant, ad Dei honorem et gloriam, sancte fidei augmentum et vestre 
 serenitatis felicissimum 5 meritum sine fine ; ut sic, multiplicatis 
 
 1 summo MS. a olim added over the line by contemporary hand. 
 
 3 mersa erased and lapsa written over MS. * suba ib. 5 felicissimum 
 
 added over the line.
 
 140 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 intercessoribus, vestra serenitas in gloria principelur. Scriptum Oxonie 
 in nostre congregacionis domo, quarto decimo die Februarii. Vestre 
 serenitatis humillima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 114. 
 To the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Chancellor. 
 
 Certain unnatural sons of our mother and yours, to whom we en- 
 trusted our funds, will neither restore the same, nor render any account 
 thereof. We always can rely upon your aid in our difficulties, and now 
 beg that you will enforce due satisfaction of our claim. 
 
 1436. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni ', 
 Dei gracia Wellensi et Bathoniensi episcopo, Anglic Cancellario, nostro 
 domino speciali. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, Universitatis nostre 
 honor precipue inflexibilisque columpna, nostre necessitudinis negocia 
 pariter et commoda graciosis favoribus amplexari. Cum Univer- 
 sitatem matrem nostram ardua urgeat necessitas, vestram ad domi- 
 nacionem eo confidencius recurrit pro succursu et remedio, quo 
 nobilius juventutem vestram caris suis lactavit uberibus in virum 
 altum, suum patrem, et tutissimum protectorem. Siquidem quia 
 quidam ingrati sui filii, quibus nuper sua bona servanda comiserat, 
 tempore requisito et debito eadem restaurare aut inde compotum 
 reddere contempnunt, in magnam sibi injuriam, dampnum et grava- 
 men; igitur manibus expansis potentissime vestre supplicat domi- 
 nacioni, quatinus per breve regium sub pena tales compellantur sue 
 matri Universitati fidelem reddere compotum, et de 2 bonis eis inibi 
 commissis eidem Universitati satisfacere cum effectu. Et Deus pater 
 tocius consolacionis paternitatem vestram reverendissimam inter 
 sanctos antistites presidere tribuat in excelsis. Scriptum Oxonie in 
 nostre congregacionis domo, quarto decimo die Februarii. Vestre 
 paternitatis humillima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Fol. 42 b. Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 
 
 1436. MEMORANDUM, quod septimo die mensis Marcii, anno regni regis 
 Henrici sexti quinto decimo, sigillata est acquietancia Abbati et con- 
 ventui de Oseneya, pro quadam pensione annua, videlicet, viginti sex 
 solidis octo denariis, debitis Universitati per eundem Abbatem et 
 conventum pro eodem anno. 
 
 1 Domino Johanni acMcd over the line. - de repeated MS.
 
 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAE. 141 
 
 To the Bishop of Chichester. 
 
 Thanks for favours shown to Master John Kyng, and hopes of further 
 patronage. 
 
 REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Simoni, Dei gracia 1436. 
 episcopo Cicestrensi, nostro domino speciali. 
 
 Reverende in Christo pater et domine, omnimodas reverencias 
 tanto patri debitas cum honore. Quia ex fide digne relacionis fama 
 nuper accepimus, ex parte venerabilis confratris nostri, magistri 
 Johannis Kyng, in sacra theologia baccallarii, quanta gratuita vestre 
 dominacionis insignia eidem contulit 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 uni sue parti* 
 impenditur ad profectum. Nee desistimus ex fiducia, quam penes 
 eandem vestram paternitatem jam habemus, eundem confratrem 
 nostrum, moribus et scienciis decoratum, eidem dominacioni vestre 
 amplius commendare ; ut quod vestre graciose dominacionis bene- 
 volencia inceptum eidem recognoscimus, ejusdem caritatis intuitu et 
 nostrarum precum interventu continuare feliciter in posterum censea- 
 mus l . Vestram reverendam paternitatem diutine conserve! in pro- 
 speris benignitas Redemptoris. Scriplum Oxonie in nostre congre- 
 gacionis domo, undevicesimo die Marcii. Vestre paternitatis reverende 
 oratrix Universitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 116. 
 
 To Thos. Bourchier, Bishop of Worcester. 
 
 We inclose a detailed truthfiil statement of the recent disturbances here, 
 which have been falsely represented by certain ungrateful sons of the 
 University ; and in particular respecting Richard Rudal, guilty of 
 harbouring John Raynold, who had been banished from Oxford by our 
 authority. We beg that the said Richard Rudal may be sent back to 
 Oxford to be duly punished. It is untrue that no Welsh scholar dares 
 to stay in Oxford, for, in fact, they are at present residing here in 
 large numbers. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Thome, Dei 1436. 
 gracia Wigorniensi episcopo, nostro summo 2 Cancellario et domino 
 speciali. 
 
 1 Usually sentiamus. 2 summo added over the line.
 
 I 4 2 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, Universitatis nostre 
 honor firmissimaque columpna, cui, ut nostro precipuo capiti et 
 tutori, reverenciarum tributa ofFerrimus debitarum. Quia nuper nobis 
 per vestrum venerabilem commissarium intimatum est vestra ex parte 
 exemplar cujusdam querele, ministrate illustrissimo et metuendissirao 
 domino nostro regi, in qua quam plura scimus a veritatis rectitudine 
 declinare ; volentes in caritatis visceribus venena falsitatis confundere, 
 veritati testimonium perhibendo, seriem grandis disturbii nuper com- 
 missi, in scedula infra presentes conclusa, vestre venerande paternitati 
 plenarie reseramus ; conquerimurque de singulis ingratis matris nostre 
 filiis, quos constat rebellione intranea tranquillitatem nostri studii 
 denigrasse, aut externa persequucione gravamina aliter quam acta 
 fuerant coram venerabilibus dominis ministrasse ; et specialiter super 
 Ricardo Rudale, quern ex infallibili evidencia lohannem Raynold, 
 bannitum in Julio ultimo transacto, retinuisse et sustinuisse nobis 1 
 est certum; in manifestum contemptum nostrorum statutorum et 
 privilegiorum, per invictissimum regem nostrum et suos progenitores 
 nobiles post eorumdem concessionem confirmacionis robore muni- 
 torum. Super eodem eciam conquerimur, quod cum datus erat 
 eidem terminus ad respondendum super recepcione dicti banniti, 
 recedens contumax prefixo termino, satisfacere recusavit. In humi- 
 litate igitur spirituum instamus, vestram venerabilem dominacionem 
 suppliciter exorantes, quatenus dictus Ricardus, ut justum recipiat 
 punimen, ad sue matris gremium remittatur, ne in futurum cedat aliis 
 exemplum, ab Universitate, ut pallient suos defectus, fugere, forinseca 
 remedia exquirendo. A die enim dicti disturbii apud nos tranquillitas 
 pacifica habundavit, fertur tamen graviter crudelitas querele, propter 
 nimiam declinacionem a semita veritatis. Nee verum est quod nullus 
 scolaris Wallie audet Oxonie expectare, cum eos in magno et com- 
 petent! numero, in aulis quibus solitam moram traxerunt, manere 
 sciamus ; quos tanquam probos studentes, pacificos et quietos, prout 
 meriti sunt, protegere volumus et cupimus ; supplicando vobis quatinus 
 hec curetis oculis pietatis. Et Rex summe pacificus vestros actus 
 prosperet, ad utrumque vobis commissum regimen, cleri scilicet et 
 culminis pastoralis. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo 
 vicesimo secundo die mensis Marcii. Vestre venerande paternitatis 
 humillima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 1 nobis added over the line.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 143 
 
 Testimonial letters issued for Masters John Moreton, John Fol. 43 a. 
 Barwyle, Geoffrey Herford, and Gilbert Russell. 
 
 LITTERA testimonialis magistri Johannis Moreton, magistri arcium, 1437. 
 sub antiqua forma sigillata fuerat, cum ista clausula speciali ' presertim 
 super insultu, contra nobilem virum dominum Willelmum Mountfoort 
 militem, Oxonie nuper facto, quern in ea parte innocentem novimus et 
 immunem.' Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, undevicesimo 
 die Aprilis, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo septimo. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod magister Johannes Barwyle, magister facultatis 
 arcium, habuit litteram testimonialem sub forma communi, vicesimo 
 quarto die mensis Aprilis, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 tricesimo septimo. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod magister Galfridus Herford, doctor sacre theo- 
 logie, ordinis predicatorum, habuit litteram testimonialem sub forma 
 communi, anno Domini supradicto et quintodecimo die mensis Maii. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod magister Gilbertus Russell, doctor sacre 
 theologie, ordinis minorum, habuit litteram testimonialem sub forma 
 communi, anno Domini supradicto et duodecimo die mensis Junii. 
 
 117. 
 To the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Chancellor. 
 
 We thank you for granting our prayer by remitting to us for due 
 punishment our debtor Master John Warlhyll ; thereby saving us great 
 expense, and preventing the violation of our statutes, which require that 
 all contracts entered into in S. Mary's Church here shall be also termi- 
 nated in the same place. We entreat you to lend a favourable ear to our 
 late proctor Master William Crowton. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei 1437. 
 gracia Wellensi et Bathoniensi episcopo, Anglic Cancellario, nostro 
 domino specciali. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, solita nostra recom- 
 mendacione premissa, necessitatis nostre negocia piis favoribus ut 
 solito amplexari. Ad eas quas valemus graciarum acciones, pro 
 dominacione vestra graciosa continue nobis impensa, ut nuper pro 
 brevibus domini nostri regis sub pena, assurgimus uno corde ; suppli- 
 cantes humillime de continuacione ejusdem dominacionis vestre 
 graciose ; et quod dignemini transmittere debitorem nostrum magis- 
 trum Johannem Warthyll ad nostram Universitatem, recepturum quod 
 justicia decreverit, propter leviores sumptus Universitatis nostre in
 
 144 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 hac parte fiendas ; et quod, ad hoc faciendum, inveniat coram vobis 
 sufficientem securitatem de ibidem comparendo, in proximo quo fieri 
 poterit, coram Universitate nostra in ecclesia Beate Marie. Nam 
 nostra statuta sic exigunt, quod res et contractus quicumque ibidem 
 incepti in eadem debeant terminari: scientes quod hoc faciendo 
 maximum nobis succursum impendetis, et terrorem aliis contumacibus 
 dictam Universitatem contemnendi ; que est et erit oratrix vestra 
 perpetuis temporibus in futurum. Et favorabilem audienciam magistro 
 Willelmo Crowton, nuper nostre Universitatis procuratori, in dicendis 
 vice nostra, dignetur impendere paternitas graciosa. Quam ad fidei, 
 regni et cleri honorem, Deus conservet et semper prosperet in agendis. 
 Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, sexto decimo die Junii. 
 Vestre paternitatis oratrix humillima Universitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 Testimonial letters to the Lord Cardinal for Masters 
 Thomas Brewer and John Wellis. 
 
 J 437- MEMORANDUM, quod magister Thomas Brewer, magister facultatis 
 arcium, habuit unam litteram commendatoriam domino Cardinali 
 sub forma communi, anno Domini supradicto undevicesimo die 
 mensis Junii. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod magister Johannes Wellis, magister facultatis 
 arcium, habuit litteram testimonialem sub forma communi, anno 
 Domini supradicto undevicesimo die mensis Junii. 
 
 118. 
 
 Fol. 43 b. Probably to the Bishop of Winchester J . 
 
 Complaining of malicious misrepresentations. The University is now 
 in a perfectly peaceful state. Certain malevolent members thereof however 
 endeavour to manufacture disorder, and, which we now especially lament, 
 harass poor scholars, as in the case of Master Bighury ; ivhom with 
 others (all, we believe, quiet and studious men) they falsely accuse before 
 you of insurrection. 
 
 1437. SERENISSIME et illustrissime princeps, omni reverencia ac obsequio 
 vestre reverencie humiliter prelibatis : satis agnovimus serenitatem 
 vestram minime latere quanto inclitissimi progenitores vestri gaudio 
 exultabant, cum de Universitatis pace ac scienciarum augmenlo 
 
 1 The date CCCCXXXVii (the M being omitted) is, in the case of this letter, 
 prefixed, and there is no further title, address, suprascription, or subscription. 
 The letter is also crossed out in the MS. and breaks off abruptly.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 145 
 
 audiebant ; quoddam inde sumentes presagium future prosperitatis 
 ac glorie regni hujus. Quorum vos preclarissimis virtutibus non 
 imparem, non minori animo ac zelo nostre reipublice principem 
 amantissimum semper accepimus, cujus magnificencie dona illustris- 
 sima ac cetera vestre amplitudinis beneficia satis demonstrant : unde 
 eternum nobis fecisse nomen minime dubitamus. Summam ideo 
 pacem ac serenam nostri studii tranquillitatem, qua fruimur, vestre 
 excellencie magno cum jubilo intimamus; qua profecto majorem in 
 hac republica nee auris nostra audivit, nee in memoria aliquorum 
 existit. Verum, quod dolenter referimus, quidam pads 1 emuli, ac 
 verius nostre Universitatis filii abortivi, omni sue matris amore post- 
 posito, divinoque repulso timore, sui juramenti prestiti jam immemores, 
 studii nostri hanc serenitatem obfuscare, hanc pacis tranquillitatem 
 tempestate suorum malorum agitare universis fraudibus moliuntur 2 ; 
 causas hujus Universitatis ad extra suas per cautelas trahendo, virosque 
 studiosos ejusdem vexando ; propter quorum tuicionem, ne studium 
 turbaretur, vestri nobilissimi progenitores privilegia de non trahendo 
 causas ad extra magnis cum amore et providencia concesserunt. 
 Inquietant nunc insuper, ut manifeste didicimus s , scolarem quendam 
 nomine Bigbury, juris baccalarium, moribus et sciencia clarum, nobis 
 tarn suis meritis quam virtutibus carissimum ; quem cum aliis viris 
 studiosis, ut accepimus, apud vestram excellenciam false ficta de 
 quadam insurreccione accusasse minime veriti sunt. O audaces 
 homines ! non erubuisse mendacium, et, quod magis est, in proferendo 
 ficticia tanti principis presenciam nullatenus formidasse, ad cujus 
 aures veritatem tandem venturam bene poterant arbitrari, quorum 
 
 nequitia 4 et aliorum 5 . . . . 
 Y 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod suprascripto anno gracie 6 duodevicesimo 7 14 37- 
 die Julii sigillata fuerat acquietancia Abbati de Ensham pro pencione 
 annua quinquaginta solidorum, et pro pencione pro scolaribus pau- 
 peribus depascendis in die S. Nicholai ultimo preterite 8 . 
 
 Testimonial letters issued for Masters John Barbore and 
 
 John Pape. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod magister Johannes Barbore, magister arcium, 1437. 
 bachallarius in medicinis habuit litteram testimonialem sub forma 
 
 1 pads repeated MS. 3 molliuntur ib. 3 dedicimus ib. * nequia ib. 
 5 The remainder is wanting in the MS. suprascripto anno gracie added over 
 
 the line by contemporary hand. 7 A correction for ultimo, also in contemporary 
 hand. 8 ultimo pretcrito added, again, over the line. 
 
 L
 
 146 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 communi, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo septimo, 
 mensis l Octobris die sexto decimo. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod sexto decirno die mensis Octobris, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo septimo sigillata fuit littera testi- 
 monialis secundum communem formam pro magistro Johanne Pape. 
 
 Acquittance of John Eggecombe. 
 
 H37- MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tri- 
 cesimo septimo, vicesimo quinto 2 die Octobris sigillata est acquietancia 
 Johanni Eggecombe bacallario facultatis . . . 8 centum solidis, receptis 4 
 a Cancellario et procuratoribus in partem solucionis decem librarum 
 eidem Universitati debitarum per dictum Johannem. 
 
 Testimonial letter issued for Master Robert Fitzhugh. 
 
 1437- MEMORANDUM, quod magister Robertus fitzhuge, doctor sacre 
 theologie, habuit litteram testimonialem sub sigillo communi 5 decimo 
 die Novembris, anno millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo septimo. 
 
 A dispensation granted to Master Wm. Assh. 
 
 1437. MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tri- 
 cesimo septimo, duodecimo die Octobris petita est gracia pro magistro 
 Willelmo Assh, sub hac forma ; ' Supplicat venerabilem congrega- 
 cionem regencium magister W. Assh, promotus ad curam animarum, 
 quatinus graciose dignetur dispensare cum eo pro uno termino in 
 quo, ultra necessariam suam regenciam ex statutis debitam, racione 
 cujusdam gracie sibi collate in tempore bacallariatus, regere artabatur.' 
 Hec gracia fuit concessa et per magistrum J. Kyrkeby seniorem pro- 
 curatorem pronunciata. 
 
 Fol. 44 a. From the King. 
 
 By admitting Master Wascogh, our chaplain, to be a member of your 
 University you give a proof of your devotion to us ; we thank you, and 
 desire you to accept, as from ourselves, the communication which Master 
 H. Sever will make to you. 
 
 1437. Is/a littera fuit missa a serenissimo ac illustrissimo nostro rege 
 Henrico sexto, cum ista suprascripcione, ' In Domino sincere dilectis 
 
 1 rnense MS. 2 Added over the line again. 3 de dece erased ; perhaps 
 
 should be decretorum, or perhaps for de centum solidis, &c. 4 The letter r alone 
 occurs ; probably for receptis. 5 sub sig. com. added again over the line.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 147 
 
 Cancellario, seu ejus Commissario, et procuratoribus Universitatis 
 nostre Oxoniensis ac cetui regencium in eadem.' 
 
 In Domino sincere dilecti, quam pura fide quamque grata devocione 
 quod serenitati nostre placitum 1 esse queat desideretis perficere, non 
 modo conjicimus, verum ipso rei experimento sensibiliter et oculata 
 fide videmus; dum vos 2 nuper unanimi communique voto bene- 
 dilectum clericum et capellanum nostrum magistrum Wascogh, sacre 
 pagine professorem, non minus amplissimarum sciencie et virtutum 
 suarum intuitu quam nostri, uti credimus, contemplacionis obtentu, 
 in unum ex filiis alme matris vestre eciam mero motu intellexirnus 
 adoptasse : In quo baud dubium preclaras erga nos affecciones vestras 
 plurimum laudatas habemus, et benemeritum cetum vestrum regie 
 majestatis graciis honoramus ; volentes ut dilecto capellano nostro 
 magistro Henrico Severe, harum bajulo, in iis, que vobis nostri ex 
 parte exponet, audienciam curetis impendere creditivam. Et jugiter 
 optamus, fertilis et fecunda maneat alme Universitatis nostre vinea 
 scienciarum omnium, indesinenter producens germina virtuosa. Datum 
 in manerio nostro de Shene mensis Novembris die tercia. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 ITEM, decimo die Decembris, anno Domini millesimo quadringen- 1437. 
 tesimo tricesimo septimo, sigillata est una acquietancia Abbati et 
 conventui de Eynysham, pro quadam pensione annua, debita Univer- 
 sitati ad festum S. Nicholai 3 , anno regni regis Henrici sexti sexto- 
 decimo. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Henry Caldey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tri- 1437. 
 cesimo septimo, mensis Februarii die vicesimo tercio, sigillata [estj * 
 una littera testimonialis magistro Henrico Caldey, sub communi forma. 
 
 1 2O. 
 To the Archbishop of Dublin. 
 
 Commendation of Master Henry Caldey. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Ricardo, Dei gracia 1437. 
 Archiepiscopo Dubliniensi, Universitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, reverencias tanto patri 
 debitas cum honore, et ad virtuosos nostre Universitatis palmites 
 
 1 placidum MS. 2 nos ib. 3 ad festum S. Nicholai regni added over the 
 line. * omitted in MS.
 
 148 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 paterna inclinare viscera cum favore. Quia virtutum karismata, que 
 vasis in honorem factis Spiritus infudit Altissimi, nequaquam debeant 
 occultari sub modio, sed, ut omni populo luceant, in publicam venire 
 noticiam, ad Dei gloriam et honorem ; eapropter vestre paternitati, 
 quam sincera reverencia proseqnimur, dilectum confratrem nostrum 
 magistrum Henricum Caldey, arcium magistrum, virum utique lauda- 
 bilibus vite et scienciarum meritis, conversacionis virtuose fragrancia 
 aliisque virtutibus multipharie insignitum ; cujus periciam ac circum- 
 spectam discrecionem indies inter nos experimur, specialius quo 
 valemus commendantes ; vos attente deprecamus quatinus ad eundem 
 nostrum 1 vestra inflammetur affeccio specialis, vestre benevolencie 
 radios ad sui status commodum inclinando; ut eo plenius ad gra- 
 ciarum teneamur acciones, quo ipsum gracius de vestri pectoris 
 armario noverimus exaltatum; ex dicto recensentes philosophico 
 illud pertinere ad tocius integritatem, quod uni sue parti impenditur 
 ad profectum. Paternitatem vestram inter sanctos collocari antistites 
 infinita felicitate plenus tribuat ipse Deus. Scriptum Oxonie eadem 
 die de qua fit mensio in ultimo memoranda. 
 
 A similar letter sent to the Bishop of Ferns. 
 
 J 437- Eciam eodem die missa fuit epistola reverendo in Christo patri et 
 domino, Roberto, Dei gracia episcopo Fernensi, pro eodem magistro 
 Henrico Caldey sub forma priori. 
 
 121. 
 
 To the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Chancellor. 
 
 We have disguised our troubles as long as we could ; but now, in the 
 interests of public justice, we appeal to you, our protector in all dangers and 
 particularly where our just rights are imperilled. We entrusted sundry 
 moneys, as the indentures in our hands prove, to certain of our body then 
 in our confidence. But now they will neither restore the same, nor render 
 any account ; we beg therefore that your authority may be employed to 
 enforce the fulfilment of their duty. 
 
 1437. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei 
 gracia Bathoniensi et Wellensi episcopo, Anglic Cancellario et 
 nostro domino specialissimo. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo 2 pater et domine, gravissimas nostre 
 matris injurias, quod dolenter referimus 3 , hucusque plurimum dissimu- 
 latas, nolentes, immo nee debentes, diucius occultare, aut sub fuco 
 
 1 confratrem omitted MS. 2 in Christo repeated ib. 3 referrimus ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 149 
 
 simulatorie preterire, sed in lucem deducere divulgandas, ut unus- 
 quisque fructus condignos suis circa rempublicam meritis et demeritis 
 percipiat manifestos, dominacioni vestre confugimus, et lilteras 
 presentes omni devocionis spiritu eidem duximus dirigendas. Et 
 eo tucius. cum necessitas urgeat, vobis recurrimus pro succursu quo 
 noscimus, quod mater nostra Universitas vestre juventutis tempora 
 suis dulcibus lactavit uberibus, in egregium sibi patrem et tocius 
 justiciae summum in republica defensorem ; et precipue pro hiis in 
 quibus justiciam verisimiliter perituram cernimus, nee nostra refor- 
 mandam potencia absque speciali vestri brachii refugio gracioso. 
 Profecto retroactis temporibus diversisque vicibus, prout nostris liquet 
 evidentibus indenturis, Universitas mater nostra quibusdam suis filiis, 
 tune sibi caris, thesauros et bona servanda commisit, que juxta 
 ejusdem Universitatis jurium exigenciam restaurare recusant, et inde 
 compotum non reddere non verentur ; in maximum suis animabus 
 periculum, grave eisdem scandalum l et dicte matris nostre gravissi- 
 mum decrementum. Ea propter, tarn precum nostrarum intuitu 
 quam puplice utilitatis matris nostre optentu, per brevia regia ' sub 
 pena' tales ingrati filii, immo verius spuria vitulamina 2 , detentores, 
 quinimo et dilapidatores bonorum communium, comparere in vestram 
 prenobilem presenciam compellantur ; et exinde ad respondendum 
 et reddendum compotum super bonis nostris communibus eisdem 
 commissis, per eos receptis, ac Universitati matri nostre per eosdem 
 debitis, vestre dominacionis mandate, nobis sub eadem pena indilate 
 mittantur ; recepturi, secundum Universitatis jura, id quod justicia 
 suadebit. Circa que magistro Willelmo Biconnell, confratri nostro, 
 juris civilis doctori, et in per eum vestre reverendissime paternitati 
 nostra minislrandis ex parte 3 , audienciam tarn creditivam quam gra- 
 ciosam impendere dignetur vestra dominacio Celebris et preclara. 
 Quam ad hujus regni felix regimen, cleri fulcimen, Deus prosperet in 
 agendis, et ad sancta sanctorum transferal post hanc vitam. Scriptum 
 in nostre congregations domo, mensis Marcii die nono. 
 
 Dispensation granted to Master John Clerke. 
 
 MEMORANDUM*, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 1437. 
 tricesimo septimo, quintodecimo die Octobris petita est gracia pro 
 
 1 sed added over the line before et MS. 2 vitulamina (cf. Book of Wisdom, 
 
 chap. iv. v. 3, Spuria vitulamina non dabnnt radices alias] = barren suckers of the 
 vine, which spring from the root of the tree ; see Du Cange. 3 ex parte nostra ? 
 1 This memorandum is entered at the foot of fol. 44 a, and thus is inserted in the 
 middle of ep. 121, which begins nearly at the bottom of the same fol. and is 
 continued on 44 b. A late hand writes on margin, verte folium ubi habetur pars 
 rdiqua cpistole.
 
 150 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 magistro J. Clerke, bacallario sacre theologie, sub hac forma; ' Supplicat 
 venerabili congregacioni magister Job. Clerk quatinus, si contingat 
 ipsum incipere in sacra theologia, quod non teneatur ad necessariam 
 regenciam.' Hec gracia fuit concessa sub condicione quod, anno 
 quo inceperit ter J predicet ' in latinis ' in ecclesia Beate Marie : et sub 
 hac condicione per magistrum J. Kyrkeby seniorem procuratorem 
 fuit pronunciata. 
 
 122. 
 To the Bishop of Winchester. 
 
 We rejoice in your ivelfare, and thank God for your exalted position, 
 in which you are a tower of strength to the church, and always ready to 
 defend the cause of the oppressed. This your character makes us bold to 
 entreat you to procure that the books bequeathed io us, as we are informed, 
 by King Henry V, may be delivered to us. The books, especially those 
 on philosophy, will be of the greatest use for the maintenance of the 
 lectures lately instituted and since continued here under your patronage. 
 
 1437. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 
 gracia tituli S. Eusebii Cardinal! et episcopo Wintoniensi, nostro sin- 
 gularissimo proctectori. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, virtutum et scienciarum 
 alumpne precipue, ecclesie firmissima columpna ; etsi Domino 2 
 Jesu laudum solennia nos et singulos per orbem Christicolas in- 
 cessanter offerre recta velit racio, persuadeant sanctorum consilia et 
 doctorum ecclesie dogmata inconcussa ; specialius tamen in laudis 
 jubilum votivum mater nostra Universitas tola leta consurgit ad 
 Dominum Jesum Christum, plenitudine devocionis et oracionum pro 
 vestri status prosperitate, promptitudine indefessa; eo quod eidem et 
 ecclesie Anglicane immo toti Anglic vos erexit in dominum provi- 
 dentissimum, tutissimum protectorem justicie, in turrim fortitudinis 
 et propugnaculum fidei orthodoxe. Letamur eciam et merito, quod 
 signanter aures pias, benivolas attenciones justis peticionibus merilorie 
 inclinatis, et severe justicie et veritatis vobis factis instanciis, easdem 
 piissime inflexibiliterque cum omni efficacia, secundum vias justicie 
 Fol. 44 b. accommodas, procuratis, sustinetis et finem perducitis ad felicem. 
 Qua de re plurimum animamur ea, que nostro juri ad justiciam 
 attinent, coram vestra reverendissima paternitate secure proponere, 
 exsequi, ac semper, necessitate superveniente, vestram dominacionem 
 precelsam omni devocionis instancia, et reverencie, in quantum suffi- 
 
 1 te MS. 2 Domino repeated ib.
 
 E PISTOL AE ACADEMICAE. 151 
 
 cimus, circumstancia, humilioribus precibus excitare. Sed pro eo 
 specialiter ad vestram circumspectissimam clemenciam concurrimus 
 in present!, quod cum illustrissimus et Christianissimus rex Henricus 
 quintus, felicis memorie, Universitati sue, matri nostre concesserit et 
 legaverit, uti accepimus, libros quamplures, tam theologie quam philo- 
 sophic, eidem nondum deliberates; quod forsan accidit quod non 
 fuerat hucusque exposita 1 dominacioni vestre percelebri instanter 
 peticio pro eisdem ; dignetur vestra paternitas graciosa taliter or- 
 dinare, quod memorati libri, quamprimum fieri poterit, effectualiter 
 liberentur. Profecto multum ad rempublicam prodessent, ut ex eis 
 doctrina salutifera hauriatur; sed plurimum conferrent libri philo- 
 sophic ad lecturam ordinariam perutilem septem scienciarum et trium 
 philosophiarum apud nos constitutam, inchoatam et feliciter sub vestre 
 paternitatis refugio in secula duraturam ; quam tamen maxima cum 
 difficultate hucusque perfecimus, cum librorum copia sumus nimium 
 destituti. Imploramus igitur humiliter veslre dominacionis precelse 
 piissimas aures habere nostris peticionibus inclinatas 2 ; quarum exe- 
 cucionem Cancellario nostro, morum et scienciarum splendore con- 
 spicuo, adhibere dignetur favorabilem credenciam in dicendis vestre 
 dominacionis circumspectissima celsitudo. Quam, ad tuicionem ecclesie, 
 cleri et milicie, in agendis prosperet Jesus Christus, et post hujus vite 
 metus, ad suas epulas transferal eternales. Scripttim Oxonie in nostre 
 congrtgacionis domo secundo die Aprilis. Vestre reverendissime pater- 
 nitatis humillima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 123. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. Fol. 45 a. 
 
 We know not what to offer you as a worthy tribute to your merits ; 
 lut we present ourselves ; and with bended knees and bowed heads ask 
 your succour, and implore God to protect you and incline your ears to our 
 prayer. We have carried on the lectures in the seven sciences and three 
 philosophies, which we know enjoy your favour, but the expense is more 
 than we can bear. We need a large supply of books, and money to 
 purchase more, and pray you therefore to assist us to procure them, and 
 to provide a permanent foundation for these lee lures. Our Chancellor ; the 
 bearer hereof, is instructed to give you detailed information and invile 
 your help both in procuring promotion of graduates and obtaining for us 
 the books bequeathed by King Henry V. 
 
 1 exposita added over the line by contemporary hand. 2 Here in the MS. 
 
 occur some marks, apparently to indicate that the sentence is incomplete ; the 
 omitted words, if any are lacking, may be easily supplied from similar passages.
 
 152 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 1437. SERENISSIMO principi, Domino Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, comiti 
 Pembrochie, magno camerario Anglic, et domino nostro graciosissimo 
 ac singularissimo protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, cleri protector singularissime, milicie sidus 
 luciferum firmissimaque columna ; cogitantibus nobis quid esset quod 
 tanto, tarn sereno, invictissimoque et principum Christianissimo ad 
 complacenciam digne possemus offerre, non immensa opum pondera 
 attulimus, immo, licet munus minutum sit, nos totos offerre decre- 
 vimus; et oportet tam illustrissimum principem humillime revereri* 
 flexis genibus, cervicibus inclinatis, vestram serenitatem pulsantes 
 piis precibus, humilius quo valemus, ut nobis subveniat visceribus 
 compassivis ; et divinas aures, ut inclinatos vos reddat et sua dextera 
 vos protegat in tranquillitate 2 , nee hiis nee illis dante Domino inaniter 
 perituris. Novimus enim lecturam ordinariam et exercicium in septem 
 scienciis liberalibus et tribus philosophiis fore vestre serenitati placita 3 
 et votiva. Qua de re eadem, pro nostro posse tenui, continuamus 
 Universitatis expensis, licet eidem gravibus in presenti, sub spe vestri 
 potentis brachii nobis, uti firme credimus, ea que sint necessaria ad 
 continuandam lecturam hujusmodi, provisuri. Sane non est aliquid 
 signum evidencius pronosticum floriditatis milicie regni cujusvis quam 
 scienciarum renascencia florida, et precipue earum, que in regno illo 
 primo exercitate fuerant et prius temporaliter introducte, quales nunc 
 apud nos vestri desiderii contemplacione precipue renascuntur, in 
 mentes redeunt et in nostre Universitatis vinea clarissime reviviscunt, 
 producture supra solitum germina fructuosa. Verum quia ex nostris 
 dictam lecturam claris effectibus continuare non possumus sine com- 
 petent! adjuvamento, proteccionem vestre dextre excelse 4 devotissime 
 invocamus. Desunt enim nobis et librorum copia et habendi facultas ; 
 quibus, ut oportet et decet, tam famosum legendi opus poterit 
 sustentari. Petimus igitur vestre serenitatis aures exoratas haberi, 
 et piis oracionibus inclinatas, tam de providendis tanto operi libris, 
 quam elemosina quadam perpetua ad dictam lecturam in perpetuum 
 applicanda. In quibus venerando Cancellario nostro, latori presen- 
 cium, cui, uti audivimus, vestre dominacionis benevolenciam dignati 
 fuistis promittere specialem, precamur humillime ut velitis audienciam 
 impendere creditivam; et non solum in iis, verum eciam in aliis 
 vestre serenitati per eum nostra ex parte ministrandis ; quorum unum 
 conscernit consuetudinem quanclam super promocione graduatorutn, 
 alterum vero acquisicionem librorum, quos invictissimus et illus- 
 trissimus princeps frater vesler Henricus quintus oratrici vestre Univer- 
 
 1 The MS. here has an abortive word rcve, followed by reverentis. a in 
 
 terinqucll. MS. 3 placida ib. 4 excise ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 153 
 
 sitati Oxoniensi et nobis legavit. Et miliciam vestram in terns sic 
 dirigat Princeps summus, ut in celis proveniat post terrena. Scriptum 
 $c. secundo die Aprilis. Vestre serenitatis humillima oratrix Univer- 
 sitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 124. 
 To the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 The Pope, Eugenius, has written to us and ordered us to send to the 
 Council of Basle (transferred to Ferrard) a deputation from this 
 University, and we have anxiously considered how we could obey his 
 injunction. We have greatly at heart the objects of the Council, but 
 our poverty forbids our attendance thereat. Fearing, then, not to obey 
 the order of his Holiness we venture to ask you to help us ; and, further, 
 to relieve the poverty, so fatal to learning, under which so many good and 
 learned men are crushed, by a more systematic execution of the provincial 
 constitution for the promotion of graduates. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 1438. 
 gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati et apostolice 
 sedis legato, domino nostro graciosissimo. 
 
 Humiliatissimo devocionis spirilu tanto tarn precipuo cleri patri 
 reverencias humillimas 1 non minus devotas et obedienciam filialem. 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, cum nuper sanctissimus in 
 Christo pater et dominus, Dominus Eugenius, sacrosancte Romane et 
 universalis ecclesie summus pontifex nobis suas sacras direxit litteras, 
 in quibus nobis 2 in virtute sancte obediencie mandando injunxit, quod 
 cum consilium Basiliense ad civitatem Ferrariensem, pro consilio inibi 
 celebrando, tarn propter occidentalis et orientalis ecclesie unitatem, 
 quam reformacionem ecclesie ac pacem populi Christiani, et alias 
 causas racionabiles, auctore Domino, duxerit transferendum, quam 
 cicius possemus aliquos nostre Universitatis doctores, vel magistros 
 insignes, ad ipsum consilium mitteremus ; ad ea tractanda et agenda, 
 que cedant in pacem Christicolarum, Dei laudem, et exaltacionem 
 ecclesie sue sancte ; hec sacra mandata, sanctas injuncciones medi- 
 tantes internius sepius animo revolvimus, nee a nostre memorie limine 
 excidere permittimus, quomodo ea, Altissimi cooperante gracia, effi- 
 caciter compleamus. Utinam possemus ad illam desideratissimam 
 occidentalis et orientalis ecclesie unitatem missione aliquorum de 
 nostris doctoribus vel magistris quovismodo promovere. Ad hoc 
 nostra racio dictat, voluntas nostra non resilit, sed in assensu firmatur. 
 
 1 devotiss abortive comes before non in MS. * nobis repeated ib.
 
 154 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Revera tamen ad tantum et tarn arduum opus ex nostre Universitatis 
 non sufficimus tenui facultate, nisi aliorsum nobis provisum fuerit de 
 Fol. 45 b. succursu. Timentes igitur hec mandata pretermittere sacrosancta, vestre 
 reverendissime paternitati consurgimus, humillius exorantes quatinus 
 graciosas vestre munificencie manus, vestre paternalis consilii matura 
 monita, quid nobis faciendum sit in dicto negocio, ostendatis. Quare 
 quam humiliate spiritu vestre reverendissime paternitati instancius sup- 
 plicamus, quatinus oculis vestre pictatis solite velitis specialiter respicere 
 graduates : quod eorum plerique, etsi litteratissimi sint atque amplissi- 
 marum virtutum eminencia insigniti, sufficientes ad annunciandum 
 Christicolis verbum Dei, sine promocione ad beneficia ecclesiastica 
 usque etatem decrepitam differuntur. Alii, cogente ea discipline 
 novercha paupertate, relinquere studia cohercentur. Sane celica fuit 
 inspiracio, qua nuper super promocione graduatorum erecta fuerat 
 provincialis constitucio, per 1 vestramque paternitatem precipue exe- 
 cuta: sed et meritoria, immo merito amplectendaforet ejusdem execucio, 
 si indifferenter procederet apud omnes. Harum nostrarum peticionum 
 executori, venerando Cancellario nostro, viro per omnia circumspecto, 
 dignetur vestra paternalis benignitas aures piissimas inclinare, cum 
 reverencia 2 et favore. Et vestram in terris ad suam complacenciam 
 longevet Dominus primaciam, vobis in meritum sempiternum. Scrip- 
 turn Oxonie c. secundo die Aprilis. Reverendissime paternitatis vestre 
 humillima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 
 
 1438. ITEM, eodem die sigillata est acquietancia Abbati et conventui de 
 Oseney pro viginti sex solidis octo denariis, debitis Universiiati anno 
 regni regis Henrici sexti sexto decimo. 
 
 125. 
 
 Fol. 46 a. To the Archbishop of Canterbury and other members of 
 the Council now sitting at London. 
 
 The University is like Rachael mourning her lost children. Her 
 beauty is gone for very trouble. Once she was famous in the world ; 
 students flocked to her from almost every nation ; then she abounded with 
 men learned in every art and science, her schools were not dilapidated nor 
 the halls and inns empty. Now alas ! the nation is so impoverished by 
 
 1 pro MS. * credenlia appears, from other letters, to be the regular form in 
 
 these cases.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 155 
 
 war and scarcity both of food and money, and so slender is the reward of 
 merit, that hardly do any now care to resort hither : scarce one thousand 
 remain. Our doors are locked, our buildings in ruins. Those who still 
 labour here until old age find no reward, for they see that ignorant and 
 unlettered men are promoted while they are turned out of doors. But how 
 shall they teach who have no knowledge ? We beseech you, therefore, to 
 consider what sort of labourers you send into the vineyard, and to 
 encourage education by promoting deserving graduates to benefices. The 
 example of ancient days, the warnings of scripture, the dangers of the 
 faith, the interest of souls, alike call aloud for redress of our grievance. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 1438- 
 gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, ceterisque reverendis patribus in 
 Convocacione cleri Londoniis existentibus, nostris dominis graciosis. 
 
 Reverendissimo in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 
 gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglie primati, ac apostolice 
 sedis legato obedienciam filialem, aliisque reverendis patribus, in con- 
 vocacione cleri Londoniis congregatis, omnimodam reverenciam et 
 honorem. Apud aures pietatis et misericordie vestre, clementissimi 
 patres, Universitas mater nostra clamat cum Rachael, plorans filios 
 suos et noluit consolari, quia non sunt. Olim siquidem alma ista 
 Universitas pulcra nimis et decora aspectu fuit, quasi vitis fructificans, 
 et flores ejus flores honoris et honestatis. Sed heu ! nostris jam 
 diebus, quod quam maxime dolendo referimus, pulcritudo et decor 
 ejus emarcuit, merens et squalidus factus est vultus ejus ; et que flore 
 ac fructu actinus fecunda fuit, filios jam, cum iis quos priori tempore 
 genuit pre paucitate minime numerabiles, non honoris vel honestatis 
 sed pudoris et irreverencie pocius, in dolore et anxietate parit. Ali- 
 quando fama et gloria ejus ita percelebris apud omnes naciones et 
 gentes Christianas 1 fuit, quod non modo hujus tarn incliti regni nostri 
 sed 2 tocius pene orbis homines studendi atque discendi gracia ad earn 
 confluxerunt. Tune siquidem prosperata est in viis suis, et singular! 
 laudis titulo ab omnibus honorata. Tune revera omnium arcium et 
 scienciarum viris litteratissimis atque eruditissimis plena; non scole 
 lacere, non studia deserta 3 , aule vel hospicia nunquam sane vacua 
 videbantur. Sed, quod sine lamentacione et planctu dicere non pos- 
 sumus, nunc longe secus est. Jam siquidem gloriosa mater, olim tarn 
 beata prole fecunda, pene in exterminium ac desolacionem versa est. 
 Sola sedet plangens ac dolens, quod non modo extranei sed nee sui 
 ventris filii cognoverunt earn. Sic, sic revera, patres, fremitu bellorum, 
 annone pecuniarumque caristia depauperatum est regnum nostrum; 
 
 1 Chiistianos MS. * et ib. 3 diserta ib.
 
 156 EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 tarn sera insuper ac modica virtutis et studii mentis l , quod pauci aut 
 nulli ad Universitatem accedendi habent voluntatem. Unde fit quod 
 aule atque hospicia obserata, vel verius diruta sint ; janue atque hostia 
 scolarum et studiorum clausa ; et de tot millibus studencium, que 
 fama est istuc in priori etate fuisse, non jam unum supersit. At illi, 
 qui sane supersunt, tedium quam maximum vite habent, quod nullum 
 fructum, nullum denique honorem post tantum studii sudorem con- 
 secuti fuerint. Laborant autem nonnulli usque in senectam et senium, 
 viri per omnia doctissimi atque sapientissimi, premium et mercedem 
 boni operis expectantes. Sed quam mercedem, quemque honorem, 
 qui, ut philosophi aiunt, premium virtutis dicitur virtus ac labor eorum 
 consequatur, attendite quesumus. Sane filii locis 2 , (famosi, supple,) et 
 instruct! viri, qui juste et ex merito promovendi amplioribusque honori- 
 bus et dignitatibus ecclesie sublimandi essent, ejiciuntur foras, atque 
 indocti et simplices, qui non litteraturam cognoverunt, intrant in labores 
 eorum. O quam dolendum est, piissimi patres, vineam Domini Sabaoth, 
 ecclesiam, scilicet, unicam Dei sponsam, tarn imprudentibus atque 
 indoctis cultoribus ad excolendum esse traditam ! Quomodo lucerne 
 ardentes in sacrosancta Dei ecclesia erunt, si nee oleum nee lumen in 
 lampade fuerit ? Quid dicemus de hiis ? nunquid purum oleum sancte 
 conversacionis,ac vite integritatem,numquid et lumen doctrine, sciencie, 
 et veritatis, quo officium sancte predicacionis ac administracionis verbi 
 Dei excerceant, intus in animo foveant? et quomodo revera scient, 
 cum litteras non didicerint ? Attendite igitur, obsecramus, patres, 
 attendite, columpne et precipua luminaria ecclesie, quos operarios in 
 messem Domini mittatis. Respicite, quesumus humiliter, primum ad 
 domesticos fidei, (eos, supple, qui lucernas ardentes habent in mani- 
 bus suis,) moribus et sciencia probates. Licet enim Universitas mater 
 nostra, labente jam tempore, plurimum depauperata atque humiliata 
 Fol. 46 b. sit, in singulis tamen facultatibus et scienciis quidam electi ex millibus 
 manent, adeo sane docti atque litterati sicut et superiori etate fuerunt. 
 O ideo desides secordesque circa studium magis factos esse, quod 
 nullum virtutis, nullum studii sui premium, nullam utique promocionem 
 sese consecuturos autumant ! Eo magis in desperacione positi, cum 
 tot ex predecessoribus suis sine promocione, sine aliquo penitus studii 
 premio dies clausisse extremes cognoverint. Flexis igitur genibus, 
 obnixius quo valemus exoramus ac petimus, quatenus ad effectualem 
 graduatorum promocionem oculos misericordie vestre convertere digne- 
 mini : considerantes qualem quantamque nobis occasionem adeo dili- 
 gencius studendi et proficiendi prestabitis, si vota nostra audierilis 
 graciose. Moveat vos, patres, ad tarn pium ac sanctum opus, primum 
 1 metres? ' 2 htds'i
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 157 
 
 Universitatis nostre et cleri desolacio. Et sicut, bello inter Lacede- 
 monios ac Athenienses exorto, Lacedemoniis victoribus existentibus, 
 dum in Grecorum consilio questio versaretur, si Athenas delere fas 
 esset; cum in regno Grecorum oculi tantum duo essent, alterum 
 dicere 1 nefas esse responsum fuit. Ita et, dum in hoc florentissirao 
 regno duo duntaxat oculi, due lucerne ardentes fuerint, Oxonia et 
 Cantibrigia, alteram vel utramque deleri vel extingui, seu desolacionem 
 pati nepharium esse judicetis. Moveat et vos communis tocius ecclesie 
 et populi Anglicani utilitas. Moveat tot pereuncium animarum jactura, 
 quas in sacrificium laudis non lucraturi estis. Moveat amor fidei peri- 
 clitantis, malaque nepharia, quibus indies fideles ab hereticis vexantur : 
 de quibus sic Apostolus scribit ; ' Instabunt, inquit, in novissimis diebus 
 tempera periculosa, homines sese aman/es, cupidi, elati, sine pace, crimina- 
 tores, habentes quidem speciem pietatis virtutem autem ejus abnegantes, 
 contra fidem reprobi*: et sicut Jannes et Jambres* Moysi restiterunt, 
 ita et hi veritati resistent! Que omnia si solita vestra prudencia con- 
 sideraveritis, certi reddimur quod vos graciosissimos ac voto nostro 
 paratissimos dominos senciemus, ad nostre oracionis saluberrimam 
 expedicionem ; in qua laudem vobis in hoc seculo et eterna apud 
 Deum premia comparabitis. Et, ut singula pro parte nostra eo 
 felicem magis effectum consequantur, fidem rogamus indubiam pre- 
 stare dignemini venerabili Cancellario aliisque nunciis nostris, hujus 
 nostre supplicacionis expediende gracia ad vos destinatis. Et reveren- 
 dissimum cetum vestrum, ad laudem et gloriam ecclesie sue sancte, 
 conservet in prosperis Sponsus ejus Jesus Christus, qui est benedictus 
 in secula. Humillima vestrarum paternitatum oratrix Universitas 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 ITEM, eodem die sigillata est procuratio 4 directa domino Cancellario 
 et aliis magistris existentibus Londoniis pro negocio superius memorato 
 expediendo. 
 
 126. 
 
 Hec est copia littere commendaticie magistri Philippi Norys, Fol. 47 a. 
 sacre theologie professoris, sigillata undetricesimo die 
 Mail, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo 
 octavo. 
 
 Whereas Master Philipp Norys is falsely accused of heretical teachings 
 and it is asserted that he has been banished from Oxford and excom- 
 
 1 delere ? 2 rebropi MS. 3 Mambrts ib. 4 frocuratore ib.
 
 158 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 municated, and would have been burnt at the slake had he remained here, 
 we hereby declare the said statements to be entirely unfounded, and that he 
 is, on the contrary, above all suspicion in regard of such matters. 
 
 1438. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem, salutem in omnium Salvatore. 
 Quia sanctum et justum est perhibere testimonium veritati, sicut Dei 
 Filius, a sinu Patris in celis ad infima mundi descendens in terris, ut 
 testis vie et veritatis fieret fidelis, evangelic proclamante Ego sum via 
 et veritas-, nobis relinquens exemplum ut Ejus sequamur vestigia, 
 veritatem quam novimus contestando; Hinc est, prout tarde audivimus, 
 et nimis cito, quod noster confrater, magister Philippus Norys, pro- 
 fessor sacre theologie et veritatis, fuit et est injuste, nequiter atque 
 sinistre diffamatus ; qualiter certas hereses et falsa dogmata inter nos 
 seminasset, propter que bannitus ac eciam excommunicatus fuisset ; 
 et, si moram nobiscum traxisset, combustionem ignis passus fuisset; 
 que omnia et singula fore falsa et maliciose concepta testamur unani- 
 miter; proclamantes ejus innocenciam, nobiscum illesam famam, 
 sanam doctrinam ; in moribus et sciencia virum providum et probum. 
 Quibus attentis rogamus, obsecramus et deprecamur has litteras in- 
 spicientes consimile perhibere testimonium veritati. In quorum 
 omnium fidem et testimonium sigillum nostre Universitatis fecimus 
 his apponi. Datum ut supra 1 . 
 
 127. 
 To the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Chancellor. 
 
 We hear that Master N orris is to answer before you for certain parts 
 of his lectures delivered here. We need not remind you, who were 
 suckled by our common mother, and have grown up to be her father and 
 defender, that this is a cause which by our privileges ought to be tried 
 by us ; we beg therefore that you will remit the same and the person in 
 question to us, and we will judge without partiality. 
 
 1438. REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei gracia 
 Bathoniensi et Wellensi episcopo ac Anglic Cancellario, nostro domino 
 gracioso. 
 
 Humillime devocionis spiritu reverencias debitas tanto patri et 
 domino merito tribuendas nunc et semper cum honore. Alme Uni- 
 
 1 This epistle, containing allusion to a possible auto dafe, is, in common with 
 several to the Pope, crossed out in the MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 159 
 
 versitatis matris nostre olim alumpne prenobilis, sed nunc pater et 
 defensor graciosej nostri concursus tutamen et refugium singulare ; ex 
 relacione veridica concepimus venerabilem sacre theologie professorem 
 et nostre congregacionis confratrem, magistrum Philippum Norris 
 dominacioni vestre pro certis criminibus, (prout vestra dominacio 
 informatur,) in sua lectura ordinaria nobiscum recitata, ordine privi- 
 legiorum nostrorum pretermisso, accusatum et super eisdem coram 
 vestra dominacione in crastino Johannis Baptiste virtute cujusdam 
 citacionis responsurum. Que materia responsionis, ex quo nobiscum 
 est incepta, juxta privilegia matris nostre, sicut constat lucide vestre 
 dominacioni, nobiscum debeat terminari ; ad que privilegia inviola- 
 biliter observanda vinculo juramenti astringuntur singuli matris ubera 
 suorum graduum assumpcione sugentes ; et specialiter qui pro tempore 
 fuerint circa matris obsequia ad tempus ministerialiter excubantes. 
 Hinc obnixius vestram dominacionem, in qua summe confidimus, cum 
 omni instancia humilitatis deprecamur attente, quatinus dignetur vestre 
 dominacionis sincera consciencia remittere causam cum persona ante 
 faciem matris examinandam ; et, si reus inveniatur, juxta sui delicti 
 qualitatem, sine accepcione persone, erit plagarum modus propor- 
 cionatus. Sin autem ipsum libere evolare discernamus \ et ab ulteriori 
 injuste vexacionis 2 , quantum in nobis est, absolvemus. Et vestram 
 dominacionem, ad ecclesie et regni regimen et nostre Universitatis 
 munimen, diutine conservet in prosperis sapiencia Dei Patris. Scriptum 
 Oxonie mensis Junii die vicesimo secundo. 
 
 128. 
 To Master Philipp Norys. Fol. 47 b. 
 
 We have heard that you are summoned to answer before the Lord 
 Chancellor certain charges, arising from lectures delivered here by you ; 
 and we warn you that so to do ivould be a violation of our privileges and 
 of the oath by which you are bound. 
 
 VENERABILI confratri nostro, magistro Philippo Norys, sacre theo- 1438. 
 logic professori. 
 
 Honorande confrater, salutem internam, et vestre matris privilegia 
 revereri. Quia nuper audivimus quod citati fuistis examinandus et 
 responsurus, coram reverendo patre et domino nostro Cancellario 
 Anglie, de et super certis articulis tangentibus lecturam vestram 
 ordinariam nobiscum; que materia, ut satis nobis constat, juxta 
 
 1 For Jecernamus ; a frequent confusion. 2 injusla vexations ?
 
 160 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 privilegia matris nostre, ad que inviolabiliter observanda astringimini 
 vestri vinculo juramenti, nobiscum inchoata debeat terminari; Hinc 
 vobis, virtute dicti vestri juramenti prestiti ad dicta privilegia illese 
 observanda, tenore presencium inhibemus, ne in dicta materia, nobis- 
 cum ut prefertur inchoata, coram aliquibus nee alibi respondeatis, nisi 
 solum coram facie vestre matris, ibique responsurus et quod justum 
 fuerit in eadem materia recepturus. Et reverenciam vestram conservet 
 in bono Filius Virginis et Redemptor. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo, mensis Junii die vicesimo iercio. 
 
 129. 
 
 1438. RELIGIOSIS viris fratribus x . . . 
 
 Honorandis viris et religiosis salutem, et sue matris Universitatis 
 nostre jura et privilegia revereri. Quia nuper ex relacione veridica 
 audivimus quod vos citari procurastis confratrem nostrum, magistrum 
 Philippum Norrys, sacre theologie professorem ad comparendum coram 
 conservatoribus vestrorum ordinum, responsurum de et super articulis 
 lecturam nuper suam ordinariam nobiscum tangentibus, que materia 
 ui satis nobis constat 2 . 
 
 PATEAT universis per presentes nos, magistros J. Carpenter : 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1438. MEMORANDUM, quod undetricesimo die Junii sigillata fuit acquie- 
 tancia Abbati et conventui de Eynsham, de quinquaginta duobus 
 solidis debitis Universitati in capite jejunii, anno regni regis Henrici 
 sexti sexto decimo. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Nicholas Sutton. 
 
 1438. MEMORANDUM, quod secundo die Julii sigillata fuit littera testimo- 
 nialis pro magistro Nicholao Sutton, sub forma communi, anno 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo octavo. 
 
 1 No title, address, or subscription in MS., but no doubt the fragment is part of 
 a letter addressed to the Augustine friars; see letter 131 infra. 2 Here this 
 
 fragment breaks off, and the portion given is crossed out in the MS. 3 The 
 
 remainder is wanting ; probably a patent letter about P. Norrys.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 161 
 
 130. 
 To the King. Fol. 48 a. 
 
 Having been informed that Master Norreys is summoned before the 
 Lord Chancellor, to answer certain articles of accusation arising from 
 his ordinary lectures, we beg leave, with the deepest humility grief, to 
 represent that to plead to this charge would be a violation of those 
 privileges with which your royal progenitors have endowed us ; and to 
 ask that the case may be sent back again to us; and justice shall 
 be done. 
 
 SERENISSIMO et metuendissimo principi, domino nostro regi, regi 1438- 
 Anglic et Francie illustrissimo. 
 
 Clementissime rex ac princeps, metuende ecclesie vigor, veritatis 
 defensor, ac legum et privilegiorum tutissime conservator cum favore. 
 Vestre celsitudinis progenitores, in quietem studencium augmentumque 
 scienciarum et virtutum, vestram Universitatem Oxoniensem diversis 
 privilegiis sanis et congruis stabilire et confirmare in perpetuum 
 decreverunt. Tarde, et minus cito, verbalis orta fuit contencio in 
 vestra Universitate Oxoniensi, inter honorabilem virum magistrum 
 Philippum Norreys, sacre theologie doctorem, et fratrem W. Musilwik 
 ordinis Augustinensium ; cujus contencionis materia juxta vestre 
 Universitatis privilegia, ad intra sic incepta, nullo modo traheretur in 1 
 alio foro ad extra ; ad que privilegia virtute juramenti astringuntur 
 omnes inibi scholasticum gradum adepti. Modo predicta materia 
 coram vestro premature dominorum consilio tractatur et examinatur 
 in fundo. Unde timemus, si sileamus, offensam consciencie, privile- 
 giorum lesionem et in future dispendium intollerabile. Hinc igitur 
 inclinati ad terram, cordis cum singultu, devotissimas fundimus preces 
 vestre celsitudinis regie majestati, ad effectum ut persone 2 predicte ad 
 Universitatem vestram poterunt remitti ; ut ubi lis oriebatur ibi pax 
 reformetur; et juxta qualitatem delicti erit plagarum modus, sine 
 accepcione persone. Et vestre regalie monarchiam regat, protegat et 
 defendat Sancta Trinitas. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre Congregacionis 
 domo, mensis Julii die quarto. Humillima vestre regie majestatis 
 oratrix perpetua Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 1 ad in MS. * et ferce without mark of abbreviation ib., cf. Epist. 131 ad fin.
 
 162 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 To our grief we are informed that certain persons, jealous of us because 
 of the magnificent favours you have bestowed upon us, have falsely stated 
 that we have banished friar Mussilwyk unjustly. The truth is that the 
 said friar has grossly violated our privileges ; for he excommunicated 
 Master P. Norreys in the schools without leave from the Chancellor, and, 
 being summoned to answer for so doing, has hitherto refused to appear, 
 though bound by his oath to reside in Oxford. Under these circumstances, 
 after mature deliberation we have deprived him temporarily of his doctor s 
 robes until he shall have made submission. But when it became evident 
 in the sequel that he was supported in his resistance by his monastery, we 
 suspended the said monastery ; and farther we have not proceeded. We 
 pray that he and his abettors may be obliged to appear before us, and be 
 examined and so dealt with as justice shall require. 
 
 1438. SERENISSIMO principi domino nostro, Domino Humfrido, duci 
 Gloucestrie, comiti Pembrochie, magno camerario Anglic. 
 
 Serenissime princeps almeque nostre Universitatis protector gra- 
 ciosissime, magnifice dominacionis vestre immensa beneficia circa 
 dictam matrem nostram futuris temporibus continuare. Non sine 
 multa cordis amaritudine animique perturbacione audivimus, quod 
 nonnulli, a via veritatis exorbitantes de magnificis subvencionibus 
 vestris nostre Universitati Oxoniensi, vestre dominacionis munifi- 
 cenciam subtrahere nitentes, aures piissimas tante dominacionis in- 
 formare minus recte non formidarunt ; sic, quod nos, ordine justicie 
 pretermisso, fratrem Willelmum Musilwyk, ordinis Augustinensium, 
 contra privilegia et statuta nostra laborantem, bannicionis penam in 
 ipsum fulminavimus, multaque alia;- interque alia contra justicie 
 equitatem nos asserunt sentensiasse. Et, ut rei veritas seriesque rei 
 geste tanti principis majestati innotescat, scire dignetur vestra domi- 
 nacio circumspecta, quod quidam venerabilis vir, magister Philippus 
 Noreys, sacre theologie professor, leccionem suam ordinariam nobis- 
 cum resumpsit ; occasione cujus lecture dictus frater Willelmus cum 
 ceteris pregravatus, ex post contra dictum doctorem quandam in 
 scolis legit leccionem ; in qua prefatum doctorem, Cancellario incon- 
 sulto, publice excommunicavit ; directe contra privilegia nostre Uni- 
 versitatis; immo persona, juxta juris exigenciam, nullatenus preconizata. 
 Nos igitur, hanc privilegiorum nostrorum manifestam violacionem 
 corde tenus, ut decet, ponderantes, dictum fratrem Willelmum fecimus 
 legitime citari, ad respondendum de hiis, et super hiis que sibi ex parte
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 163 
 
 dicte Universitatis essent objicienda. Sed comparere distulit, et adhuc 
 
 differt in present! ; in contemptum, ut videtur, tocius Universitatis ; 
 
 cum tamen virtute sue regencie, tactis sacrosanctis, nobiscum residere 
 
 sit artatus. Tandem posthac visum est omnibus magistris regentibus 
 
 et non-regentibus Universitatis supradicte, previa tamen matura 
 
 deliberacione, propter notoriam suam contumaciam et privilegiorum 
 
 nostrorum pregrandem lesionem, dictum fratrem Willelmum insigniis 
 
 doctoratus ad tempus privari; quousque propter sua precedencia 
 
 demerita ad ovilis unitatem reducitur. Dehinc transacta solemnitate 
 
 festi Pentecostes, resumpcione magistrorum interim inchoante, juxta 
 
 statuta nostra fecimus dictum fratrem per scolas publice citari ; et quia 
 
 certis evidences nobis innotuit quod non solum ipse, sed et claustrum 
 
 suum, Universitatem illusit, unde dicta Universitas dictum claustrum Fol. 48 b. 
 
 suspendit. Et in isto negocio ulterius non processimus ; nee aliquid 
 
 aliud fecimus, expectantes de die in diem adventum died fratris. 
 
 Acta autem prefati doctoris, confratris nostri magistri Philippi, habet 
 
 Cancellarius noster ad manus examinanda. Qui quidem doctor 
 
 publice protestatus est, in plena convocacione regencium et non- 
 
 regencium, parere in singulis, dictis suis scilicet et dicendis, judicio et 
 
 correccioni Cancellarii, doctorum et magistrorum dicte Universitatis, 
 
 ac quorum interest in hac parte. Quare precelsam dominacionem, in 
 
 qua singularius confidimus, devotis precibus humillime deprecamur, 
 
 quatinus, intuitu caritatis et optentu inclitissime dominacionis vestre, 
 
 privilegia nostra conserventur illesa ; ut persone predicte remittantur 
 
 coram oratoribus vestris, juxta privilegia nostra examinande, secundum 
 
 merita demeritave congruo justicie moderamine in hac parte recepture. 
 
 Et serenitatem vestram inclitissimam semper preservet in prosperis, ad 
 
 regni, cleri et oratricis vestre specialissime munimen et solamina, 
 
 Princeps pacis. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, die 
 
 quarto^. Humillima vestre serenitatis oratrix perpetua Universitas 
 
 studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 132. 
 To the Cardinal Bishop of Winchester. 
 
 Briefly states the offence of friar Mussilwyk, and begs thai the Bishop 
 will use his influence to compel the said Mussilwyk and his adherents to 
 submit themselves to the University, there being danger of a lawsuit being 
 commenced in another court, which would be a violation of the privilege. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 1438. 
 gracia tituli S. Eusebii Cardinal! ac episcopo Wyntoniensi, nostro 
 1 No farther date given. 
 M 2
 
 164 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 singularissimo protectori. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, 
 omnimodas reverencias tanto patri debitas pariter cum honore. Cum 
 nuper venerabilis vir, confrater noster, magister Philippus Norres, sacre 
 theologie professor, paratus ad semper, ut publice coram nobis pro* 
 testatus est, in singulis per eum dictis et dicendis stare judicio et 
 correccioni Cancellarii, doctorum et magistrorum nostre Universitatis 
 Oxoniensis, ac quorum interest in hac parte, lecciones suas ordin- 
 arias nobiscum resumpserit ; cujus occasione lecture quidam frater 
 W. Musulwyk, ordinis Augustinensium, cum ceteris sibi coherentibus 
 pregravatus, in quadam leccione sua ordinaria, proprio juramento 
 contraveniens, statuta nostra et privilegia ausu temerario violare non 
 timuit, et alia enormia in nominis sui diffamacionem et contra con- 
 sciencie rectitudinem operatus est ; cum vinculo juramenti ad actus 
 regencie nobiscum residere fuerat astrictus : nempe post tantas 
 injurias pie matri illatas, congregacione inconsulta ut contumax 
 recessit, et adhuc recusat ad gremium matris redire veniam petiturus 
 pro delictis; et, quod dolenter referimus, labore aliquorum nostre 
 Universitatis emulorum, materia litis, sic ad intra inchoata et nobis- 
 cum juxta privilegia nostra determinanda, ad extra trahitur deter- 
 minanda. Quare piissimam vestram dominacionem devotis precibus 
 humillime exoramus, quatinus suspiriis fecunde matris compati 
 dignemini lacnmosis, ad effectum ut privilegia nostra serventur illesa, 
 et dicte persone mediacione vestra benignissima remittantur coram 
 nobis examinande, secundum merita demeritave congruo justicie 
 moderamine in hac parte recepture. Et de statu crediti ministerii, 
 ad promissionem benediccionis, post hujus vite transitum feliciter 
 pervenire concedat magnus Pastor omnium Jesus Christus. Datum 
 in nostre congregacionis domo tercio Idus Julii. 
 
 133- 
 Fol. b. 48 a. To the Archbishop of Canterbury \ 
 
 The case of friar W. Mussilwyk again, 
 
 1438. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 
 
 gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglie primati et apostolice 
 sedis legato, domino nostro graciosissimo. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, omnimodas reverencias 
 cum obediencia pariter et honore. Cum nuper venerabilis vir, con- 
 
 1 This epistle commences a second folio numbered 48. Thus there are four so 
 numbered : 48 a, 48 b, and b. 48 a, b. 48 b. in the MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 165 
 
 frater noster, magister Philippus Norres, sacre theologie professor, 
 paratus ad semper, ut publice coram nobis protestatus est, in singulis 
 per eum dictis et dicendis, stare judicio et correccioni Cancellarii, 
 doctorum et magistrorum nostre Universitatis Oxoniensis ac quorum 
 interest in hac parte, lecciones suas ordinarias nobiscum resumpserit ; 
 cujus occasione lecture quidam frater W. Musilwyk, ordinis Augusti- 
 nensium, cum ceteris sibi coherentibus pregravatus, in quadam leccione 
 sua ordinaria, proprio juramento contraveniens, statuta nostra et privi- 
 legia ausu temerario violare non timuit, et alia enormia in nominis sui 
 diffamacionem l . 
 
 134- 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 We have read, with due respect, your letter lately received ; and, with 
 more sorrow than we can express, we perceive that you have been mis- 
 informed by our enemies respecting the case of friar W. Mussilwik. We 
 hope that you have now had our letter containing details of the case, and 
 will see thereby $that we have not acted with precipitation or undue 
 severity, but rather with the tenderness of a mother for her erring child. 
 
 SERENISSIMO principi domino nostro, duci Gloucestrie, comiti Pern- 1438. 
 brochie, magno camerario Anglic, nostro protectori graciosissimo. 
 
 Illustrissime princeps, alme Universitatis Oxoniensis protector 
 graciosissime, vestre serenitatis honorandos apices nonas Julii reve- 
 rentissime suscepit unanimis cetus magistrorum regencium et non- 
 regencium in eadem : quibus cum omni honore, quo decuit, perlectis, 
 quod sine animi merore et luctu cordis referre nequimus, domina- 
 cionem vestram, magnificis ostensis beneficiis nobis gratissimam, 
 concepimus fuisse sinistro modo per Universitatis emulos informatam 
 de legitimo processu, per nos habito juxta juris exigenciam, contra 
 fratrem W. Musilwik, ordinis Augustinensium ; qui nimis enormiter 
 contra proprium juramentum privilegia nostra et libertates ausu 
 temerario minime violare pertimuit. Sed nunc siquidem speramus 
 peritissimam circumspeccionem vestram, per devotorum oratorum 
 litteras humillimas, veritatem materie inchoate et seriem rei geste jam 
 plenarie accepisse; et cum rei veritas in lucem prodeat, tune mani- 
 festum erit quomodo insurrexerunt in ... 2 vestram testes iniqui, et 
 mentita est iniquitas sibi ; et quod non minus consulte, precipitacione 
 ve aliqua justicie nos quovismodo contra dictum fratrem, privilegiorum 
 
 1 The remainder is wanting, MS. * A word partially obliterated and illegible 
 here, ib.
 
 166 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 jiostrorum publicum violatorem, preter juris ordinem in aliquo pro- 
 cessisse. Quinymo notum satis erit quod, habita matura delibera- 
 cione, pene demeritis condigne nullatenus correspondere. Porro 
 adhuc, velut pia mater mortem merens degeneris filii, ut redeat 
 petiturus veniam delicti prestolatur de die in diem; ut juxta artem 
 celestis medici plagis, propria malicia impositis, oleum infundat 
 tempore congruo magne misericordie, simul et vinum debite correc- 
 cionis. Constat enim nobis de benignissimo affectu quam erga 
 nos 1 .... 
 
 135- 
 Fol. b. 48 b. To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 We will remit the penalty inflicted on friar W. Musselwyke as a personal 
 
 favour to you, not because it was unjust or precipitate. But God does 
 
 not pardon the impenitent, neither can we. The offender therefore must 
 
 come to us and ask pardon for his perjury and manifold offences. Our 
 
 Chancellor has a copy of the terms of the excommunication of Master 
 
 Norres, and also of the lectures delivered by him, which were the cause. 
 
 thereof. The case then would have been at once examined and settled, if 
 
 friar W. Musselwyke had not absconded. We call God to witness that 
 
 we are most anxious for the true faith of the church, and to do all we 
 
 can to destroy heresy and schism, and we regret that you have been 
 
 falsely informed as to our conduct in this case. 
 
 1438. SERENISSIMO principi Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, domino nostro 
 
 specialissimo et generalissimo protectori. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, noster protector singularissime, et catholice 
 fidei Christianissime defensator; perlectis vestre celsitudinis litteris et 
 
 omni cum reverencia inteilectis 2 
 
 ut nostram corrigeremus precipitacionem, fratrem W. Musselwyke ad 
 gradum pristinum reducendo ; sin autem, arbitraremini non hanc illi 
 sed vobis illatam injuriam contumeliamque fuisse ; remittemus utique 
 sentenciam nostram, quam in eum juste tulimus, non precipitanter, 
 vestri mandati intuitu; dum tamen ad Universitatem oratricem vestram 
 matremque suam, cujus est eundem solvere quern ligavit, obediens 
 veniat, pro suis multiplicatis contumaciis perjurii reatu, in violacionem 
 privilegiorum et enervacionem statutorum Universitatis, veniam de- 
 poscendo. Quoniam nee ipsam Deus in terra reliquit, nee sibi 
 retinuit, potestatem ut impenitentem absolvat. Regrediatur igitur 
 
 1 The M.S. breaks off here abruptly. 2 A line and a half here completely 
 
 destroyed by erasure, ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 167 
 
 penitens ad matris ubera, et, vestre suasionis contemplacione, dabitur 
 ei pro malediccione benediccio, fas pro nefas, lac pro felle quod contra 
 matris sue privilegia propinavit, dum sua presumpcione admirabili 
 contra omnia jura, contra Universitatis nostre privilegia, in magistrum 
 Philippum Nores, non premonitum, non citatum, sine auctoritate 
 Cancellarii in hac parte sibi collata, precipitanter ac nequiter excom- 
 municacionis sentenciam fulminavit. Super qua transgressione citatus 
 comparere coram Cancellario, in prefixis sibi loco et termino, recusavit, 
 ab Universitate recessit contumaciter, et in eadem contumacia hinc 
 hucusque perseverat. Sane ejus lecturam, cum leccionibus ordinariis 
 dicti Philippi Nores, statim quam primum fuerant in scolis theologicis 
 ministrate, noster venerabilis Cancellarius ab utroque eorum per 
 doctores sanos et magistros examinandas accepit ; ita ut toti rei geste 
 finis felix infra Universitatem fuisset impositus, Deo duce, ut credimus, 
 nisi quod dictus Musselwyke determinacionem sue matris renuens 
 expectare, ab Universitate in tempore regencie sue necessarie raptim 
 et latenter exsiliit: ut sic, quas adversum sue matris exercuit privi- 
 legia, palliare possit insanias, et evadere incorrectus ; et preter hoc 
 adhuc abest in sui juramenti lesionem. Scit enim Deus, quod ea 
 facie universalem matrem nostram ecclesiam semper respicimus, ut 
 nee falsum dogma, errorem vel heresim, si que fuerint per unum vel 
 alterum seminata, sed et nee scandala hinc et inde exorta sustineremus, 
 defenderemus, pretergrederemur simulatorie; sed eadem indifferenter 
 investigaremus, destrueremus, eorumdem seminatores correccionis 
 baculo feriendo. Quam nostram correccionem, si quis fortassis 
 obstinax recusaret, citissime ad tutissimum munimen vestri brachii 
 excelsi conflueremus ; quern hucusque certissima experiencia novimus 
 nostrum benevolentissimum, immo effectualissimum, protectorem. 
 Profecto et amore et caritate utrumque dictorum doctorum prose- 
 quimur, ut equi judicis fungentes officio nequaquam verteremus 
 partem dextri lateris in sinistrum, sed utrumque, in quo demeruit, 
 jtisto judicio feriremus. Primum, mirantes ipsi, presumpcioni per- 
 maxime destestamur, qua quispiam, vultu ductus inverecundo, os 
 informacionis sinistre in tarn illustrissimi principis conspectum contra 
 suam oratricem pauperculam adperire ausus est ; affirmando earn 
 dictum Musselwyke inconsulte et sentencia precipiti tam a doctoratu 
 deposuisse quam ab eodem usum pilii amovisse. Verum a doctoratu 
 non devestivimus eundem, sed propter suam inobedienciam in non 
 parendo citacioni et vocacioni nostri Cancellarii, ad quam vinculo 
 astringitur juramenti, eum ab usu pilii suspendimus, quousque Uni- 
 versitati paruerit, ut tenetur, et per Universitatem ad usum pilii fuerit 
 restiiuius. Nee hec, si plactat, princeps metuendissime, quadam
 
 1 68 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 precipitacione fecimus; quoniam eum, per diem ante nostram con- 
 gregacionem, citatione prevenimus: et, postquam Universitas fuerat 
 congregata, frequenter propter eundem ad suum claustrum misimus, 
 ipsum legitime expectantes, et responsum, ut videtur, illusorie fabri- 
 catum recepimus ; videlicet eum ab Universitate fuisse egressum, cum 
 tamen, protit plenius informamur, in crastino in Universitate a non- 
 Fol. 49 a. nullis visus fuerat et compertus. Nescientes igitur penam magis 
 congruam, qua sic profugum possemus reducere, dictam sentenciam, 
 omissis penis gravioribus, ut excommunicacione et aliis, in eum 
 tulimus, ut prefertur. Petimus igitur obnixius vestram inclitissimam 
 serenitatem, ut dicti doctores ad matris gremia remittantur, recepturi 
 quod justicia suaserit in hac parte; ne vestre oratricis paupercule 
 privilegia pereant, et libertates per sui violacionem multiplicem in 
 nihilum redigantur. Et ex hinc quidquid vestra serenitas preceperit 
 in premissis adimplere conabimur cum effectu. Et vestram sereni- 
 tatem in terris dirigat Princeps pacis, ad vestre oratricis munimen 
 perpetuum, hujus regni felix regimen et ecclesie catholice defensamen. 
 Scriptum ac sigillatum in nostre congregacionis domo, sexto Idus Julii, 
 post missam pro desideratissima nobis semper incolumitate vestra, et 
 animabus felicis memorie progenitorum vestrorum, in ecclesia Beate 
 Marie Virginis per Universitatem regencium solemniter celebratam. 
 Serenitatis vestre oratrix perpetua Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Wm. Scrivenere. 
 
 1438. MEMORANDUM, quod quartodecimo die mensis Septembris, anno 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo octavo, sigillata fuit 
 littera testimonialis sub sigillo et forma communi pro magistro Willelmo 
 Screvenere, arcium magistro. 
 
 136. 
 To the Archbishop of Canterbury and Convocation. 
 
 We are sure you cannot have forgotten our prayer, but are resolved to 
 pray and not to faint ; though we wonder that so reasonable a petition 
 has not yet been granted. For what is more acceptable to God than to 
 improve and maintain the true faith and worship, and expel heresy and 
 idolatry, by the advancement of learning and promotion of learned clergy. 
 Unless the many learned men, who now languish here in poverty until old 
 age, meet with some reward for. their labours, there will be an end of our 
 prosperity, and of the pursuit of literature. We earnestly entreat you to 
 promote graduates ; our Chancellor will give you details.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 169 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 1438. 
 gratia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati, ac apostolice 
 sedis legato obedienciam filialem, ceterisque venerabilibus patribus ac 
 dominis nostris, in convocacione cleri existentibus, reverenciam et 
 honorem. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, preces alias vobis 
 ceterisque patribus ac dominis nostris in sancta ac percelebri con- 
 vocacione vestra ab Universitate matre nostra in filiorum suorum 
 promocionem humillime fusas, plurimum licet temporis emensum 
 citra fuerit, nequaquam tamen de memoria vestra excidisse confidimus. 
 Verum Deus ac Salvator noster, semel tantum pulsatus, discipulis 
 admirantibus sese ad audiendum difficilem prebuit, sed iterum atque 
 iterum rogatus eosdem tandem clementer audivit. Sic, sic revera, 
 nee mediocriter admirantes, patres, pensata, semper summa equitate 
 necnon justicia, racione, pro qua alias preces quam devotissime 
 fudimus, cur in hodiernum diem minime exauditi sumus, apud aures 
 pietatis vestre iterum atque iterum elargimus; preces precibus addimus, 
 ut vel jam tandem, sicut veri Dei emulatores, nos exaudire dignemini, 
 matrique nostre cadenti succurrere. Expectamus enim semper querulo 
 atque anelo spiritu si quando veniat consolacio a vobis ; quam non 
 ambigimus consequi, si, in exaudiendo votum nostrum, quam gratum 
 Deo sacrificium offeretis intellexeritis. Quid enim, ut de multis 
 sileatis, omnipotenti Domino est accepcius, quam id augere, unde cultus 
 unius Dei ortodoxaque fides indies magis ac magis in populo Christiano 
 accrescat, idolatria necnon hereses procul a fidelium mentibus expel- 
 lantur ? Quid omnium Opifici gracius, quam facultates atque sciencias 
 colere, sine quibus eciam homines bestiis comparantur ? Que omnia 
 nimirum feceritis, si, quod et cuique bono viro semper debet esse 
 maximi, et vobis eciam patribus cordi fuerit, salus ac prosperitas 
 studiorum nostrorum. Quibus, nisi quam propere succurrere festi- 
 netis, quod sine planctu dicere non possumus, acta sane sunt. Egre 
 ferre, patres, debetis nonnullos adeo doctos atque litteratos viros, quos 
 fama est apud nos esse, quasi oblitos ac derelictos intueri, ac sine 
 aliqua studii mercede usque in senectam et senium vivere. Qua- 
 propter, piissimi patres, obnixius quo valemus exoramus ac petimus, 
 sicut et alias vobis fecimus grates, ad effectualem graduatorum pro- 
 mocionem oculos misericordie vestre convertere dignemini ; meritas, 
 si hoc feceritis, a Deo gracias recepturi. Nullum siquidem ad 
 splendorem seu gloriam nominis vestri opus majus, nee majori opere 
 unquam vel grandiori premio dignum, facere valebitis. Nonnulla alia, 
 que nunc temporis dicere fas non est, scripsissemus, si non jam satis 
 paternitates vestras, per priores litteras nostras, doctas, ampliusque per
 
 I JO 
 
 venerabilem Cancellarium nostrum docendas, crederemus. Cui fidem, 
 humillime quesumus, adhibere dignemini in dicendis. Et reveren- 
 dissimum cetum vestrum, ad laudem et gloriam ecclesie sue sancte, 
 conservet Sponsus ejus Jesus Christus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo, tercio Idus Octobris. 
 
 Fol. 49 b. Letter ' supplicatory ' for Master W. Thrope. 
 
 1438. MEMORANDUM, quod quarto decimo die mensis Octobris, anno 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo octavo, sigillata fuit 
 littera supplicatoria sub sigillo et forma communi pro magistro Waltero 
 Thrope, arcium magistro. 
 
 Four Masters appointed to act as agents at York for 
 promotion of Graduates. 
 
 1438- MEMORANDUM, quod tercio decimo die mensis Novembris, sigillata 
 fuit una littera procuratoria directa magistro Johanni Castell, magistro 
 Johanni Kexby, et magistro R. Dobbys, et magistro R. Thorntone 
 exeuntibus in civitatem Eboracensem pro promocione graduatorum 
 expedienda. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1438. ITEM, septimo die Decembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti septimo- 
 decimo, sigillata est una acquietancia Abbati et conventui de Eynysham, 
 de annua pensione sedecim solidorum debita Universitati per eosdem, 
 propter depascendos pauperes scolares in die S. Nicholai eodem anno. 
 
 Acquittances of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 1438. MEMORANDUM, quod undecimo die mensis Decembris, anno regni 
 regis Henrici sexti septimo decimo, sigillate fuerunt due acquietancie ; 
 una Abbati et conventui de Enysham, pro annua pensione viginti sex 
 solidorum debita Universitati in festo omnium Sanctorum; alia Abbati 
 et conventui de Oseynea, pro annua pensione viginti sex solidorum 
 octo denariorum debita Universitati in festo S. Nicholai. 
 
 137- 
 Testimonial letter for Master Ramund de Lauda. 
 
 1438. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regcncium in cadem salutem in Eo qui est omnium vera
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 171 
 
 salus. Cum eterni Patris Filio, quern Beate Marie virginis viscera 
 portaverunt, credimus complacere quociens veritati testimonium per- 
 hibemus ; hinc est quod super mora et graduacione in dicta nostra 
 Universitate venerabilis viri magistri Ramundi de Lauda, sacre pagine 
 doctoris, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, per has nostras 
 litteras attestamur, quod idem magister Ramundus extitit graduatus 
 inter nos in sacra pagina, secundum consuetudines laudabiles dicte 
 Universitatis. Et 1 , ut super prefata graduacione dicti magistri 
 Ramundi omnibus plenius innotescat, has nostras litteras testimoniales 
 sigillo communi nostre Universitatis predicte fecimus consignari. 
 Datum Oxonie in nostre congregationis domo, septimo die mensis Januarn, 
 anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo octavo. 
 
 Indenture between the Chancellor and Proctors and 
 Master Robert ffeder, Fellow of the Queen's Hall. 
 
 HEC INDENTURA, facta inter magistrum Johannem Carpenter, Cancel- 1438- 
 larium Universitatis Oxoniensis, magistros Willelmum Selby et Ro- 
 bertum fflemyng, procuratores Universitatis ex parte una, et magistrum 
 Robertum ffeder, socium aule Regine in Oxonia, ex parte altera 
 testatur; quod quamvis predictus Robertus ffeder obligetur prefatis 
 Cancellario et procuratoribus et eorum successoribus in viginti sex 
 solidis et octo denariis sterlingorum velut in quodam scripto obliga- 
 torio inde confecto plenius continetur, cujus datum est vicesimo quarto 
 die Januarii anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum septimo- 
 decimo volunt tamen predictus Cancellarius et procuratores, pro se 
 et suis successoribus quibuscunque, quod si contingat predictum 
 magistrum Robertum ad tale beneficium promoveri, propter quod ex 
 statutis dicte aule teneatur ipsam aulam dimittere, ex tune teneatur 
 solvere prefatis Cancellario et procuratoribus et eorum successoribus, 
 qui pro tempore fuerint, viginti et sex solidos et octo denarios 
 sterlingorum predictos, infra spacium quatuor annorum proxime 
 sequencium promocionem predict! magistri Roberti : videlicet in quo- 
 libet anna predictorum quatuor annorum sex solidos et octo denarios ; 
 et extunc predictum scriptum obligatorium pro nullo habeatur, sin 
 autem, in suo robore permaneat et virtute. In cujus rei &c. Datum 
 vicesimo sexto die Januarii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post con- 
 questum decimo septimo. 
 
 Acquittance of Master Robert ffeder. Fol. 50 a. 
 
 ITEM, eodem die sigillata est una acquietancia sub hac forma: 1438. 
 Noverint universi per presentes nos, magistrum Johannem Carpenter, 
 1 Et omitted in MS.
 
 172 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, magistros Willelmum Selby et 
 Robertum fflemyng, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, remisisse, 
 relaxasse et omnino, pro nobis et successoribus nostris quibuscunque, 
 pro nomine dicte Universitatis in perpetuum quietum clamasse magistro 
 Roberto ffeder, socio aule Regine in Oxonia, omnimodas acciones 
 reales et personales, querelas, sectas, transgressa, et demandas, cujus- 
 cunque fuerint nature, accionis vel condicionis, nobis et dicte Uni- 
 versitati versus ipsum magistrum Robertum quovismodo competentes, 
 a principio mundi usque in diem confeccionis presencium. In cujus 
 rei testimonium &c. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo 
 vicesimo tercio die Januarii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post con- 
 questum decimo septimo <$fc. 
 
 Note that the Testimonial letter for Master R. de Lauda 
 relates only to his academical degree. 
 
 1438. MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tri- 
 cesimo octavo, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum decimo 
 septimo, sigillata erat una littera testimonialis [pro magistro R. de lauda 
 fratre ordinis predicatorum] * sub sigillo et forma concernente gradum 
 dumtaxat. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1438. MEMORANDUM, quod undecimo die Februarii, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo tricesimo octavo, sigillata est una acquietancia Abbali 
 et conventui de Eynesham sub sigillo communi Universitatis pro viginti 
 sex solidis, pro communa burgensium ville Oxonie. 
 
 I 3 8. 
 To the Bishop of Durham. 
 
 Our Chancellor having resigned, we have elected in his room Master 
 John Norton your Chancellor, we beg therefore that you will send him 
 to undertake this most necessary office. The rulers of every community 
 are of divine appointment, and are as necessary to the body politic as is 
 the head 1 to the natural body. For this we have the warrant of scripture 
 in the example of Moses appointing the seventy, and of heathen wisdom 
 in the words of Solon. 
 
 1438. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri ac domino, Domino Roberto, Dei 
 gracia Dunelmensi episcopo, domino nostro gracioso. 
 
 1 The words within brackets are added on the margin of the MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 173 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, eas primum quas 
 debemus et valemus reverencias animo quam devotissimo paternitati 
 vestre offerimus cum honore. Creator et Conditor omnium Deus, 
 Cujus tanta est virtus tamque immensa potencia, ut ad ea que creata 
 et condita sint feliciter administranda necnon regenda exteriori non 
 eget auxilio; sed Ipse per se solus sufficiat ex abundancia tantum 
 bonitatis sue, non ob suum sed nostrum, qui sensuales sumus, de- 
 fectum, et cognitis et sensibilibus, magis quam ignotis et a sensu 
 elongatis, movemur exemplis, duces ac rectores in singulis civitatibus 
 communitatibus et populis, ad rempublicam sub felicissimis policiis et 
 legibus sanctissimis, velut quibusdam sensibilibus regulis gubernandam 
 constitutes voluit : ut quemadmodum Ipse toti regendo presidet orbi, 
 ita et hi urbibus et civitatibus, ad componendos mores hominum 
 feroces ac bestiales eorum affectus cohercendos, presiderent. Sic et 
 Moyses sapientissimus, licet Israeliti populo dux solus a Deo factus 
 esset, sub se tamen judices, gubernatores ac duces, qui vices suas in 
 minoribus exequi possent, Jetro soceri sui consilio, non pauco numero 
 ordinavit. Equaliter enim opus est bono principe ac rectore in corpore 
 et capite inorganico; sicut profecto, capite bene se habente, corpus 
 humanum membraque singula recte disponuntur: ita et sub bono 
 alque optimo principe, et in privatis et publicis communitatibus, res- 
 publica rectissime semper et justissime gubernatur. Pariter enim cum 
 bono principe omnia bona succedunt, et amor, amicicia, pax, con- 
 cordia : que res cuilibet communitati ac civitati quam sint necessarie 
 Solonem, Apollinis oraculo unum de septem sapientissimis judicatum, 
 testem facimus. Qui has res ita magnificavit ut eas omnium rerum 
 creatrices et conditrices diceret, nee mundum ipsum, seu ullam civi- 
 tatem aut villulam aliquam, constare posse, vel homines socialiter et 
 civiliter vivere, nisi pace quadam, amicicia et concordia colligati essent. 
 Nos igitur, clementissime pater, tanquam vere pacis et concordie filii, 
 matrem nostram Universitatem per liberam resignacionem venerabilis 
 viri magistri Johannis Carpenter, ultimo Cancellarii ejusdem, tercio- 
 decimo die Februarii in congregacione regencium factam, considerantes 
 sponso suo viduatam ; attendentes insuper quod dictum est, quod 
 civitas videlicet aut communitas diu sine capite, sine rectore et duce 
 stare et florere nequit; qualeque ac quantum dispendium ac preci- 
 picium, deficiente seu absente pastore, gregi suo immineat ; ejusdem 
 mensis die vicesimo septimo, congregacione facta, dilectum vobis in 
 Christo filium ac familiarem, circumspectum, maturum, doctum ac 
 litteratum virum, magistrum Johannem Norton, cancellarium vestrum, 
 nobis in Cancellarium, matri nostre Universitati in sponsum, gregi 
 periclitanti in pastorem et ducem elegimus atque prefecimus: virum
 
 174 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 per omnia, ut speramus, Deo placabilem, nobis utilem, et sub brachio 
 ac tutela dominacionis vestre statutorum, consuetudinum, privilegiorum 
 et libertatum nostrorum defensorem futurum fortissimum. Paterni- 
 tatem igitur vestram obsecramus in Domino, ut pastorem ad ovile, 
 cultorem ad vineam, sponsum ad sponsam suam mittere dignemini; 
 illud intime considerantes, quam gratam Deo et toti Universitati rem 
 desiderabilem feceritis, si hujus nostre peticionis graciosus 1 exauditor 
 fueritis. Qua in re eciam vobis et laudem et gloriam quam maximam 
 comparabitis. Et paternitatem vestram ad exaltacionem et gloriam 
 ecclesie sue, honoremque Universitatis matris nostre diu felicitet 
 utriusque vinee Cultor Jesus Christus. Scriptum Oxonie Kalendis 
 Marcus. Vestre paternitatis perpetua oratrix Universitas studii 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 139- 
 
 Fol. 50 b. To the Bishop of Exeter. 
 
 By your favour to Master Snetesham you have conferred a benefit 
 upon us all. He is a man of excellent learning and morals ; and great 
 humility, and at the same time an indifatigable preacher ; in all respects 
 deserving of promotion. 
 
 1438. REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Edmundo, Dei 
 gracia episcopo Exoniensi vestre paternitatis oratrix Universitas 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 Reverende in Christo pater et domine, omnimodas reverencias cum 
 honore. Quia fidedigna relacionis fama nostras delegavit ad aures, 
 quanta gratuita et bene merita vestre paternitatis insignia carissimo 
 confratri nostro, magistro Johanni Snetesham, sacre theologie egregio 
 professori, contulit liberalitas vestri cordis ; hec vivaci contemplantes 
 memoria, ad reddendas, si quas valemus, graciarum acciones non 
 immerito excitamur ; quas dominacioni vestre totis visceribus immo- 
 lamus ; philosophico recensentes ex dicto, hoc tocius pertinere ad 
 integritatem quod uni sue parti impenditur ad profectum. O quam 
 felix vestre paternitatis intencio felicissimaque execucio, quum virum 
 tarn excellentis sciencie, conversacionis honeste et humilitatis speculum 
 solidissimum, sonoramque sancte predicacionis tubam, que minime in 
 ostendendo plebi sua scelera raucescit, ecclesiasticum ad honorem 
 erigi decrevistis ! Eciam ad plura alia nostre Universitatis membra 
 sancte pietatis 2 vestre pietas continue sue gracie ymbres distillare non 
 cessavit, ad ejusdem nostre matris honorem et gaudium ineffabile : 
 
 1 alque graciosus MS. a An error for paternitalis, no doubt.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 175 
 
 pro quibus et similibus firmissime tenemus memoriale laudis preconium 
 vos apud Deum et homines invenisse 1 . Graciosam dominacionis 
 vestre continuacionem ad nos vestros humiles filios, ut ante sic in 
 posterum, obsecramus in visceribus caritatis. Et reverenda vestra 
 paternitas inter sanctos antistites in felicitate plena finaliter premietur. 
 Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Marcii die 
 quarto. 
 
 Testimonial letters issued for Master Michael Tregorre 
 and Master John Tenys. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod tercio decimo die Februarii, anno Domini 1438. 
 millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo octavo, sigillata fuit una littera 
 testimonialis, sub sigillo et forma communi, pro Magistro Michaele 
 Tregorre, arcium magistro et baccallario theologie. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo septimo die mensis Marcii, anno H39- 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo nono, sigillata erat 
 littera testimonialis, sub sigillo et forma communi, pro magistro 
 Johanne Tenys arcium magistro. 
 
 Letter ' supplicatory ' for Master John Tenys. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo octavo die mensis Marcii, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo octavo 2 , sigillata erat una littera 
 supplicatoria pro magistro J. Tenys, sub sigillo et forma communi. 
 
 Bequest to the Celtone chest received. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod tercio decimo die mensis Maij, magister Willel- 1439- 
 mus Hastyng et magister Thomas Bartelotte, custodes ciste de Celtone, 
 receperunt de Johanne West et Willelmo Pygworth, executoribus ma- 
 gistri Ricardi Collyng, quondam socii aule Balliol, decem solidos 
 sterlingorum legates dicte ciste &c. 
 
 Acquittance of guardians of the old University Chest. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod tercio die Julii, anno Domini millesimo quad- H39- 
 ringentesimo tricesimo nono, sigillata erat una acquietancia pro magis- 
 tris Johanne Blakman et Johanne Segden, custodibus ciste antique 
 Universitatis. 
 
 1 This word alone is uncertain ; the passage is evidently confused as usual by 
 the scribe. 3 Apparently an error for nono ; see prec. Mem.
 
 176 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Payment of debt to the University by Guardians of 
 the old University Chest. 
 
 1439. MEMORANDUM, quod quarto die Julii, anno proxime suprascripto, 
 receperunt magistri Willelmus Orell et Johannes Wylley, procuratores 
 Universitatis, septem libras in auro, de magistris Johanne Bawman et 
 Johanne Segden, custodibus antique ciste Universitatis, in partem 
 solucionis decem librarum debitarum per eandem cistam Universitati. 
 
 Fol 51 a Testimonial letter for Master Walter Wynall. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod sexto die Julii, anno Domini millesimo quadrin- 
 gentesimo tricesimo nono, sigillata fuit una littera testimonialis, sub 
 sigillo et forma communibus, pro magistro Waltero Wynall sacre 
 theologie professore. 
 
 I4O. 
 To the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Chancellor. 
 
 We are informed that one Master W. Koke, a member of this Uni- 
 versity and Principal of Greek Hall, is bringing a case before you to 
 be tried, we beg you therefore to send the same back to us to be tried in 
 our Chancellor's court ; according to our privileges, which all our 
 members are boitnd by their oath to maintain. 
 
 1439. REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino nostro, Domino Johanni, Dei 
 gracia episcopo Wyllensi et Batoniensi ac Anglie Cancellario. 
 
 Reverende in Christo pater et domine, nostri studii splendor pariter 
 et protector indeficiens, de cujus benevolis radiis illustramur continue, 
 reverencias tanto domino debitas cum honore. Quociens nobis oc- 
 currit necessitudinis materia, summa confidencia ad paternitatem ves- 
 tram, inflexibilem nostre Universitatis columpnam, recurrimus, auxilia 
 et remedia recepturi. Cum enim ex tenore et vigore cujusdam privi- 
 legii, nobis ad quietem nostrorum studencium concessi, ad quos omnes 
 et singuli inter nos graduati, vinculo suorum juramentorum, sunt 
 firmiter astricti ; quod, si altera pars scolaris fuerit, quevis causa 
 personalis, suam habens originem in nostra Universitate, inter nos in 
 eadem ventilari debeat et finiri prout in cartis regiis et earum con- 
 firmacionibus inde nobis factis liquet manifeste et jam quedam 
 causa, mota inter Johannem Hyltone, nuper nostre Universitatis 
 scolarem, et Willelmum Koke in utroque jure bacallarium, principalem 
 aule Grece, trahitur per dictum Johannem, ut informamur, coram 
 paternitate vestra terminanda, contra tenorem dictorum nostrorum 
 privilegiorum : Quocirca humili cervice deprecamur unanimiter,
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 177 
 
 quatenus graciose cum favore remittere dignemini dictam causara inter 
 nos in eadem Universitate secundum tenorem nostrorum privilegiorum, 
 ut prefertur, sicut consuevimus, terminandam. Firmissime enim tene- 
 mus paternitatem vestram nostra privilegia, laudabiles consuetudines et 
 statuta velle tueri, nee pati penitus violari. Paternitatem vestram, 
 nostris impressam devocionibus, ad ecclesie et cleri et regni decorem 
 et munimentum, preservat incolumem cuncta Potens. Scriptum Oxonie 
 in nostre congregacionis domo, Augusti die quinto* 
 
 141. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. Fol. 51 b. 
 
 We have received your ever memorable gift of one hundred and twenty 
 volumes. Since the foundation of this University no prince or king has 
 made so splendid a donation. The effect thereof will be to give light and 
 life, warmth and nourishment to our studies, hitherto but dead and cold. 
 The students JJoc king to us from every part of the world will now Jind 
 the needful food and stimulus for their minds. Such a gift is worthy of 
 
 your wisdom and learning ; by which, no less than by your military 
 renown, the kingdom is made illustrious ; and it will be an everlasting 
 monument of your fame. Julius Caesar founded a library at Rome to 
 
 preserve by books the fame of his conquest of the world, when human 
 memory should fail : we, however, while we live, will do our best to keep 
 in memory your noble benefaction, by binding ourselves and our successors 
 to celebrate a mass for your soul both now and after your death for ever. 
 
 SERENISSIMO principi et domino, Domino Humfrido, duci J Gloucestrie, 1439. 
 comiti Pembrochie, magno camerario Anglic, nostro graciosissimo pro- 
 tectori. 
 
 Serenissime atque illustrissime princeps, excellentissimum cunctisque 
 non immerito seculis celcitudinis vestre munus quam maxime recolen- 
 dum, centum videlicet atque viginti volumina, per ejusdem celsi- 
 tudinis vestre dilectos et preclaros nuncios Gilbertum Kymere doctorem 
 et medicum peritissimum, et Radulphum Drewe utriusque juris bacca- 
 larium, vicesimo die mensis jam instantis ad nos presentata, omni 
 qua decuit veneracione suscepimus. Quod itaque dignissimum munus, 
 inclitissime princeps, in quantum nobis et cessit et cedit indies solacium 
 facile intelligi non potest; cum citra felicissime memorie Aluredum 
 regem, hujus alme Universitalis matris nostre fundatorem, nullum 
 retroacta etate regum aut principum tantum, tarn amplum, tamque 
 magnificum reminiscamur nobis beneficium contulisse. Quidquid enim 
 
 1 duce MS.
 
 178 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 serioris etatis reges ac principes, incliti progenitores vestri, ad ipsam 
 Universitatem augendam atque amplificandam operis seu laboris im- 
 penderint, respectu tamen clarissimorum donorum vestrorum totum 
 id modicum satis visum est. Priori enim tempore et ante ipsam 
 graciosissimam visitacionem vestram, quam haut dubium est ab alto 
 processisse, Universitas nostra sine dubio fuerat velut corpus exanime, 
 lucerna sine lumine, fons sine aqua et mundus sine sole ; que jam 
 benignissima inspiracione vestra corpus vitale effecta est, lucerna 
 clarissimo lumine, et quod nunquam extinguetur irradians, fons aquis 
 vivificis ad studencium animos consolandos exhuberans, et mundus 
 splendidissimo sole, qui utique baud unquam patietur eclipsim studio- 
 rum, mentes illustrans ; cum ex singulis mundi partibus ad hanc almam 
 Universitatem studii gracia confluentes, quod ipsos vivificet, fecundet, 
 illustret, illic ] jam cum summa liberalitate jam et facilitate maxima 
 invenire valebunt. Et hoc est revera, gloriosissime princeps, quod 
 maxime decuit serenitatem vestram cujus tanta est virtutis, sapiencie 
 et sciencie magnitude, quod regnum hoc inclitum nostrum non ea 
 minus quam bellorum gloria sublimetur ; nee usquam hujus florentis- 
 simi regni fama Celebris existit nisi et quo nomen tanti principis 
 veneratione 2 maxima colitur : non mortalia seu transitoria sed vera 
 pocius atque eterna, omnibusque nacionibus loquencia et in omnem 
 patriam pergencia monumenta relinquere. Que sane monumenta 
 relicta sunt tot, supple, preclara ac preciosa volumina apud nos 
 perpetuis futuris temporibus expectare debencia, que etsi lingue 
 hominum defecerunt, tanti tamque gloriosi principis famam nunquam 
 abscondent. Unde et Julius Cesar orbe subacto parum nimis sese 
 egisse visus est, nisi et bibliothecam Rome construeret ; ut si nominis 
 viriumque suarum famam per temporis longitudinem ab hominum 
 mentibus labi contingeret, ipsis tamen libris et membraneis 3 recens 
 semper perduret. Quod cum hujusmodi apud nos fueritis qualis ipse 
 Julius apud Romanes fuerat, id ipsumque per omnia nobis beneficium 
 contuleritis ; si ullo unquam tempore, quod absit, celsitudinem vestram 
 oblitum esse vellemus, ipsa tamen librorum ac voluminum recentissima 
 monumenta apud nos continue perseverabunt *. Veruntamen utcunque 
 valemus, et nobis successoribusque nostris ejus rei memoriam impri- 
 mamus, pro temporalibus beneficiis ipsa que possumus spiritualia 
 suffragia rependentes, ad unam missam perpetuis futuris temporibus 
 pro anime vestre salutem tarn in vita quam in morte per Universitatem 
 decantandam, ipsam Universitatem firmissima obligacione astrinximus. 
 Statuta insuper varia pro firma et perpetua custodia ipsorum volu- 
 
 1 illuc MS. a venerationis ib. 3 membrariis ib. 4 prosever- ib. ; word 
 partially lost.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 179 
 
 minum librorumque confecimus. Que omnia per dictum preclarum 
 virum, clericum nunciumque vestrum specialem, Radulphum Drewe, 
 vestri celsitudini destinamus: cui fidem adhibere dignetur vestra 
 graciosissima dominacio, humiliter quesumus, in dicendis. Et sereni- 
 tatem vestram ad perpetuam regni ac studii nostri gloriam Dominus 
 feliciter conserve!. Vestre serenitatis humillima oratrix Universitas 
 Oxoniensis 1 . 
 
 Indenture between the Duke of Gloucester and the Fol. 52 a. 
 University, 
 
 Whereby the latter acknowledges the receipt of one hundred and twenty 
 volumes from the hands of his messengers, master Gilbert Kymer and 
 master Ralph Drewe; as also the receipt of other nine volumes 
 previously, from the hands of other special messengers. 
 
 HEC indentura, facta Oxonie vicesimo quinto die mensis Novembris, 1439- 
 anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo nono, et anno 
 regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum decimo octavo, inter 
 serenissimum et illustrissimum principem et dominum inclitissimum, 
 Dominum Humfridum, regum filium, fratrem et patruum, ducem 
 Gloucestrie, comitem Pembrochie et magnum camerarium Anglic ex 
 una parte ; ac suam humillimam et perpetuam oratricem Universitatem 
 Oxoniensem ex parte altera ; testatur, quod dicta Universitas de summa 
 et magnificentissima liberalitate predicti inclitissimi principis centum 
 et viginti volumina, per dilectos et speciales nuncios suos, magistrum 
 Gilbertum Kymere, medicinarum doctorem, et Radulphum Drewe, 
 utriusque juris baccalarium, ad ipsam Universitatem destinata recepit ; 
 necnon et novem alia volumina per eundem cerenissimum principem, 
 per alios prius nuncios suos, ad eandem Universitatem transmissa; 
 quorum utique voluminum nomina, cum iniciis secundorum foliorum, 
 inferius ad perpetuam rei memoriam 2 describuntur 
 
 Inprimis, prima pars Nicholai de lira . secundo folio tur earn. 
 
 Item, secunda pars ejusdem . . isle cum 3 . 
 
 Item, tercia pars ejusdem ... cionis in. 
 
 Item, prima pars diccionarii . . similia. 
 
 Item, secunda pars ejusdem . de statu, 
 
 Item, tercia pars ejusdem . . pro eo. 
 
 Item, quarta pars ejusdem . . subintrare. 
 
 Item, biblia ..... puerilia. 
 
 Item, concordantia biblie ... de abisso. 
 
 1 There is an infrascription, verbatim as the suprascription, in the case of this 
 letter, in the MS. * rttnemoriam ib. 3 or tamtn ib. 
 
 N 2
 
 i8o 
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Item, Eusebius 'In ecchsiastica his- 
 toria' cum Beda ' De gestis An- 
 
 glorum' 
 
 Item, Tripartita historia . 
 
 Item, Beda ' Super actus Apostolorum ' 
 
 Item, opus Gilberti Poretani 'Super 
 
 Cantica canticorum ' 
 Item, Ricardus de Sancto Victore 
 Item, Origenes ' Super librum Numen" 
 Item, 'Psalterium glosatum ' 
 Item, Johannes Derror ' Super his- 
 
 toriam scripture ' . 
 
 Item, Musca 'Super Cantica canti- 
 corum ' ..... 
 
 Item, Prima pars ' Pantheologi' 
 
 Item, secunda pars ejusdem 
 
 Item, ' Consolaciones theologie' Jo- 
 
 hannis de Cambaco 
 Item, Flores certorum librorum Augus- 
 tini ...... 
 
 Item, Prima pars Petri Damiani 
 Item, Secunda pars ejusdem 
 Item, Franciscus ' De vita solitaria ' . 
 Item, Beda ' De temporibus ' 
 Item, Tabula super diversos libros 
 Augustini ..... 
 
 Item, Epistole Cassiodori . 
 Item, Epistole Augustini . 
 Item, Epistole Hieronymi . 
 Item, Epistole Ambrosii . 
 Item, Petrus de Vineis, et Epistole 
 Petri Blesensis .... 
 
 Item, ' Tabula originalium ' 
 Item, Epistole Cypriane . 
 Item, Questiones theologie 
 Fol. 52 b. Item, Athanasius ' De Trinitate ' 
 
 Item, Augustinus ' De sermone Domini 
 in monle' ..... 
 
 Item, Lactantius ' Divinarum institu- 
 cionum '..... 
 
 Item, Liber Juliani episcopi ^Deorigine 
 mortis humane' 
 
 secundo folio candidi. 
 anime. 
 
 Fault. 
 
 tes. 
 
 mento. 
 
 persequebatur. 
 
 sequitur. 
 
 cognacionem. 
 desederiorum. 
 tanquam. 
 
 repugnacio. 
 
 et non. 
 
 procedere. 
 
 ejus. 
 
 utfrugum. 
 
 ciati. 
 
 quod amor, 
 oditim docet. 
 gente. 
 immo, 
 unusquisque. 
 
 quibus. 
 accedere. 
 bene. 
 
 -telligenciis. 
 unus bonus. 
 
 -titudinem. 
 cacodicendi. 
 est alterne.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 181 
 
 Item, Seneca ' De causis ' . . 
 Item, Liber ' De exlraccione sermonum ' 
 
 cum dictis Lincoln. . . 
 Item, Cato moralizatus 
 Item, Liber Aristotelis ' De animal 
 
 cum commento, et Averoisi ' Super 
 
 Etica' 
 
 Item, Liber 'Elicorum' 
 Item, ' Policraticon ' ... 
 
 Item, Isidorus ' In Ethimologiis ' 
 Item, Franciscus ' Re rum memoran- 
 
 darum ' ..... 
 Item, Liber Platonis .... 
 Item, 'Etica' Aristotelis traducta per 
 
 Leonardum Aleatinum . 
 Item, 'Politeca' Aristotelis traducta per 
 
 eundem ..... 
 Item, Seneca ' De brevitate -vite ' 
 Item, Franciscus ' De remediis fortui- 
 
 torum ' ..... 
 
 Item, Tullius ' De officiis ' . 
 Item, Libri Galieni .... 
 Item, ' Compendium medicine' se- 
 
 cundum Gilbertium 
 Item, Exposicio super afforismos 
 
 Ypocratis 
 
 Item, Liber afforismorum . 
 
 Item, Exposicio super artem medicine 
 
 Item, Bernardus ' De urinis' 
 
 Item, Alexander Gerosophista . 
 
 Item, Galenus ' De elementis ' 
 
 Item, Tercius et quintus liber canonum 
 
 Avicenne 
 
 Item, Vincencius 'Super libros Ypo- 
 cratis' ...... 
 
 Item, Constantinus ' in Pantegni' 
 Item, ' Lilium ' Bernardi de Gordonio 
 Item, Petrus Hispanus ' De puhibus ' . 
 Item, Egidius ' De urinis ' cum Arte 
 
 Medicine 
 
 Item, Haly Abbas ' De disposicione 
 
 regali' ..... 
 
 secundo folio -nombris. 
 
 nunquam. 
 tercio. 
 
 telligitur. 
 canil has. 
 exercentes. 
 in allero. 
 
 annis. 
 ex quo. 
 
 Omerus. 
 
 inicium re rum, 
 quaceat. 
 
 exempla. 
 
 placet. 
 
 bene carnosum. 
 
 maxime. 
 
 corpus, 
 Thomam. 
 quod sumiiur. 
 -vente. 
 libris. 
 aliquid cujus. 
 
 contingat. 
 
 in mente. 
 
 egritudinem. 
 
 pilantibus. 
 
 ruperat. 
 -dii eciam.
 
 182 
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Item, Serapion l De simplicibus medi- 
 
 cinis' ...... 
 
 Item, ' Collectarium ' Averoise . * 
 Item, Serapion ' In practica ' 
 Item, Rasis ' Ad Almasorem' 
 Item, ' Cirurgigia ' Brunii 
 Item, Bartholomeus ' In practica' 
 Item, Isaac ' Defebribus ' . 
 Item, Gerardus ' Super viaticum ' 
 Item, ' Passionarium ' Theodosii pres- 
 
 biteri 
 
 Item, ' Exposicio super nono Almazoris' 
 Item, Gerardus ' De modo medendi' . 
 Item, Liber medicine 
 Item, Mesue ' De simplicibus et com- 
 
 positis' 
 
 Fol. 53 a. Item, Platearius ' De simplicibus ' 
 
 Item, Willelmus de Saliceto vel Pla- 
 
 cencia ...... 
 
 Item, Plinius ' De naturis rerum ' 
 Item, Liber philosophorum Aristotelis 
 
 condict x ..... 
 Item, ' Aphorismi' Ursonis cum com- 
 
 mento ...... 
 
 Item, ' Tabula ' Belingam . 
 
 Item, Aristotelis ' De mundo ' 
 
 Item, ' Questiones super diversos libros 
 
 medicine' 
 
 Item, Avicenna et Albertus ' In diversis 
 
 philosophic contentis ' 
 Item, ' Compendium philosophic ' 
 Item, Albertus ' Super libros^ metheor' 
 Item, Albertus ' De animalibus ' 
 Item, Metaphisica Avicenne 
 Item, Tragedie Senece 
 Item, Liber Alfragani et Alicen 
 Item, Bacon ' De celo et mundo ' 
 Item, Haly Abenragel 
 Item, Idem in secunda parte de eisdem 
 Item, Egidius ' De Come/is ' 
 
 secundo folio incisio. 
 
 dum sint. 
 
 et stercorum. 
 
 tribuunt. 
 
 sz autem. 
 
 soleat. 
 
 re tacuisti. 
 
 istorum. 
 
 ad arcam. 
 
 si. 
 
 fades. 
 
 pipere. 
 
 amari. 
 
 dentur. 
 
 cum assignat. 
 
 quern. 
 
 Democritus. 
 
 potencialium. 
 
 mater ia. 
 
 Hercules. 
 
 modo. 
 
 compositis. 
 
 qui continet. 
 
 sicut ee. 
 
 ,, latine. 
 
 ,, naturalia. 
 
 ferax. 
 
 ,, et lunam. 
 
 quia in qualibet. 
 
 per hanc. 
 
 quod mulier. 
 alii 3 . 
 
 1 This word is so ambiguous that it may be almost anything. a librorum MS. 
 8 -teriit is erased, but faintly, before alii ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 183 
 
 Item, Zael ' De judiciis astrorum ' 
 
 Item, Albamazar 'In magno Intro- 
 ductorio' ..... 
 
 Item, Tabula medie conjunccionis solis 
 et lune 
 
 Item, Liber astronomic cum diversis 
 tabulis 
 
 Item, Zael ' De vita hominis ' 
 
 Item, Liber Almagesti 
 
 Item, Liber ' Thebet' 
 
 Item, ' Summa aslronomie' Aschyndone 
 
 Item, ' Tripertitum ' Tholomei . 
 
 Item, Tabula ' De motibus planetarum ' 
 
 Item, ' Panagericon ' Porphyrii . 
 
 Item, Oraciones Tullii 
 
 Item, Epistole Nicholai de Clemengiis 
 
 Item, Opera viginti duo Tullii in 
 magno volumine .... 
 
 Item, Epistole Tullii 'ad Quintum 
 fratrem' ..... 
 
 Item, ' Bellum Troje cum secretis secre- 
 torum ' . . . 
 
 Item, Epistole Collusii 
 
 Item, Epistole Tullii 'familiares ' 
 
 Item, Quinctilianus ' De institucione 
 orator is' ..... 
 
 Item, Macrobius ' Saturnalium ' 
 
 Item, ' Verrme' Ciceronis et ' Phi- 
 lippic ~a ' ejusdem .... 
 
 Item, l Rhetoric a' Tullii . 
 
 Item, Boccasius ' De genealogia l 
 Deorum gentilium z ' 
 
 Item, Glosarius .... 
 
 Item, Apulius ' De asino aureo ' . 
 
 Item, ' Catholicon ' Januensis 
 
 Item, Priscianus in majori 3 
 
 Item, Aulius Gellius ' Noccium Atti- 
 carum '...... 
 
 Item, Exposicio super Valerium Maxi- 
 mum ...... 
 
 secundo folio -teriit. 
 
 quin. 
 
 equalem. 
 
 ciclus. 
 
 aspiciebat. 
 
 logicum. 
 
 magnorum. 
 
 nubes. 
 
 comprehensorum. 
 
 sinistra. 
 
 hac pagina. 
 
 aut quelibet. 
 
 -stodia. 
 
 additus. 
 persuasim. 
 
 ejus. 
 
 caplus. 
 
 nactus. 
 
 rei. 
 quippe. 
 
 injudicium, 
 si res. 
 
 humeris. 
 
 arbilrari. 
 
 proclivis. 
 
 -totatur. 
 
 generalibus. 
 
 Teofrastus. 
 ibi. 
 
 1 getieologie MS. 
 
 genii Us ib. 
 
 3 Fris. in mar 1 , ib.
 
 184 EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 In quorum omnium fidem et testimonium sigillum commune Uni- 
 versitatis predicte presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo, die et anno supradictis l . 
 
 142. 
 Fol. 53 b. To the Speaker, Knights, and Burgesses of Parliament. 
 
 To cure ryght worshypfull syres, the Speker, Knygthes and burges of 
 this worshypfull par liment of our e sovereyn lorde Kyng. 
 
 X 439' RYGHT worshypfull syres, grace, pece and prosperite be to yow, to 
 Goddis worshyp and to the gode welth of the reme of Englond ever 
 duryng. Worthy syres, for as moch that meny of yowr owne issu 
 and also Kynnesmen hath be, beth now, and- shall be in tyme com- 
 myng tenderly and bisely noryshed and avaunced with the rype frute 
 of Konnyng in oure moder the Universite of Oxon ; in to the glory 
 and the worshyp of Godd in special!, and to the mayntenaunce of 
 Crysten fayth, causyng of wyse men in the reme, and to yow grete 
 joy, confort and eternall mede, that causeth supporteth and forthefyth 
 such studiers ; Therfore we conceyvyth that your naturesses and 
 benevolence shold enjoy with us of the fortheraunce of the sayde 
 Universite ; and because oure ryth speciall lorde and myghty prince, 
 the Duke of Gloucestre, hathe late endoed and so magnified oure 
 sayde Universite with a thousand pound worth and more of preciose 
 bokej, to the lovyng of Godd, encrece of clergy and konnyng men ; 
 to the goode governaunce and prosperite of the Reme of Englond 
 withoute end, before all other remes and contres of the world : 
 Wherffore we beseche your sage discrecions to consider the gloriose 
 yiftes of the graciose prince to oure sayde Universite, for the comyn 
 profyte and worshyp of the reme, to thanke hym hertyly and also prey 
 Godd to thanke hym in tyme commyng, wher goode dedys ben 
 rewarded. And oure lord Godd so inspire and governe yow to His 
 plesaunce with helyth of soule and body. Wryte at Oxon, die superiori. 
 All the hole Universite of Oxon. 
 
 143- 
 To the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 The glory of your beneficent labours for the church and clergy is so 
 bright that, as owls in daylight, we are dazzled beholding it. Other 
 
 1 A late hand writes on the margin Summa 129. Fostea, p. 60, Jit mentio 
 novem aliorum voluminum ab his distinctorum. Postea epistola 158, p. 63, 
 mentio fit 139 voluminum. Fasten, p. 67, mentio Jit 135 voluminum.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 185 
 
 prelates do not put in practice your provision for the promotion of 
 graduates ; wherefore we humbly beg that in the convocation of the 
 province of Canterbury you will enforce the same by penalties for dis- 
 obedience thereto. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei H39- 
 gracia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati et apostolice 
 sedis legato, Universitatis nostre singularissimo defensori. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, domine clementissime, 
 necnon ampliator nostri gloriosissime, cujus pro felici statu utinam 
 nostrarum oracionum incensum coram Deo acceptabilem, cum subjec- 
 cione humillima fiiiali. Letabundus exsurgit in devotissimas quas 
 valet graciarum acciones filiorum vestrorum humilium cordialis 
 affectus. Sed graciosissime vestre paternitatis beneficia magnificaque 
 opera, que in ecclesie Dei munimen et tocius cleri desiderandissimam 
 excrescenciam redundant, tante fame celebritate irradiari non desinunt, 
 quod nostre devocionis commendative jubar et laudes, quamvis eadem 
 digne promulgare conemur, tamen propter nostram insufficienciam, 
 necnon propter eorum amplitudinem magnificam, in ipsorum de- 
 scripcione deficiunt, velut oculi noctue ante solis faciem caligantur. 
 O piissimum pastorem, O gratissimum patrem ! cujus permaxima 
 beneficia et piissima opera circa filios perhumiles celo plusquam 
 mundo perpetuo registrantur. Paternali eciam provisione pro gradua- 
 torum promocione ex concentu cordium unanimi gratulantes, humillima 
 graciarum tributa cum prostrate spiritu gratulamus. Verum quia 
 nonnulli ecclesie prelati et patres negligenter et obliviose, ut infor- 
 mamur, postponunt provisionem illam effectui demandare ; igitur vestre 
 paternitatis pietatem precelsam pro reformacionis remedio, dum in 
 hac parte solacia non sentimus omnino, ut scicientes ad fontem, 
 pauperes ad potentem, ut humiles filii ad graciosum patrem recurrimus, 
 pro hujus rei remedio et antidota 1 salutari : supplicantes humillime 
 quatenus dignetur vestra paternalis gracia eandem vestram provi- 
 sionem, ne frustretur effectu, in convocacione vestra universalis cleri 
 vestre Cantuariensis provincie sub infligenda pena pro futuris tem- 
 poribus 2 roborare : ut filii vestri, sic per vestram ordinacionem, ab 
 Universitate in culturam divine vinee, et a contemplacione in operam 
 feliciter evocandi, tarn vobis quam diei natalis vestri affluentissime et 
 merito benedicant ; dum sic per vos ecclesie accipiant colonos ydoneos, 
 et viri litteratissimi ob suas virtutes, ut congruit, premientur. Nunciis 
 nostris inclinatas aures gracie et favoris, in pro parte nostra dicendis, 
 quatinus impendere dignemini, obnixius obsecramus. Utinam pater- 
 
 1 antitoda MS. * temporis ib.
 
 186 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 nitas vestra tarn gratissima quam piissima diu sit Domino in votis, ad 
 ecclesie munimen et vestrorum solamina filiorum. 
 Scrtptum, &c. 
 
 144. 
 
 Fol. 54 a. To the Archbishop of Canterbury and other members 
 of the Convocation at London. 
 
 We have on several occasions laid our complaints before you as lo the 
 deplorable condition of this University. Formerly the fruitful mother of 
 children she has now become as a childless widow. Our students are 
 
 few, the Inns are empty of scholars. We have said before, and cease not 
 now to urge that this state of the University is a great injury to the 
 Church of England. If the virtuous and learned obtain no reward, but 
 
 find themselves in poverty and forsaken in their old age, what must the 
 effect be on the minds of the younger students ? Will they not infer that 
 the pursuit of learning is unprofitable? We ask that the 'provincial 
 constitution' for the promotion of graduates may be enforced by penalty. 
 
 1439. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Henrico, Dei 
 gratia Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, ceterisque reverendis patribus in 
 convocacione cleri Londoniensi existentibus, nostris dominis gra- 
 ciosis. 
 
 In omni humilitatis spiritu, nos ipsos ut decet, cum omnimodis 
 reverencia et honore. In Christo Reverendissimi patres, domini 
 percelebres, columpne firmissime ecclesie militantis, paternales vestras 
 dementias graciosissimas pulsavit plerisque querelis Universitas mater 
 nostra, ejus dispendia et desolationes * maximas proponendo ; videlicet 
 quod, olim mater prole fecunda hiis jam diebus facta fere sine liberis 
 vidua, sicque in ignominiam versa, ut lutum platearum derelicta est 
 squalida; paucissimos habens incolas, sed tantum hospicia vacua et 
 habitacula desolata, in maximum dispendium tocius ecclesie Anglicane. 
 Que eapropter contigisse suggessimus et adhuc suggerere non de- 
 sistimus, quum meritis et eminencie 2 in sciencia litteratissimorum 
 virorum in Universitatibus studencium minime provisum fuerat, eos 
 in excolendam vineam Domini Sabaoth statim post adeptam marga- 
 ritam sciencie ad operam feliciter evocari ; sed nonnullos doctissimos, 
 usque ad vite sue vesperam et ipsam mortem, sine premiis virtutum in 
 militante ecclesia evanescere 3 et perire ; in juvenum studencium 
 perniciosissimum exemplum et a studio alliciens subterfugium ; dum 
 utrobique per mundum simplices, qui lilteraturas non noverint, vide- 
 rint ad dignitates ecclesiasticas sublimari. Qua in re, ut paratissimi in 
 1 dissolaliones MS. 2 imminencie corrected in Mb. 3 evanescit MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 187 
 
 clemenciam patres, ut virtutis et sciencie zelatissimi amatores, dignum 
 duxistis erigere constitucionem in cleri marcescentis subsidium et 
 felicissimum incrementum; ob quam letantissime in graciarum ex- 
 surgimus acciones. Sane habemus sanctum rei inicium. Sed et 
 piissima affeccio patrum ; quibus tarn celebriter tam clementer meritis 
 provectorum in scienciis per condigna premia proponitur subvenire. 
 Sed, ut accepimus, nonnulli ecclesie patres provisionem vestram 
 negligenter et obliviose postponunt ducere in operis complementum. 
 Propterea nee adhuc tacere potest Universitas mater nostra, quin magis 
 ac magis, sub spe exaudicionis, ad sui refugium, patres piissimos, 
 clamando recurrat ; ut ad tam miserande matris justas instancias hec 
 vestra celeberrima sinodus, quam et sanctam esse confidimus, mota 
 misericordie visceribus votis suis feliciter annual, peticiones exaudiat ; 
 ut videlicet ordinacionem vestram, pro graduatorum in Universitatibus 
 existencium promocione, sic roboretis l sufficiente sub pena ; ne, quod 
 absit, id quod vestra sacra sinodus fieri decreverat, ob sui non-execu- 
 tionem nomen frustratorie opere et constitucionis majus merito 
 sorciatur. Sane dedecus grande, damnabile dispendium, si reveren- 
 dissimorum patrum institucio tam sancta sic irreverenter periret cassata. 
 Quid diceretur ? quid in ore hominum esset ? Sane scimus. ' Quid 
 prodest studium, quid sapiencia, quid labor inutilis ; cum nee decennialis 
 pro litteratissimorum promocione directa provisio stare temporis minima 
 potuit curricula f ' Aspicite igitur felicissimi in ecclesia patroni, luci- 
 dissima ecclesie luminaria, quatinus sub pena non infringenda pro 
 graduatorum promocione vestra muniatur sanccio sacra : ut sic, quos 
 amor justicie in legis et institucionis vestre execucionem non allicit, 
 timor pene coherceat et impellat. Et vestras piissimas paternitates in 
 sue ecclesie fulcimentum longevet in terrenis noster Dominus Jesus 
 Christus ; Cui sint honor et gloria in secula. Amen. Scriptum sub 
 sigillo nostro in nostre Congregacionis domo, Decembris die septimo. 
 Humillima vestrarum paternitatum oratrix Universitas studii Oxon- 
 iensis. 
 
 Statuta veteris Bibliothecae 2 . Fol. 54 b. 
 
 For the secure custody of the books given by the duke of Gloucester 
 a new register shall be made and deposited in the chest ' of five keys' in 
 which, as in all the statute-books of the University, the names of the 
 volumes shall be entered ; as also at the beginning of each volume, with 
 the contents of each volume, shall be written the first words of the 
 second folio. 
 
 1 roboretis added over the line by a somewhat later hand, MS. * This title 
 
 in a modern hand.
 
 i88 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 J 439- UNIVERSIS Christi fidelibus presentibus et futuris pateat manifeste, 
 quod vicesimo quinto die mensis Novembris, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo tricesimo nono, Universitas Oxoniensis statuit et 
 ordinavit, Imprimis, pro firma et perpetua custodia largissime et 
 magnificentissime donacionis centum viginti novem voluminum, 
 per serenissimum principem et dominum inclitissimum dominum 
 Humfridum, regum filium, fratrem et patruum, ducem Gloucestrie l , 
 comitem Pembrochie, et magnum camerarium Anglic, prefate Univer- 
 sitati ex summa sua liberalitate donatorum, et quorumcumque volu- 
 minum in futurum per eundem serenissimum principem donandorum, 
 ut fiat unum novum registrum in cista quinque clavium reponendum ; 
 in quo, et in singulis libris statutorum Universitatis predicte, necnon 
 et in principiis diciorum voluminum omnia nomina eorundem, cum 
 suis contends universis et cum principiis secundorum foliorum, 
 seriatim, aperte, et expresse registrentur : ut sic liquide omnibus 
 apparere poterit, si quod dictorum voluminum seu contentorum eorum- 
 dem, quantumcunque rarum ignotumque fuerit, perditum, subtractum, 
 distractum, dilaceratum vel ablatum sit. 
 
 No volume, or any part or sheet of any volume shall, upon any 
 pretence whatsoever, be sold, given, exchanged, pledged, lent to be copied 
 in separate sheets, or removed from the library, except for repair ; 
 provided nevertheless, that the duke of Gloucester may, by indenture 
 'between himself and the University, borrow any volume for a stated term. 
 
 Item, predicta Universitas statuit et ordinavit, ut nullum predictorum 
 voluminum seu librorum aut contentorum in eisdem ullo unquam 
 tempore, quocunque quesito colore vendatur, donetur, permutetur, 
 vel impignoretur, aut alicui pro copia quaternatim tradatur seu acco- 
 modetur, nee extra communem librarian! dicte Universitatis deportetur, 
 nisi aliquod ipsorum voluminum aut librorum ligandum reparandumve 
 fuerit : in quo eciam casu absque mora, et quam cicius fieri poterit, 
 ligetur, reparetur, et, cum ligatum ac reparatum fuerit, ad librarian! 
 communem statim reportetur: proviso tamen semper, quod si pre- 
 fatus princeps, per suas litteras speciales aliquod ipsorum voluminum 
 pro certo tempore duxerit mutuandum 2 , ut, sub indenturis suis, inter 
 sereniiatem suam et dictam Universitatem inde conficiendis, idem 
 volumen, certo tamen et diffinito tempore restituendum, ab Uni- 
 versitate indilate et per viam mutui liberetur. Hoc statutum ha 
 slricte observetur, ut 3 non liceat congregacioni rcgencium per aliquam 
 graciam cum eodem dispensare. 
 
 1 Gloucestre MS. 2 inuluenJuni ib. 3 ut omitted ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 189 
 
 All looks (whether of this or any other future donation) for study of 
 the seven liberal arts and three philosophies shall be kept in a chest, 
 provided for that purpose in the library, and placed under the custody of 
 the librarian by indenture between him and the University ; and may be 
 borrowed by masters of arts, actually lecturing in those subjects, also by 
 indenture between such masters and the said librarian, and, under certain 
 circumstances, by Principals of halls. And it is provided that the 
 Librarian shall every year render an account of the books, and in every 
 indenture the names of the books, and other particulars, as above 
 mentioned, shall be written ; and each book shall have a price set upon 
 it, exceeding its real value, in case of loss to be instantly paid to the 
 University, so that a similar book may be provided as soon as possible. 
 
 Item, statutum et ordinatutn est per eandem Universitatem, quod 
 omnes et singuli libri, alias per eundem serenissimum principem pro 
 lectura septem arcium liberalium et trium philosophiarum, necnon et 
 per alios ad eundem usum collati, seu in futurum conferendi, in quadam 
 cista, per Universitatem ad hoc ordinanda, in communi libraria Uni- 
 versitatis sub custodia custodis ejusdem, per indenturas inter dictam 
 Universitatem et dictum pro tempore existente a confectas, reponantur : 
 que quidem 2 cista in futurum vocabilur ' cista trium philosophiarum 
 et septem scienciarum liberalium ; ad effectum quod magistris arcium, 
 dictas sciencias actualiter et publice in scolis arcium legentibus seu Fol. 55 a. 
 legere volentibus, per indenturas inter dictum custodem et dictos 
 magistros conficiendas, deliberentur. Quod si contingat aliquam 
 ipsarum scienciarum actualiter non legi, ex tune principalibus aularum 
 et aliis magistris quibuscumque, pro utilitate et commodo suarum 
 scolarium, sub indenturis eciam eorumdem per custodem liberentur; 
 prestito per eos prius corporali juramento, quod custodi ciste predicte 
 de ipsorum librorum in die cessationis cujuslibet termini fidelem 
 restitutionem faciant 3 : proviso insuper, quod predictus custos, quum 
 reddere seu deliberare debebit claves sui officii, singulis annis, fidelem 
 reddat compotum de eisdem ; quod eciam in singulis indenturis, sic 
 ut prefertur faciendis, contenta librorum, cum principiis secundorum 
 foliorum, expresse scribantur. Et, ut major dictos libros custodiendi 
 detur occasio, dicta Universitas statuit et ordinavit, ut quilibet ipsorum 
 librorum notabiliter ultra verum valorem apprecietur: quern quidem 
 valorem Universitati fideliter persolvendum, quicumque hujusmodi 
 librum vel libros per viam mutui recipiens, si ipsum librum vel ipsos 
 libros amittere vel perdere contingat, appellacione et dilacione qua- 
 cumque postposita, dicte ciste solvere teneatur ; ut de summa recepta 
 
 1 The word custodem seems to be omitted MS. 2 qttedam ib. 3 facial ib.
 
 igo EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 liber alius, apparatus et forme consimilis, quam cicius fieri poterit, 
 ordinetur. 
 
 Having no other means of rewarding the donor, than by a spiritual 
 recompense, we have appointed by statute that every year during his life, 
 on the feast of SS. Simon and Jude, or as near thereto as may be, mass 
 1 of the Trinity] or ' of the Blessed Virgin fifary,' with special collects 
 naming the Duke and his Duchess, shall be said for their prosperity: 
 and that, at every mass said by the Chaplain of the University, the 
 name of the Duke shall be mentioned along with other benefactors. And, 
 on occasion of every sermon of whatsoever kind at St. Marys church, 
 the preacher shall expressly and by name pray for the said Duke ; and, 
 after his departure from this world, within ten days of that event, the 
 University shall celebrate his obit: and every year, on the anniversary of 
 his death, or as nearly as may be, mass, with special collects mentioning 
 them by name, for the repose of his soul and that of his consort (after 
 her death), and for the souls of all the faithful departed, shall be solemnly 
 said for ever. 
 
 Item, cum tarn ampla tamque magnifica sint died excellentissimi 
 principis nobis indulta beneficia, quod omnino imbecilles et in- 
 validi sumus condignam excogitare recompensam, ut tamen pro 
 temporalibus beneficiis, ea que valemus, spiritualia beneficia repen- 
 damus, statuit et ordinavit dicta Universitas, ut, annis singulis, quam 
 diu dictus illustrissimus, litteratissimus, eciam scientissimus princeps 
 vitam duxerit in humanis, in festo Simonis et Jude, si tune absque 
 impedimento poterit, seu die aliquo infra triduum ante vel post, quo 
 hujusmodi impedimentum non occurret, pro felici ac prospero statu 
 ejusdem principis, necnon et domine Alianore consortis sue, missa 
 ' de Trinitate,' seu ' de Beatissima Virgine Maria,' cum collecta 
 * Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, miserere famulo tuo Humfrido et famule 
 tue Alianore,' cum expressione videlicet nominum suorum, secundum 
 formam et modum pro regibus et principibus in dicta Universitate 
 actenus consueta, ab ipsa Universitate solemniter decantetur : quodque 
 in singulis missis, per capellanum communem dicte Universitatis 
 publice et solemniter celebrandis, ut mos est, pro aliis Universitatis 
 benefactoribus, quoad prefatus princeps vixerit, specialis de ipso 
 memoria habeatur, cum predicta collecta, ' Omnipotens sempiterne 
 Dcus' et sui nominis, ut prefertur, expressione : quodque in singulis 
 collacionibus, et sermonibus examinatoriis, excusatoriis, seu aliis 
 quibuscunque in ecclesia Beate Marie Virginis Oxonie diebus domi- 
 nicis et aliis publice faciendis, cujuscunque generis aut condicionis 
 doctor vel bacularius qui hujusmodi collacionem seu sermonem facere
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 191 
 
 debeat fuerit, pro predicto principe expresse et nominatim exorare 
 teneatur : ut eciam, cum ab luce predictus famosissimus et nobilissimus 
 princeps assumptus fuerit, cum primo id Universitati constiterit, infra 
 decem dies obitum suum facial ipsa Universitas honorifice celebrari. 
 Necnon ut extunc, annis singulis perpetuis futuris temporibus, in 
 anniversario sui obitus, aut, si ipse dies minime conveniens fuerit, in 
 proxima die ad ipsum negocium aptiori, missam pro anima ejus, et 
 anima domine Alianore consortis sue, cum ab hac luce migraverit, Fol. 55 b. 
 animabusque omnium fidelium defunctorum, cum collectis nomina 
 sua specificantibus, decantare solempniter teneatur, prout utique pro 
 aliis regibus et principibus, ipsius videlicet Universitatis benefactoribus, 
 actenus fieri consuevit. Acta et statuta sunt hec in congregacione 
 solemni regencium et non-regencium in ecclesia Beate Marie Virginis 
 predicte solemniter celebrata, ex unanimi consensu regencium et non- 
 regencium, existentibus Cancellario nato dicte Universitatis magistro 
 Johanne Burbach, sacre theologie professore, et procuratoribus ejus- 
 dem magistris Willelmo Orell et Johanne Wylley, vicesimo quinto 
 die mensis Novembris, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 tricesimo nono. Ad premissa autem omnia et singula fideliter et sine 
 fraude perpetuo facienda, et inviolabiliter observanda, obligamus nos 
 et successores nostros per presentes ; et ea omnia et singula facere et 
 observare promittimus bona fide. Et ut prefata nostra statuta ordi- 
 naciones et concessiones robur obtineant perpetue firmitatis, presentes 
 litteras nostras fieri fecimus patentes communi nostre Universitatis 
 sigillo sigillatas, in fidem et testimonium omnium premissorum. 
 Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo die et anno superius 
 expressatis. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod septimo decimo die mensis Decembris, anno 1439. 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo nono, in plena con- 
 gregacione sigillata est acquietancia Abbati et conventui de Enensham, 
 de annua pensione sedecim solidorum debita Universitati per eosdem, 
 propter depascendos pauperes in die S. Nicholai eodem anno. 
 
 Indenture between the University and Thomas Elkyn, 
 stonemason. 
 
 While employed on the new Divinity Schools, the salary of the stone- 
 mason shall be four shillings a week in summer, and three shillings and 
 fourpence in winter. He shall employ good workmen. He shall have an 
 annual salary also of one mark. Whereas many great people and wise 
 object to too much ornament, the mason shall alter it, particularly the 
 canopies of the images, the casements, fillets, Sfc.
 
 i 9 2 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL 
 
 1439. HEC indentura, facta inter Universitatem Oxoniensem ex parte una, 
 et Thomam Elkyn, lathomum, ex parte altera, testatur quod dictus 
 Thomas manucepit edificacionem novarum scolarum sacre theologie 
 in Universitate predicta, in quantum pertinet ad lathomiam : et pre- 
 dictus Thomas recipiet septimanatim per estatem quatuor solidos 
 sterlingorum, et per yemem tres solidos et quatuor denarios ; quando 
 contingat ipsum ebdomadatim ibidem presencialiter sic operari. Eciam 
 dictus Thomas introducet alios lathomos, meliores quos sciverit, et 
 meliori precio quo poterit, ad proficuum dicti operis : numerus vero 
 eorum erit pro voluntate supravisorum dicti operis. Et dictus Thomas 
 recipiet ab eadem Universitate annuatim in dicto opere unam marcam 
 sterlingorum, pro annua pensione sua. Et quia plures magnates regni 
 et alii sapientes non approbant, sed reprehendunt, nimiam curiositatem 
 incepti dicti operis, igitur dicta Universitas vult quod dictus Thomas 
 retrahet deinceps, sicut jam retrahere incepit, supervacuam talem 
 curiositatem dicti operis, videlicet in tabernaculis ymaginum 1 , . . . 
 casimentis et fylettis, et in aliis frivolis curiositatibus, que ad rem non 
 pertinent, sed ad nimias et sumptuosas expensas dicte Universitatis et 
 ad nimiam dicti operis tardacionem. Et ad dictas convenciones ex 
 parte dicti Thome fideliter tenendas et observandas idem Thomas 
 obligat se per presentes dicte Universitati in quadraginta libris ster- 
 lingorum. In cujus rei testimonium tarn sigillum commune dicte 
 Universitatis quam sigillum dicti Thome his scriptis indentatis sunt 
 appensa. Datum Oxonie sexto decimo die Januarii, anno regni regj's 
 Henrici sex ti post conquestum octodecimo : Magistro Ricardo Riderham, 
 sacre theologie doctore, dicte Universitatis Cancellario, Willelmo Orell 
 et Johanne Willey procuratoribus ejusdem ad tune existentibus. 
 
 Fol. 56 a. Acquittances of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 1439. MEMORANDUM, quod undecimo die Marcii, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo tricesimo nono, sigillata est acquietancia Abbati et 
 conventui de Enensham, de annua pensione duorum et quinquaginta 
 solidorum. 
 
 Item, eodem die sigillata acquietancia Abbati et conventui de 
 Oseneya, de pensione annua viginti sex solidorum octo denariorum. 
 
 1 A word here imperfect, apparently bate et ; can it be batelmentis ?
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 193 
 
 *""'.!" ."" . 145. ' ' '"""'/ : ' 
 
 To the King. 
 
 // is in vain that your majesty s forefathers have planted the vineyard 
 and hedged it about for the protection of the vines, unless the defences 
 are maintained. For the privileges of the University, which are its 
 defence, are threatened by the vexatious prosecution of Master J. G or seek, 
 on account of official acts during his chancellorship. We beg that your 
 majesty will give orders to the judges of your court to respect our 
 privileges, and also summon N. Bury, the prosecutor in the case, to 
 answer before yourself in person. 
 
 SERENISSIME princeps et regum Christianissime ; Inclitissimi reges, H39- 
 progenitores vestri recolendissimi, ad sacrosancte matris ecclesie pro- 
 fectum, ad Dei, nature, et legum misteria cognoscenda, ne radix 
 aliqua sapiencialis suo deesset regno, vineam scienciarum quarum- 
 libet electam, Universitatem videlicet Oxoniensem, ex summa pru- 
 dencia plantavere : quatenus scicientes scienciarum vina, nulla earum 
 pretermissa, secundum suam eleccionem habundanter haurire valerent 
 ibidem. Et quoniam nequit anima, nisi vexacionibus exterius seclusis, 
 ad perfecciones sciencie elevari ; ea propter, ne dicta vinea extrinsecis 
 concuteretur turbinibus, quibus botri scienciales marcescere (et) 1 
 languere possent, aut quomodolibet impediri, libertatum sepibus 
 fortibus circumfulcierunt eandem, et privilegiorum tutis propugnaculis 
 vallaverunt. Que omnia, tarn libertates quam privilegia, dignata est 
 vestra majestas magnifica litteris vestris patentibus confirmare. O felix 
 fructuosaque ad Dei ecclesie munimen, immo tocius Anglie, vinee 
 plantacio ! O felicior ejusdem privileges et libertatibus vallacio ! sed 
 et felicissima eorumdem confirmacio graciosa! Sed heu et dolor! 
 quod quorumdam temera presumpcio et incastigata malicia has liber- 
 tates et hec privilegia, que regalis sanciit 2 preeminencia, intrepide 
 moliuntur evertere et nequiter dissipare. Nihil equidem serere prod- 
 esset agrum, si exortas segetes fere pessime devorarent : immo et 
 nihil castri proderunt alta menia vel s fossata profunda, si non sit qui 
 inimicum elidat tran?gredi satagentem. Que omnia vestre serenitati 
 metuendissime dolorosis conquestibus et gemebundis suspiriis rese- 
 ramus : quum sola vestra celsitudo regalis ea protegere ac facere 
 stare sufficit, que vestrorum progenitorum inclitudo permaxima erexit, 
 ac vestra majestas invictissima confirmavit. Nuper equidem quidam 
 N. Bury oratricem vestram humillimam, dictam Universitatem, in suo 
 filio carissimo, magistro J. Gorsech, contra dicta libertates et privilegia, 
 1 et omitted in MS. * sanctiit MS. 3 ve ib. 
 
 O
 
 i 9 4 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 ob eorumdem execucionem vexavit et graviter molestavit, nee adhuc 
 vexare desistit. Et quum dictus magister J. penes dictum N. secundum 
 tenorem libertatum tempore sui vicecancellariatus exsequebatur justicie 
 complementum, idem N. contra dictum magistrum J. acciones ficticias 
 adinvenit ; quas certis et loco et tempore fieri fallaciter figuravit ; in 
 Universitatis magnum dispendium, lesionem privilegiorum pregrandem 
 atque expensarum effusionem non modicam, propter dicti magistri et 
 libertatum dictarum tuicionem diuturnam : quam diucius sine vestro 
 brachio sustinere nequimus. Qua in re, Christianissime princeps, 
 vestram graciosissimam proteccionem humiliatis spiritibus et inclinatis 
 cervicibus supplices imprecamur; quatinus curie vestre Londinensis 
 mandetur judicibus privilegia, per vos et progenitores vestros vestre 
 Universitati concessa, indilate et emcaciter allocare. Necnon et ut 
 dictus N. in vestram metuendissimam presenciam advocetur, re- 
 sponsurus ibidem quare, in enervacionem privilegiorum vestre Uni- 
 versitatis, contra dictum magistrum J. acciones fallaces figuret et 
 fingat : ut sic sua cohibeatur malicia et timor ceteros sibi consimiles 
 apprehendat, ne contra aliquem injuste acciones confingant fallaces. 
 Et vestram regaliam serenissimam ad regni vestri utriusque guber- 
 nionem felicem, sic dirigat Jesus Christus, ut hujus vite januis con- 
 clusis in vitam transferat eternalem. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo mensis Marcii die undevicesimo. Vestre serenitatis 
 potentissime humillima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 146. 
 Fol. 56 b. To John, Baron Gutenstein. 
 
 The renown of your great deeds is spread throughout the Christian 
 world, compelling the gratitude of every minister of the Church. But 
 we, who have received your letter, in a more especial manner rejoice at 
 your conquest of the arch-heretick. In this world you may not, but in the 
 next you surely will receive the due reward of your work, and we shall 
 not fail to beg that his majesty the King luill make a favourable response 
 to your letter. 
 
 1440. POTENTI et nobili viro, Johanni Baroni * de Gutenstein, domino in 
 Babenstein. 
 
 Spectabili et virtuoso domino, catholice fidei inexpugnabili pro- 
 pugnaculo, pro victoria inimici crucis Christi suavitatem crucis de- 
 gustare, et cum Dei militibus gloriosis triumphalis glorie laurea 
 coronari. Graciosissimi vestri gestus celebre preconium, per universes 
 
 1 B^^rroni MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 195 
 
 Christi fidelium terminos longe lateque diffusum, omnium servorum 
 in Dei ecclesia ministrancium devotissimos animos ad vestre magnifice 
 laudis et favoris amplexum merito inclinavit. Nos tamen, ad quos 
 vestra magnificencia direxit suas litteras, specialius gratulamur, dum, 
 ex singular! gracia in vestre virtutis brachio, captus est ille vetus 
 sacrosancte ecclesie hostis, quern heresiarcham tocius orbis publica 
 vox et fama proclamant. O felix brachium ! felixque gladius vester 
 evangelicus, qui de evangelice veritatis sevissimo inimico meruit 
 obtinere victoriam; eodemque viriliter devicto, turbulenta tempora 
 pacis beneficio feliciter restaurare ! Nee deerunt in futurum votive 
 retribucionis munera magnanimitati vestre. Licet in presenti milicie 
 vestre et laboris immensitati non arrideat forsan equa merces, tamen 
 militum suorum non obliviscetur Deus, quos in fine et tempore accepto 
 eternalis premii gloria saciabit. Nos quoque devocione promptissima, 
 qua tenemur, penes illustrissimum dominum regem instabimus, qua- 
 tinus, juxta juris et justicie complementum, litterarum vestrarum con- 
 gruum recipere valeatis responsum. Militarem vestram eminenciam, 
 ad felix ecclesie et fidei robur, per diuturna in prosperis conservet 
 tempora virtus sanguinis Crucifixi. Scriplum Oxonie in nostre con- 
 gregacionis domo, mensis Aprilis die quinto. Universitas studii 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Brewer. Fol. 57 a. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod undecimo die mensis Maii sigillata fuit littera 1440. 
 testimonialis magistri Thome Brewer, in artibus magistri et sacre 
 theologie baccalarii, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadra- 
 gesimo. 
 
 147. ; 
 To the Pope. 
 
 We are desired by the Duke of Gloucester to write to your holiness in 
 behalf of Master Edmund Kyrton : and we feel bound, though we had 
 not been asked to do so, to say that his character is unimpeachable and 
 his learning great. He has also ever been a staunch defender, both by 
 disputation and preaching, of the church and of the holy see. With all 
 humility, therefore, we venture to support the suit of the Duke in his 
 favour. 
 
 SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Eugenio, divina 1440. 
 providencia sacrosancte Romane et universalis eccloeie summo 
 pontifici. 
 
 O 2
 
 196 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Pridie, beatissime pater, illustrissimus Gloucestrie dux Humfridus 
 suum per nuncium nos rogavit, quatenus celsitudini vestre apostolice 
 significare vellemus cujusdam confratris nostri, magistri Edmundi 
 Kyrton, doctoris sacre theologie, vite integritatem ac litterarum 
 erudicionem ; ut per nos sanctitas vestra plenius informata suorum 
 invidorum maledictis nullam prorsus credenciam largiretur. Nos 
 vero, non ut rogati sed pocius obligati, vestram celsitudinem apos- 
 tolicam cerciorem efficimus predictum confratrem nostrum, virum 
 doctissimum in nostra Universitate, bone fame, vite honeste, opinionis 
 illese fuisse. Et preter hec, dum cursum ejus scolasticum apud nos 
 laudabiliter perficeret, pro honore ac exaltacione Romane sedis et 
 pontificatus vestri jam arguendo, jam respondendo, jam predicando 
 ita illustrem se habuit, ut gradum ipsum magistratus digne promere- 
 retur, totique cetui doctorum ipsius adventu magnum decus advenisse. 
 Beatitudini *, ut existimamus, vestre notus ; nam, ut informamur, in 
 consistorio generali quorum felicis recordacionis domino Martino per 
 confirmacionem predecessoris sui laudabiliter proposuit. Ad pedes 
 igitur vestre beatitudinis provoluti idem quod ipse dux illustrissimus 
 rogat et nos rogamus affectuosis precibus. Supplicamus ut magistrum 
 antedictum recommissum in sua gracia habere dignetur apostolica 
 celsitudo. Verum cum singulas illius magistri prefati virtutes narrare 
 longum esset, et, si vellemus, propter nuncii celeritatem nequeamus, 
 tamen in iis que eciam de devocione et zelo nostro erga Romanam 
 sedem et beatitudinem vestram nuncio litterarum regie majestatis et 
 principis antedicti, cui credencia tradita est, fidem indubiam adhibere 
 dignetur vestra apostolica celsitudo. Quam Omnipotens conservare 
 dignetur ad bonum regimen ecclesie sue sancte. Scriptum Oxonie 
 in nostre congregacionis domo, vtcesimo die Mail. Sanctitatis vestre 
 humillimi oratores Cancellarius Universitatis vestre Oxoniensis cetus- 
 que unanimis magistrorum regencium et non-regencium in eadem. 
 
 Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 
 
 1440. MEMORANDUM, quod septimo die Februarii sigillata fuit acquietancia 
 viginti sex solidorum octo denariorum Abbati et conventui de Oseneya, 
 nomine cujusdam annue pensionis ab eisdem debite pro termino 
 omnium Sanctorum. 
 
 1 These passages are transcribed precisely as they stand in the MS., nor is there 
 any difficulty in deciphering this epistle. As has been observed before, the epistles 
 which are written in the most clerkly hand have invariably more errors and 
 omissions.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 197 
 
 A Grace, conditional on payment of five pounds to 
 the new schools' fund. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod gracia Myddleham conditionatur quod solvat 1440. 
 quinque marcas ad fabricam novarum scolarum, et hoc infra annum 
 a die concessionis gracie predicte. 
 
 A Fine paid by a Guardian of the Lincoln Chest. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod undevicesimo die Marcii sigillata fuit ac- 1440. 
 quietancia sedecim solidorum trium denariorum magistro Roberto 
 Ampleford pro cista Lincolniensi, ex condemnacione judicum ejusdem 
 ciste. 
 
 148. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. Fol. 57 b. 
 
 When we remember your many splendid donations to us, we cannot but 
 extol your great munificence, and the natural inclination of your genius 
 for literature, which have prompted you to send us seven more volumes of 
 peculiar beauty by the hands of Master John Kyrkeby. Your success in 
 the conduct of civil government, and your victories in war at home 
 and abroad, are indeed signal titles to glory ; but this your benefaction to 
 us is in a peculiar sense befitting your character, and will out-live 
 the transitory fame of all your other exploits. Statues, sculptures, and 
 graven brass will not so long preserve the memory of the great as will 
 the living records of history. How can we express our thanks ? It is 
 but little we do, but whereinsoever we can show our gratitude, we shall 
 be ever ready to obey your commands. 
 
 SERENISSIMO ac illustrissimo principi Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, 1440. 
 comiti Pembrochie, magno Camerario Anglie, et domino et protectori 
 nostro graciosissimo. 
 
 Eternis laudum preconiis serenitatem vestram, illustrissime princeps, 
 multo omnium maxime nos, humiles ac devoti ejusdem serenitatis 
 cultores, extollere et magnificare non ab re tenemus, si excelsa et 
 preclara ipsa sublimitatis vestre munera, sepe sepissimeque nobis 
 supplicibus oratoribus vestris graciosissime prestita, ante mentis nostre 
 aciem devocione debita revocemus. Tarn abundans profecto atque 
 exuberans in nos est bonitas magnificencie vestre, animus preterea 
 ingenuus ita in artes ac sciencias in ... 1 denique omnium facultatum 
 proficuum incensus, ut, preter cetera beneficia preclaro ac vere regio, 
 seu verius divino, illo centum viginti sex voluminum dono, que baud 
 
 1 A word lost here by abrasion of MS.
 
 198 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 dubium pro multitudine ac magnitudine spectaculum est videre, 
 matrem nostram Universitatem nequaquam vos satis ornasse putatis, 
 nisi septem eciam aliis admirandi apparatus voluminibus, per dilectum 
 confratrem nostrum magistrum Johannem Kyrkeby, ad nos jam 
 tarde a celsitudine vestra transmissis, numerum predictum magnifice 
 augeretis. Sed hec, serenissime princeps, excellentissima res est, et 
 que magnitudinem vestram quam maxime deceat. Licet enim summa 
 regni negocia, sub felici ducatu ac fortunatis auspiciis vestris tarn 
 beate et prospere semper directa, parte insuper tocies de extraneis 
 intraneis quoque hostibus victorie, cetereque istiusmodi innumerose 
 preclarissime res per vos geste, que immense laudis titulo commen- 
 dande semper existunt, nomen vestrum celebre plurimum ac gloriosum 
 effecerint, hec tamen peculiariter inter alias res sublimitatem vestram 
 adornat, vestrique nominis famam multo ceteris gloriosiorem ac 
 mirabiliorem reddit. Ac ubi de aliis gestis et factis fragilem atque 
 transitoriam, de hac sola re eternam memoriam comparatis. Superioris 
 etatis principibus sculpturis marmoreis, seu eneis celaturis, vel mortuis 
 quibusdam imaginibus sui memoriam relinquere vetusta consuetude 
 fuit, vos quidem non mortuis sed vivis librorum monimentis, cunctis 
 immortale seculis, vestri nominis memoriale reliquistis. Hec profecto 
 sunt, que nullis futuris temporibus laudes et preconia vestra, nee 
 celeberrimum nomen ante oblitum ire patientur, quam omne virtutis 
 studium pereat, vel qui litteras legere ac intelligere sciant nulli omnino 
 reperiantur. Cum cetera quidem mortalia cursu continue fluant, libri 
 tamen ac littere, ut viva quedam ac perpetua rerum gestarum moni- 
 Fol. 58 a. menta, semper expectant. Sed pro tantis, tarn amplis tamque 
 magnificis donis et beneficiis, quale vobis sacrificium offerre debemus, 
 excogitare certe nescimus. Multo quidem pluris beneficia ac dona 
 ista sunt, quam quod ipsi valemus exsolvere. Verum hoc unum, 
 quod possimus, fidelissime ac devotissime oratores vestri semper 
 erimus; in eterna quoque apud [nos] 1 ac celeberrima fama memoria 
 nominis vestri permanebit. Quam vero in iis, que ad vestram com- 
 placenciam per nos fieri possint, mandatis, desideriis, rogatibusque 
 vestris proni atque obnoxii semper fuerimus ; in gracia fratris Johannis 
 Kyry, sacre theologie bachilarii, pro qua jam nuper ad nos serenitas 
 vestra scripsit, ostendimus: cum quo, sola contemplacione domina- 
 cionis vestre, sub certis condicionibus pro regencia sua anni futuri 
 graciose dispensavimus ; et graciam suam juxta votum ac sacrum 
 desiderium vestrum modificavimus : sicut et promptissimum animum 
 semper habemus ad quecunque faciendum, que celsitudo vestra a 
 nobis peragi optaverit. Quam, ad regni gloriam, cleri et ecclesie 
 1 nos on.ittcd in MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 199 
 
 fulcimentum, nostramque precipue consolacionem, prosperis in Domino 
 successibus regat et protegat Rex regum et Dominus dominancium. 
 Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mentis Februarii die 
 ultimo. Humillima et perpelua oratrix vestra Universitas studii 
 Oxonie. 
 
 Two acquittances of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo secundo die Marcii, anno Domini 1440. 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo sigillata fuit acquietancia 
 Abbati et conventui de Eynesham, de annua pensione quinquaginta 
 duorum solidorum. 
 
 Eisdem die et anno sigillata fuit acquietancia predictis Abbati et 
 conventui, de annua pensione sedecim solidorum pro centum pauperi- 
 bus scolaribus pascendis in die S. Nicholai. 
 
 Testimonial letters for Masters Stephen Raff, Thomas 
 Kyppyng, Thomas Sebrok, and John Andevere. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod decimo die mensis Maii sigillata fuit littera H4 1 - 
 testimonialis, sub forma communi, Magistri Stephani Raff, sacre 
 theologie professoris, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadra- 
 gesimo prime. 
 
 Memorandum, quod vicesimo tercio die mensis Maii sigillata fuit 
 littera testimonialis, sub forma communi, magistri Thome Kyppyng, 
 arcium magistri, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadra- 
 gesimo primo. 
 
 Memorandum 1 , quod quarto die mensis Julii anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo quadragesimo primo sigillata fuit littera testimonialis, Fol. 58 b. 
 sub communi forma, pro magistro Thoma Sebrok, doctore sacre 
 theologie, professore, &c. 
 
 Memorandum, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo primo, mensis Julii die tercio, sigillata fuit littera testi- 
 monialis, sub communi forma, magistri Johannis Andevere, sacre 
 pagine professoris. 
 
 149. 
 
 To the Presidents and Chapter of the Benedictine 
 monks now assembled. 
 
 The University being solicitous that the merit of her sons should not be 
 hidden under a bushel, but that by being publicly known it may encourage 
 
 1 This memorandum, after having several corrections made, is crossed out in 
 the MS.
 
 200 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 others, commends io your favourable notice several distinguished members 
 of your order. 
 
 1441. VENERABILIBUS patribus presidentibus nigrorum monachorum ordinis 
 S. Benedict! in Anglia, et sacro ac general! capitulo eorumdem nunc 
 in Dei spiritu presencialiter congregate. 
 
 Venerabiles patres, prospera successuum incrementa ad sacre matris 
 ecclesie religionisque vestre continuum fulcimentum. Solet Universitas 
 mater nostra, ab antiquis exemplata parentibus, virtuosam vitam pariter 
 et studium suorum filiorum ad communem omnium deducere noticiam ; 
 quo magis ex hoc alii virtuosorum antecedencium gesta consimilia 
 imitentur. Igitur, ne matris nostre taciturnitate velata 1 , filiorum suorum 
 magistrorum, Willelmi Ebchester. Johannis Andevere, Ricardi Barton, 
 Johannis Mody et Johannis Burneby, sacre theologie doctorum, necnon 
 magistri Willelmi Mortone, decretorum doctoris, sacri ordinis vestri 
 monachorum, ardentes lucerne latescant sub modio quorum teneras 
 infancias suavis doctrine pavit dulcedine, deinde solidioris substancie 
 cibo suis educavit in laribus ; unde 2 sacre theologie et apostolicorum 
 Canonum cathedras meruerunt ascendere doctorales, inter alios litera- 
 tissimos ejusdem ordinis viros : rogitat vestre religionis patres ceteros- 
 que, quatenus ipsos suscipere his matris nostre precibus dignemini 
 specialiter commendatos, fidemque eis ex parte nostra credulam ad- 
 hibere. Et venerabilem cetum vestrum prosperari facial Deus, qui 
 illius sancte congregacionis vestre principium est et finis. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis fidii die quinto. Uni- 
 versitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 150. 
 To the Pope. 
 
 Commends to his holiness Master Richard Pytton, Dean of Darlington, 
 sometime Master of University College, the oldest of our foundations, who 
 has business to transact at Rome, 
 
 1441. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino nostro, Domino Eugenio, 
 divina providencia sacrosancte Romane ac universalis ecclesie summo 
 pontifici. 
 
 Beatissime pater, devota pedum oscula'beatorum. Magna sanctitas 
 vestre paternitatis et immensa opera, que in tocius orbis prodierunt 
 noticiam, ille quoque radius benignissimi favoris s vestri, suam illustrans 
 ancillam mero " apostolico, nos vestros obsequiosissimos filios animant 
 eandem ad sanctitatem B devocius exorandam pro vestro devoto filio et 
 
 1 velaie ? 2 dende MS. 3 vavoris ib. 4 more ? 5 sanilaletn MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 201 
 
 confratre nostro, magistro Ricardo Pytton, decano ecclesie de Derlyng- 
 ton Dunelmensis diocesis, in sacra theologia baccalario, et nuper 
 magistro collegii antiquioris Universitatis predicte; viro 1 morum et 
 scienciarum fragrancia vernante, provido et circumspecto ; qui coram 
 sanctitate vestra certa, ut dicit, habet prosequi negocia. Quapropter 
 eandem sanctitatem vestram humillime ac devotissime rogitamus, qua- 
 tinus, nostrarum precum supplici interventu, prefatum magistrum cum 
 suis negociis specialius commendatum dignetur suscipere vestra apo- 
 stolica celsitudo. Quam, ad Dei laudem et sancte matris ecclesie 
 fulcimentum, preservare dignetur semper in prosperis, Cujus vicem 
 geritis in terris, Jesus Christus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congrega- 
 cionis domo, mensis Julii die ultimo. Humillima apostolice sanctitatis 
 ancilla, Universitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 To the King. Fol. 59 a. 
 
 Your zeal for every good work, and especially for the worship of God 
 and the welfare of the church and clergy, ensures our readiness to comply 
 with your wishes ; and whereas you do not consider the terms we offered 
 
 for the rent of Bedel hall sufficient, we request permission either to 
 
 purchase the same, or to acquire it by exchange. 
 
 SERENISSIME et illustrissime princeps, divinus ille et celestis ardor, 1441. 
 quo in preclarissima omnium virtutum opera, in ea vero maxime que 
 ad Dei cultum, ecclesie et cleri gloriam cedunt, regius semper inflam- 
 matur animus, nos humillimos oratores vestros summopere 2 invitant, 
 ut votis regiis obedientes exsequamur quecunque per nos fieri regia 3 
 duxerit celsitudo. Unde et cum, ob virtutis incrementum, augmentum 
 studii atque cleri, ad preces et supplicaciones dilecti capellani vestri 
 magistri Johannis Carpenter, viri nostra opinione vita, moribus, doc- 
 trina, necnon cunctis animi virtutibus inter ceteros alme Universitatis 
 matris nostre alumnos prestantissimi, pro aula quadam nostra vocata 
 ' Bedelhall ' in eadem Universitate predicta capellano vestro ac suc- 
 cessoribus suis pro certa pensione annua in perpetuum concedenda, 
 sacra majestas vestra pluries scripserit; nos vero, ut decet, sanctum 
 vestrum desiderium et felix dicti capellani vestri propositum interna 
 mentis acie considerantes, quum preterea estimatione nostra ex hac re 
 Universitati matri nostre lucrum futurum sit, negare omnino non 
 audemus quod injungitis. At licet in eadem pensione decem solido-> 
 rum, quam jam nuper obtulimus, queque admodum racionabilis nobis 
 
 1 vero MS. 2 sumopere ib. 3 regea ib.
 
 202 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 fuisse videbatur, magnitudini vestre et litteris prioribus nos satisfecisse 
 sperassemus, cum jam tamen per secundos apices eandem magni- 
 tudinem de dicta pensione minime contentam esse intelligamus, tan- 
 quam jussionibus et votis regiis omnium semper obsequiosissimi atque 
 promptissimi filii, preter id quod a nobis prius est oblatum, contem- 
 placione celsitudinis vestre prefato magistro nunc de duobus aliis 
 opcionem atque eleccionem concedimus ; ad aulam videlicet integram 
 emendam, vel cum victu alio commutandam, juxta tenorem sedule 
 presentibus intercluse. Qua in re et serenitati vestre placabile sacri- 
 ficium obtulisse, ac dicti magistri Johannis intencionem nos implesse 
 confidimus. Illud autem humillime et devotissime a celsitudine vestra 
 deposcimus, quatinus, si aulam predictam vel integre vendere, vel pro 
 victu alio nos juxta votum vestrum commutare oporteat, ut eandem 
 celsitudinem, in novo victu amortizando et incorporando, nobis 
 graciosam et benevolam inveniamus. Oratores quoque vestri sumus 
 et continue erimus. Et sacratissima majestas vestra diu prosperetur 
 et floreat. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Au- 
 giisti die primo. Humillima et perpetua oratrix vestra Universitas 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 152. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 Fol. 59 b. If refinement of life and manners, if justice, magnificence, and liberality 
 can confer immortal fame, surely it will be yours. In vain we search 
 the records of the past, we find none to surpass you in divine knowledge 
 and literary culture. And your fame is not confined to your own land, 
 already it has crossed the sea and the Alps. A flood of literature 
 translated from the Greek to the Latin tongue and dedicated to your 
 name is flowing onwards ; and not only so, but daily study and nightly 
 watching are devoted to the production of works in our own language. 
 It is indeed a grateful sight to see the number of volumes that now come 
 to us from every part of the world. Under your patronage Greek 
 literature, which had lain buried for so many centuries, has now come 
 to life again. Now we can study in the original language the works 
 of Plato, Aristotle, and the other Greek philosophers. And if the Latin 
 races owe you thanks, how much more gratitude should we English 
 feel, removed as we are from the rest of the world by intervening sea and 
 land? Now, through your books, we can see the secret things that Africa 
 and Asia have hitherto kept concealed. There was an University here it is 
 true, but study there was none, for we had no books ! If then the Trojans 
 boast of their Hector, the Thessalians their Achilles, the Macedonians
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 203 
 
 their Alexander, the Romans their Caesar, we Oxonians are bound to 
 extol our Humfrey with immortal gratitude and praise. The bearer of 
 this will convey to you the indenture of your splendid benefaction. 
 
 SERENISSIMO atque illustrissimo principi, Humfredo duci Glowcestre, 1441. 
 comiti Pembrochie et magno camerario Anglic, domino nostro gracio- 
 sissimo. 
 
 Si de clarissimis et spectatissimis in toto orbe principibus quisquam 
 nominis immortalitatem unquam meruerit, celsitudinem vestram, illus- 
 trissime princeps, inter ceteros pectiliari quodam modo perpetuam ac 
 immortalem nominis gloriam credimus meruisse; si profecto de iis 
 rebus, e quibus sempiterna fama atque memoria hominibus com- 
 parantur, loquendum fuerit. Quis vita comptior, moribus formosior, 
 gestis illustrior; justicia, magnificencia, liberalitate, omni denique 
 virtute preclarior extidt, de hiis quos prisca etas maximo studio coluit 
 non facile reperiemus. Tot quidem splendidissime virtutes 1 , et ipsa 
 quam maxime celestis ac divina sciencia, necnon litteratura dignitatem 
 vestram adornant. ut non modo apud nostros eternum et indelebile 2 
 nomen feceritis, verum jam mare Alpesque transgresse. Non vobis, 
 serenissime princeps, sed et toti Anglice nacioni famam et gloriam 
 inextinguibilem acquisistis. Nullus enim inter principes Christianos, 
 apud Ytalos Grecosve scriptores celebrior, nullus clarior, nullus omnium 
 ore personancior habetur. Quanta industria tot indies libri vestro 
 sacratissimo nomini consecrati de Grecorum fontibus in Latinam 
 linguam scaturiunt ! Quantis insuper lugubracionibus et vigiliis, non 
 modo ut ceteri ex Grecis traducant, sed et contemplacioni magnitudinis 
 vestre nova in nostram Knguam excudant opera, non nostrates solum 
 sed ipsi etiam eloquentissimi et doctissimi de Italia viri insudaverunt ! 
 Quot preterea non de Grecia, Latia, Ytaliave, sed de omnibus tocius 
 orbis partibus volumina ad vos 3 cotidie confluxerint satis superque 4 
 satis pulcrum et delectabile est intueri. Patrocinio vestro Grece 5 , que 
 multis jam seculis littere sepulte fuerant, revixere. Nunc Grecos 
 philosophos, bene vivendi magistros, Platonem, Aristotelem, ceteros 
 quoque non superficie tenus, et intute uti per priores translaciones, 
 sed intus et in profundo [Latinis] 6 cernendi copia datur. Quod si 
 Latini omnes gracias abundantissimas sublimitati vestre justissime pro 
 tanto munere debeant, maxime nos Anglici, qui in angulo mundi con- 
 stituti sumus : quos quanquam pelagus spaciosissimaque terrarum loca 
 a prospectu rerum mundialium impediant, per hos tamen libros et 
 volumina vestra liber et propatulus omnium rerum datur intuitus. 
 
 1 virtutis MS. 2 indelibili ib. 3 nos ? 4 super satisque satis MS. 
 
 5 Grece qtte qnae ib. 6 Lalinis, apparently should be omitted, ib.
 
 204 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Nihil Africa, nihil Asia secretum continet, quod non in hiis volu- 
 minibus aperte legamus. Studium litterarum, quod primum apud 
 Grecos, deinde apud Romanes, postremo apud Gallos fuisse testantur 
 historic, jam ope vestra in hanc almam patriam translatum est. Uni- 
 versitas istic antea fortasse exstitit, studium vero non. Sine quibus 
 profecto studium subsistere nequit, libri defuerunt; quos nunc omni 
 thesauro preciosiores habemus. Si itaque Troyes suum Hectorem, 
 Thessali Achillem, Macedones Alexandrum, Romani Cesarem in 
 celum eternis laudibus efferant, nos Oxonienses nostrum Humfridum 
 immortalibus laudibus efferre debemus ; gracias insuper maximas pro 
 infinitis vestris beneficiis humillime exsolvere; quas sane toto corde 
 agimus, ac inter cetera precipue pro illo excelso et magnifico dono 1 
 librorum, quos per dilectos clericos vestros, viros multa virtute et 
 sciencia preclaros, confratres nostros magistros Willelmum Say, alme 
 hujus Universitatis procuratorem, et Johannem Kyrkby ad nos nuper 
 liberalissime destinastis ; uti et per indenturam, serenitati vestre per 
 latorem presencium deportatam, oculis celsitudinis vestre poterit ap- 
 parere 2 : quam ad omnium nostrum gloriam diu feliciter prosperari 
 faciat Qui omnia potest. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis 
 Novembris die decimo. Perpetua et humillima oratrix vestra Universitas 
 Oxoniensis. 
 Fol. 60 a. Indenture of acknowledgement of receipt of nine 
 
 more books. 
 
 I44 1 - HEC indentura, facta inter venerabilem virum, magistrum Willelmum 
 Grey, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, magistrum Johannem 
 Kyllyngworth, ejusdem Universitatis alterum procuratorem, cetumque 
 venerabilem magistrorum regencium in eadem ex parte una, et magis- 
 tris Willelmum Say et Johannem Kyrkeby ex parte altera, testatur 
 quod nos, predicti Cancellarius, procurator, cetusque magistrorum 
 regencium Universitatis antedicte, recepimus de prefatis magistris 
 Willelmo et Johanne libros infrascriptos, ex dono illustrissimi principis 
 Humfridi ducis Gloucestrie ; In primis, videlicet, Rabanum 'Ad 
 Lodowicum regem,' secundo folio, 'Domino reverendissimo' Item, 
 Augustinum ' De civitate Dei', secundo folio, ' in tabula de qualitate.' 
 Item, librum Augustini diversorum operum, videlicet, ' Musice,' ' Contra 
 Manicheos,' et aliorum, secundo folio ' et cornos! Item, Augustini, qui 
 Grece dicitur ' Exameron] secundo folio ' spiritual^ Item, Augustini 
 ' Super Genesim,' cum aliis, secundo folio ' quia ubi! Item, Liber 
 ' Yponnosticon ' Augustini, secundo folio ' prophete.' Item, Augustini 
 ' De vita Christiana,' secundo folio, ' se invenisse.' Item, Titum Livium, 
 secundo folio, ' -lo spes! Item, ' Concordancia super libros Senece' 
 1 domo MS. 2 aproire ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 205 
 
 secundo folio, ' adversa' Item, Novum opus ' Super Arithmeticamj 
 secundo folio, ' combinacionis' In cujus rei testimonium, sigillum, &c. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Alexander Robynet. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo tercio die mensis Novembris, anno H4 1 - 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo primo, sigillata erat 
 una littera testimonialis, sub sigillo et forma communi, pro magistro 
 Alexandra Robynet, arcium magistro. 
 
 Acquittances of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod tercio die mensis Februarii, sigillata fuit ac- 1441. 
 quietancia Abbati et conventui de Enesham, de annua pensione 
 quinquaginta duorum solidorum, anno Domini millesimo quadrin- 
 gentesimo quadragesimo primo. 
 
 Eisdem anno et die, sigillata fuit acquietancia Abbati et conventui 
 de Osney de annua pensione viginti sex solidorum octo denariorum. 
 
 Memorandum, quod quinto die mensis Februarii, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo primo, sigillata fuit ac- 
 quietancia Abbati et Conventui de Enysham, de annua pensione 
 sedeeim solidorum, pro centum pauperibus scolaribus pascendis in 
 die S. Nicholai, &c. 
 
 Memorandum, quod undevicesimo die Februarii, anno Domini mil- 
 lesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo primo, sigillata erat quedam 
 littera testimonialis, de quadraginta solidis, liberatis custodibus ciste 
 domine Ele quondam Comitisse de Warwyk, per manus magistri 
 Johannis Kyllyngworth, ad tune procuratoris borealis 1 . 
 
 Ordinance for the Exeter Chest. Fol. 60 b. 
 
 Whereas John, duke of Exeter, considering how charitable a work it 
 is to relieve the wants of poor scholars, and so enable them to devote their 
 minds to knowledge and virtue, has, of his special regard for this Uni- 
 versity, bequeathed to us the sum of one hundred marks ; we have deposited 
 the said sum in a new chest provided for that purpose and to be called 
 1 the Exeter Chest 'for ever : and the said money shall be lent to Masters 
 and scholars under the conditions hereinafter stated. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo i44 r - 
 quadragesimo primo, vicesimo tercio die Februarii, sigillata erat que- 
 dam littera indentata sub tenore subscripto. 
 
 Universis fidelibus, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Willelmus 
 
 1 borialis MS.
 
 206 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Grey, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis, cetusque unanimis magis- 
 trorum regencium et non-regencium in eadem, salutem in omnium 
 Salvatore. Inter cetera caritatis opera pium esse dinoscitur studencium 
 necessitati consulere, necnon compassionis et misericordie oculos ad 
 eorum relevandum indigencias convertere, ipsis de oportuno subsidio 
 providendo ; ut, summotis ab eis inopie a studio distrahentis molestiis, 
 tanto uberius exercitacione scolastica fructus afferatur sciencie et vir- 
 tutum, quanto abundancius, largiflua elemosinarum donacione, tempore 
 oportuno de sua inedia 1 fuerint relevati. Hac igitur consideracione 
 motus et divinitus inspiratus, illustrissimus princeps Johannes dux 
 Exoniensis, propter specialem benevolenciam et affeccionem, quas ad 
 magistros et scolares Universitatis nostre antedicte gessit, nobis ac 
 Universitati predicte legavit ac donavit centum libras ; quas in pecunia 
 numerata a venerabilibus viris magistro Thoma Walbore, cancellario 
 capelle S. Stephani infra palacium regium in Westmonasterio, et 
 Johanne Bertram, armigero, prefati ducis executoribus, nos recepisse 
 et habuisse recognoscimus ; in quadam nova cista communi Universi- 
 tatis ad hoc deputanda reponendas et conservandas. Quam cistam 
 ex dicti serenissimi principis nomine cistam Exoniensem sive 'de 
 Exeter ' volumus perpetuo nominari : ac dictas centum libras in utili- 
 tatem magistrorum et scolarium in Universitate nostra studencium, 
 per viam mutui, converti, secundum modum et formam per nos 
 ordinatos et subscriptos. 
 
 Desiring therefore to express our gratitude by making a spiritual 
 recompence to the donor for this his temporal benefit, we admit him among 
 the number of our benefactors ; and grant him a participation in all 
 prayers and intercessions offered for them for ever. And when the 
 Chaplain of the University goes round to all the schools to invite prayers 
 for the benefactors, the name of the donor shall be specially mentioned. 
 Also, on the festival of the Conversion of S. Paul every year, mass, for 
 the repose of their souls, shall be said for the founder of this chest and 
 Margaret his wife, and for their relations and executors, with special 
 collects. And every regent Master shall attend until after the third 
 ' Agnus Deil and whosoever borrows from the said chest shall say five 
 times the Pater nosier and jive times the Ave Maria for the said souls. 
 
 Nos igitur, Cancellarius antedictus cetusque unanimis magistrorum 
 regencium et non-regencium Universitatis antedicte, prefati illus- 
 trissimi principis erga nos et Universitatem nostram munificenciam 
 ac largitatem graciarum accionibus amplectentes, sibique spiritualem 
 
 1 inedieMS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 207 
 
 retribucionem munerum rependere cupientes, eundem inter bene- 
 factores Universitatis nostre admittimus; concedentes eidem quod 
 particeps sit omnium bonorum, precum et suffragiorum, que pro 
 benefactoribus dicte Universitatis fient in perpetuum; et quod nomen 
 ejusdem nominibus benefactorum nostrorum inter cetera perpetuo 
 ascribatur. Quodque, singulis annis, Capellano nostre Universi- 
 tatis circumeunte scolas magistrorum, ad orandum pro ejusdem Uni- 
 versitatis benefactoribus, nomen prestantissimi dicti ac nobilissimi 
 principis inter ceteros benefactores specialiter recitetur. Singulis in- 
 super annis, in festo conversionis S. Pauli, pro anima prefati illustris- 
 simi domini et animabus Margarete consortis sue, parencium, pro- 
 genitorum, ac benefactorum suorum, necnon Thome et Johannis, 
 executorum ejusdem, et omnium fidelium defunctorum missa de 
 'requiem,' cum exsequiis mortuorum precedentibus, simul concur- 
 renter cum missa et exsequiis serenissimi et illustrissimi Edwardi 
 tercii, quondam regis Anglic, cum speciali collecta pro eisdem, post 
 primam collectam, a nobis et successoribus nostris fiet in perpetuum 
 Celebris et solempnis, cum diacono et subdiacono; singulis magistris 
 regentibus ad hoc more solito convocandis : quorum quilibet hujus- 
 modi misse ad minus a principio Evangelii usque post tercium 'Agnus 
 Dei,' nisi prius petita a Cancellario licencia atque optenta, in fide 
 prestita Universitati interesse teneatur. Item, quod quilibet mutuum 
 de dicta cista recipiens bona fide promittat, quod pro anima dicti 
 principis, nee non animabus Margarete uxoris sue, parencium, pro- 
 genitorum ac benefactorum suorum, dictorumque executorum et 
 omnium fidelium defunctorum, quinquies oracionem Dominicam 
 tociensque salutacionem Angelicam devote dicet. 
 
 The regulations for the guardians of this chest shall be the same as 
 those for the Langton Chest ; except that one of the guardians shall 
 always be a member of Queen s College, and all the statutes and customs 
 now in force, or hereafter to be made for the management of the chests, 
 shall also be observed in the case of the Exeter Chest. 
 
 Quoad custodiam dicte ciste et summe pecunie reponende in eadem 
 volumus et concedimus, quod sit ejusdem condicionis, quoad singula, 
 cum cista venerabilis patris domini Johannis de Langton, episcopi 
 quondam Cicestrensis ; hoc duntaxat excepto, quod tercius custos ciste 
 predicte, scilicet non-regens, erit semper de collegio Regine ; dummodo Fol. 61 a. 
 per Universitatem in forma consueta nominatus, electus et ad hujusmodi 
 officium fideliter exsequendum juratus fuerit ; si sic electus acceptare 
 voluerit. Item, quod omnia statuta et consuetudines laudabiles con- 
 servacionem cistarum concernencia, nunc per Universitatem nostram
 
 2 o8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 facta vel in posterum facienda, dum presenti ordinacioni nullatenus 
 repugnent, circa predicte ciste custodiam observentur. Ad premissa 
 autem omnia et singula fideliter et sine fraude perpetuo facienda et 
 inviolabiliter observanda, nos, Cancellarius et magistri predicti obliga- 
 mus nos et successores nostros; et ea omnia facere et observare in 
 perpetuum promittimus bona fide. In cujus rei testimonium huic parti 
 indenture, penes dictos executores remanenti, sigillum commune nostre 
 Universitatis est appensum. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, 
 vicesimo tercio die mensis Februarii, anno Domini millesimo quadrin- 
 gentesimo quadragesimo primo, et anno regni regis Henrici sexti post 
 conquestum Anglie vicesimo. 
 
 Testimonial letter issued for Master Roger Grey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod septimo decimo die mensis Marcii, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo primo, sigillata fuit littera 
 testimonialis pro magistro Rogero Gray. 
 
 153. 
 To the King. 
 
 We call to remembrance with wonder the great benevolence you have 
 shown towards us in the past, and there can be no greater proof of your 
 abiding favour than that, in the midst of your cares and anxieties for 
 the kingdom, you yet do not forget us. In truth the peace and safety of 
 this seat of learning is, as you consider, above all things to be desired, 
 and is an ornament and source of happiness to your kingdom. The 
 discord and disturbances among us, have been wisely and mercifully 
 handled by your prudent management, and we desire to express our 
 eternal gratitude. 
 
 1441. SERENISSIMO principi, domino nostro metuendissimo, Henrico, Dei 
 gracia Anglie et Francie regi illustrissimo. 
 
 Serenissimo et Christianissimo principi, Anglie et Francie illus- 
 trissimo regi, subjecciones honores et gracias cum omni devocione et 
 humilitate. Collecto superioris vite nostre studio nos rem magnificam 
 et excelsam aggredi visum est, omnemque dicendi copiam anteire, 
 dum vestra in nos beneficia, pietates et mansuetudines, invictissime 
 ac metuendissime princeps, ante mentis nostre oculos studuimus ante- 
 poni ; quantisque, retroactis semper temporibus, hanc vestram Univer- 
 sitatem amplissimis graciis divinisque liberalitatibus vestra sacra 
 majestas ornavit. Quamque humana, quam pia, quam mansueta 
 Universitatis vestre cura semper vos tenuit, et nunc tenet, humanissima 
 nuper vestre serenitatis scripta docebant ; in quibus singularis in earn
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL 209 
 
 cujusdam pietatis, singulare et ammirabilis benevplencie vestre lumen 
 illuxit. Equidem non videmus quid nobis humanius, quid bene- 
 ficencius, quid denique vestra clemencia atque gloria dignius facere 
 potuistis, quam, in maxima publicarum occupacionum sollicitudine, ad 
 felicitatem incolumitatemque Universitatis vestre pias benevolencie 
 acies atque providentissime consideracionis oculos retorquere. Magna 
 profecto pietas et regalis gracie culmine digna, quam nee plurimarum 
 rerum cure, nee turbulentus status amplissimarum regionum atque 
 terrarum, que dicioni et imperio vestro sunt subjecte, a cognicione 
 quoque hujus vestri celeberrimi litterarum monimenti, aut vestrorum 
 tutela revocavit : quasi incolumitatem tranquillitatemque 1 suam vobis 
 omnibus aliis rebus anteponendam, et ad ornamentum regni beati- 
 tudinemque imperil vestri magnopere redundaturam censeretis. 
 Itaque, princeps serenissime, vestre celsitudini gracias eternas et 
 immortales agentes, hanc sacram benevolenciam atque divinum in nos 
 studium vestrum perpetua memoria sempiternaque observancia et 
 devocione venerari, colere et celebrare decrevimus. Nam quod 
 matrem nostram vestram devotissimam oratricem, que a divinis retro 
 principibus progenitoribus vestris preclare fundata, a vestra vero 
 clemencia non solum conservata verum eciam amplissimis rebus Fol. 61 b. 
 amplificata fuerit, jam nuper domesticis perturbacionibus, et intestinis 
 sedicionibus laceratam, tarn humaniter tamque clementer in ejus turbu- 
 lento statu tractaveritis, et humanitatem vestram congratulando colimus, 
 et admirando veneramur sapienciam. Vidit profecto vestra summa 
 sapiencia atque virtus in sapientibus, et in iis qui bonis artibus et 
 sapiencie studiis diligenter incumbant, non autem in illis perditis et 
 sediciosis hominibus, qui sua temeritate ac furore bonos et studiosos 
 viros sollicitant, vestram Universitatem consistere ; indignumque esse 
 ut, propter paucorum improbitatem, matris nostre languentis integritas 
 et innocencia aliqua jactura aut pena afficiatur. Itaque vestra provi- 
 dencia regia illis improbis et sediciosis maximum incussit terrorem, 
 atque vestra clemencia Universitatem concussam et indigne vexatam, 
 et quasi in sinum vestrum, ut ita loquamur, confugientem summa 
 benevolencia et divina pietate complectitur. Unde effectum est ut 
 mali, consciencia malefactorum et juste pene formidine, contabescant ; 
 et vestra Universitas de magna perturbacione exui gaudens, spe nunc 
 orientis et exsequende continuandeque quietis, vestre serenitatis tutela 
 letetur. Quare, princeps clementissime, et sapiencie et humanitati 
 vestre congratulamur, summas integre et inexhaustas gracias agentes ; 
 obsecramusque accuratissime et humillime obtestamur, quod hujus- 
 modi benevolencie humanitatisque vestre perseveranciam nobis vestra 
 1 incolumitatem qtw tratKfitillitalem MS. 
 P
 
 aio EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 celsitudo concedat. Floreatque in multas etates gloria, virtus et 
 magnificencia vestra, semper cum victoria et triumpho. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congr eg adonis domo, mensis Marcii die septimo decimo. 
 Vestre celsitudinis humillima et devotissima oratrix Universitas vestri 
 studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 154- 
 To the King. 
 
 The faculty of Arts, as it was the first in time so it has ever enjoyed 
 the highest privileges at Oxford. But never has it conferred more 
 honour on the University and on your realm than at this time. Lectures 
 on every art and philosophy are now delivered withotit fee to all, and 
 we are sorry to find that the Grammar masters endeavour to prejudice 
 your mind against the faculty of Arts, objecting to the payment always 
 hitherto made by them to the Masters teaching in Arts. We have, in 
 submission to your command, foreborne to enforce the payment, but we 
 assure you that it has been invariably paid in the past, and that the 
 Grammar masters are bound by their oath to pay it. Master William Say 
 will wait upon you and give full information. 
 
 1442. LITTERA sigillata et missa domino nostro regi, secundo die May 
 1442 \ 
 
 Serenissime atque illustrissime princeps in quanta veneracione ac 
 dileccione percelebris arcium facultas ab 2 inclitissime memorie pro- 
 genitoribus vestris semper habita sit, hoc nedum ex eo palam fit, 
 quod ipsa inter precipuas ac celeberrimas facultates in hac preclarissima 
 Universitate vestra primum docta, instituta, et fundata fuerit ; verum 
 maximis dotata privilegiis et libertatibus adornata. Quamobrem, uti 
 in aliis mundi Universitatibus et studiis singulariter alie pollent facul- 
 tates et sciencie, ita et in firmamento hujus alme Universitatis vestre 3 
 artes peculiari quodam modo semper choruscasse et splenduisse nos- 
 cuntur. Quod si unquam laudis et honoris splendorem, vel fame 
 titulum huic splendidissime Universitati aut famosissimo regno vestro, 
 per aliquot retroacta tempora progenitorum vestrorum, artes attulerint, 
 nunquam tamen magis quam his felicissimis diebus vestris ; quum 
 primum non pro vili precio et particulatim seu in privato, ut olim 
 consueverunt, sed gratis, integre et in publico omnes artes, omnes 
 philosophic leguntur. Istud bonum, Christianissime princeps, sub 
 
 1 This unusual form of superscription has the date, as here given, in ordinary 
 figures, MS. y ad'ib. 3 At this place, in the margin of the MS., are written 
 in contemporary hand the words ' contra magistros grammatice?
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 211 
 
 fortunatissimo vestro imperio jam sola possidet Oxonia, quo reliqua 
 in toto orbe studia et Universitates carere dicuntur, quod et in sereni- 
 tatis vestre gloriam ac regni vestri decorem baud dubium est quam * 
 maxime redundare. Hec, princeps excellentissime, sunt que favorera 
 et graciam regiam in tarn nobilem et insignem facultatem, necnon in 
 libertatum, immunitatum, et consuetudinum ejusdem tutelam, trahere 
 et inclinare debent. Sed, quod dolenter satis referimus, ut ex sa- 
 crissimis litteris vestris jam nuper accepimus, quidam facultatis gram- 
 matice nimis ingrati, et alme Universitatis vestre indemnitati non satis 
 amici, conati sunt ut celsitudo regia longe in partem adversam et 
 contra tam preclaram facultatem persuasa sit ; occasione pensionis 
 cujusdam irracionabiliter nimis, ut inquiunt, ab ipsis informatoribus 
 grammatice per arcium magistros exacte atque levate. Qua in re 
 signavit nobis serenitas vestra exaccionem hujusmodi pensionis differri, 
 quoadusque plenius necnon expressius majestas vestra docta et infor- 
 mata esset : quod revera in hunc diem juxta metuendissimum vestrum 
 mandatum devote atque humiliter fecimus, quamvis procul a racione 
 pensionem islam exigi ac peti eos asserere vel sic majestatem vestram 
 informasse minime decuisset ; rei veraci fundamento longe aliter se Fol. 62 a. 
 habente, presertim quum juxta 2 vetustissimas et antiquissimas con- 
 suetudines Universitatis, ad quarum observacionem eciam ipsi gram- 
 matice magistri sint astricti in vinculo juramenti, pro certis indemni- 
 tatibus facultatis arcium hujusmodi pensio peti, solvi et levari ab 
 olim et hactenus consuevit ; sicuti precarissimus confrater noster, 
 servus celsitudinis vestre, magister W. Say, habet eandem celsitudinem 
 nostra ex parte de hac re cercius informare 3 . Cui, obsecramus 
 humillime, favorem et benignam audienciam in premissis, necnon 
 regium munimen in defensionem libertatum et consuetudinum facul- 
 tatis antedicte prestare dignetur regia majestas. Que in eternum 
 floreat et gaudeat. Scrtptum, $c, 
 
 Letters testimonial for Masters William Mores, Thomas 
 ffernys, William Askeby, John Stakpoll and Robert Mot- 
 ford 4 . 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod undecimo die mensis May, anno Domini 5 1442- 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo secundo, sigillata est littera 
 testimonials pro fratre Willelmo Mores, ordinis predicatorum sacre 
 theologie professore, sub forma communi. 
 
 Memorandum, quod octavo die mensis Junii, anno Domini mil^ 
 
 1 quid maxime MS. 2 -vixta ib. s informari ib. * Or perhaps 
 
 Mitford ib. 5 anno Domini omitted ib. 
 
 P 2
 
 212 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 lesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo secundo, sigillata est littera 
 testimonialis pro magistro Thoma ffernys, doctore juris canonici, 
 sub forma communi. 
 
 Memorandum, quod septimo decimo die mensis Junii, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo secundo, sigillata est littera 
 testimonialis pro magistro Willelmo Askeby, arcium magistro, sub 
 forma communi. 
 
 Memorandum, quod nono decimo die mensis Junii, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo secundo, sigillata erat littera 
 testimonialis pro magistro Johanne Stakpoll, decretorum doctore, sub 
 forma communi. 
 
 Memorandum, quod vicesimo sexto die Junii, magister Robertus 
 Motford, arcium magister, habuit literam testimonialem sigillo com- 
 muni Universitatis sigillatam. 
 
 155. 
 Citation of John Brasyll. 
 
 Whereas John Brasyll was licensed on the usual terms, and has 
 nevertheless not paid the statutable fee for the same within the time pre- 
 scribed, thereby incurring the guilt of perjury ; now therefore we, the 
 Chancellor and Masters, require you Matthew de Mongrede, Robert Powere, 
 John Londres, and Maurice Conowr, our sworn messengers, jointly and 
 severally, to cite or cause to be cited the said John Brasyll to appear 
 before us in our house of Congregation, within two days thereafter ; and 
 show cause, if any there be, why we should not proceed to pass sentence 
 of excommunication and deprivation of degrees in due form, and further 
 that you advise us as to what you shall have done in the premisses. 
 
 1442. FORMA citacionis pro Johanne Brasyll, vicesimo die mensis Junii, 
 anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo secundo. 
 
 Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magis- 
 trorum regencium in eadem Matheo de Mongrede, Roberto Powere, 
 decano Lymeresyn, Johanni Londres, et Mauricio Conowre, nunciis 
 nostris juratis et ad presens nostrum mandatum exsequendum speci- 
 aliter deputatis, salutem. Cum auctoritate Universitatis antedicte sit 
 statutum diuturnaque et laudabili consuetudine observatum, quod si 
 quis licenciatus fuerit in grammatica, artibus, aut medicina; et secundum 
 consuetudines ejusdem Universitatis infra annum proxime sequentem 
 suam licenciacionem non inceperit, si non promotus triginta solidos, 
 si vero promotus sexaginta solidos communi ciste Universitatis pre- 
 dicte, infra octo dies post completum annum a tempore sue licen-
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE.. 213 
 
 ciacionis sive graduacione, solvere teneatur ; atque quidam Johannes 
 Brasyll, in grammatica licenciatus, etsi tempore licenciacionis sue ad 
 observacionem statuti hujusmodi, juxta formam statutorum et con* 
 suetudinum Universitatis predicte juramento specialiter et corporaliter 
 prestito, fuerit astrictus ; eidem tamen statute consuetudini aut jura- 
 mento suo, infra tempus in eodem statuto, ut premittitur, compre- 
 hensum, minime obtemperare curavit; unde constat eum in crimen 
 lesionis fidei et perjurii evidenter incurrisse, in anime sue grave peri- 
 culum dicteque Universitatis dampnum non modicum et gravamen : 
 vobis igitur, communiter et divisim, committimus et firmiter injungendo 
 mandamus, quatinus citetis, seu citari faciatis, peremptorie predictum 
 Johannem Brasyll ; quern et nos peremptorie citamus per presentes ; 
 ut paratus compareat coram nobis in domo nostre congregacionis * 
 Universitatis antedicte, infra duos dies post citacionem sibi factam, 
 in hac parte ; causam racionabilem, si quam habeat, allegaturus quare 
 contra ipsum, occasione premissa, per nos ad sentencias excommu- 
 nicacionis et degradacionis, juxta vim, formam, et efFectum statutorum 
 Universitatis sepedicte procedi non debeat; ulteriusque facturus et 2 
 recepturus quod justicia suadebit in hac parte ; quern quidem ter- 
 minum, propter viarum distanciam et imminens anime sue periculum, 
 ita duximus moderandum. Et quid feceritis in premissis nos, dictis 
 die et loco, debite certificetis per vestras, seu sic certified ille vestrum, 
 qui presens mandatum nostrum fuerit assecuius per suas, litteras 
 patentes, harum seriem continentes, sigillo autentico sigillatas. Datum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, sub Universitatis predicte communi 
 sigillo, mensis Junii die vicesimo octavo, anno Domini millesimo quadrin- 
 gentesimo quadragesimo secundo. 
 
 156. 
 
 To the Pope. Fol. 6zb. 
 
 Though your care extends to every member of the Church, yet Ihose 
 who are known to be in a special degree zealous for her welfare are more 
 graciously admitted to a favourable audience : we therefore humbly en- 
 treat your holiness to incline your ear to the request of Master Richard 
 Beauchamp, a member of this University and illustrious by birth, virtue y 
 and learning. 
 
 SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino nostro Eugenio, 1442. 
 divina providencia sacre Romane ecclesie summo pontifici. 
 
 Sanctissime in Christo pater, filiali et solita recommendacione pre- 
 1 congregacionuni MS. a et omitted in MS.
 
 214 EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 rnissa, cum devotissimis pariter et humillimis terre osculis ante pedes : 
 Licet ubilibet in orbe terrarum militantis ecclesie summi et tarn excelsi 
 patris cura singulis aperiat sinum graciosum ; illos tamen specialius 
 ad faventis exaudicionis graciam solet admittere, qui sacratissime sue 
 sponse ecclesie peculiariores dinoscuntur et fervidi zelatores. Hinc 
 humillima apostolice sanctitatis vestre filia, Universitas Oxoniensis 
 mater nostra, prosternit se in humilitatis spiritu pro suo carissimo filio, 
 confratre nostro, ex maternis uberibus quam solidis nobilissime edu- 
 cate, magistro Ricardo Beauchampe, sacrorum canonum doctore 
 disertissimo, in dicta nostra Universitate creato ; quern tam ingenue 
 nobilitatis sanguis quam concors virtutum caterva predicant redi- 
 mitum, universalis ecclesie fidei sanctitatisque vestre fervidum zela- 
 torem: supplicans humiliter et devote quatinus sincere sue matris 
 ancille vestre precibus, pro tam bene merito filio deprecantis, sanctissima 
 paternitas vestra aures dignetur adhibere graciosas ; ipsumque una 
 cum emergentibus pro eo negociis suscipere commendatum, ut prefate 
 sue matris instancias cum effectu sibi senciat profuisse. Vestram 
 sanctitatem, ad universalis ecclesie solacium et munimen, semper in 
 prosperis conserve! diutine cujus vicem geritis, Filius Virginis 
 gloriose. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, octodecimo 
 die mensis Augusti. Humillima apostolice sanctitatis ancilla Univer- 
 sitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Kyngston. 
 
 1443. MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo tercio die mensis Octobris, anno 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo secundo, sigillata 
 erat littera testimonialis pro magistro Johanne Kyngston, doctore in 
 theologia, sub forma communi, cum hac clausula, viz. quod laudabililer 
 suam regenciam complevit, &c. 
 
 Pension for retiring bedel. 
 
 Whereas Richard Glenlworth has for many years discharged the duties 
 of inferior bedel of the faculty of Arts, and in the execution of that office 
 has suffered much trouble and pecuniary loss by the persecution of enemies 
 of the University, and is now in his old age and infirmity no longer 
 able to perform his duties, a pension is hereby granted to him of forty 
 shillings a year and a gown of the value of ten shillings. 
 
 1442. MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo secundo die Octobris sigillata est 
 littera sub sigillo communi pro Ricardo, ad tune bedello inferiori in 
 facultate arcium.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 215 
 
 Omnibus Christi fidelibus presentes litteras visuris vel audituris 
 Henricus Sever, sacre theologie professor, alme Universitatis Oxoni- 
 ensis Cancellarius, Rogerus Grey et Thomas Walkyngton, ejusdem 
 Universitatis procuratores, cetusque unanimis magistrorum regen- 
 cium in eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore. Quia Ricardus 
 Glentworth 1 , facultatis arcium inferior bidellus, qui diligenter eidem 
 Universitati per tempora servivit diuturna in officio predicto ; necnon, 
 racione execucionis ejusdem officii predicti, per quorumdam dicte 
 Universitatis emulorum vexaciones injustas pariter et iniquas bona 
 perdidit quam plurima, ac jam senio confractus et in varias infirmi- 
 tatum molestias collapsus officium predictum minime sufficit exercere : 
 Hinc nos, Cancellarius, procuratores, et magistri regentes concessimus 
 graciose eidem Ricardo, pro nobis et successoribus nostris, durante 
 vita sua, quadraginta solidos sterlingorum ; solvendorum eidem 
 Ricardo annuatim ad quatuor anni terminos, per equales porciones ; 
 et unam togam, erga festum natale Domini annuatim, valoris decem 
 solidorum. Ad quas quidem summam et togam sic fideliter solvendas 
 et liberandas, ut predicitur, volumus et concedimus, pro nobis et 
 successoribus nostris, quod nullus ad dictum officium in posterum, 
 durante vita predicti Ricardi, admittatur, nisi prius coram Cancellario 
 et procuratonbus, pro tempore existentibus, in plena congregacione 
 pro tempore suo sufficientem inveniat securitatem. In cujus rei 
 testimonium, sigillum nostre Universitatis commune presentibus est 
 appensum. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregations domo, vicesimo 
 ^septimo die mensis Octobris, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo secundo, annoque regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum 
 vicesimo primo, 
 
 To the Lord Chancellor. Fol. 63 a. 
 
 One John Skibow is prosecuting for debt in your court one of our 
 stationers, John More ; in violation of our privileges, as the schedule 
 inclosed (extracted from the charter granted us by King Henry IVth) 
 plainly shows : we humbly pray, therefore, that you will stop the said 
 prosecution and remit the cause to be tried and determined by us here. 
 Master Roger Grey, one of our proctors, is charged to explain the case 
 to you, and we invite your entire confidence in his statement. 
 
 REVERENDS in Christo pater et domine, protector noster specialissime, 1442. 
 dominacioni vestre nos humiliter commendatos offerimus; sub cujus 
 
 1 Or perhaps Clenlworth MS. 2 No address, but apparently to the Lord 
 
 Chancellor.
 
 216 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 proteccionis magnifica prudencia nostre Universitatis et necessitudinis 
 negocia piis defensionibus et favoribus amplexari. Quotiens aliquibus 
 mater nostra Universitas pregravatur incommodis ad paternitatem 
 vestram, ut ad inflexibilem recurrit justicie columnam ; quam inter 
 varies rerum eventus nostrum defensorem semper invenimus gracio 
 sum. Cum quidam Rogerus Skibow, cum breve de pretenso debito, 
 prosequitur in cancellaria domini regis Johannem More, communem 
 servientem nostrum, unum stationariorum nostre Universitatis ; contra 
 tenorem privilegiorum nostrorum ut liquet in scedula presentibus 
 inclusa, extracta de charta recolende nobis in eternum memorie 
 domini Henrici quarti, eidem Universitati concessa quamobrem 
 paternitati vestre supplicamus humiliter et devote, quatinus mandare 
 dignemini in prefata Cancellaria hujusmodi prosecucionem et placitum 
 cessari ; sed in dicta Universitate prosequi et penitus terminari : ut 
 predicta privilegia nostra, ab illustribus regibus Anglie nobis concessa, 
 et a serenissimo domino nostro rege nunc confirmata, illesa conservari 
 valeant et defendi. Cetera, pro parte nostre Universitatis dominacioni 
 vestre declaranda, honorabili viro, magistro Rogero Grey, ejusdem 
 Universitatis altero procuratori, commisimus; cujus relatibus ob- 
 secramus humillime fidem credulam in his adhiberi. Et graciosa 
 paternitas vestra in prosperitate votiva diu sub Domino valeat, ad 
 sui honoris augmentum et meritum in hac via. Scriptum Oxonie in 
 nostre congregacionis domo vicesimo primo die Januarii, Reverende 
 paternitatis vestre oratrix specialis Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 158'. 
 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 The benefits you have conferred on the nation are imperishable ; the 
 actions of the just smell sweet and blossom in the dust. And that which 
 confers the greatest splendour upon your name is that, after your 
 successful repression of hereticks, you have endowed this University with 
 books on every science ; from which the press of study may squeeze the 
 wine of knowledge and truth, surely no nation, no University had ever 
 such a prince ; victorious, liberal, charitable, just ! We have made 
 a statute to secure your perpetual remembrance in our prayers, that 
 neither the lapse of time may efface the memory of your fame, nor the 
 glory of your future life eclipse the brightness of the past. 
 
 1442. ILLUSTRISSIME, litteratissime et magnifice princeps, beneficiorum 
 vestrorum in republica Anglicana sinceritas vivax, ac prepotentis 
 1 No address, but to Duke of Gloucester.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 217 
 
 celsitudinis vestre in eadem merita emori non possunt, sed fama 
 duratura percelebri nova semper laude recordacioneque redolebunt 
 felici. Quam dulce nobis certe super eis iterum atque herum cogitare! 
 Inter cetera tamen id ipsum potentissime serenitatis vestre magno 
 splendori 1 est, quod, post repressionem hereticorum contra Dei 
 ecclesiam machinancium per vos factam, potissime vineam Domini, 
 ancillam vestram Universitatem Oxoniensem, libris omnium scien- 
 ciarum et virtutum instaurastis ; e quibus abunde vina sciencie et 
 veritatis torculare studii premantur. Inde gracias, inde laudes, inde 
 vota nostra his litteris humilibus explicamus ; sed non sufficimus ad 
 condignum. Que Universitatum tam munificum, tam illustrem, tam 
 magnificum experta est principem ? cui milicia semper invicta, animus Fol. 63 b. 
 liberalissimus, cujus caritas in omnes, justicia ad singulos, injuria in 
 nullos. Quis sapiencium honorator tam pius, sustentator tam efficax, 
 scienciarum, virtutum ac librorum amplificator tam prodigus? quibus 
 non modo illuminata vivencium sunt corda, ad Dei laudem et virtutis 
 crementum ; sed per secula futura amplius illustrabitur posteritas 
 futurorum. An delabi potest tantarum rerum memoria felix ? Non : 
 sed semper in benediccione erit. Statuitur, et execucione continua 
 firmatur, in dicta oratrice vestra lex pro vobis oracionum non de- 
 futura, sed in memoriale perpetuum permansura. Quare, etsi lique- 
 scere fluxu temporis, aut exortu majorum obumbrata perire ceterorum 
 fama principum possit, vestra tamen oblivionis perire sub nube non 
 potest ; nee umbra majorum beneficiorum verisimiliter occultari. Si 
 Alexandri victoriosissima facta ad aures indies renovata redeunt per 
 sapiencium Grecorum scemata qui talia commisere scriptis; quanto 
 magis Universitas vestra oratrix devota in finem seculi opera vestra 
 testabitur magnifica, turn oracionibus turn scripturis ? Immo, si lingua 
 sileret cunctorum, testabitur magis quam loquendo res ipsa: ipsa, 
 videlicet, preciosissima theologie, medicine et septem scienciarum 
 liberalium numero centum triginta et novem volumina, in libraria 
 ibidem ex vestra collacione reposita, in summarum virtutis et munifi- 
 cencie vestrarum testimonium sempiternum. Precamur igitur hanc 
 Universitatem vestram considerare 2 velitis ut vineam, ut ancillam 
 vestram et perpetuam oratricem. Et Ipse Dominus gloriosus, qui 
 ad tanta benefacienda serenitatem vestram selegit, vobis fructus Spiritus 
 concedat, et ad Universitatem sanctorum conducat. Scriptum Oxonie 
 in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Januarii die quinto et vt'cesimo. 
 Serenitatis vestre humillima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 1 sfetidori MS. 2 considers ib.
 
 2i8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 1442. MEMORANDUM, quod sexto die mensis Februarii sigillata fuerat 
 acquietancia pro Abbate et conventu de Eynsham, de sexaginta octo 
 solidis, de anno regni regis Henrici sexti vicesimo primo, sub forma 
 communi, que patet prius folio tricesimo quarto. 
 
 Memorandum, quod vicesimo die Marcii sigillata erat acquietancia 
 pro Abbate et conventu de Osney, de viginti sex solidis octo denariis 
 annue pensionis, pro anno regni regis Henrici sexti vicesimo primo, 
 sub forma communi, ut supra. 
 
 Testimonial letters for Masters William Kynwolmershe, 
 Clement ifelmyngham, Roger Gray, and John Halywey. 
 
 1443. MEMORANDUM, quod secundo die mensis Aprilis, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo tercio, sigillata est littera 
 testimonialis pro magistro Willelmo Kynwolmershe sub forma com- 
 muni ; hoc addito quod additur, quod ipse bacallarius formatus. 
 
 Memorandum, quod quarto die mensis Junii, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo quadragesimo tercio, sigillata est littera testimonialis 
 pro fratre Clernente ffelmyngham, doctore sacre theologie, sub forma 
 communi, ut supra. 
 
 Memorandum, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo tercio, quinto die mensis Julii, sigillata est littera testi- 
 monialis pro magistro Rogero Gray, arcium magistro, sub forma 
 communi ; hoc addito, ' noslre Universitatis nuper providi procuratore 
 el pads ejusdem fervidi defensore! 
 
 Item, in eodem die sigillata est littera testimonialis pro magistro 
 Johanne Halywey, sub forma communi, &c. 
 
 159- 
 
 Fol. 64 a. Indemnification of the Proctors. 
 
 The University undertakes to defend, and iTidemnify for any loss, the 
 two proctors, who are at present being prosecuted in a lawsuit by certain 
 graduates in Civil Law. 
 
 1443. UNIVERSIS Christi fidelibus, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, 
 Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum 
 regencium in eadem, salutem in omnium Salvatore. Quia ad requisi- 
 cionem et instanciam quorumdam civilistarum deliberalum erat per
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 219 
 
 Universitatem Oxoniensem, tercio decimo die mensis Marcii, anno 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo secundo, in plena 
 congregacione regencium omnium facultatum in eadem; quod si 
 contingat Universitatem predictam esse absque doctore juris civilis, 
 procuratores ejusdem Universitatis haberent potestatem, sicut et in 
 aliis actibus habent, deputandi aliquem magistrum arcium, qui, in 
 defectu talis doctoris, valeat scolares facultatis juris predict! ad ejusdem 
 facultatis gradus presentare; quam quidem deliberacionem quidam 
 ejusdem Universitatis civiliste impugnantes, vexant injuste venerabiles 
 viros magistros Rogerum Grey et Thomam Walkyngton, confratres 
 nostros et nostre Universitatis procuratores : Hinc dicta Universitas 
 in predicta hujusmodi causa per ipsos civilistas, ut predictum est, 
 mota et non per prefatos procuratores, concedit et obligat se per 
 presentes dictos magistros defendere et servare indemnes, et eorum 
 utrumque, quantum ad predictam causam, sumptibus et expensis 
 ipsius Universitatis. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune 
 dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in nosire 
 congregacionis domo, mensis Maii die quinto, anno regni regis Henrici 
 sexli post conquestum vicesimo primo, 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Eboralle. H43- 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo tercio, sexto die mensis Junii, sigillate sunt littere 
 testimoniales pro magistro Thoma Eboralle, doctore sacre theologie, 
 sub forma communi. 
 
 Memorandum, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo tercio, sexto decimo die mensis Augusti, erant tres 
 littere sigillate ab Universitate, domino Cardinali Eboracensi, comiti 
 Northumbrie, et decano et capitulo Eboracensi sub formis se- 
 quentibus. 
 
 1 60. 
 To the Archbishop of York. 
 
 Nothing makes the spiritual father more beloved than his favour 
 shown to the seals of learning, wherein rises the light by which kings are 
 guided in government, the morals of Christians are reformed, and 
 heresies extirpated in the Church. The earl of Northumberland has 
 given the advowson of the church of A rnclyffe to University College, our 
 eldest daughter ; we pray you therefore, as a mother might appeal to the 
 affection of her son> that, considering the impoverished condition of the
 
 220 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 said college at this time, you and the chapter of your cathedral ivill be 
 favourable to this society in the appropriation of the benefice. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, Dei 
 gracia Archiepiscopo Eboracensi, Cardinali presbytero, Anglie primati, 
 nostro domino gracioso. 
 
 1443. Reverencias humillimas et oracionum tributa penes Deum. Reve- 
 rendissime pater, ex variis catholicorum edocemur sentences, quod 
 spiritualis patris fama tune lacius crescit 1 in orbe, flosque immarcidus 
 sui honoris dignissime laudis fragrancia redolescit in populo, cum 
 benevolencie sue radios ad loca specialius emiserit studiosa ; in quibus 
 oritur lumen sciencie, quo reges regunt subditos, mores reformantur 
 Christianorum, et horrenda extirpantur genimina heresium et errorum. 
 Et quia dominus comes Northurnbrie ex gracia sua contulit advoca- 
 cionem ecclesie parochialis de Arunclyffe, vestre diocesis, ad augmen- 
 tum salutaris sciencie, collegio ' Universitatis ' vulgate nuncupate, pro 
 sacra theologia fundato, que est senior filia nostra ; igitur ad vestre 
 paternitatis graciam, quern quondam in tenera etate nostri lactis 
 pavimus dulcedine, confidencie vestre alas induimus convolando ; 
 supplicantes corditer ut mater ad filium, et humiliter ut filia ad patrem, 
 quatenus in appropriacione ecclesie predicte, per graciam vestram et 
 per capitulum Eboracense expedite fienda, pium vestrum paternum 
 favorem prebere dignemini graciose ; considerantes paupertatem dicti 
 collegii, propter graves expensas in reparacione ruinosarum edium 
 sui victus; ut has nostras preces, devote pro se oblatas, sibi senciat 
 profuisse. Reverendissimam paternitatem vestram, ad ecclesie regimen 
 fideique munimen, sic dirigat in terris Deus ipse, ut finaliter collocet 
 cum beatis. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre convocacionis domo, mensis 
 Aitgusti die sexto decimo. Oratrix vestra Universitas Oxonie. 
 
 161. 
 
 Fol. 64 b. To the Earl of Northumberland. 
 
 Immortal honour is by nothing so certainly won as by those actions 
 which foster the true faith, banish heresy, and provide medicine for the 
 soul. Of this kind is your magnificent benefaction to our elder daughter, 
 University College. We doubt not but that a full reward awaits you in 
 heaven ; and, for our part, we shall not fail to pray for your welfare 
 in this life and repose after death. 
 
 1443. NOBILISSIME probitatis domino, Domino Henrico Percy, comiti 
 Northurnbrie et domino honoris de Cokynnouth. IHuslri et mag- 
 nanitno domino, catholice fidei incxpugnabili turri, ob relevamen 
 
 1 dies it MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 221 
 
 ecclesie et cleri, post militaris cinguli 1 strenuitatem' in terris cum 
 gloriosis Chrisii militibus eterne beatitudinis laurea insigniri ! Cum 
 inter ceteras reipublice curas nullum opus magis facit nomen principis 
 indelibili memoria laudabilibus attolli preconiis, quam quo fides 
 pululat, heresis exulat, vineaque doctrine fructificat ad remedium 
 animarum ; unde serenam dominacionem vestram inestimabilis 
 Spiritus sancti clemencia inspiravit; cum sacre theologie studium, 
 videlicet collegium Universitatis, vulgate nuncupatum nostram seni- 
 orem filiam, magnifice promovistis, ad munimen et incrementum fidei 
 ortodoxe : ubi memoriale nominis vestri percelebris vivet in seculum 
 seculi apud Deum, et a generacione in generacionem apud homines in 
 eternum. In quo facto in hac terrestriali vita Deo uniri disposuistis 
 nos per graciam, et in futuro per fruicionem beatifice visionis. O leta 
 unio creature suo creatori per naturam, O letior unio racionabilis 
 anime Omnipotenti per graciam, O letissima unio comprehensoris toti 
 ineffabili Trinitati per gloriam 1 Ille igitur felix merito est dicendus, 
 qui id agit. opus quo ad talem unitatem valeat respirare : Profecto 
 condigne remuneracionis vera munera magnanimitati vestre parantur 
 in celis, cum militum suorum reminiscetur Deus, quos sue virtuds 
 premii gloria saciabit. Nos quoque devotarum graciarum tributa, 
 que valemus, dominacioni vestre persolvimus ; nee deerunt nostrarum 
 oracionum incensa pro prosperitate vestra in via et requie post hanc 
 lucem. Dominacionem vestram, ad felix ecclesie regimen et regni 
 robur, preservet cum victoria potencia omnium Creatoris. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Augusti die sexto decimo. 
 Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum 2 
 regencium non-regenciumque in eadem. 
 
 l62. 
 To the Dean and Chapter of York. 
 
 Whereas the Earl of Northumberland has given the advowson of 
 Arncliffe to University College, a society founded solely for the study 
 of theology, we beg that you will not hinder the appropriation of the 
 benefice, remembering the great poverty of the said college owing to the 
 ruinous condition of its buildings. 
 
 VENERABILIBUS magistris, dominis decano et capitulo ecclesie 1443. 
 metropolitan Eboracensis. Venerabiles magistri, nobis specialiter 
 
 1 This word seems to have been spelt singuli in the MS. and then corrected, but 
 the writing is very faint and difficult here. 3 magistrorum regcnciumque MS.
 
 222 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 benivoli, felicissima successuum incrementa votiva, et sinceris cum 
 affectubus annuere postulatis. Quia nuper ex Spiritus clemencia 
 septiformis pio cordi domini comitis Northumbrie inspiratum erat 
 celitus, ut, ad Dei laudis honorem augmentumque studii salutaris, 
 conferret advocacionem ecclesie parochialis de Arunclyffe Eboracensis 
 diocesis collegio Universitatis, vulgate nuncupate seniori filie nostre, 
 pro sacre theologie solum studio fundato; ut lumen fidei nullatenus 
 paciatur eclipsim, sed clarius omni populo elucescat: igitur vestri 
 capituli venerabilis cetui devota precum libamina effundimus pia 
 mente ; unanimiter supplicantes, quatenus circa appropriacionem 
 dicte ecclesie, prefato collegio fiendam, favorem vestrum benignum 
 graciosa cum benevolencia adhibere dignemini; pio animo con- 
 siderantes paupertatem dicti collegii, propter importabiles expensas 
 ruinosarum edium victus sui ; ut has matris l preces deprecantis pro 
 filia sibi cum effectu senciat valituras. Et venerabilem cetum vestrum 
 de bono semper in melius prosperare facial Trinitas benedicta. 
 Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Augusti die 
 sexto decimo. Universitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 163. 
 To Mr. Thomas Knollej, citizen of London and grocer. 
 
 We hear that you regard our University zvith favour, and propose to 
 give us a copy of Josephus' ' antiquities! This is a happy thought ; for 
 we possess not the book ; and now, instead of being in private hands and 
 ' hidden under a bushel', it will be raised aloft to give light to all in the 
 household of God. Doubtless the beatific vision will be the reward of 
 those whose actions have strengthened the faith ; and, in the mean time, 
 we shall pray for your welfare here and hereafter. 
 
 1443. VENERABILI viro et sensato Thome Knolle3, civitatis Londoniensis 
 civi et grossero. Venerabilis domine, felicium incrementa successuum 
 semper prospero cum honore. Quia ex fidedigne relacionis serie 
 nuper concepimus, quod amicicie vestre grata benignitas Universi- 
 tatem nostram piis amplexatur favoribus, et in hujus signum quendam 
 librum Joseph! 'in antiquitatibus' proponitis eidem Universitati largiri; 
 in quo facto percelebre memoriale vestrum lucebit omni populo, ad 
 vestri meriti augmentum coram Altissimo consequendum, O felix 
 intencio vestra, felicius propositum, felicissimaque execucio ! quoniam 
 tantam historiarum lucem inocciduam, nee prius inter nos habitam, 
 non sub modio in privato loco, sed altam super columpnam erigi 
 
 1 malrcs MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMIC A E. 223 
 
 publico decrevistis, ut omnibus luceat qui in domo Domini sunt, ad 
 Dei honorem et gloriam, scintillantisque fame splendoribus in orbe 
 prerutilet universo. Presertim inter cetera pietatis opera id magis 
 putamus in animarum redundare salutem, quod 1 ad ortodoxe fidei 
 fulcimentum sciencieque incrementum principalius se extendit. Igitur 
 quam digne retribucionis merita reverencie vestre parantur in celis ; 
 cum suorum fidelium reminiscatur Deus ; quos sue beatissime visionis 
 gloria saciabit. Et nos quas valemus reverencie vestre cordiales 
 acciones referimus graciarum ; nee deerunt in futurum nostrarum 
 oracionum incensa pro prosperitate vestra in hac vita 2 , et anime 
 vestre salute in futura. Reverenciam vestram prosperari faciat de 
 bono semper in melius virtus almiflua Domini Dei nostri. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis Augusti die ultimo. Uni- 
 versitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 164. 
 
 To Masters Andrew Huls, Richard Caunton, and Fol. 65 a. 
 W. Symond. 
 
 We send you a letter of commendation to the Pope in behalf of Master 
 Henry Severe, our Chancellor ; we therefore request that you, or any 
 one of you, will present it to his holiness, carefully choosing your 
 opportunity; and that you will likewise, as occasion shall serve, sound 
 the praises of Master Severe : for, both on account of his wisdom and 
 virtue, and also of his great services in the office of Chancellor, we desire 
 that due honour should be paid to him. The main object of our letter to 
 his holiness is to request that he will write to the King in Master Severe' 's 
 behalf. If you can obtain such a letter you will do us acceptable service. 
 
 HONORABILIBUS et sincere dilectis magistris, Andree Huls, Ricardo 1443. 
 Caunton et W. Symond, aut eorum uni. Honorabiles et sincere 
 dilecti ; sanctissimo in Christo patri et domino, nostro domino 
 Eugenic, summo pontifici, litteras commendaticias pro eruditissimo et 
 gravissimo viro, magistro Henrico Severe, sacre pagine professore, 
 serenissimi principis et domini nostri regis capellano, atque rectore et 
 Cancellario nostro direximus ; quare vos 3 , et quemlibet vestrum, 
 rogamus ut hujusmodi litteras vobis, aut vestrum uni, ab exhibitore 
 presencium redditas curetis, aut curet ille vestrum cui eas tradi 
 contigerit, eidem sanctissimo domino nostro, captata opportunitate 
 temporis, cum omni honore, devocione, ac observancia nomine nostro 
 
 1 quo MS. 2 via or vita, completely blotted out in MS., but see 
 
 epistle 161. 3 nos MS.
 
 224 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 exhiberi : atque eundem rectorem et Cancellarium nostrum, quando 
 res et tempus postulaverit, testimonio vestro atque omni genere laudis 
 ornetis. Etenim magnopere optamus ut illi, turn propter singularem 
 ejus virtutem ac sapienciam, turn eciam ob maxima et amplissima 
 merita in nos tempore officii collata, honor aliquis tali ac tanto viro 
 dignus deferatur. Verum vestrum humanitati convenire arbitramur, 
 ad rogatum matris nullum officium, nullum studium, quod ad honorem 
 laudem et promocionem hujus viri pertineat, pretermittere : quern nos 
 ex causis memoratis summo studio et precipua benevolencia prose- 
 quimur. Id vero a sanctitate apostolica per litteras nostras potissimum 
 optamus, ut ad serenissimum principem et dominum nostrum regem, 
 pro prefato rectore et Cancellario, epistola quedam commendaticia 
 singulariter et humanissime scripta dirigatur : ut ejusmodi apostolice 
 commendacionis optentu majorem favorem et graciam apud regiam 
 serenitatem inveniat. Itaque gratissimum nobis feceritis, si detis 
 operam ut he littere commendaticie quamprimum impetrentur, et ad 
 regiam serenitatem destinentur : quod ut diligenter et studiose curetis 
 vehementer rogamus. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregations domo, 
 mensis Octobris die primo ei vicesimo. Alma mater Universitas 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 165. 
 
 1443. To the Pope. 
 
 Knowing that your holiness always favours the virtitous and learned, 
 we do not fear to commend to you Master Henry Severe our Chancellor ; 
 whom, if you knew him as we do, you would deem worthy of esteem. 
 He has ever been most zealous for your interests in these troublous days 
 of schism, and by his influence disputations have been held here by the 
 most learned doctors in defence of the true faith. We may add that he 
 has so discharged the duties of his office among us that zue consider it 
 a direct intervention of providence that he was elected Chancellor. We 
 venture to beg that you will write to the King on his behalf a letter of 
 such a kind as will advance him in the royal favour. 
 
 SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino nostro, Domino Eugenio, 
 divina providencia sacrosancte Romane et universalis ecclesie summo 
 pontifici. 
 
 Quum animadvertimus sanctitatem vestram, beatissime pater, studiose 
 semper operam dare ut viri gravitate * ac virtu te litterarumque sciencia 
 prediti uberiori gracia beatitudinis vestre atque amplioribus sedis apos- 
 
 1 pravitate MS.
 
 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAE. 225 
 
 tolice beneficiis letarentur, non veremur pro tali viro scribere, quern 
 si eque atque nos cognosceret sanctitas vestra, ob sublime ingenium, 
 magnarum rerum cognicionem, gravissimos ac humanissimos mores 
 suos, non solum accurata commendacione sed singulari et favore et 
 gracia apostolica dignuin judicaret eadem sanctitas vestra. Itaque 
 clarum et excellentem virum, magistrum Henricum Severe, sacre 
 pagine professorem, serenissimi principis et domini nostri Anglic 
 Francieque regis capellanum, atque rectorem et Cancellarium nostrum, 
 gravem sane hominem et in primis eruditum, eximiaque virtute ac 
 singulari sapiencia ornatum, sic sacre vestre majestati commendamus, 
 ut neque majori studio quemquam neque justioribus ex causis com- 
 mendare possimus. Qui cum semper antea, turn vero his molestis et 
 turbulentis temporibus presentis scismatis, studiosissimus ' fuit salutis 
 et dignitatis vestre. Etenim impulsu, consilio et ornatu suo apud 
 nos, pro vestra auctoritate et potestate adversus illam pestiferam 
 scismaticorum sectam, a pluribus doctis et prestantissimis viris 
 solemnes disputaciones ac exquisite et pulcherrime determinaciones 
 celebrantur. Accedit, quod nobis tempore officii ac regiminis sui 
 omnia suo consilio et sapiencia prospere processerinb: nee unquam 
 optima ilia studia litterarum et sapiencie vehemencius ac studiosius 
 colebantur. Plane tarn multis in rebus nobis usui et ornamento fuit, Fol. 65 b. 
 ut ipsum non solum de nobis optime meritum, sed eciam divina 
 quadam sorte in rectorem et caput nostrum assumptum esse existi- 
 memus. Quare cum ei cupere debeamus que ad honorem et digni- 
 tatem suam pertineant, sanctitatem vestram obsecramus et obtestamur, 
 ut memorato illustrissimo principi regi nostro eundem rectorem 
 nostrum et Cancellarium * per vestras sacras litteras diligenter et 
 humanissime commendetis ; quatinus ipse talem virum, quern virtus 
 ingenium et sapiencia commendant, contemplacione vestrarum littera- 
 rum liberalius et beneficencius complectatur. Nam etsi ob gravitatem 
 et prudenciam suam regie celsitudini semper antea jocundus et gratis- 
 simus merit, plurimum tamen proderit auctoritas commendacionis 
 vestre, facietque ut ipse uberiorem graciam atque illustrem aliquem 
 virtutis fructum a magnifico et liberali principe maturius assequatur ; 
 quod vestre sanctitati splendorem afferet, nobis vero incredibilem 
 jocunditatem. Postremo divinam potcnciam exoramus, ut vestram 
 sanctitatem, beatissime pater, salvam et incolumem in tempora 
 longiora conservet. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, 
 mensis Octobris die vicesimo primo. 
 
 1 Cancellariiim nostrum MS.
 
 226 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 166. 
 
 To Frederick, King of the Romans. 
 
 I^our letter, which breathes regard for us and an earnest desire for 
 unity and peace, has been a source of joy and comfort to us ; and that 
 you should communicate to us, in this remote land, your plans and 
 purpose is a mark of your signal favour. We see in your efforts to 
 calm the troubled sea, on which the boat of S. Peter is tossed, a sign of 
 reviving unity. Secular princes can do much in such a cause ; and 
 our King will, we know, even unasked, do all a Christian prince should 
 do ; but we will not fail, whenever your highness desires us to do so, 
 to add our prayers to yours that he will exert his influence in this behalf, 
 so dear to every true son of the church. 
 
 1443. ILLUSTRISSIMO et gloriosissimo principi, Frederico, Roraanorum 
 regi. 
 
 Nobis superioribus diebus, illustrissime princeps, perturbacionem 
 turbulentumque statum ecclesie graviter molesteque ferentibus, non 
 mediocre gaudium et consolacionem attulerunt sacri affatus litterarum 
 tuarum ; quibus non optabilem solum erga nos humanitatem serenitatis 
 tue, sed eciam circa unitatem apostolice sedis atque reformacionem 
 pacis in ecclesia Dei summum studium sinceramque devocionem 
 agnoscimus. Nam quod nobis, tanto locorum intervallo disjunctis, 
 racionem animi atque consilii tui per litteras prudentissime ac human- 
 issime scriptas signaveris, nostmmque officium in tarn sancto et 
 sublimi negocio desideraris, usque adeo gratissimum fuit ut maximum 
 nobis munus existimemus a tua celsitudine tributum. Quod si ad 
 sedandum perniciosam presentis scismatis tempestatem, qua navicula 
 S. Petri his luctuosis temporibus indigne concussa sit atque miseris 
 mcdis jactata. tantam curam, laborem ac diligenciam adhibeas, sicut 
 accipimus 1 , magnificencie tue congratulamur ; quasi lumen aliquod 
 renascentis unionis in ecclesia Dei perspicere videremur. Neque 
 enim nos fugit, in tanto et tam excelso opere conficiendo, quantum 
 tua ceterorumque Christiane religionis principum magnitude atque 
 potencia poterit. Regem vero nostrum, Christianissimum et sapien- 
 tissimum principem, etsi pro sua sapiencia, devocione, ac integritate 
 religionis audeamus affirmare omnia, cum sponte sua, turn contem- 
 placione litterarum tuarum hec acturum curaturumque, que apostolicis 
 sanccionibus, tradicionibus sanctorum patrum, regie fortune atque 
 Christiano principi in ejusmodi negocio conveniant ; non deerunt 
 
 1 sicut repeated before magnificencie MS.
 
 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAL. 227 
 
 tamen, quando eciam cupit celsitudo tua, adhortaciones nostre. Nee 
 
 enim quidquam Christiane religionis orthodoxeque fidei cultoribus 
 
 vehemencius expediendum aut diligencius curandum censemus, quam 
 
 quod pax hujusmodi atque unio quamprimum et qua optima racione Fol. 66 a. 
 
 in ecclesia Dei reformetur. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregationis 
 
 domo, sexto et vicesimo die mensis Octobris. Cancellarius et Universitas 
 
 studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 167. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 The continual increase of your munificence calls forth more and more 
 gratitude and devotion ; and when we heard from Master Grey that you 
 intend, with unexampled generosity, to add another gift of books to your 
 former donation ; and received his report of your gracious words on 
 this occasion, our hearts were inflamed ^vith reverent affection, and 
 inexpressible joy. Your name was in every mouth ; some wondered at 
 your magnificence, some praised your exalted virtues, some your pursuit 
 of learning and your literary talent; and all uttered their prayers for your 
 health, wealth and safety ; and indeed that you are but mortal is our 
 bitterest thought. We send to you Masters H. Severe and T. Chace to 
 be our legal representatives in receiving your donation, and to act in all 
 respects as you shall desire therein. If other nations celebrate your fame, 
 how much more should we, who enjoy your presence ? What praise, 
 what respect, what affection must we not feel ? You have more than 
 restored the University to its ancient glory ; and no lapse of time can 
 ever efface the memory of a prince so enlightened. 
 
 SERENISSIMO ac illustrissimo principi Umfrido 1 , duci Gloucestrie, 1443- 
 comiti Pembrochie, magno camerario Anglic et domino ac protectori 
 nostro graciosissimo. 
 
 Illustrissime et ornatissime princeps, congratulatur magnificencie 
 vestre tola ilia vestra Universitas Oxoniensis, atque pro liberalissimis 
 in se et divinis beneficiis vestris summas et eternas gracias agit. Nam 
 cum vestra pietate et munificencia cumulacius cotidie atque magnifi- 
 cencius aucti ornatique sumus, equissimum est ut nostra simul in 
 vestram celsitudinem devocio, cultus, et observancia vehemencius 
 augeantur, magisque atque magis conflagrent 2 . Nobis enim nuper- 
 rime gratum, jucundum, et optabile nuncium attulit a sublimitate 
 vestra confrater noster Rogerus Grey, jampridem alter ex procura- 
 toribus Universitatis nostre ; vos, videlicet, animum induxisse, ad 
 vestrum illud pristinum solemne ac magnificentissimum librorum 
 1 Unfrido MS. * conflagret ib. 
 
 Q 2
 
 228 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 munus, ad illam illustrem et ornatissimam Universitatis nostre sup- 
 pellectilem, nova inauditaque liberalitate et beneficencia aliud volu- 
 minum atque librorum donum, quasi quendam cumulum adicere. 
 Enimvero ubi animum, consilium, omnesque humanissimos ac suavis- 
 simos sermones vestros a memorato magistro Rogero accepimus, 
 toti amore, obsequio, et pietate in vestram serenitatem exarsimus, 
 atque incredibili leticia et exultacione efferebamur. Fuit in ore 
 cujusquam nomen principis Humfridi. Alii magnificenciam admirari, 
 alii singulares atque excelsas virtutes celebrare, alii denique in liberalis- 
 simis sapiencia et humanitatis studiis diligenciam, atque in omni 
 genere litterarum ingenii vestri claritudinem extollere ; atque omnes 
 pro vita, statu ac incolumitate vestra crebras assiduasque supplica- 
 ciones superne majestati offerre ceperunt. Nee quidquam ingracius 
 aut apud animos nostros acerbius fuit, quam parentem et 
 tutorem Universitatis Oxoniensis, cujus beneficia immortalia et 
 eterna futura sint, immortalem non esse. Itaque ad celsitudinem 
 vestram claros et erudites viros, magistrum Henricum Sever, nostre 
 Universitatis Cancellarium, et magistrum Thomam Chays, sacre 
 theologie professores, nostros veros nuncios, negociorum gestores 
 atque legittimos procuratores destinamus ; ut ipsi vice ac nomine 
 nostro hujusmodi donacionem librorum, juxta auctoritatem l consilium 
 et sapienciam vestram, admittant, recipiant et acceptent ; omniaque 
 alia gerant, curent atque confidant, que vestre magnificencie in hac 
 parte grata fuerint. Quod si extere et disjunctissime gentes, fame 
 tantum celebritate atque illustri et pervagatissima rerum gestarum 
 gloria impulse 2 , nomen Humfridi annalibus ac posteritati commendent ; 
 atque litteris, linguis et omni denique genere laudis illustrent ; nos, 
 qui eum presentem in patria habemus, cujus pietate, beneficencia ac 
 liberalitate cotidie fruimur, quibus laudibus efferemus, quibus studiis 
 prosequemur, quanta benevolencia atque cultu complectemur ? Itaque 
 manebit in mentibus Oxoniensium impressa memoria beneficiorum 
 vestrorum, nee earn unquam aut diuturnitas temporis aut oblivio 
 obscurabit : ibitque in posteros fuisse principem, qui Oxoniensem 
 Universitatem pristina fecunditate atque gloria orbatam, amicis 
 librisque destitutam atque ruentem, quasi labefactatam non solum 
 jacentem et perculsam erexit, sed ejus pristinam splendorem 3 amplis- 
 sima liberalitate multis maximisque * ornamentis amplificavit 5 . Hoc 
 nomen illustrabit, hoc glorie vestre lumen accendet, princeps ornatis- 
 sime. Quare exultet et letetur magnificencia vestra, atque fruatur 
 fortuna et gloria sua : que ut fioreat et propagetur in magnam etatem, 
 
 1 actoritalem MS. 2 impuhi ib. :! splendoremqtte ib. 4 maximeque ib. 
 * amplicavit ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 229 
 
 summo studio, sempiterna benevolencia atque perpetuis precacionibus 
 divinam Majestatem nos obsecrare pollicemur. Datum Oxonie. 
 Vestra devota Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. Fol. 66 b. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod nono die mensis Novembris sigillata erat 1443. 
 acquietancia pro Abbate de Enysham, sub hac forma; Noverint 
 universi per presentes nos Henricum Severe, Cancellarium Univer- 
 sitatis Oxoniensis, W. Franceys, Johannem Trystropp, procura- 
 tores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse die confeccionis 
 presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Eynsham in comitatu Oxoniensi, 
 viginti sex solidos sterlingorum, in partem solucionis majoris summe, 
 racione cujusdam annue pensionis predicte Universitati annuatim 
 solvende : De quibus quidem sex et viginti solidis fatemur nos fore 
 solutos, dictosque Abbatem et conventum inde esse quietos per pre- 
 sentes sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum in nostre congrega- 
 cionis domo, nono die mensis Novembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti 
 post conquestum vicesimo secundo. 
 
 168. 
 
 To Thomas Knoll, citizen of London. 
 
 We have received by the hands of our brother, Master Metford^your 
 most acceptable gift of Josephus ' Antiquities ' and ' Wars of the Jews/ 
 // 1 's a gift most becoming your wealth, wisdom, and culture. Benevolence 
 to a single individual is a noble thing ; how much more so must be that, 
 which is felt by the whole of this University ; and will assist in main- 
 taining the true faith of the Church. 
 
 EGREGIO et honorabili ac sincere dilecto, Thome Knoll, civi civitatis 1443. 
 Londoniensis. 
 
 Honorabilis et sincere dilecte, gratum et optabile donum humani- 
 tatis vestre, volumen scilicet illud, duos libros Josephi ' Antiquitatum' et 
 'de bello Judaic o' in se complectens, jampridem per manus magistri 
 Robert! Mettford, arcium magistri, confratris nostri carissimi libenter 
 et cum magna gratulacione accepimus. Nee enim quidquam videmus, 
 quod vel vestra fortuna sapiencia et humanitate dignius, aut nobis, 
 qui studia humanitatis ac sapiencie colimus, optabilius facere possetis, 
 quam hos gratissimos ac elegantissimos libros Josephi, qui ad rerum 
 antiquarum cognicionem et sacrarum litterarum interpretacionem 
 plurimum conferant, nostre Universitati tribuisse. Nam, si in unum 
 beneficum et liberalem esse preclarum sit et laude dignum, quanti
 
 230 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 earn denique liberalitatem estimari convenit, ex qua magnus conventus, 
 magna multitude hominum atque tota magna quedam et ampla 
 Universitas singularem utilitatem atque optimos fructus percipiet. 
 Eleganter enim sapientes bonum quod communius sit et lacius pateat 
 eo preferabilius et divinius esse litterarum memorie prodiderunt. 
 Vestra vero hec munificencia usque adeo late fuseque manat, ut eciam 
 ad sacrosancte ecclesie Dei et orthodoxe fidei Christianeque religionis 
 sustentacionem pertinere videatur. Quare humanitati vestre singu- 
 lares et amplissimas gracias agimus; operamque dabimus, si qua in 
 re nostra benevolencia aut opera vobis opportuna fuerit, ut et hoc 
 munere vestro atque liberalitate nos dignos judicetis. Datum Oxonie 
 in noslre congregacionis domo, mensis Decembris die sexto. Cancellarius 
 et Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Richard Wyld. 
 
 1443. MEMORANDUM, quod sexto decimo die Januarii, sigillata erat littera 
 testimonialis pro magistro Ricardo Wyld, sub forma communi; que 
 ponitur folio vicesimo quarto. 
 
 169. 
 Fol. 67 a. To the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 A great abuse has grown up in the University, by the exaction of 
 immoderate and discreditable fees upon graduation ; which Master W. 
 Babynton has long been endeavouring to repress. In consequence of this 
 his public spirit he has become involved in a ruinous lawsuit, determined 
 at last in his favour, but the execution whereof is yet delayed by the 
 frivolous subterfuges and appeals of his opponent. We believe both 
 parties are willing to submit the matter to your arbitration ; and we 
 beg that in your wisdom you will take into consideration not only the 
 aspect of the case, as it concerns plaintiff and defendant, but also the 
 very serious scandal of the exactions in question, which were never 
 heard of in time past. 
 
 1443. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri, et domino nostro singulari, Archi- 
 episcopo Cantuariensi. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo octavo die mensis Januarii, sigillata 
 erat hec littera subscripta, que sequitur. 
 
 Reverencias debitas pariter et honores, ac nostre devocionis com- 
 pletum exequium. Non fugit, ut arbitramur, reverendissime in 
 Christo pater, a sacra vestra memoria, quanta diligencia, sollicitudine, 
 ac labore confrater noster, sincere dilectus magister W. Babynton,
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 231 
 
 decretorum doctor, vir sane gravis moribus, sciencia ac integritate 
 vite apud nos probatus, extirpacionem abolicionemque * cujusdam 
 perniciose consuetudinis, que inter nos circa immoderatas et turpes 
 exacciones pecuniarum in succepcione graduum, contra bonos mores 
 in nonnullis facultatibus jam diu invaluit, multis diebus promoverit. 
 Et quamvis in causa ilia extorcionis et injuste detencionis cujusdam 
 summe pecuniarie, adversus magistrum Johannem Scotbow decreto- 
 rum doctorem coram commissariis domini regis judicialiter intendebat, 
 damnum et jacturam rei familiaris persequi videatur, . . . 2 tamen et 
 victoriam non dubitamus ad commune bonum et honorem Universitatis 
 nostre pertinere. Quare cum idem confrater noster, magister Willel- 
 mus, ut accepimus, post magnas molestias, moras, impensas et vexa- 
 ciones plurimas, victoriam optinuit, atque . . . 2 magister Johannes 
 Scotbow, excogitatis quibusdam artibus, subterfugiis et frivolis appella- 
 cionibus, execucionem rei judicate retardet et suspendat; necnon 
 utraque pars ad hoc facile, ut audivimus, suum assensum accommodaret 
 ut tota hec questio et contraversia vestre paternitatis arbitrio et 
 diffinicione dirimatur ; hortamur in Domino amplitudinem et sacram 
 gravitatem vestram, ac vehementer obsecramus, ut in examinacione 
 hujus cause, (quam non dubitamus vos pro luce sapiencie, auctoritatis, 
 et eminencie equo lance trutinare), ante oculos vestros statuatis non 
 solum honestum et justissimum desiderium nostrum 3 , prosequentis 
 desperatam quoque defensionem prefati magistri Johannis, eciam jam 
 damnatam ac recta diffinicione judicum reprobatam ; sed eciam 
 honorem et decus Universitatis nostre, que jam multis annis, sed 
 nunquam majus quam in (his) 4 temporibus, et per eum precipue, 
 hujusmodi turpitudine et corruptela diffamata et indigne deformata 
 fuit; nedum in dispendium prefati magistri Willelmi, verum eciam in 
 quam plurimum succedencium sibi graduatorum prejudicium pariter 
 et gravamen. Existimat enim Universitas mater nostra, que hujus- 
 modi questus turpissimi maculis respergi antiquitus non solebat, nunc 
 per vestrum sagax et discretum arbitrium ac justam ordinacionem, 
 sese notam hujus infamie effugere, atque pristine dignitatis laudem 
 recuperare. Postremo ob illam humanitatem et graciam, quam 
 hactenus eidem confratri nostro, magistro Willelmo in hac parte 
 exhibuerids, amplissimas gracias agimus ; humillime supplicantes ut 
 in posterum, contemplacione precacionum nostrarum, immensis ejus- 
 dem ponderatis expensis et laboribus, uberiorem favorem et graciam 
 dominacionis vestre consequatur. Datum in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, $c. Cancellarius et Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 1 abohiciotiemque MS. a A word illegible here in MS. 3 vestrum MS. 
 
 * his omitted ib.
 
 232 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 1443. MEMORANDUM, quod undevicesimo die Februarii, sigillata fuerat 
 acquietancia pro Abbate et conventu de Eynsham, pro quadraginta 
 solidis, de anno regni regis Henrici sexti vicesimo secundo, sub 
 forma communi, que ponitur superius folio tricesimo quarto. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod eodem die, sigillata erat acquietancia pro 
 Abbate et conventu de Osney, pro viginti sex solidis octo denariis, sub 
 eadem forma et pro eodem anno regni regis Henrici sexti. 
 
 Indenture between the Duke of Gloucester and the 
 University, 
 
 in which the latter acknowledges the receipt of one hundred and twenty- 
 nine volumes, by the hands of Masters William Say and Ralph Drew, 
 the special messengers of the former. 
 
 1443. HEC INDENTURA, facta Oxonie, vicesimo quinto die mensis Februarii, 
 anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo tercio, et regni 
 regis Henrici sexti post conquestum vicesimo secundo, inter serenissi- 
 mum et illustrissimum principem et dominum, inclitissimum dominum 
 Humfridum, regum filium, fratrem et patruum, ducem Gloucestrie, 
 comitem Pembrochie et magnum camerarium Anglic ex una parte, 
 ac suam humillimam et perpetuam oratricem Universitatem 1 Oxonien- 
 sem ex altera parte, testatur, quod dicta Universitas, de summa et 
 magnificentissima liberalitate predicti inclitissimi principis, centum et 
 Fol. 67 b. triginta quinque volumina, per dilectos et speciales nuncios suos, 
 magistrum Willelmum Say et Radulphum Drew, ad ipsam Universi- 
 tatem destinata recepit ; quorum utique voluminum nomina cum 
 iniciis secundorum foliorum inferius describuntur, 
 
 Inprimis, Anselmus Cantuar. 
 
 Archiepiscopus . . secundo folio sicut promissa. 
 
 Item, ' lerarchiam sub-celes- 
 
 tium ' secundo folio in libro universali doc- 
 
 trina. 
 Item, Augustinus ' De -vera 
 
 inocencia ' secundo folio in tabula or do temporum. 
 
 Item, Trevett 'Super Psal- 
 
 terium' .... secundo folio . faciendum. 
 Item, Augustinus ' Super Jo- 
 
 hanncm' . . . ,. . tibi nisi qui. 
 
 1 Universitate MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 233 
 
 Item, Petrus Blesensis . . secundo folio libri -oneglomerantur. 
 Item, Job. Crisostomus ' De 
 
 compunccione' . . ' . secundo folio . meam. 
 Item, Primum librum Jo- 
 
 hannis Crisostomi ' Ad 
 
 Stagirium monachum ' . oriri si quts. 
 
 Item, Librum memorie Am- 
 
 brosii episcopi . et immaterialia. 
 
 Item, Librum commonitorium 
 
 1 De conte mptu mundi' . . nituntur ea. 
 
 Item, Albertanus ' De modo 
 
 dicehdi et tacendi' . . secundo folio libri deinde. 
 Item, ' Meditacio' beati Ber- 
 
 nardi .... secundo folio . ei alii. 
 Item, Liber ' Alkeron' . . ,, . ceteris. 
 
 Item, ' Episiolas ' Albini . . imis justiciam. 
 
 Item, Johannem Damasce- 
 
 num .... secundo folio libri sensum. 
 Item, ' Dialogum ' Ocham . ,, . Jesum tanquam. 
 
 Item, Capgrave 'Super Re- 
 gum' primum . . . secundo folio . fuit vir. 
 Item, Capgrave ' Super Re- 
 gum,' tercium ... . fulgorem. 
 Item, Capgrave ' Super Gene- 
 
 sim' .... ,, . arduum. 
 
 Item, Capgrave ' Super Exo- 
 
 dum' .... . -vitudinem. 
 
 Item, Athanasium ' De Trini- 
 
 tate ' secundo folio libri -racti que. 
 
 Item, ' Distincciones ' Abel . secundo folio . Simeon. 
 
 Item, ' Speculum mrginum ' . . supradicti medt- 
 
 cinam. 
 
 Item, ' De vita Origenis ' . . dicitur. 
 
 Item, Johannes Faber ' In 
 
 lectura super Instituta ' . . auc tori/as. 
 
 Item, Johannis Andree, 
 
 ' Questiones mercuriales . conceptus. 
 
 Item, ' Colectarium ' Johannis 
 
 Galfridi super libros Decre- 
 
 talium ....,, . primum. 
 
 Item, ' Collectarium ' Johannis 
 
 Galfridi rectssit.
 
 234 
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 Item, ' Collectarium ' Johannis Gal- 
 
 fridi, quartum volumen super 
 
 libros decretalium 
 Item, ' Sompnum viridarium ' . 
 Item, ' Tabulam super decreta ' 
 Item, ' Conclusiones Rote ' 
 Item, ' Decreta sanctorum patrum ' . 
 Item, Aldrati ' Concilia ' 
 Item, ' Summa confessorum ' 
 Item, Baldum ' super codicem ' . 
 Item, ' Speculatorem ' 
 Item, Sextum librum ' decretalium ' . 
 Item, ' Decretales ' . 
 Item, Parvum volumen textus . 
 Item, Johannem Andree ' in novella ' 
 Item, Baldum ' In lectura super ires 
 
 libros ff' 
 
 Item, ' Petrum Jacobum ' 
 
 Item, ' Clementinas constiluciones ' 
 
 Item, { Spicam ' 
 
 Item, Job. Andree .... 
 
 Item, ' Constanciensis concilii actus ' . 
 
 Item, Vincencius ' In speculo his- 
 
 toriali' . 
 Item, Vincencius ' In speculo his- 
 
 toriali' . 
 Item, Vincencius '/ speculo his- 
 
 toriali' . 
 
 Item, ' In speculo his lor i all' 
 Item, Vincencius '/?/ speculo natu- 
 
 rali' ...... 
 
 Item, Secunda pars Vincencii 'In 
 
 speculo naturali' 
 Item, ' Speculum doctrinale ' 
 Item, Eusebium .... 
 Item, Trogus Pompeius ' De gestis 
 
 Romanorum ' 
 Item, Egesippum ' De excidio Judc- 
 
 orum ' 
 
 Item, ' Eulogium historiale Anglie ' . 
 Item, ' Excidium Troje' secundum 
 
 Daretem frigium 
 
 secundo folio 
 
 judice stellatus. 
 direxisti. 
 ablucio carports, 
 post public as. 
 nunc sex. 
 dicit enim. 
 est nisi, 
 racio non est. 
 de consulibus. 
 deberent. 
 suo quod, 
 manus. 
 xxxii d . 
 
 ut hie. 
 
 imperatorie. 
 
 extra. 
 
 abbas. 
 
 expiret. 
 
 non curat. 
 
 quia Herodes. 
 Pipinumjam. 
 
 in eo pauca. 
 -um hamas. 
 
 quid utpote. 
 
 posicione. 
 
 creaiurarum. 
 
 rubroque. 
 
 -turali filie. 
 
 domeslici. 
 esset indecora. 
 
 Hercules.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 2 35 
 
 Item, ' Flores historiarum ' * 
 Item, Chronica dicta ' Scala mundi ' 
 Item, ' Granarium ' Johannis de loco 
 
 frumenti ..... 
 Item, Secundam partem Johannis 
 
 Granarii de loco frumenti . 
 Item, secundam et terciam Johannis 
 
 Granarii de loco frumenti . 
 Item, ' Policronicon ' 
 Item, ' Epithomam ' Titi L'vii . 
 Item, ' Epithomam' Titi Livii . 
 Item, Primam partem Titi Livii 
 Item, Secundam partem Titi Livii . 
 Item, Josephum ' In antiquitatibus ' . 
 Item, Josephum ' In antiquitatibus ' . 
 Item, Librum Swetonii Gaii . 
 Item, ' Panagericum ' Plinii 
 Item, ' Epistolas ' Plinii secundi 
 Item, Johannem Boccasium . 
 Item, Johannem Boccasium 
 Item, Johannem Boccasium . 
 Item, Johannem Boccasium ' de mon- 
 
 tibus ' ..... 
 Item, Librum Andree dominici 
 Item, Franciscum Petrarcham 
 Item, Franciscum Petrarcham 
 Item, Franciscum Petrarcham 
 Item, Franciscum Petrarcham 
 Item, Franciscum Petrarcham 
 Item, Franciscum Petrarcham 
 Item, ' Vitam Camilli' . 
 Item, Libri Leonardi 
 Item, Petrum Candidum . 
 Item, ' Epistolas ' Herberti 
 Item, ' Vitam Cimonis et Ludlli' 
 Item, ' Epistolas ' Petri Abaralardi . 
 Item, Librum ' De re militari' 
 Item, Nicholai de Clemengiis ' Epis- 
 
 tole' 
 
 Item, ' Oradonem ' Eschinis 
 Item, ' Commenlaria ' Gaii 
 Item, ' Vitam Marcii Antonii ' 
 
 secundo folio cessaverunt. 
 
 anno primo. 
 
 nunc me. 
 
 -bantur. 
 
 ,, hinc hide. 
 
 sapiencie. 
 
 educatus. 
 
 ,, subita. 
 
 ,, coalescendum. 
 
 urbem. 
 
 trader e. 
 
 ab extremis. 
 
 -andrini. 
 
 ,, moderacionemque. 
 
 non me. 
 
 -riarum. 
 
 amicicie. 
 
 non super flue. 
 
 agned. 
 
 -relore. 
 
 -tali. 
 
 ,, vide spacium. 
 
 laas mesticie. 
 
 si filia. 
 
 to to or be. 
 
 ,, quia nunc. 
 
 ,, rebus gestis. 
 
 ,, -terpres. 
 
 ,, inquirenlibus. 
 
 emoriattir. 
 
 hominibus. 
 
 ,, dicens. 
 
 -done. 
 
 vos. 
 
 memores. 
 
 altissimo. 
 -etis eorum. 
 
 Fol. 68 a.
 
 236 
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Item, Catonem Sensorium 
 Item, Tranetta ' Super Boicio ' 
 Item, ' Pelapide vitam ' . 
 Fol. 68 b. Item, Palladium ' De agricultura ' . 
 Item, Titum Livium ' De republica ' 
 Item, ' Epistolas declamatorias ' 
 Item, ' Isagogicum moralis discipline ' 
 Item, ' Vitam Romuli' . 
 Item, ' Vitam Demetrii' . 
 Item, ' Epistolas ' Symmachi . 
 Item, ' Cosmographia ' Ptholomei 
 Item, Victorius ' De Architectura' . 
 
 Item, Dioscorides ' De simplicibus 
 media's '..... 
 
 Item, Aristoteles ' De generacione 
 animalium ' 
 
 Item, Librum primum ' De simplici- 
 bus media's ' . . . 
 
 Item, Boicium commentatum . 
 
 Item, Ovidium ' De fastis ' 
 
 Item, Gwillimum de Saliseto . 
 
 Item, ' Phisica ' Plinii secundi Verio- 
 nensis ..... 
 
 Item, ' Commentaria ' Dantes . 
 Item, Terencii Varronis tres libros 
 
 ' De origine lingue latine ' 
 Item, Sallustium ' In Catalinario ' . 
 Item, Librum Dantes 
 Item, Verba greca, et interpretaciones 
 
 lingue latine .... 
 Item, Sermo 'Super libros Vir- 
 
 giln 
 
 Item, Claudianum minorem . 
 
 Item, Ovidium ' Methamorphoseos ' 
 moralizatum 
 
 secundo folio si non eo. 
 
 catalog o. 
 
 Cato senior. 
 
 -tes bibencium, 
 
 optime. 
 
 -suits. 
 
 missa. 
 
 ,, public am. 
 
 magnitudine. 
 
 ., sicut ipse videris. 
 
 vel toto. 
 
 quia et liberaci- 
 onum. 
 
 vocat quia. 
 
 intus habent. 
 
 ' jam ostendimus. 
 juxta dictum. 
 
 dexter adest. 
 
 infirmi. 
 
 viginti l nastur- 
 
 cium. 
 et tormentabunt. 
 
 ,, pecus. 
 
 ,, honoris cupido. 
 
 -ate. 
 
 antidicas. 
 
 olim. 
 
 anxie. 
 
 amare. 
 
 1 The words ' viginti ' and ' nasturtium ' do not occur together in Pliny's Nat. 
 Hist. The word in this MS. is undoubtedly ' naslurtitim,'' but Mr. Madan, whose 
 opinion has been invited on the subject, thinks it is perhaps a mistake of the scribe 
 for ' nascentium.' In Plin. Nat. Hist. Table of Contents (Lib. xix. cap. 21) occurs 
 the word ' nascentium,' and later on (cap. 44) 'nasturtium. 1 Probably the 
 scribe has confused the number of a chapter with the text.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 237 
 
 Item, Nonium Marcellum ', . secundo folio infer sc. 
 
 Item, Ricardum ' De polis ' . . turn. 
 
 Item, Comenta Boicii f De consola- 
 
 tione '..... dux capias. 
 
 Item, Catonem comentatum . . -tis dono. 
 
 Item, Librum Terrencii cum tabula . ad Pamphilum. 
 
 Item, Adamas .... ,, -lamus meus. 
 
 Item, Franciscum Petrarcham . . ignorabam. 
 
 Item, Egidium ' De regimine prin- 
 
 cipum' magnam. 
 
 Item, ' Novam traduccionem iocius 
 
 policie Platonice ' -ris incitatam. 
 
 Item, ' De vitiorum inter se diffe- 
 
 rencia' ..... super est. 
 
 Item, ' Vitas triginta virorum illus- 
 
 trium '..... minus infimis. 
 
 In quorum omnium fidem et testimonium sigillum commune Uni- 
 versitatis predicte presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo, die et annis supradidis. 
 
 170. 
 To the Bishop of Chichester '. Fol. 69 a. 
 
 Daily experience shows the necessity of a head to every body, and every 
 member thereof ; and whereas by the resignation of our Chancellor we 
 find ourselves without one, we hope you will approve our choice of a suc- 
 cessor, that the University may not languish in a state of widowhood, but, 
 like another Esther, may put away her mourning garments and, arrayed 
 in queenly attire, find favour in the eyes of her prince. 
 
 REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Ricardo, Dei gratia 1443- 
 episcopo Cicestriensi. 
 
 Humillime devocionis spiritu reverencias debitas tanto patri et 
 domino merito tribuendas cum honore, et ad optata animum graciosius 
 inclinare. Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, quoniam 
 praxis quotidiane satis experiencia edocemur quod corporis cujusdam 
 viventis salus diu 2 florere nequit, cujus per anxietatis lesureve incom- 
 moda calumpniam jam pati capud evidencius cernitur ; quo multo 
 
 1 This epistle is in the same hand as Ep. 169, and is so faintly written and so 
 illegible that it seems impossible to make a complete transcript. The sense, it is 
 hoped, is fairly represented here. 2 dius MS.
 
 238 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 magis virtus elongari conspicitur . . . l membrorum ; et singula in 
 proximo lapsum spondent irremediabilem, si jam penitus orbata capite 
 moram prestolentur longiorem: Hinc est 2 quod nos dominacionem 
 vestram informare decrevimus super viduitatis eventu nostre matris 
 alme, et resignacione libera venerabilis viri, nuper Cancellarii nostri ; 
 in caritatis visceribus affectuosius unanimiter exorantes, ut intuitu 3 
 vestre pietatis viscerose, quam erga matrem nostram semper geritis, 
 nee audita minuant nee sinistre relata quomodolibet expellant: sed 
 matris desolacione humanissime compaciendo, ne supplicacionis nostre 
 pupilli paciamur repulsam, interne caritatis fervor vestre dominacionis 
 precordia stimulet ad precata, sicuti . . . * legittime 4 eleccionis maturitate 
 vos singulariter in peculiarem sibi sponsum preeligendo ... J sic vestris 
 utinam quam cicius graciosis per presenciam frui mereatur amplexibus, 
 que sic tandem desolacionis exuta vestibus et meroris, tanquam Hester 
 delicata novis induta glorie, sub remige tanto ampliorem inveniat in 
 conspectu illustrissimi principis graciam : ne honor ejus, plus solito 
 insidiancium latratorum indies infestatus insultibus, in concessis suc- 
 cumbat libertatibus ; sed vestre proteccionis graciose munimine pariter 
 et prudencia animosius roboretur, ut sic liberius quieciusque suos 
 lactet ab uberibus filios, quos a cunabulis diutine 5 educans ad honoris 
 culmina non desinit promovere. Afflictorum Consolator Deus domi- 
 nacionis vestre dies felicitet, et optati regiminis inflammet ad affectum. 
 Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis dome mensis Marcii die primo. 
 Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Fol.6gb. iyi. 
 
 To the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 We should have written to congratulate you on your translation to the 
 see of Canterbury, immediately on receiving the news, but feared to 
 trespass upon your time, knowing how deeply you must have been engaged 
 in affairs both temporal and spiritual ; now, however, that we understand 
 you to be more at leisure, we desire to express our thankfulness that, by 
 this your exaltation, the Church has obtained a wise, just, and learned 
 prelate, and the University at once a great distinction and a powerful 
 protector ; and we humbly beg that in all our business you will show 
 your gracious favour towards us. 
 
 1443. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, Domino Johanni, per- 
 missione Divina Cantuariensi Archiepiscopo, tocius Anglic primati ac 
 apostolice sedis legato, nostro domino graciosissimo. 
 
 These parts are illegible. 2 est quod erased in MS. 3 intuilo MS. 
 
 4 ligitlime ib. * dietini ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 239 
 
 Reverencias omnimodas cum obediencia filial! debita tanto patri, et 
 vestre prelacie sidus luciferum ad nostre relevacionis tutelam longeva 
 per tempora piis radiis rutilare. Etsi jamdudum statuerimus sublimitati 
 vestre, reverendissime in Christo pater, ob novos honores atque trans- 
 lacionem vestram ad Cantuariensem sedem, simul atque nobis res 
 cognita fuerit, litteris nostris congratulari nam vestram eminenciam 
 post alios dignitatum titulos ad hunc amplissimum statum et excelsam 
 sedem provehi toti Universitati Oxoniensi usque adeo gratissimum 
 fuit, ut singulare sibi munus existimaret a celesti majestate tributum ; 
 considerantes tamen maximas curas, publicasque et pastorales 
 occupaciones, quibus turn vestra paternitas distringeretur, decrevimus 
 pocius hujusmodi observancie et humanitatis officium aliquantum 
 tempus intermittere, quam graves et arduas sollicitudines vestras nostris 
 eciam intempestivis litteris onerare. Jam vero, cum vos a publicis 
 muneribus aliquantulum acquievisse cognovimus, affeccionem et obser- 
 vanciam nostram, tanquam oportuniori tempore captato, his litteris 
 congratulariis nunciantes congratulamur ex intimis animis excellencie 
 vestre. Nam ex hac preclara sublimacione vestra non solum ecclesia 
 Anglicana doctum, justum et sapientem primatem, sed Universitas 
 eciam Oxoniensis studii ornamentum quoddam et decus, atque adversus 
 morsus, calumnias, et contumelias obtrectatorum tutum presidium 
 nobis accepisse videtur. Delatus enim est vobis excelsus honor, dignus 
 auctoritate, sapiencia et virtute vestra ; ubi et lumen sciencie et virtutis 
 vestre atque laus et gloria Oxoniensis studii elucere possit ; ubi nos et 
 in secundis rebus fiducia, et in adversis perfugium et solacium habe- 
 bimus. Quare et superne majestati gracias agimus, et nobis vehe- 
 menter gaudemus. Postremo vestre amplitudini obnixe et cum omni 
 observancia obsecramus, ut, cum res et tempus postulet, in omnibus 
 rebus, causis et negociis nostris vestre dominacionis humanitatem, 
 graciam et benevolenciam nobis impendere et exhibere dignemini. 
 Valeat feliciter paternitas vestra in magnam etatem, reverendissime in 
 Christo pater. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre cmgregacionis domo, mensis 
 Marcii die septimo decimo. Vestre paternitatis reverendissime humil- 
 lima oratrix Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Testimonial letters for Masters Henry Moorcote and 
 Richard Pees. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 1444. 
 quadragesimo quarto, mensis Aprilis die tercio, sigillate erant due littere 
 testimoniales pro magistris Henrico Moorcote et Ricardo Pees ; sub 
 forma communi, que ponitur folio vicesimo quarto.
 
 240 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Fol. 70 a. Acquittance of Master Wm. Kynwolmersche, for fine 
 
 paid by him. 
 
 1444. MEMORANDUM, quod sexto decimo die Aprilis, in convocacione 
 magistrorura regencium et non-regencium, sigillata est acquietancia 
 magistro Willelmo Kynwolmersche, sub hac forma, ' de centum solidis 
 solutis Universitati, eo quod non incept t infra annum post suam licencia- 
 cionem in sacra theologia! 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Brystwyk. 
 
 1444. MEMORANDUM, quod eodem sexto decimo die Aprilis, in eadem con- 
 vocacione, sigillata est littera testimonialis magistro Johanni Brystwyk, 
 sub forma que ponitur folio vicesimo quarto. 
 
 I72 1 . 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 To gaze at and admire your beautiful gifts is easy, but to render due 
 thanks and praise is, in this world, impossible. The very fountain of 
 eloquence, which flows from the imperishable works of Cicero and 
 Demosthenes, brought to light again by your exertions, would be ex- 
 hausted in the effort: your reward must be hereafter. Thus, insufficient 
 to do justice to your divine merit, we fly for refuge to your indulgence, 
 and beg you to accept instead thereof our gratitude and an everlasting 
 remembrance of your name. For, though the fame of your liberality 
 were known in the uttermost regions of the earth, and though all edu- 
 cated men should desire your favour, and vie with each other in devoting 
 their labours to the increase of your honour, yet here in Oxford must 
 ever be the home of your glory : and while distant rays may reach 
 the students of every clime, here we enjoy, so to speak, the very beams of 
 the sun itself. We hope that you will not think we have been remiss in 
 delaying for a time to write to you : we have done so because we heard 
 that you were shortly coming to this neighbourhood, and we hoped to have 
 an opportunity of thanking you in person : suspect not the reality of our 
 gratitude : would that you could lay upon us some command, which 
 would prove the sincerity of our devotion I 
 
 1444. QUANTAS gracias et laudes nos celsitudini tue, princeps illustrissime, 
 debeamus, tibi pro luce sapiencie tue longe facilius est estimare quam 
 nobis perscribere. Nam magnificenciam illorum pulcherrimorum 
 munerum et immortalium donorum, quibus Universitatem studii 
 
 1 There is no address or date to this epistle.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 241 
 
 Oxoniensis liberalissime confoveris et ornaris, suspicere, admirari 
 totisque mentibus colere et semper venerari possumus; sed justis 
 graciis prosequi, aut dignis laudibus ornare, nunquam. Vincit enim 
 omnem dicendi copiam, omne agendarum graciarum genus ilia eximia 
 virtus, liberalitas et magnificencia tua. Unde fit ut lacteus ille fons 
 eloquencie, tuis istic amplissimis et eternis donis affluenter exundans 
 (quern tua excellencia mira quadam derivacione de Italia, de Grecia 
 aliisque disjunctissimis terris in Angliam traduxit, ita ut preclara ilia 
 opera ac elegantissima precepta Ciceronis et Demosthenis, quasi a 
 tenebris evocata, jam tua ope et virtute in luce et in oculis omnium 
 versentur), in tuis tamen laudibus atque graciis tue serenitati agendis, 
 tanquam virtutum et beneficiorum tuorum magnitudine exhaustus, 
 arescat. Quo fit ut omnes intelligere possimus illas singulares virtutes 
 tuas et immortalia dona humano ore satis digne laudari non posse ; et 
 quasi terrenas gracias et humanas laudes dedignancia celeste premium 
 et supernam retribucionem expectare. Itaque cum gracias tuis divinis 
 meritis dignas nee verbis quidem agere valeamus, ad tuam benignitatem, 
 cujus pre te fers inter ceteras virtutes insigne nomen, confugimus; 
 vehementer obsecrantes ut gratos, memores, et obsequentissimos 
 animos nostros sempiternamque apud nos nominis tui gloriam loco 
 graciarum suscipias. Nam etsi clarissima humanitatis, liberalitatis, 
 ceterarumque regiarum virtutum fama ad extremas orbis terrarum 
 partes penetravit, et ad omnes, qui optima et liberalissima sapiencie 
 studia colant, percrebuerit ; ita ut omnes eruditi viri non solum amorem, 
 graciam et benevolenciam tuam certatim appetant, verum eciam labores 
 et opera sua nomini tuo consecrare, atque excellencium ingeniorum 
 monumenta tuo splendore illustrare contendant ; hac tamen munifi- 
 cencia et liberalitate, qua in nos usus sis, factum est ut hec illustris 
 nominis tui gloria non incertis sedibus vagari, sed proprium domicilium 
 in Universitate studii Oxoniensis habere videatur, ubi laudis insignia et 
 monumenta nominis tui in perpeluum requiescant. Proinde cum tua 
 sublimitas huic seculo et etati nostre lumen attulisse omnibus litteratis 
 videatur, nos ceteris omnibus longe feliciores sumus : quod ipsi radiis 
 tantum, longe tamen lateque diffusis, nos vero ipso sole,ut ita dixerimus, 
 oblectemur. Jam vero amplitudinem tuam obsecramus, princeps 
 humanissime, diuturnum silencium litterarum nostrarum atque hujus- 
 modi officii intermissionem egre non feras, nee negligencie aut in- 
 gratitudini, sed observancie pocius ac cuidam opinioni nostre attribuas. 
 Nam ubi nuper magnificum illud et illustre librorum munus ad alia FoL 70 b. 
 singularia et amplissima dona tua accumulatum acceperimus, fama 
 apud nos fuit te prope diem palacia quedam et predia tua, ad oblecta- 
 cionem animi laxamentumque curarum hac ingrediente estate visere 
 
 R
 
 242 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 et obire, atque eciam non longe a nobis iter facere statuisse. Unde 
 nos magna leticia affecti, non litteris aut mutis apicibus absentes, sed 
 vive vocis organo presentes, tuumque vultum et spirancia ora intuentes, 
 laudes et gracias divinis his meritis tuis dignas pro viribus agere et 
 celebrare apud tuam serenitatem decrevimus. Verum cum aliter res 
 eveniat, ad litteras, quasi expectata opportunitate defraudati, recur- 
 rimus, humillime supplicantes ut, si prius in hujusmodi observancie 
 officio tardi, mine in mora purganda seduli ac celeres judicemur. Nam 
 ubi pietatem, fidem, aut aliquod observancie officium requiras, si hi, 
 quos tantis beneficiis ornaris, in te colendo aut observando languerent ? 
 Deleatur igitur ex animo omnis negligencie, oblivionis aut ingratitu- 
 dinis suspicio; et nos totos ex debito tuos tueque voluntati deditos et 
 obsequentissimos judices. Quod utinam aliquid, quod equum et tua 
 sublimitate dignum foret, nobis pro honore, gloria, et felici statu tuo 
 agendum injungeres, ubi vicissim nostrum obsequium ac observancia 
 erga excellenciam tuam reluceret. Nihil enim optabilius aut jocundius 
 nobis obtingere posset. Valeatque feliciter celsitudo tua, illustrissime 
 et ornatissime princeps; quam in omnibus rebus dirigat equissimus 
 bonorum omnium Retributor. Tui humiles et perpetui oratores 
 Cancellarius et Universitas studii Oxoniensis, &c. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Albon. 
 
 1444. MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo quarto, et quarto die Julii sigillata fuit littera testimonialis, 
 sub forma communi, pro Willelmo Albon, doctore in decretis, ordinis 
 S. Benedict!. 
 
 173- 
 
 To the Abbots and Priors of the Order of S. Benedict, 
 assembled in Chapter at Northampton. 
 
 The first instalment of your liberal donation for the erection of the 
 school of theology has been duly received ; and we desire to express our 
 heartfelt thanks. The building progresses, but our funds are quite ex- 
 hausted. We hope, therefore, that you will not attribute it to any distrust 
 that we now send one of our Proctors, Master J. Trystrop, requesting 
 you to pay into his hands, if convenient to you, the remainder of the sum 
 promised. 
 
 1444. REVERENDIS in Christo patribus, Abbatibus et Prioribus S. Benedicti, 
 in capitulo generali Northamtonie congregatis. 
 
 Magnum quidem et memorabile donum, reverendi in Christo patres, 
 quandam videlicet pecuniarum summam, ad ereccionem fabricamque
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 243 
 
 novarum scolarum, dudum apud nos communi consilio inchoatam, 
 auctoritate et assensu tocius ordinis vestri capituli, jam pridem apud 
 Northamptoniam congregati, tribuit nobis religio vestra; ob quam 
 eximiam et divinam liberalitatem ingentes paternitatibus vestris et 
 amplissimas gracias agimus. Verum cum summe nobis promisse 
 unam super! oribus diebus partem recepimus, alteraque porcio jam 
 reliqua supersit; mittimus inpresenciarum ad reverendas paternitates 
 vestras confratrem nostrum magistrum Johannem Trystrop, alterum 
 procuratorem Universitatis nostre ; ut ipse, si vobis quoque id gratum 
 fuerit, residues nummos nomine nostro consequatur. Earn namque 
 gravitatem, religionem et auctoritatem vestram agnoscimus, ut nee de 
 benevolencia vestra nee de fide neque de constancia desperemus. 
 Porro opus ceptum, quoad facultas nostra ferat, maturare et ad op- 
 tatam consummacionem deducere summo studio et desiderio conamur ; 
 sed rei magnitude thesaurum pene omnem et erarium nostrum ex- 
 hausit. Unde, quo necessitas nobis urgencior immineat *, eo munifi- 
 cencia vestra grata opportunior et longe jocundior erit. 
 
 174. 
 A false report officially contradicted. Fol. 71 a. 
 
 A report having been circulated that our late proctor, master J. Tris- 
 trope, hindered and finally prevented the graduation of master J. Paknam; 
 we hereby declare the said report to be devoid of any foundation. Master 
 Paknam was not in any way impeded, or put to expense or trouble (except 
 such as are required by our statutes) in taking any degree to which his 
 standing entitled him : nor has Master Tristrope in this, or any other 
 case, exceeded the duties of his office. 
 
 UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 1445. 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium et non-regencium in eadem salutem in omnium 
 Salvatore. Quia ex certa relacione quorumdam jam nuper audivimus> 
 quod quidam, in certis Anglie partibus falsis ac injustis accusacionibus 
 fidem adhibentes, predicant et imponunt quod venerabilis vir et dilectus 
 confrater noster. magister Johannes Tristrop, jam nuper nostre Univer- 
 sitatis alter procurator, quandam venerabilem virum, Johannem Paknam, 
 utriusque juris bachillarium, ab optati sui gradus suscepcione diu 
 retardavit, et finaliter impedivit; in predicti Johannis prejudicium 
 non modicum et gravamen ; Hinc nos, falsis ac injustis hujuscemodi 
 
 1 imminiat MS. 
 R 2
 
 244 
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 accusacionibus obviare volentes, has nostras per litteras attestamur pre- 
 fatum venerabilem virum, Johannem Paknam, a sui gradus suscepcione 
 nullatenus fuisse impeditum; sed, absque quacumqUe inquietacione 
 seu bonorum suorum amissione, omnem gradum, pro tune sibi con- 
 gruentem, ad placitum suum honorifice recepisse. Et constat nobis 
 dilectum confratrem nostrum, magistrum Johannem Tristrope, contra 
 prefatum Johannem, sicut nee contra quemlibet alium, in isto negocio 
 nihil egisse, indiscrete attemptasse seu quomodolibet exegisse; nisi 
 prout ex statutis, consuetudinibus, privilegiis et libertatibus nostre 
 Universitatis ad que illesa servanda prefatus confrater noster speciale 
 prestitit juramentum facere potuit et debuit congruenter. In cujus 
 rei testimonium sigillum commune nostre Universitatis presentibus est 
 appensum. Datum in nostre congregations domo, decimo nono die 
 mensis Julii, anno Domini millesimo quadringeniesimo quadragesimo 
 quinto 1 . 
 
 175- 
 Fol. 71 b. To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 By your magnificent donation, from having been well-nigh without 
 books, this University has become richer than any other in these treasures ; 
 so that we scarcely know where to bestow them. Whatever has been 
 written that is worth reading is now accessible here to all comers. Here 
 the Greek and Latin tongues in their original majesty ', for so many 
 centuries consigned to oblivion, by your instrumentality see the light 
 again ; and here too are being placed most elegant works dedicated, as no 
 doubt many others will hereafter be, to your name. Hither flock from 
 every land men of industry unwearied and of ' acute st intellect. We wish 
 you could behold with what greediness and thirst for knowledge the troops 
 of students hang over your books ; and hear how they encourage and 
 stimulate each other. The gift is a noble action of a noble mind; and no 
 prince, however great his learning, his love of literature, his patronage 
 of scholars, could have devised one more in harmony with his own 
 cultured taste. Our words are too feeble to express our thanks, and we 
 wish for a permanent memorial of your generosity. If we could place your 
 books in a suitable chamber, separate from others, the crowding of the 
 readers might be avoided ; and for this purpose we would offer the new 
 school now in building. The situation is retired and quiet, and we 
 venture to suggest that the new library should be called by your name : 
 Will your boundless charity excuse this presumptuous suggestion ? 
 
 1 This testimonial is misplaced, it should, as the date shows, come on fol. 73 b 
 before the testimonial letter for Nicholas Cargut.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 245 
 
 SERENISSIMO atque illustrissimo principi, Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, H45- 
 comiti Pembrochie, magno camerario Anglic et domino nostro gra- 
 ciosissimo. 
 
 Cum dudum, illustrissime princeps et magnificentissime cleri 
 patrone, deditissimam serenitati vestre ancillam matrem nostram am- 
 plissimis, immortalibus divinisque muneribus splendide ornaveritis, rem 
 omni laude dignissimam credimus vos egisse : rem profecto qua nihil 
 illustrius, nihil eterna retribucione dignius, nihil denique in orbe 
 terrarum precelsius quisquam hominum efficere potuisset. Quid enim 
 preclarius, quid nobilius quam Universitatem Oxoniensem, jam ope 
 vestra omnium florentissimam, paulo ante librorum valde inopem, 
 cumulatissimis insignissimorum voluminum pulcherrimisque donis non 
 mediocriter divitem effecisse, sed longe ditissimam ; adeo ut publicum 
 ejus erarium vix continere possit divicias ? Adeo certe ut nihil fere 
 usquam leccione dignum fuerit, cujus illic propatulus non datur 
 intuitus. Hie enim prisca Greci Latinique sermonis majestas, quam 
 incuria hominum infinitis pene seculis obscuravit, patrocinio vestro in 
 lucem traducta reflorescit. Istic insuper elegantissima opera nomini 
 vestro dedicata reponuntur ; quibus haud dubium non pauca super- 
 addet posteritas. Istic homines industria agiles, ingeniis acerrimi ab 
 omni orbis circumferencia velut ad centrum confluunt ; ut ab uberrimis 
 fontibus hauriant doctrinam quam universis diffundant : Ex quo fit ut 
 eterna tarn magnifice liberalitatis monumenta omnium nacionum 
 gratulacionibus consecrentur. O si celsitudini vestre interesse daretur ! 
 Ut cerneretis quam sicienter, quam avide studencium coortes libris 
 vestris certatim incumbunt ; apud se dicunt : ' Non est segnitiei locus ; 
 maximi adsunt hospites, et maxima curandi impendio dormire Mis 
 noctibus non sinunt, vigilandum est, laborandum est! Nemo illos sine 
 admiracione respicit, cunctis una voce testantibus se nunquam libros 
 tanta claritate conspicuos, tanta gravitate refertos vidisse. Itaque 
 clarissimum animum non minus clarum munus decuit. Quid enim 
 doctissimus atque eloquentissimus princeps, quid ingeniorum cultor 
 sollertissimus, quid indulgentissimus studii amator quam speciosissima 
 ingenii atque doctrine ornamenta congruences daret? Rarissima 
 certe munera jocundissimaque ; et, si verum rei precium exquiratur, 
 inestimabilia : pro quibus si impares gracias agamus, beneficiorum 
 magnitudini tribuas : agimus tamen quam possumus magnas. Sed, 
 ut ait Cicero, majores habemus, quibus exprimendis et accuraciore 
 stilo et feliciore opus esset eloquio. Ad quod unum porro sufficimus, Fol. 72 a. 
 peculiariter in eterna memoria recolendi estis. Et ut per hoc, si quid 
 maximo addi possit, tante munificencie gloria fiat illustrior, optamus 
 sacram et celebrem scienciarum sedem reparari; ubi honorificencius
 
 246 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 et ad utilitatem studencium multo commodius libri vestri ab aliis se- 
 gregati collocentur. Jam enim, si quis, ut fit, uni libro inhereat, aliis 
 studere volentibus, ad tres vel quatuor, pro vicinitate colligacionis, 
 precludit accessum. Itaque locus huic rei nobis maxime videtur 
 idoneus, ubi venerabilis vir et Cancellarius noster, semper reipublice 
 amantissimus, magister Thomas Chace, spectabilem novarum scolarum 
 fabricam, ad cetera sue virtutis testimonia, insigni mensura 1 ab humo 
 erexit : quam nos cito, quoad exigua suppetebat facultas, promovimus. 
 Hie locus, propterea quod a strepitu seculari remocior, bibliothece 
 admodum videtur conveniens : cujus fundacionis titulum, si magnitu- 
 dini vestre acceptable fuerit, cum omni devocione offerimus : presu- 
 mentes quod ignea virtus et accensa caritas vestra frenum nesciat, 
 cum alias accusabilis fuerit, hie excusabilis redditur ilia presumpcio. 
 Elegantissima scribendi brevitas vestra ne longius vagemur admonet ; 
 subsistimus igitur, Deum orantes cunctosque celicolas, ut serenitatem 
 vestram 2 , tam sanguinis quam ingenii nobilitate ornatam, Dominus 3 
 jubeat in statu felicissimo florere. Datum in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, quartodecimo die Julii. Devotissima et perpetua oratrix vestra 
 Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 A copy of Phaedo ' lent to the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 1445. MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo quinto, mensis Januarii die tercio decimo, deliberatus 
 erat domino duci Gloucestrie liber Platonis ' in Phedone,' sub forma 
 mutui, secundo folio ' ex quo cogitare', in convocacione magistrorum 
 regencium et non-regencium. 
 
 Fol. 72 b. The University undertakes to indemnify Master John 
 
 Trysthorp the proctor. 
 
 His special zeal for our honour , faithful discharge of duty, and unusual 
 labours in preserving peace and resisting infringement of our privileges 
 moving us thereto, we hereby undertake to bear Master John Trysthorp 
 harmless, at our expense, in all suits which may arise out of his 
 conduct during his office as Proctor. 
 
 1445. MEMORANDUM, quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 
 1 mensuram MS. 2 After vestram occurs a blot or smear and a vacant place 
 on the MS. and then the word genia, whatever it may mean ; probably redundant, 
 as ' ingenii' is only separated from it by three words. 3 The vacant place 
 
 above noted extends downwards into the line below, after the word I have rendered 
 Dominus. This may perhaps be Domini, if so, a word is gone of course.
 
 EPJSTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 247 
 
 quadragesimo quinto l , mensis Aprilis die nono, sigillata erat quedam 
 obligacio concernens personam magistri Johannis Trysthorp, pro tune 
 procuratoris dicte Universitatis, sub hac forma: Universis Christi 
 fidelibus, ad quos presentes littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Univer- 
 sitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in 
 eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore : Quia venerabilis vir magister 
 Johannes Trysthorp, confrater noster et nostre Universitatis providus 
 alter procurator, pacis et honoris ejusdem Universitatis specialis 
 zelator, bene et fideliter executus est ea que ad suum officium hujus- 
 modi spectant; laboribus non parcendo insolentibus et pacem dicte 
 Universitatis infringentibus resistendo, propter quietem studii ejusdem 
 consequendam ; unde dicta Universitas, diligenciam ejus considerans 
 et curam circa pacem et quietem studii sui, obligat se per presentes 
 dictum magistrum Johannem defendere, et servare indemnem sump- 
 tibus et expensis ipsius Universitatis erga quoscunque, in causis 
 singulis dictum suum officium tangentibus, pro tempore quo hujus- 
 modi officium occupavit. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune 
 dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis domo, mensis Aprilis die nono, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo quadragesimo quinto, regnique regis Henrici sexti 
 post conquestum vicesimo tercio. 
 
 176. 
 
 To the King. 
 
 That the welfare of the realm is your care we know from the kindness 
 you have ever shown towards this University. Our words but feebly 
 express our gratitude for your goodness to us, and, through us, to the 
 Church at large. Master Gascoigne, late our Chancellor, has resigned 
 that office from insufficient means, we believe, to support the dignity 
 with credit. No one has ever discharged the duties of Chancellor so 
 efficiently ; under his rule vice has been repressed, virtue and learning 
 encouraged, peace fostered. We greatly desire that he would consent to 
 be again our Chancellor ; and hope, that by thus committing his cause 
 to you, we may find that help which we are ourselves unable to afford. 
 
 SERENISSIMO principi et domino, domino nostro metuendissimo, 1445. 
 Henrico, Dei gracia Anglic et Francie regi illustrissimo. 
 
 Insignissimo et Christianissimo principi, Anglie et Francie illustris- 
 simo regi, cum omni devocione observancias et honores : Serenissime 
 princeps, cum sacram majestatem vestram semper reipublice aman- 
 tissimam per singula gestorum insignia facile intelleximus, maxime 
 1 quarto MS., but see ad fin.
 
 248 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 tamen ex eo quod Universitatem vestram Oxoniensem, non solum 
 antiquis privilegiis et libertatibus inconcussis, verum eciam novis 
 eximie magnificencie beneficiis atque pristine dignitatis amplificacione 
 decoravit. Quod utique summis laudibus celebrandum et omni 
 graciarum accione ab universis Christianis prosequendum est, sed 
 et a nobis peculiar! quodam modo, qui tarn magnifice liberalitatls 
 proxime sumus participes. Itaque cumulatissimas graciarum acciones 
 redderemus, si ad exprimendam devocionem, quam mente gerimus, 
 verba suppeterent. O preclara beneficia, quibus non modo glorie 
 vestre quin eciam fidei Christiane et communi hominum saluti con- 
 sulitis! Vera utique et non refragabilis veterum sentencia est artes 
 honore nutriri. Quid igitur, quum studiosos ita regius favor applaudit, 
 nonne ad imitacionem virtutis ceteri accenduntur ? Ac ilia, ubicum- 
 que gencium imperet, beatam necesse est efficiat rempublicam. Quod 
 in venerabili et probatissime virtutis viro, magistro Thoma Gascoygne, 
 nostro jamdudum rectore et Cancellario, satis sumus experti; qui 
 tempore sui felicis regiminis tarn fortiter quam perseveranter, tarn 
 prudenter quam salubriter omnia rexit atque moderatus est, ut nee 
 Fol. 73 a. majori studio neque dignioribus ex causis quemquam commendare 
 debeamus. Ilium itaque sciencia eruditum, sapiencia gravem, circum- 
 speccione providum, et sanctimonia vite insignem, celsitudini vestre 
 commendamus ; vehementer obsecrantes quatinus pie consideracionis 
 oculos in has commendacionis nostre litteras retorquere dignemini. 
 Obtestamur insuper, et iterum atque iterum obsecramus, ut sibi, qui 
 jam pridem Cancellariatus sui officium in manus nostras sponte et 
 libere resignavit, quamprimum et quam humanissime reverendos 
 affatus litterarum vestrarum destinetis ; quo earumdem contemplacione 
 illud resumet. Est etenim, ut omnes et singuli indubitata fide tenemus, 
 Universitati huic vestre rector summopere necessarius : sub cujus 
 dudum regimine omnia letis auspiciis processerunt. Nunquam vitia 
 artius premebantur, nunquam virtutes aut studia litterarum et sapiencie 
 studiosius colebantur, nunquam pacis tranquillitas gracius fovebatur. 
 Hunc ideo talem, tarn eruditum et tarn in omni virtutis genere pre- 
 stantem, qui tot tantisque rebus nobis usui et ornamento fuit, tanquam 
 de republica optime meritum omnes una voce, nee ullo reclamante, 
 iterate elegimus. Recusat onus subire : rei familiaris penuriam suspi- 
 camur in causa, ob quam forsan sibi visum est cum honorificencia com- 
 mode illud administrare non posse. Defectui nimirum huic compatimur 
 sed subvenire non possumus; ideoque in celsam et sublimem potenciam 
 vestram causam commendamus. Postremo deprecamur ut annos 
 vite vestre proroget in longam etatem cum gloria, et demum ab hoc 
 solio mortali ad eternum transferal Is, apud quern fons vite est, Rex
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 249 
 
 regum et Dominus dominorum. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congrega- 
 cionis domo, mensis Aprilis die duodevicesimo. Humillima oratrix 
 vestra Universitas Oxonie. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Nicholas Gosse. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod quinto die Julii, anno Domini millesimo quad- 1445- 
 ringentesimo quadragesimo quinto, sigillata erat littera testimonialis 
 pro magistro Nicholao Gosse, sub eadem forma que habetur folio 
 octavo registri. 
 
 Acquittance of Nicholas Cargut, on payment of his fine. Fol. 73 b. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod decimo die Julii, in convocacione magistrorum H45- 
 regencium et non-regencium sigillata erat acquietancia Nicholao 
 Cargut, in legibus licenciato, de centum solidis, eo quod non incepit 
 infra annum post suam licenciacionem in legibus. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Trysthorpe. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod decimo nono die mensis Julii, in convocacione 1445- 
 magistrorum regencium et non-regencium, sigillata erat littera testi- 
 monialis sub communi forma pro magistro Johanne Trysthorpe, cum 
 hoc addito, ' nuper alterius procurators! 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod in congregacione regencium fuit acquietancia H45- 
 sigillata sub hac forma : Noverint universi per presentes, nos, 
 magistrum Robertum Burton, Cancellarium natum Universitatis Oxon- 
 iensis, et magistros Willelmum Mortone et Thomam Coplestone, 
 predicte Universitatis procuratores, recepisse et habuisse die con- 
 feccionis presencium de Abbate et conventu de Enisham, in comitatu 
 Oxoniensi, viginti sex solidos sterlingorum ; in partem solucionis 
 cujusdam annue pensionis predicte Universitati debite : De quibus 
 quidem viginti sex solidis fatemur nos fore solutos, dictumque Abbatem 
 et conventum inde acquietamus per presentes sigillo nostro communi 
 signatas. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo prime die 
 mensis Novembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti vicesimo quarto *. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Salforde. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod quarto die mensis Decembris, anno Domini 1445. 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo quinto, sigillata erat una 
 littera testimonialis pro magistro Johanne Salforde, doctore sacre 
 theologie, sub forma que ponitur in folio octavo hujus libri. 
 
 1 This seems to be a mistake for quinto.
 
 250 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Gilbert Haydok. 
 
 1445. MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo tercio die mensis Decembris, in con- 
 vocacione magistrorum regencium et non-regencium, sigillata erat 
 littera testimonialis pro magistro Gilberto Haydok, sub hac forma: 
 Universis sancte rnatris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere, per- 
 venerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium et non-regencium in eadem salutem in omnium 
 Salvatore : Inter cetera humanitatis officia justicie procul dubio con- 
 sentaneum, et nobis, qui virtutis et sciencie studia profitemur, peculiari 
 quodam modo debitum est, viros morum gravitate et sciencia preditos 
 testimonio digne laudis juvare. Enimvero dum bene meritis laus 
 tribuitur, ceteris ad capessendam virtutis viam spes paratur. Hec et 
 ejuscemodi ante oculos nostre consideracionis statuentes, per has 
 litteras attestamur, quod predictus nobis in Christo confrater, magister 
 Gilbertus Haydok, vir quidem conversacionis venustate conspicuus, 
 ingenio agilis et imprimis eruditus, adeo studiose, sapienter et summa 
 cum gravitate vitam nobiscum transegit, ut cunctis bene beateque 
 vivendi spectaculum exibendo ad magistratus apicem in facultate 
 arcium provehi meritus sit; et que ad tanti gradus sollemnitatem 
 attinebant honorifice cuncta explevit. Ut igitur, hujus testificacionis 
 gracia, omnium quorum penes se interest propensiorem consequatur 
 favorem, has litteras communi dicte Universitatis sigillo fecimus 
 consignari. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo quinto, et mensis Decembris die 
 vicesimo tercio, 
 
 Fol. 74 a. Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo tercio die mensis Decembris, sigillata 
 erat una acquietancia pro Abbate et conventu de Hoseney, pro 
 viginti sex solidis octo denariis sub forma communi, &c. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Moddrey. 
 
 1445. MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo tercio die mensis Februarii, anno 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo quinto, sigillata 
 fuit una littera testimonialis pro magistro Johanne Moddrey, arcium 
 magistro, sub forma que ponitur folio vicesimo sexto hujus registri. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1445. MEMORANDUM, quod octavo die Marcii sigillata erat una acquietancia 
 pro Abbate et conventu de Eynsham, pro quadraginta duobus solidis,
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 251 
 
 de anno regni regis Henrici sexti vicesimo quarto, post conquestum, 
 sub forma que ponitur folio trices imo quarto. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Waltham. 
 
 LITTERA testimonialis magistri Thome Waltham, sacre theologie 1446. 
 doctoris, sub antiqua forma cum ista clausula speciali ' formamque 
 suam integram regencie in sacra theologia in eadem Universitate 
 laudabiliter exercuit et complevit.' Datum. Oxonie in nostre congrega- 
 cionis domo, quinto die Julii, anno Domini millesino quadringentesimo 
 quadragesimo sexto l . 
 
 177. 
 To the King. Fol. 74 b. 
 
 Your illustrious actions fill our hearts with admiration and love for 
 the throne, but most conspicuous of them all is that favour, with which 
 you regard the two Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the lights of 
 the nation and of all the world. This your policy adds not only to your 
 glory, but to the welfare of the realm. For both the words of the wise 
 and the records of the past prove that those states have flourished wherein 
 learning has been fostered. We beg therefore that you will grant us 
 possession of the books promised to us by the Duke of Gloucester, when 
 present in our house of Congregation ; which gift he confirmed shortly 
 before his death. 
 
 2 SERENissiMO atque illustrissimo principi, Anglic et Francie insig- 
 nissimo regi. 
 
 Serenissime atque illustrissime princeps, post deditissimas ex 1447- 
 integritate cordium observancias ac subjecciones humillimas. Dum 
 preclara spectatissimaque in toto orbe terrarum regie magnificencie 
 gesta nobiscum recordacione continua dulcique memoria recensemus, 
 admirabili stupore ducimur et ultra quam credi potest vehementi 
 dileccione allecti sumus, ut regiam majestatem super omnia mundi ex 
 intimis diligendam atque recolendam arbitremur 3 , ac ut ejus saluti 
 nedum corpora sed eciam animam dedicemus. Inter cetera tamen 
 que admiramur illud singular! laude prelucet, quod in duo inclitissimi 
 hujus regni et tocius orbis luminaria, Oxoniam et Cantebrigiam 
 
 1 Here follow, as to date, letters 179, 180. fol. 75 b, both written before the 
 death of H., Duke of Gloucester. a The date of this and the following letter 
 
 is written by a contemporary hand at the top of the folio, which is quite unusual 
 in this MS. 3 arbitramur MS.
 
 252 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Universitates, tarn propensi favoris, tante benignitatis et tarn exuber- 
 antis gracie oleum, quo foveantur, assidue semper infunditis ; ut 
 jam absque defeccione perpetuam et prope inextinguibilem ortodoxe 
 fidei et salutaris doctrine sue lucem, non modo per hujus terre ambi- 
 tum, sed ab hinc ad distantissimas regiones, omnibus Christianis 
 diffundant. Et quid gloriosius, quid ad regni salutem stabilius, quid 
 eterna retribucione dignius excogitari potest, quam in omnem clerum 
 suum et sanctam matrem ecclesiam nobilissimi ac graciosissimi regis 
 animum tanto amoris ardore accendi, quanto de summis et maximis 
 principibus, cunctis retro seculis, paucos admodum legimus aut 
 audivimus inflammatos ? Profecto hoc magnum, hoc maximum, 
 Christianissime rex, perpetue 1 felicitatis presagium et glorie regni 
 vestri : qua in re haud dubium est perpendisse optime regiam magni- 
 ficenciam illud Ciceronis eloquium, ' parvi sunt forts arma nisi est 
 domi consilium,' consilium, inquam, sapientum. Consideratis etenim 
 omnibus, per que principum florent fructificantque officia, et regnorum 
 gloria sublimata videatur, solerti adhibita circumspeccione, precipuum 
 sapiencie cultoribus et litterarum studio deditis prepotentis ac magnifice 
 dominacionis benevolenciam et supportacionem exhiberi. Etenim vero 
 si veteres a dierum primordiis revolvuntur historic, ubicunque studia 
 scienciarum sub clemencia et tuicione principum floruerint, illic simul 
 imperium floruisse compertum est. Rogamus igitur, et cum omni 
 humillitate ac devocione regiam amplitudinem obsecramus, quatenus 
 celeberrime Universitati vestre Oxoniensi, ut ejus in sempiternum non 
 extinguatur lucerna, soliti favoris et gracie indeficiens lumen celsitudo 
 regia exhibere dignetur ; libros illos nobis, tarn numerose plebi 
 studencium, de regali munificencia largiendo, quos magnificus princeps 
 Humfridus dux Gloucestrie, dum in humanis agebat, nobis devotis- 
 simis oratoribus vestris in nostre congregacionis domo, magno et 
 spectabili tune presente cetu doctorum et magistrorum, libere ac 
 gratanter donavit ; et eandem donacionem 2 , ut fideli nobis relacione 
 intelligi datum est, non longe eciam ante obitum conflrmavit. Nullum 
 enim majus beneficium majestas regia nobis facere posset, quam 
 ut libros illos, quibus plurimum indigemus, in nostram consolacionem 
 maximam reciperemus. Pro qua re, et ex integro iterum atque iterum, 
 majestatem regiam humillime obsecramus : quam, ad cleri et regni 
 stabilimentum, Deus omnipotens conservet incolumem longiora per 
 tempora. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis domo, fyc. Devotissima 
 et perpetua oratrix Universitas vestra Oxoniensis. 
 
 1 ede, added over the line MS. ; what is intended is not clear, probably perpetu- 
 ande. * et ut MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 253 
 
 178. 
 
 To Master John Somersett. FoL 75 a. 
 
 Of all your remarkable qualifies we congratulate you chiefly on your 
 power of withdrawing your mind from public cares and applying it to 
 literary studies. We regard your call to a position wherein your wise 
 counsel is so useful, as nothing less than providential, and entreat you to 
 use your influence with the King, in obtaining for us possession of the 
 books given us by the Duke of Gloucester by word of mouth ; and never 
 revoked before his death. 
 
 CLARISSIMO ac spectatissimo viro et doctori famosissimo, magistro 1447. 
 Johanni Somersett, fautori et amatori nostro precipuo. 
 
 Dum exuberancia vestrarum virtutum insignia non parva cum 
 admiracione animo recolligimus, doctor famosissime, in id apprime 
 summa congraculacione afficimur, vos, virum in rei quidem publice 
 consultacione occupatissimum, honestissimis tamen scienciarum litteris 
 incumbere ; et inter curarum sollicitudines solitudinem quandam ducere. 
 Verum si publica pro adrm'nistracione bene meritis mortalitatis * fama, 
 et definitus, teste Cicerone, apud superos locus debeatur ; hec eo vobis, 
 doctor, diviniore quodam modo accrescere arbitrandum est, quo 
 sacratum sibi 2 ocium cum operosis negociis sociali quodam vicissitu- 
 dine ita conficitis, ut post anxiosos sudores hoc illi ad quietis solacium, 
 ilia vero isti ad gloriam sint et tutamen. Itaque non sine divina 
 quadam sorte actum esse putavimus, lactentem vos jam ac . . . 3 
 apud nos trivialibus intendentem, veluti e matris cunabulis, tante celsi- 
 tudinis prudencie tandem non ab re assistere evocatum ; ubi et studiosi 
 quique et sapiencie dediti tutorem vos consultorem 4 atque coadjutorem 
 paratissimum invenerint. Unde et nos primum maximas gracias et 
 habemus et agimus benevolencie vestre, quia tantam nunciis nostris 
 humanitatem pro felici negociorum nostrorum expedicione nuperrime 
 ostendistis, ut gratum desiderii nostri nuncium reportarent 5 . Rogamus 
 deinde atque summo opere desideramus, ut, cum specialis ille noster 
 benefactor Umfridus, nuper dux Gloucestrie, libros suos, quos studio 
 dignos arbitratus est, nobis viva voce concesserit, atque pia hac in 
 voluntate, prout fidedignorum testimonio didiscimus, ad mortem 
 continue perduraret ; sic apud inclitissimum, Christianissimum et nobis 
 graciosissimum regem nostrum diligencie vestre operam senciamus; 
 
 1 immortalitatisl * tibil s The word here is unintelligible in MS. ; 
 
 probably it is intended for parvulum. * consultorum MS. 6 repor- 
 
 tarunt ib.
 
 254 EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 ut quod pia nobis voluntate indultum est, non minor! sit pietate 
 executum. Hortatu equidem et consilio vestro expedite magis quod 
 volumus advenire nobis posse non ambigimus ; quo pacto et rem 
 memoratu satis dignam agetis, atque nos eterno et divino quodam 
 afficietis beneficio. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, octavo die 
 mensis Aprilis. Vestra dilectrix et amatrix Universitas Oxoniensis. 
 
 IHS MARIA CATERINA. 
 
 179. 
 Fol. 75 b. To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 No words could discharge our debt of gratitude and praise, though 
 from every quarter of the world all the most eloquent of mankind should 
 be gathered to perform the task. Your munificence cannot be rewarded 
 in this life, but will be so hereafter. If others, to whom you are known 
 only by your fame, owe you thanks ', what must hot be our debt, who have 
 in person experienced such generosity ? While the course of nature is 
 unchangeable our hearts will never cease to treasure your memory, and 
 we will give all our powers of body and soul to serve you. We hope for 
 your continued favour, for it is the sole foundation of our prosperity, and 
 the books you have given us, both by their contents and beauty, are the 
 admiration of all. 
 
 1446. SERENISSIMO atque ornatissimo principi, Humfrido, duci Gloucestrie, 
 comiti Pembrochie, magno camerario Anglic et domino nostro 
 graciosissimo. 
 
 Quanta laudum preconia. quot et que amplissimarum graciarum 
 acciones celsitudini vestre, observandissime princeps, nos humiles et 
 obsequentissimi ejusdem oratores perpetuo immolare debeamus, non 
 facile quidem fuerit eloquentissimis, ex omni orbis circumferencia ad 
 hoc in unum velut centrum adunatis, exprimere. Tarn exuberans 
 quippe in nos et tarn immensa est bonitas magnificencie vestre, quod 
 omne laudis genus, omne agendarum graciarum munus exsuperat; 
 et, quasi terrenam commendacionem dedignata, celeste premium et 
 supernam retribucionem expectat. Quod quanquam ita sit, baud ideo 
 humana cessant officia ; quum universes populos, cunctas gentes ex- 
 tremaque maria laudes, etsi clarissimis meritis impares, celebrare 
 certissimum est. At sane, dum ii, ad quos vel sola virtutis fama 
 pertingit, ad nominis vestri gloriam laudes accumulant, quanto nos 
 accuraciore studio fervencioreque zelo earn predicare, extollere et 
 summopere magnificare convenit, qui virtute ipsa beneficencie ipsoque
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 255 
 
 librorum divino et inestimabili munere donati, magnifice ornati, splen- 
 dide et amplissime aucti sumus. Certe, ut verbis utamur poete, apud 
 nos ' Dum juga mantis aper, fluvios dum piscis amabit, dum thimo 
 pascentur apes, dum rore cichade, semper honos, nomen vestrum 
 laudesque manebunt.' Et cum hoc ad condignum, pro magnitudine 
 debiti quo tenemur, non sufficiat, nos totos insuper loco supplement! 
 offerimus, ac non modo corpora nostra sed immortales animas nostras 
 vestris dedicamus obsequiis : amplitudinem vestram, humanissime 
 princeps, vehementer eciam atque eciam obsecrantes, ut res nostras 
 solito pietatis favore aspiciat. Hunc ipsum enim favorem, tanquam 
 unicam nostre salutis basim, statuimus, cujus firma * et inflexibili sup- 
 portacione jam singula studiorum gignasia in pacis tranquillitate letis 
 procedunt auspiciis ; et pro magna parte universi libris, precipue con- 
 tentorum splendore ornatu et majestate allecti, ardentissimo studio 
 gregatim incumbunt. Ex quo futurum ut inter illos cotidie magis ac 
 magis illustres glorie vestre precones effulgeant; que ut per eos sic 
 vigeat, et in eternitatem propagetur ac floreat, summo studio, sempiterna 
 benevolencia atque perpetuis oracionibus divinam majestatem nos 
 obsecrare pollicemur. Devotissima et perpetua oratrix vestra Uni- 
 versitas studii Oxonie. 
 
 1 80. 
 To the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 When we remember the benefits, unheard of in former ages, which 
 your never failing generosity has poured out upon us ; and how you have 
 protected and cherished us as a father his only daughter, we are at a loss 
 to express our respect, honour, and love of your name. Your adminis- 
 tration of affairs of state, your wisdom, your talents, your exalted 
 character are the theme of universal admiration and praise ; and your 
 safety and welfare the constant burden of our prayers. Hitherto every 
 one preaching within the University has been bound by his oath to com- 
 memorate your benefactions ; to this we now add a further statute, to the 
 effect that the same obligation shall apply to all sermons delivered in 
 places of importance elsewhere ; and that on every such occasion special 
 prayers shall be offered by name for you. We have elected Master 
 Gilbert Kymer, your clerk, to be our Chancellor ; in order that he may 
 suggest to us any procedure that may be agreeable to you. May your 
 life be long here, and everlasting hereafter I 
 
 ILLUSTRISSIMO principi, Humfrido, Gloucestrie duci, comiti Pern- 1446. 
 brochie ac magno camerario Anglic, et domino nostro graciosissimo. 
 
 1 firmo MS.
 
 256 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Serenissime princeps, dum cedulo ante oculos exacte considera- 
 cionis tractamus inaudita cunctis retro seculis beneficia, quibus magnifice 
 donati fuimus ; atque eciam adeo constantem, integram et unifonnem 
 vestre dominacionis graciam, que nullius beneficencie quantalibet 
 magnitudine saciari, nee ullis suasionibus abalienari potuerit, quin tota 
 in Universitatem Oxoniensem pleno cornu exuberet; ut unlearn, ut 
 ancillam, imo pocius ut filiam, ut columbam, et oratricem perpetuam 
 foveat, complectatur et diligat; sane dum hec nobiscum sepe ac 
 multum discutimus, in quanta veneracione, cultu et dileccione incli- 
 tissimi nominis vestri decus a nobis perpetuo celebrari debeat, nee 
 verbis quidem persolvere nee mente satis excogitate sufficimus. Ver- 
 satur in ore cujuslibet celeberrimum nomen Humfridi. Quidam l 
 magnificenciam ducis admirantur et predicant ; alii administracionem 2 
 reipublice, sapiencie et consultacionis gravitatem preconizant; alii 
 ingenii claritudinem atque in omni genere litterarum diligenciam ex- 
 tollunt ; singulique singulares et excelsas virtutes magnificant : omnes 
 denique pro vita et statu et incolumitate vestra crebras et assiduas sup- 
 plicaciones superne majestati sine intennissione offerunt. Itaque, ad 
 ampliorem tante magnificencie gloriam (si quid maxime superaddi 
 possit), statutum inter nos est et execucione firmatum, ut, sicut ab olim 
 et continue, publicos infra Universitatem sermones dicturi peculiare 
 quoddam et precipuum memoriale nominis vestri agere in fide prestita 
 obligati sunt, ita jam foris eodem functuri officio, in locis saltern regni 
 famosissimis, nominatim et expresse celsitudinem vestram recensere, 
 et oracionum suffrages commendare teneantur 3 . Sic 4 , perceleber- 
 rimum s hoc memoriale vigebit in evum ; dignissimas quoque laudes 
 nulla quidem etas unquam conticescet, quinimo magis ac magis 
 florescent, dum vel solus in Universitate supersit, qui litteras legere aut 
 intelligere sciverit, ut nova inde monumenta conficiat. Obsecramus 
 igitur devote et obtestamur humillime amplitudinem vestram, humanis- 
 sime princeps, ut nobis continuo solid favoris et gracie indeficiens 
 lumen exhibeat. Ac si quicquam beneplacito seu acceptacione dignum 
 possibilitati nostre subsit, imponite, statuite et jubete : obsequentissimis 
 animis parere ad omnia presto ac parati sumus. Nee ab re ideo 
 gravem ac provide sencientem virum, magistrum Gilbertum Kymer, 
 FoL 76 a. celsitudinis vestre clericum, sub cujus olim regimine letis auspiciis res 
 nostre processerant, jam denuo in Cancellarium et rectorem nostrum 
 elegimus ; ut docere, suggerere e et informare possit quid in gerendis 
 rebus nostris ubique gratissimum fiat serenitati vestre. Quam in 
 longam florentem ac desideratam etatem sic Omnipotens dirigat per 
 
 1 Quidem MS. * administralione ib. 3 tenentur ib. * Sit sic ib. 
 
 * percelibertimum ib. * suggere ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 257 
 
 graciam in via., ut demum etemam perducat ad gloriam in patria. 
 Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, septimo die Ftbruarii. 
 Humillima et devotissima oratrix vestra Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Richard Ayschetone. 
 Abbot of Peterborough. 
 
 UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 1446. 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore. Quia 
 ahissime veritatis conspectui libamina credimus offerre, cum virtutibus 
 precellenti fidele peribemus testimonium digne laudis ; Hinc nos super 
 laudabili vita et honeste conversacionis fragrancia venerabilis patris 
 magistri Ricardi Ayschetone, sacre theologie doctoris, Abbatis mona- 
 sterii de burgo S. Petri, omnes quorum interest cerciorare volentes, has 
 nostras per litteras attestamur, quod predict! patris laudabilibus mentis 
 et sciencia, per scolasticos labores et studia tanta precessit experiencia, 
 unde odorifera sui nominis fama, quam apud nos in honoris apicem 
 pretulemnt virtuose sue accionis preconia, latere non valuit, sed 
 eminentem super columpnam erigi digna ceteris se prebuit vitale 
 imitacionis exemplum et populo lucem magnam : adeo quod, quamdiu 
 Universitatem sua decoraverat presencia, omnium morum matura 
 prefulgens gravitate magnum sibi honorem immaculati nominis titulo 
 vendicavit. Ne igitur calumpniancium invidia, seu insidiancium bora 
 maliciose captata [nomen J ] ejus venerabile alicui possit revocari * in 
 dubium, eidem venerabili, super laudabili suo statu pariter et honestate 
 in dicta Universitate, ut s omnibus plenius innotescat, has litteras nostras 
 testimoniales communi nostre Universitatis predicte [sigillo munitas 
 confecimus] 4 . Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, mensis 
 Februarii die quarto, anno Domini millcsimo quadringeniesimo quadra- 
 gesimo sexto. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Geoffrey Herford. H47- 
 
 MAGISTKR Galfridus Herford, doctor sacre theologie, ordinis predica- 
 torum, habuit litteram testimonialem sub forma communi, cum ista 
 clausula speciali ' de complecione laudabili sue regencie ' anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo septimo, mensis Aprilis die 
 undevicesimo. 
 
 1 nomen omitted in MS. * annctari MS. s ut omitted in MS. 
 
 * sigillo mun. conf. ; these three words are wholly omitted in MS.
 
 258 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 181. 
 
 To Master William Waynflete, provost of Eton College. 
 Fol. 77 a. 
 
 Four kindness and tried affection for us embolden us to ask that you 
 
 will use your powerful influence with the King, to obtain for us possession 
 
 of the books promised in congregation here by word of mouth, and often 
 
 afterwards to our messengers, before his decease by the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 We are sure the King is naturally disposed to every good work, but by 
 
 your persuasion we doubt not he will be more so. By granting this our 
 
 prayer you will repay the debt you owe to your mother the University ; 
 
 which brought you forth into the world of knowledge, nursed you with 
 
 the most loving care, and fed you with the choicest food of science up 
 
 to mans estate. 
 
 1447. MAGISTRO Willelmo Waynflete, preposito collegii regalis de Eton, 
 Universitas studii Oxoniensis. 
 
 Dileccionis vicissitudinem, graciarum acciones et honorem. Tantum 
 nobis animi, tantum fiducie ac spei prestat insignis humanitas et pro- 
 bata dileccio tua, magister carissime, ut non modo propriam opem, 
 qua semper egemus, verum insuper, cum res id exigat, generose pro- 
 bitatis tue curam, studium atque operam apud alios pro nobis eciam in 
 periculo gratanter impendas. Credimus enim semper tibi ante oculos 
 esse quanto tenearis amore in matrem, que te spirituali conceptum 
 utere in lucem cognicionis eduxit, et donee in virilis animi robur cres- 
 ceres, quo jam excellis, preciosissimis dapibus, indulgentissimo favore, 
 omnium scienciarum alimentis enutrivit. Cum igitur plurimum apud 
 regiam celsitudinem possis, de quo vehementer omnes congaudemus, 
 hortamur in Domino, rogamus et obtestamur virtutem tuam, ut tarn 
 benignissime dominacionis graciam pro nobis interpellare digneris de 
 libris obtinendis, quos dudum magnificus ille princeps, dux Gloucestrie, 
 in nostre congregacionis domo adunatis doctoribus et magistris publica 
 voce concessit, et sepenumero postea nunciis nostris privatim, ac paulo 
 ante mortem, ut ex fide digna relacione accepimus, eandem dona- 
 cionem confirmavit. Alia quoque multa promisit, de quibus tacere 
 prestiterit : hoc unum tamen industrie tue ac fidei, in qua firmissimam 
 spem locavimus, elaborandum commendamus. Nam, etsi nobilissimus 
 ille princeps et rex noster graciosissimus a natura fuerit ad omne 
 bonum inclinatissimus, non dubitamus tamen quin tuis et aliorum 
 bonorum suasionibus fiet paracior. Postremo in iis, que ilia ex parte 
 dicentur, audienciam digneris impendere creditivam et favorem. Vale ; 
 et a nobis te diligi constantissime tene. Datum in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, c.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 259 
 
 182. 
 To the Marquess of Suffolk 1 . 
 
 RYGH heigh and myghty and owr fulwyrschipful lord, w* als entier 1447. 
 hert as we kan thynk we recommend us humbly to yowr ryght 
 wyrschipful estat, w* )? e gostly suffrages of owr prayers ; devoutly 
 besekyng almyghty God to preserve f> e sam in worschip and prosperite 
 longe to endur, for his mercy. And for somuche )>* owr most 2 . . . . 
 and soveryng lord ]? e Kyng late dide wryte to us, bt he wold schew to 
 us his Universite of Oxon tendre favore w fc his goode grace, ffor b 6 
 whuche, w* alle b e devocions b* God wil minstre to us, daily we pray 
 to Him diligently for b e most noble estate and prosperite of owr sayde 
 soverayne lord, ffurthirmor we beseche lowly to yowr highnesse, b* 
 je wold be god lord and gracius protectur to us yowr bedmen of be 
 sayde Universite of Oxon, and specially for]) 6 honour of God almyghty 
 and mayntenance of alle cristen fayth, wyrschip of owr sayd Soveryng 
 lord, profute of b is realme and tranquillite of the sayd Universite ; 
 commendyng us jowr desyride pleseris as to yowr humble bedemen, 
 b* hertly prayth to alle myghty God to have jow in his kepyng. 
 Wrytyn in Jf semble hows of Oxenford b e xiii day of marche. 3owr 
 fuldevoute oratrice b e Universite of the study of Oxenford. 
 
 Fol. 77 b. 
 
 The mother may justly expect assistance from her son ; we therefore 
 beg you to give her your aid, by using your influence with the King and 
 others, that we may be given possession of the books promised by the Duke 
 of Gloucester, but which were not at that time in his own hands. 
 Master Edmonde, our messenger, is the bearer of our letters to the 
 King, the Marquess, and others. 
 
 MATRIS erga filium vetus extat consuetudo, si quid sibi prodesse 1447. 
 putet, nee quod ipsa sola adquirere, tune ipsius maxime postulare 
 consilium, quern noverit magis ad earn rem peragendam fore idoneum. 
 Fraternitati igitur vestre, quem semper eum, ut gratissimum filium 
 erga matrem decuit, ad Universitatem nostram animum benevolentis- 
 simum habuisse comperimus, tanquam ad eum, in quo spes non parva 
 nostra sita sit, mittimus in presenti ; ut earn, quam in matrem debitis, 
 benevolenciam experiamur. Quoniam itaque matris nostre amator 
 
 1 There is no address to this letter. Probably it was addressed to the Marquess 
 of Suffolk. Cf. Ep. 1 86. 2 The space of one or two words blank in the MS. 
 
 3 No address to this letter, but probably it is to Dr. J. Somerset. 
 
 S 2
 
 260 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 precipuus, magnificus princeps dominus Humfridus, dux nuper 
 Gloucestrie, cum paucis jam lapsis annis Universitate nostra in convo- 
 cacione magna doctorum et magistrorum presens esset, libros singulos, 
 quos studio dignos arbitrates est, nobis liberaliter donavit per libera- 
 cionem certorum librorum, non penes, in aliorum possessione ; et 
 eandem, ut certa relacione accepimus, non longe ejus ante mortem, 
 donacionem iterum confirmavit ; fraternitatem obnixe petimus, quatenus 
 penes majestatem regiam, et alibi gratos et benevolos, vestros dignemini 
 labores apponere, ut illos libros nobis pia et magnifica principis 
 largicione donates obtinere possimus. Res enim, ut aiunt, in portu 
 est; si, uti confidimus, cum aliis benevolis ac fautoribus nostris eciam 
 favor atque benevolencia vestra non deficiant. Quamobrem et in- 
 presenciarum transmittimus vobis l confratrem nostrum, magistrum 
 Thomam Edmonde, nuncium nostrum specialem, cum apicibus nostris 
 ad metuendissimum dominum nostrum regem, dominum Marchionem, 
 ac alios ; cui eciam fidem prebere vestra fraternitas dignetur indubiam : 
 quam diu feliciter Omnipotens conservet incolumem. Datum in nostre 
 congregacionis domo, octavo die mensis Aprilis. Vestra dilectrix et 
 oratrix Universitas Oxonie. 
 
 184. 
 To the Marquess of Suffolk. 
 
 1447. To J5 e ryght hygh and myghty prince, oure most singuler good lord 
 and protectour, ]> e Marquois of Suthfolk. 
 
 RYGHT hyght and myghty prince, owr most singuler good lord and 
 protectour, we recommend us unto 3owr gud lordschip in ]? e most 
 lowly wyse, thankyng 3ow, as hertly as we can or may, for ]? e gret and 
 graciose confort >* 36 send to us be owr messinger late beyng w* 
 jow ; and for ]? e gret favour and tendirnesse that 36 have had at al 
 tyms, and now in special, ,unto f> e spede of owr maters ; besechyng 
 3ou of 3owr gude ad and longe continuance in > e sam ; prayng 3ow 
 forthirmor to be good lord and special mene unto owr most soveryng 
 and graciuse lord the Kyng ; J?* in als muche as J>e diik of Glowcestre, 
 now late passid to God, a lytil be for his deth grantyd to owr Uni- 
 versite of Oxenford all his buks of study, also odyr boks longyng to 
 scole mater, lyk as we be informyd be feyth and credible personys, 
 and morover grantyd J> e sam w* his onne mowgthe, her in a tym of 
 a convocation in our semble howse, be for diverse doctors and maysters 
 and other notable, many mo graduat men beyng in his presance, we 
 
 1 nobis et confratrem MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEM1CAE. 261 
 
 myght rekever and have theys sayd boks ; J? e wyche was to us most 
 special and singuler tresour ; consaynyng * \> e gret wel disposid multi- 
 tude of scolars and the gret penury of boks )?* ben amang us. And 
 we schall pray God hertly for yowr gud & nobil estat: the wyche 
 God longe maynteyne yn prosperite and gud helth of soule and body. 
 Wrytyn at Oxenford in awr semble howse }f viii day of Aprile. 3 wr 
 poor oratrice, Universite of Oxenford. 
 
 185. 
 
 To Lord Say. Fol. 78 a. 
 
 To the Right noble & oure singuler good lord, the Lord Say, H47- 
 Chamberlayn unto oure soveraigne lord the Kynge. 
 
 RYGHT noble and our ryght singler lord, we recommend us un to 
 3owr good lordschip in lowly wyse, wyche Almyghty God preserve 
 & governe longe in welth and prosperite ; Besechyng jowr benyng 
 favoure to oure Universite, and Ipt je lyk to be good menes to owr 
 soveryng lord the Kyng for )? e buks wyche owr gud lord, J> e duk of 
 Gloucestre, be for grawntyd to owr sayd Universite, wan he was last 
 in the same Universite, and also, as we be sufficiently informyd be 
 wyrschipful & famous men, a lytyl be for he passyd to God he 
 confermyd the same : Consideryng, gracius lord, the gret multitud of 
 scolers and ]? e penury of bokes in J? e sayd Universite, and Jj* many of 
 yowr nobyl lynage and kynnesmen hav studyed & schal her after in 
 ]? e saide Universite, to our gret worschip and profete of al J? 6 realm. 
 And we schall pray God for yow, for yowr good mediation and in- 
 stance un to owr soveryng lor ]> e Kyng in the saide mater: wyche 
 longe mayntene sow in good helth of soule & body. Writin at 
 Oxon in oure sembly hows, p e m day of April. 3owr poor oratrice, the 
 Universite of Oxon. 
 
 186. 
 
 To the Marquess of Suffolk. 
 
 To our ryght gracious and noble lord, Lord William, ]? e markis 1447. 
 
 of Suffolk. 
 
 RYGHT noble lord, as devotly as we can we commend us unto 
 }owr goode lordschipe w* the gostly suffrages of oure prayers ; praying 
 Allmyghty God to preserve jow in welth and prosperite. And for als 
 muche \fr oure soveryng lord lp e Kyng did late wryte to us >* he wold 
 
 1 Or perhaps consayvyng MS.
 
 262 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 schew to us and his Universite of Oxinfbrd tendre favoure and his 
 gude grace ; Warfor we prayth God dilygently, and w* all J? e devo- 
 cions ]?* God will ministre to us, for his gud estate & prosperite. 
 fforthurmore we beseche 5our good lordschip to be good lord and 
 protectour to us & to our sayd Universite, for J> e good rest and 
 tranquillite of |? e study, to \>* honoure of God, mayntenance of cristyn 
 fayth, wyrschip and profet of J> e realme of Engelond. And we and 
 oure successours of J> e say Universite schal pray for }ow for evermor. 
 Writ at Oxon in oure congregation, xiiiiday of Marche. }owr special 
 oratours, Chancellar proctours regentes & non-regentes of the 
 Universite of Oxon. 
 
 Fol. 78 b. To the Archbishop of York. 
 
 1447. MEMORANDUM, quod quinto die Februarii, scripta est littera ad 
 dominum Cardinalem, episcopum Eboracensem, sub ista forma. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et domine, magnificencie vestre 
 humillima recommendacione devote premissa: Apud antiquissimos 
 probate auctoritatis viros nihil quispiam communi utilitati l . . . . 
 
 Acquittances of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 1447. MEMORANDUM, quod tercio et vicesimo die Februarii, anno regni 
 regis Henrici sexti post conquestum sexto et vicesimo, sigillavimus 
 acquietanciam cujusdam annue pensionis octo et sexaginta solidorum, 
 debite Universitati Oxoniensi de Abbate et conventu de Eynesham. 
 
 Memorandum, quod quarto et vicesimo die mensis Februarii, anno 
 regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum sexto et vicesimo, sigilla- 
 vimus acquietanciam cujusdam annue pensionis sex et viginti soli- 
 dorum, debite Universitati Oxoniensi de Abbate et conventu de 
 Oseney. 
 
 Memorandum, quod undetricesimo die mensis Marcii, anno regni 
 regis Henrici sexti post conquestum septirno et vicesimo, sigillate 
 fuerunt due acquietancie sigillo communi Universitatis ; una Abbati 
 et conventui de Oseney, et alia Abbati et conventui de Enesham, 
 pro quibusdam pensionibus annuis per eosdem Universitati dicte 
 debitis ; secundum formam prescriptam folio quintodecimo. 
 
 1 Here the MS. breaks off abruptly.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 263 
 
 187. 
 
 To the Chancellor, Master Kymer. Fol. 79 a. 
 
 The successful accomplishment of your journey is a source of thank- 
 fulness to us. Master Maningham has fully described your efforts, the 
 exertion of your interest, your care, industry and anxiety in our behalf. 
 A trusty messenger will serve our purpose better than a long letter, and 
 will express our desires more straightforwardly. Trust him as you 
 would ourselves. 
 
 SCRIPTA est littera domino Cancellario, undevicesimo die mensis H47- 
 Februarii, sub hac forma. 
 
 Honorificencie vestre debitas reverencias et honores cum humillima 
 subjeccione filiali. Magna animi gratulacione felicem transitum 
 vestrum nostris pro rebus expediendis suscepimus, pater benignissime, 
 quo nostram rempublicam maximis incrementis ad auctum rei palam 
 intelligimus. Quo etenim pacto apud nos in dies singulos vestrorum 
 meritorum cultus augescit vehementer experimur. Accepimus, pro- 
 bissime pater, a confratre nostro, magistro J. Maningham 1 , clarissime 
 quanta favoris adminicula, quantos labores, curas, industrias, studia, 
 cogitacionesque et omnes animi vires nostris pro negociis bene 
 gerendis vestri perbeata et gratissima benignitas apponit : unde vos z 
 veram et rectam gloriam magni quoque nostri desiderii perdulce 
 solamen haberi feceritis. Quam ob rem ab ymis nostri cordium 
 radicibus profluentes graciarum acciones precellenti dignitati vestre 
 offerimus multiformes. Proinde longis quoniam oracionibus multaque 
 circuicione in scriptis 3 uti baud opus est, cum in excipiendis mandatis 
 profisiscentis persona 4 ingenio racione et fidelitate sufficit; igitur quod 6 
 vestri reverencia scitu dignum arbitramur, sine sermonis nostri ex- 
 cursu, plenius per prefatum magistrum, nostro pro nuncio speciali 
 deputatum, significabimus. Cui sinceram fidem, rectam opinionem 
 et firmam credulitatem, velut nobis, in singulis ab eo dicendis ex parte 
 nostra conferre dignemini. Quid multa? Valete et vivite feliciter 
 per multas etates, pater optime. Raptim scriptum apud Oxon, in 
 nostre congregacionis domo, undevicesimo die Februarii, 6fc. Cetus 
 unanimis magistrorum regencium Universitatis Oxonie. Manyngham. 
 
 1 Manigham MS. a nos ib. 3 The word in the MS. is scpritis. 
 
 * The scribe has made some confusion or omitted something, but his writing is 
 here singularly clear. 6 The MS. appears to have e before vestri.
 
 264 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 188. 
 To the King. 
 
 We have received with all respect your letters requiring us to readmit 
 to residence among us Master Morgan Philipp, who was banished for 
 his great misconduct ; or to show cause why we regard him with such 
 disfavour. We would gladly alloiv him to return, if we could do so 
 with safety, but his life has been such that his presence was a constant 
 peril to our liberties and privileges, which he endeavoured to violate both 
 by his own actions and by abetting others. Pious and peaceable masters 
 he has prosecuted upon false charges, and with insolence and contu- 
 macious conduct refused to submit to the penance we inflicted. In short, 
 his whole life here has been a continual strife and discord. Such a 
 wicked and litigious man we deem unfit to reside in a quiet and studious 
 society, and indeed neither does the Church nor God himself receive into 
 favour an impenitent sinner. We have long waited expecting his sub- 
 mission, before writing this letter, and we doubt not that you will even 
 thank us for what we have done ; for it is certain that if we overlooked 
 his offences many others would be found to imitate him. 
 
 H47- SERENISSIMO et metuendissimo domino nostro, Domino Henrico, 
 Dei gracia Anglic et Francie regi illustrissimo, scriptum est quarto 
 die Maii. 
 
 Serenissime et Christianissime princeps, tocius matris nostre ecclesie 
 singularissime auctor et protector, subjecciones, honores et gracias 
 cum omni devocione et humillitate. Omnimoda veneracione, ut 
 equum est, vestre serenitatis binas J litteras suscepimus, metuendissime 
 princeps, quibus Morganum Philipp, propter magnam improbitatem 
 ejus, singularem immodestiam et manifestissimam contumaciam apud 
 nos, a vestra Universitate Oxoniensi legitime bannitum, nobis in 
 graciam suscipere atque nobiscum cohabitandi prestare licenciam vestri 
 celsitudinem desiderare intelligimus ; aut claram et probabilem vestre 
 serenitati racionem ostendere, quare eum favore et gracia minime 
 tueremur. Ipsi enimvero toto mentis affectu, vestre contemplacione 
 regie majestatis, commanendi libertatem nobiscum preberemus, si nos 
 et Universitatem nostram predictam eo redeunte 2 futures incholumes 
 putaremus ; verum adeo scelerate sui vitam instituit, quod in pertur- 
 bacione pacis et rerum publicarum eversione non modo iniquus consul 
 sed precipuus actor erat ; nullam ad perperam agendum habens 
 verecundiam ; laude dignas consuetudines libertates et privilegia, a 
 
 1 Or perhaps vivas MS. 2 rediunte ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 265 
 
 vobis et preclarissimis progenitoribus vestris nobis graciose et di- Fol. 79 b. 
 vinitus indulta, tanquam communi utilitati nostre acerrimus hostis, 
 in sui juramenti non modicam lesionem gnominiose violavit. Pios 
 quidem ac innocentes magistros falsis indictamentis nequiter et 
 injuriose vexavit : que culpa certo apud nos baud vulgaris, neque 
 actitata est. Salubrem sibi pro commissis noxis solida et matura 
 discrecione injunctam penitenciam, nobis, legibus et judiciis nostris 
 nullatenus morem gerens, superbe, arroganter et contumaciter refu- 
 tavit. Vitam suam, ut summatim feramus, tarn impudenter actam, 
 iniquam, immodestam, ita parari existimamus, ut nihil certo pretensum 
 ducat quam jurgium et discordiam. Quare, serenissime et gracio- 
 sissime princeps, tarn improbum et litigiosum virum, in quo tantum 
 temeritatis et contumacie est, nulla studiosa et honesta societate com- 
 morari dignum arbitramur. Sancta etenim mater ecclesia, cujus vestri 
 Universitas antedicta tanquam regulatrix et instructrix suis multi- 
 phariis salutaribusque disciplinis extat, impenitentem nusquam recipit 
 ad graciam : nee Deus ipse talem potestatem reliquit in terris nee 
 sibi retinuit, ut impenitentem quemquam absolvat. Unde, metuen- 
 dissime princeps, predictum Morganum, sui pro nequiciis merito 
 bannitum et nunquam se nobis quoquo modo submittentem, sed in 
 sua pocius iniqua et perversa contumacia indies perseverantem, Christ! 
 vestigia et sancte matris ecclesie imitantes, ut tenemur, ad graciam 
 habitandi nobiscum, ut solebat, hucusque non duximus acceptandum : 
 ac ejus comparenciam et obedienciam quotidie expectantes, usque 
 nunc has litteras nostras vestre celsitudini distulimus offerendas. 
 Quo facto vestri sublimitatem offensam fieri non speramus, sed 
 plurimas eo magis e vestri magnificencia grates adepturi. Re enim 
 vera, clementissime princeps, si his maleficiis indultum fieret, sepe 
 multos ad maleficenciam alacriores, atque plurimos ejusdem audacie 
 futures emulos, paulo post clare ex verisimili intueremur ; quod incli- 
 tissimam majestatem vestram magnopere nolle firmiter estimamus. 
 Scimus profecto quod benignissima dominacio vestra ad salutem et 
 incholumitatem Universitatis vestre predicte pias semper benevolencie 
 acies ac providentissime consideracionis oculos solet retorquere. Unde 
 sapiencie et serenitati vestre grates eternas et immortales agimus, 
 supplicantes ac devote et humillime implorantes majestatem vestram 
 placido 1 vultu et serena fronte has nostre excusacionis litteras susci- 
 pere ; que si parum vehementes aut non satis digne prudentissime Fol. 80 a. 
 celsitudini vestre videantur, vestrum tune judicium quoquomodo 
 faciendum assequemur ; exorantes accuratissime et humillime obse- 
 crantes quod solite benevolencie humanitatisque vestre perseveranciam 
 
 1 placito MS.
 
 266 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 nobis vestra celsitudo concedat. Floreat prospere in multas etates 
 gloria, virtus et magnificencia vestra, semper victoria et triumpho. 
 Scriptum in nostre congregations, domo, Maii die tercio. Vestri 
 humillimi oratores, Cancellarius cetusque unanimis magistrorum re- 
 gencium et non-regencium vestre Universitatis Oxoniensis. 
 
 1 80. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Commemoration of Cardinal Beaufort. 
 
 The executors of Cardinal Beaufort, in the distribution of money by 
 him left for pious works, have given to this University five hundred 
 marks, for the completion of the new school of theology ; desiring from 
 us, in return for this charitable gift, a spiritual recompense. We there- 
 fore^ for ourselves and our successors, hereby grant to the said Cardinal, 
 that he shall be partaker in all prayers and sacrifices of the mass offered 
 in this University ; and that the anniversary of his death, with mass for 
 the repose of his soul, shall be observed every year. Our chaplain also, 
 making his circuit to ask the prayers of the scholars for benefactors, 
 shall mention the name of the said Cardinal, and likewise in every mass 
 celebrated by him ; and every graduate, before his sermons on solemn 
 occasions, shall invite the prayers of the congregation for the said 
 Cardinal. Moreover, we admit into the number of our benefactors, and 
 to a participation in all spiritual recompenses paid to them, the aforesaid 
 executors of his will. 
 
 1448. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Gilbertus Kymer, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis, 
 cetusque magistrorum unanimis in eadem salutem in Eo, qui est 
 omnium vera salus. Cum reverendissimus in Christo pater et 
 dominus, dominus Johannes, miseracione divina sacrosancte Romane 
 ecclesie tituli Sancte Balbine presbiter cardinalis, Archiepiscopus 
 Eboracensis ; nobilis et prepotens dominus Edmundus, dux Somersetie 
 et marchio Dorsetie ; et alii electi et eximie discrecionis viri, Ricardus, 
 Prior prioratus de Wytham in Selwode, Carthusiani ordinis magister ; 
 Stephanus Wyltone, Archidiaconus Wyntonie ; Ricardus Wallere ; 
 Willelmus Mareys ; Willelmus Toly, et Willelmus Porte ; simul cum 
 eis executores testament! recolende semper memorie reverendissimi 
 in Christo patris et domini, domini Henrici, nuper sacrosancte Romane 
 ecclesie tituli Sancti Eusebii presbyteri Cardinalis, vulgariter nun- 
 cupati ' de Anglia' Wyntoniensis episcopi, inter communitates, 
 ecclesias cathedrales, monasteria, piaque loca dicti regni, que devota 
 circumspectaque largicione bonorum dicti testatoris honoraverunt, 
 nostram Universitatem antedictam singulari quadam et precipua
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 267 
 
 bonorum disposicioni sue, ut prefertur, commissorum, collacione Fol. 80 b. 
 duxerint respiciendum ; eidem graciose conferendo quingentas marcas, 
 ad complendam edificacionem quarumdam scolarum in ea a nobis 
 inceptarum, nunquam nostris propriis verisimiliter consummandarum 
 facultatibus ; qua quidem liberalitatis et munificencie gracia erga nos 
 et eandem nostram Universitatem intelligimus prefatos executores 
 usos extitisse, sub obtentu remuneracionis spiritualis, memorato per- 
 petuaque memoria digno reverendissimo patri et domino, domino 
 Henrico Cardinali predicto et ejus anime, per hoc a nobis optinende ; 
 Nos, liberalitati munificencie et beneficiis nobis sic, ut prefertur, 
 exhibitis et impensis grata vicissitudine pro viribus respondere cupi- 
 entes, prefatorum executorum in hac parte votis et desideriis benevola 
 promptitudine non immerito intendendum duximus et annuendum ; 
 volentes et concedentes, pro nobis et successoribus nostris, memoratum 
 reverendissimum in Christo patrem et dominum, dominum Henricum, 
 Cardinalem Anglic, participem fieri, fore et esse debere oracionum 
 et suffragiorum, ac generaliter omnium et singulorum sacrificiorum 
 spiritualium et pietatis operum in dicta nostra Universitate divine 
 majestatis aspectibus quomodolibet offerendorum : ac, preter et ultra 
 hoc, concedimus atque promittimus, in fide qua Deo et sancte matri 
 ecclesie et Universitati nostre astringimur, quod, absque dolo, fraude, 
 decepcione, negligencia, defectu sive fallacia, nos et successores nostri, 
 singulis annis in perpetuum, solemniter et celebriter observabimus, 
 et observabunt, diem anniversarium obitus dicti reverendissimi patris 
 et domini, domini Henrici Cardinalis, undecimo die Aprilis, cum missa 
 ' de requiem' et exequiis mortuorum die immediate precedente ; nisi 
 et quatenus hujusmodi undecimus dies in cessacione magistrorum 
 a lectura circa Pascha contigerit ; quo casu promittimus, et, ut supra, 
 nos et successores nostros supradictos firmiter obligamus, quod pre- 
 dictum diem anniversarium obitus ipsius reverendissimi patris et 
 domini, domini Henrici Cardinalis, die Martis proximo sequente 
 resumpcionem proximam lecture magistrorum post octavas Pasche, 
 cum missa solemni ' de requiem', et exequiis mortuorum die immediate 
 precedente, sic, ut prefertur, observabimus et faciemus observari. 
 Necnon quod capellanus Universitatis nostre predicte, in oracionibus 
 pro benefactoribus ejusdem Universitatis scolatim dicendis, prefatum 
 patrem et dominum, dominum Henricum Cardinalem, singulis annis Fol. 81 a. 
 nominatim recommendabit. Et, ultra hoc, idem capellanus Univer- 
 sitatis nostre pro tempore existens, in singulis missis suis, infra 
 Universitatem dicendis, mensionem sui nominis expressam in certis 
 collectis, videlicet ' Deus cut proprium ' et aliis pertinentibus, in per- 
 petuum faciet specialem. Insuper promittimus, quod quilibet Univer-
 
 2 68 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 sitatis nostre graduatus, amodo predicaturus, in suffrages consuetis 
 suorum solempnium sermonum, sui auditorii populum ad devote 
 supplicandum pro eodem patre et domino, domino Henrico Cardinal! 
 sepedicto, ita specialiter, sicut pro aliquo nostre dicte Universitatis 
 benefactore, publice in perpetuum exhortabitur. Ceterum benig- 
 nissimos et preclaros dominos antedictos, ac alios cum eis prefati 
 reverendissimi patris et domini, domini Henrici Cardinalis, testament! 
 executores, propter eorum beneficenciam nobis, ut predicitur, pie, 
 liberaliter et graciose ostensam, inter precipuos nostre Universitatis 
 benefactores admittimus ; eisdem concedentes, quod omnium suffra- 
 giorum, piorum et bonorum operum quorumcunque, que pro bene- 
 factoribus predicte Universitatis in posterum fient, semper participes 
 habebuntur. Unde, ut hec omnia et singula premissa, per nos 
 concessa, a nobis et successoribus nostris inviolabiliter in perpetuum 
 observentur, in forma premissa, auctoritate congregacionis regencium 
 et non-regencium nostre Universitatis, ordinavimus et conclusimus, 
 quod predicte nostre concessionis tenor de verbo in verbum in regis- 
 tris et archivis nostris scribetur et perpetuo remanebit ; et ut statutum 
 et pro statuto dicte Universitatis nostre infringibiliter in eternum 
 observabitur. In quorum omnium et singulorum fidem et testimonium 
 has litteras nostras indentatas et tripartitas fieri fecimus patentes, 
 quarum due partes ad disposicionem executorum predictorum, et tercia 
 vero pars in archivis dicte Universitatis perpetuo remanebunt : necnon 
 sigillum commune Universitatis nostre predicte presentibus appo- 
 suimus. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, quinto die Marcii. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master David Carun. 
 
 1448 LITTERA testimonialis fratris David Carun 1 , doctoris in sacra 
 
 theologia, qui suam regenciam in eadem facultate in Universitate ista 
 exercuit laudabiliter et complevit, sigillata erat in domo congregacionis, 
 sub communi forma, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quad- 
 ragesimo octavo, vicesimo primo die Junii. 
 
 IQO. 
 Fol. 81 b. To the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 Frequent experience proves how great is your goodness to us, and 
 readiness to maintain our peace, honour, and advantage. We run to 
 you therefore in every difficulty. One Master Thomas Chapleyn is 
 prosecuted in your court in a certain case respecting a mortuary fee. 
 
 1 Or Carum MS.
 
 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAE. 269 
 
 This is a clear violation of that privilege whereby it is provided that no 
 spiritual cause, terminable within the University, shall be taken to any 
 court outside the same. And if it were permitted in the present instance, 
 the case of Master Chapleyn would hereafter be drawn into a precedent, 
 and the authority of our Chancellor wholly destroyed. We pray you 
 therefore to remit the cause to us for trial here. 
 
 SCRIPTA erat hec littera domino Cantuariensi pro non trahendo 1448. 
 causam ad extra. 
 
 Reverendissime in Christo pater et graciose domine, vestre benig- 
 nissime paternitati humillima recommendacione cum obediencia filiali 
 devote premissa. Palam nos docet frequens experiencia quam 1 pro 
 nostre Universitatis quietis, honoris et [studii 2 ] commodi supportacione 
 vestra sepenumero prenobilis benignitas graciose impendit preclare 
 mentis vestre bonam affeccionem erga nos et nostram rempublicam 
 perdiu extitisse; unde humillimas quas valemus graciarum acciones 
 graciose dominacioni vestre cum prostrato spiritu duximus im- 
 molandas. Cum etenim in perturbacionibus aut incommodis 
 nostra jaceat respublica, ad reverendissimam paternitatem vestram, 
 ceu ad speratissimum nostre Universitatis patronum, nobis pro suc- 
 cursu celeriter itum est. Speramus atqui, adversum singulas* fortuitas 
 querelas vel affectatas insidias, nos generosam magnanimitatem ves- 
 tram, ne quod predicte Universitati male valetudini sit, precipue 
 defensuram : cum revera nemo ex omni etate superest, cui in con- 
 servacione nostre reipublice connrmaciorem spem aut cerciorem fidem 
 geramus. Modo, singularissime domine, ad venerabilis curie vestre 
 audienciam quidam 4 magister, Thomas Chapleyn, arcium magister 
 dicteque Universitatis regens necessarius, super quadam pretensa 
 causa mortuarii respondenda accersitur. Quod profecto haud parve 
 in nostrorum 5 privilegiorum libertatum et laude-dignarum consue- 
 tudinum dispendia verteretur ; cum sane virtute eorumdem nulla 
 spirituals causa, infra Universitatem terminabilis, ad forinsecum 
 judicium attrahenda sit ; nisi prius, secundum prefate Universitatis 
 jura, ad intra fuerit judicialiter ventulata. Que equidem privilegia 
 libertates et digne consuetudines vestram dominacionem claro memi- 
 nisse existimamus. Si enimvero huic rei locum prebere fas est, equali 
 jure cuicumque pari cedendum foret ; quo pacto tola Cancellarii 
 nostri potestas in causis ab eo audiendis facile frustraretur. Igitur, 
 reverendissime pater, cum prefata causa infra Universitatem nostram 
 
 1 This clause apparently is misplaced and should be transposed with that which 
 follows it. 2 studii dotted below the line as redundant, MS. s A word here 
 is illegible. * cuidam MS. s in nostrorum repeated in MS.
 
 270 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 hucusque in judicio nullatenus versata fuerit, ad benignissimam domi- 
 nacionem vestram confugientes, obsecramus unanimiter et devote, 
 quatenus equitate et justicia, quibus vestra semper nobilitas clara 
 est, nostra privilegia, libertates et consuetudines laudabiles graciose 
 conservando, ipsam causam ad dictam Universitatem nostram vestra 
 benignissima paternitas remittere dignetur, ibi coram Cancellario 
 nostro finaliter terminandam. Quam in multas etates, ad nostra 
 munimina et solamina, preservet incolumem Auctor et Princeps eterne 
 equitatis et justicie Deus. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis domo, 
 secundo die Novembris. Reverendissime paternitatis vestre humillimi 
 oratores, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem. Manyngham. 
 
 Fol. 82 a. IQI \ 
 
 In our great difficulties we send Master Henry Meoles, our proctor, 
 who will explain our circumstances, and we beg you to take such effectual 
 measures for our welfare as shall seem expedient. 
 
 1448. HONORABILIS domine, debita salutacione premissa. Scimus pro- 
 fecto vestram maturitatem nostris in rebus promovendis habundanter 
 facere posse quod nos non unquam, aut multo absque sudore, per- 
 ficere non valemus. Multis igitur difficultatibus circumventi ad vestri 
 probitatem dilectum nobis in Christo confratrem, magistrum Henricum 
 Meoles, Universitatis nostre procuratorem, mittimus pro succursu : 
 cui res et vota nostra vestre circumspeccioni singula dedimus ex- 
 plicare. Accuratissime vestri prestanciam deprecantes, quatenus ea, 
 que vobis ex parte Universitatis nostre et communi studencium utilitate 
 aperire debet, sicut nos et nostra respublica vobis cordi sumus, 
 effectualiter dignemini expedire. Qua in re, ut speramus, Christo 
 gratissimum 2 et nobis precipue amacionis et eterne memorie signum 
 facietis. Atque pro vobis quodcunque officium, cum ad hoc inter- 
 pellati fuerimus, pro viribus exsequemur. Valete, et vivite feliciter 
 per multas etates nostri memor. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, vicesimo tercio die Marcii. 
 
 1 There is 110 address to this letter. a giati^iinam MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 271 
 
 192. 
 
 To all dignitaries of the Church, nobles, and discreet 
 persons generally of the dioceses of Lincoln, Coventry, 
 
 and Lichfield. 
 
 Be it hereby known that we have appointed Masters John Moderay 
 and Richard Osburne, jointly and severally, to be our agents and special 
 messengers, and we beg that you will, each and all, kindly receive and 
 assist them in transacting the business they have in charge ; and be sure 
 we shall be ready, on occasion, to requite your good offices. 
 
 VENERABILIBUS nobilibus et discretis viris Lincolniensis, Coventrensis 1449. 
 et Lichfeldensis diocesium, presentes litteras visuris vel audituris, 
 Gilbertus Kymere, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis, cetusque 
 unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Sal- 
 vatore. Noverit universitas vestra nos, de fidelitatibus, prudencia et 
 circumspeccione dilectorum nobis in Christo, magistri Johannis 
 Moderay et Ricardi Osburne, fiduciam in Domino gerentes pleniorem, 
 in singulis negociis nostris in dictis diocesibus promovendis, eis con- 
 junctim et divisim committimus vices nostras et plenam in Domino 
 potestatem ; ipsosque magistrum Johannem et Ricardum, ac quemlibet 
 eorum per se et in solidum, nos in premissis et premissa tangentibus 
 procuratores, actores, factores, negociorum nostrorum gestores, ac 
 nuncios speciales deputamus, facimus et constituimus per presentes. 
 Memoratos igitur nuncios nostros probitatibus et circumspeccionibus 
 vestris, ac vestrum cuilibet, pleno recommendamus affectu : attente 
 rogantes quatenus ipsos, ob contemplacionem et reverenciam dicte 
 Universitatis, et benigniter acceptare ac eis in nostris negociis per- 
 agendis fidem indubiam, opem, industriam et favorem feliciter ad- 
 hibentes, eosdem, quantum poteritis, dignemini expedire. Quo facto 
 rem vobis meritoriam et nobis gratissimam facietis ; scientes firmiter 
 quod nos ad referendum vicissitudinem, cum ad hoc interpellati 
 fuerimus, studiose et diligenter pares esse curabimus. In cujus rei 
 testimonium has litteras communi dicte Universitatis sigillo fecimus 
 consignari. Datum Oxonie quarto die Aprilis, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo quadragesimo nono. 
 
 193- 
 To the Pope. Fol. 82 b. 
 
 In commendation of Master William Babyngtone, Abbot of Bury 
 S. Edmunds, president of the Benedictine order in England and proctor 
 of our lord the King in the Roman curia ; a grave and learned man,
 
 272 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 whose life at Oxford was an example to all ; who, after many years 
 spent in lecturing on Canon Law, received the degree of doctor in the 
 same ; and whose promotion to the dignity he now enjoys is a special 
 instance of divine providence, 
 
 1449. SANCTISSIMO in Christo patri et domino nostro, Domino Nicholao, 
 divina providencia sacrosancte Romane et universalis ecclesie summo 
 pontifici. 
 
 Sanctissime et beatissime pater, humillima recommendacione filiali 
 premissa cum devotissimis terre osculis ante pedes 1 . Quoniam apud 
 sanctitatem vestram, clementissime pater, viros sciencia et virtutibus 
 ornatos uberiorem graciam ac liberaliorem beneficenciam beatitudinis 
 vestre consecutos esse perspicimus, pro tali viro, qui vita integra, 
 multis itemque litterarum ornamentis, honoris, fortune et ingenii 2 
 preditus est, scribere non veremur. Nos itaque, cognoscentes re- 
 ligiosam et honestam conversacionem, sciencie et prudencie indus- 
 triam, ac aliarum plurimarum virtutum s , et morum probitatem, quibus 
 preclarus et egregius vir, magister Willelmus Babyngtone, decretorum 
 doctor, Abbas monasterii Bead Edmundi de Bury, ordinis S. Benedicti, 
 dictique ordinis presidens in Anglia principalis, et serenissimi principis 
 et domini nostri, Anglie Francieque regis, modo in sacratissima curia 
 vestra Rome, ut ex fide-dignissimis viris accepimus, procurator, cum 
 in Universitate nostra studio assideret se commendabilem prestitit ; 
 harum virtutum suarum meritis adducti, statuimus eundem magistrum 
 Willelmum, gravem sane et eruditum hominem, vestre sanctitatis 
 clemencie commendare. Plane cum in dicta Universitate nostra 
 paullo ante facultati sacre canonis 4 operam dederit, adeo studiose 
 vitam nobiscum transegit, cunctis ad capessendum virtutis et sciencie 
 viam spectaculum exhibendo, quod in dicta facultate apud nos in 
 Universitate nostra ad preeminenciam doctoralem ingenti honore 
 provehi meritus erat. Qui simulac scolas dicte facultatis, ad plures 
 annos multa industria ac sollerti et continua leccione, rexisset, pro 
 tam religiosa ac integra conversacione sua, eximiaque virtute in 
 sciencia atque in gubernandis et conciliandis populis, elevato ingenio 
 ac probatissima policia, ipsum non solum abs suis confratribus optime 
 meritum, sed eciam divina quadam sorte in caput et rectorem dicti 
 monasterii assumptum esse existimamus. Quare, devotissime pater, 
 cum ipsum virtus, sciencia et sapiencia sic commendent, vestram 
 sanctitatem vehementer obsecramus, quatenus erga beatitudinem 
 
 1 Here follow six lines which have been erased so as to be illegible; and at 
 the foot of the folio occur these words, ' et constat mihi notario de cancelladone 
 multarum linearnm in principle hujus littered ' 2 ingenio MS. 3 alias 
 
 phtr. virtutes ? * fononis MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 273 
 
 vestram nostra humillima et accuratissima deprecacione liberaliorem 
 beneficenciam, uberiorem graciam et propensiorem favorem conse- 
 quatur. Postremo, clemenlissime pater, injunctum nobis abs sanc- 
 tissima paternitate vestra quodcunque officium est, pro vestra felicitate 
 et gloria seu alio quocunque faciendum, illud ut obsequentissimi filii 
 promptissimis gaudentissimisque animis pro viribus exsequemur. Et 
 vestram sanctitatem, ad universalis ecclesie solamen et percelebre 
 regimen, in longiora tempora gubernet prosperamque semper con- 
 servet Altissimus. Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, 
 sexto die Aprilis. Sua humillima ac devotissima Universitas studii 
 Oxoniensis. 
 
 194 \ 
 
 The successful issue of your labours for us is a subject of great Fol. 83 a. 
 thankfulness ; and, having no power to repay you, we pray that God 
 will reward your good deeds. We are most grateful also to the King 
 for the assistance he has given us in furnishing and ornamenting the 
 new school. 
 
 PRESTANTISSIME magister, debite salutacionis honore premisso. 1449- 
 Quod inter frequentes sollicitudines et studia vestra res nobis opta- 
 tissimas promptissimo animo et amicissimo vultu ad vota duxeritis 
 pergratum certe nobis est, et vos inde gratissimum habemus. Quanta 
 etenim ex ea re dulcedine et leticia affecti sumus satis profecto non 
 possumus dicendo explicare. Etenim vero cum memoria repetamus 
 optima in nos merita vestra ac singularem benevolenciam, magni 
 animi gratitudinem et precipuum amorem quos erga nos geritis, 
 tantum immense probitati vestre nos debere planum visum est, 
 quantum certe nobis persolvere difficillimum erit. Verum cum mutuam 
 vicissitudinem rependere virium tenuitas baud permittit, Deum, 
 equissimum premiatorem, dignam vobis mercedem tribuere duximus 
 exorandum. Ceterum eximie gratitudinis et benevolencie vestre tam 
 jucundam tam honestam et probabilem memoriam in eternum ser- 
 vabimus, constantem amiciciam vestram pariter 2 nobis exhibendam 
 summopere cupientes. Interea benignissimo domino et principi 
 nostro pro suo benevolo piissimoque affectu, quern penes Univer- 
 sitatem suam, matrem nostram, habere consueverat, potissimum tamen 
 ob sue liberalitatis immortale beneficium, quod nuper usui et orna- 
 mento scolarum nostrarum beatissime contulit, dignas grates pro 
 
 1 No address to this letter ; probably letter 191 is addressed to the same person. 
 Perhaps the business in question was only to beg the King to give some timber or 
 lend some workmen. * pariteriter MS.
 
 274 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 viribus in perpetuum exhibere decrevimus. Cujus perpetuum honorem, 
 eternam laudem pro tarn divino presidio cuncta ora nostra, cuncta 
 eloquia celebrabunt. Postremo tarn celso et clementissimo principi 
 gloriosam hie et tranquillam vitam dari, in celo autem sempiternas 
 delectaciones adjungi, pro tam amplissimis erga nos meritis suis 
 vehementer afficimus ; pro quo Deum omnium Regem accuratissime 
 deprecamur. Valete et vivite feliciter nostris, ut soletis, memor. 
 Scriptum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, decimo octavo die 
 Aprilis. Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium et non-regencium in eadem, &c. 
 
 195 a 1 . 
 
 Fol. 84 a. Summons of Master John Arundall. 
 
 In the discharge of our duties we have examined the accounts of the 
 chests ; and find that, in the case of the Lang tone chest, there is a large 
 deficit. We have therefore determined to summon those responsible to 
 appear before us in S. Mary's church, and render due account ; and you 
 are hereby summoned accordingly ; but if you are unable to attend in 
 person, we shall be satisfied by your appointing a proper proxy. 
 
 J 449' PERCELEBRI viro magistro Johanni Arundall, egregio medicinarum 
 doctori nostroque confratri precarissimo. 
 
 Dileccionis vicissitudinem, felices successus et honorem. Quia 
 jamdudum, celeberrime magister, inter ceteras occupaciones et studia 
 nostra, singulis alme Universitatis nostre cistis singulari industria ac 
 sollerti deliberacione nostra circumspectis, cuidam ciste de Langtone 
 per sinistram custodiam ejusdem plurima emersisse detrimenta com- 
 perimus; ad cujus tutelam et reformacionem operam vigilanciorem 
 impendentes, singulos, quorum interest in hac parte, tercio decimo die 
 Junii proximo post datum presencium future, coram nobis in ecclesia 
 Beate Marie Oxonie, debita inde ratiocinia reddituros decrevimus 
 accersiri ; Et quia dicta cista, tempore quo vestri maturitas curam 
 ejus et custodiam subierat, multa dispendia, graves injurias et varia 
 discriminum genera pertulit ; igitur circumspeccionem vestram, quam 
 sincera affeccione complectimur, sano consilio suademus et exhor- 
 tamur, atque virtute juramenti a vobis Universitati prestiti, primo, 
 secundo et tercio peremptorie monemus, quatenus, prelibatis die et 
 loco, ad dictam Universitatem nostram, nobis super certis articulis 
 
 1 There are two letters numbered the one 195 a, the other 1955, in the MS. 
 The intervening ' summons ' is not numbered.
 
 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAE. 275 
 
 custodiam memorate ciste concernentibus, vestra benignitas se con- 
 ferat, responsurum ulteriusque ibidem facturum et recepturum quod 
 racio et justicia discucient in predictis. Si vero honesta impedimenta 
 intervenerint, satis ad vota nobis erit ut verum et legitimum pro- 
 curatorem, qui vestram in premissis vicem gerat, destinare curetis. 
 Quod, si, uti pro officio vos decet, studueritis adimplere, rem sane 
 vobis perutilem et nobis gratam facietis; at vestre commoditati, 
 quantum cum equitate et justicia valebimus, curabimus providere. 
 Quid plura? Valete et feliciter vivite, hujus precipue negocii ac 
 nostrum sedule memor. Ex Universitate Oxoniensi septimo decimo 
 die Maii. Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem. 
 
 Summons of Master William Wytham, as executor of 
 Master John Lord. 
 
 PERCELEBRI viro, magistro Willelmo Wytham, egregio legum doctori 1449. 
 nostroque confratri precarissimo. 
 
 Honores in scripto et meliores in voto &c., usque ad istam clausulam 
 que sequitur, scilicet ' Et quia dicta cista tempore quo magister 
 Johannes Lord curam ejus et custodiam subierat, multa dispendia, 
 graves injurias et varia discriminum genera pertulit/ cujus executorem 
 et bonorum administratorem vestram prestanciam esse fide digna rela- 
 cione accepimus : Igitur circumspeccionem &c., usque ad ' Ulterius- 
 que ibidem,' nomine dicti testatoris, facturum et recepturum &c., 
 ulterius, usque ad finem littere, ut supra in proxima littera precedents 
 per Mum. Cancellarius, &c. 
 
 195 b. 
 
 To the Rector of Abchurch, London. Fol. 84 b. 
 
 Having heard how you consider the poor and needy in distributing the 
 estate of Master Gedney, and also that you are disposed to regard us with 
 benevolence, we affectionately entreat you, dear brother, to grant to us, for 
 the building of the new theological schools, a suitable portion of the 
 property of the deceased. We thank you for your good will, reported to 
 us by Master Cowper, and beg you to give a favourable ear to his state- 
 ments. 
 
 VENERABILI et circumspecto viro, Rectori de Apchyrch in Londonia, 1449. 
 nostroque amico confidentissimo. 
 
 Venerabilis domine, debita salutacione premissa. E multis, claris- 
 sime, accepimus quomodo quadam bonorum disposicione cujusdam 
 
 T 2
 
 276 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE 
 
 venerabilis viri, nominati Gedeney, nuper elapsi cujus anima in cells 
 habitet vestra famosa probitas in pauperes digne respicit, et plura 
 pietatis opera caritatis intuitu complexatur. Nos equidem in quodam 
 theologicarum scolarum edificio sub penuria laborantes, tarn clarum 
 et pulcerrimum opus absque multis proborum hominum adjumentis 
 perficere non valemus ; quocirca, carissime frater, vestram benigni- 
 tatem affectuose rogamus, quatenus, ad tarn sacri, tarn utilis tamque 
 necessarii operis complementum, competentem largicionem ex bonis 
 died Gegdeney nobis erogandam, amore erga nos simul et caritate 
 accensi, graciose dignemini providere. Tenemus firmiter certissimeque 
 speramus hanc supplicem peticionem nostram, que caritati consonat 
 et universalem studencium utilitatem intuetur, a tarn liberali devocione 
 vacuam non redire : presertim cum, inter cetera pietatis officia, illud 
 precipue laude dignum arbitramur, quod ad ortodoxe fidei sciencieque 
 incrementum principalius se extendit. Ceterum pro benevolo pioque 
 affectu, quern erga nos vestri sinceritas gerit in premissis, sicut l ex 
 relacione magistri Roberti Cowper presencium latoris plane didiscimus, 
 pergrate amicicie vestre ab imis nostri cordium radicibus profluentes 
 graciarum acciones offerimus' 2 multiformes : attente rogantes, quatenus 
 predicto magistro Roberto fidem indubiam, opem et favorem in pre- 
 senti negocio feliciter adhibentes, ipsum, quantum poteritis, dignemini 
 expedire. Valete, et multis annis vivite nostri memor. Scriptum 
 Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo quarto die Maii. Can- 
 cellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum 
 regencium in eadem. MANYNGHAM. 
 
 196. 
 To Master Thomas Lesurs, Dean of S. Paul's. 
 
 We affectionately invite you to remember the subject of our previous 
 letter to you. The prayer thereof proceeded from the confidence we feel 
 in you, which we trust will not prove to be vain. Whatsoever sum you 
 may be disposed to grant us, for the beautiful building now in progress 
 here, from the estate of Walter Shirryntone deceased, you may safely 
 entrust to Master Robert Cowper the bearer of these presents. 
 
 1449. PERCELEBRI viro magistro Thome Lesurs 8 , ecclesie cathedralis 
 S. Pauli decano, nostroque confratre precarissimo. 
 
 Honorabilis domine, debite salutacionis honore premisso. Quas 
 superiores littere nostre peticiones continebant memoracioni vestre 
 pleno recommendamus affectu ; vestri probitatem caritatis atque 
 1 sicud MS. * offerrimus ib. s See folio 5 supra.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 277 
 
 amoris intuitu attente et obnixe rogantes, quatenus, sicut ex maxima 
 fiducia scribencium processerunt, ita apud sinceritatem vestram efficaces 
 et favorabiles habeantur ; ne nostra desideria firmissima sua spe deci- 
 dant, aut sua votiva priventur afFeccione : quod sane vos, pro eximia 
 virtute vestra et preclara amicicia, qua vestri benignitatem nos amplecti 
 existimamus, non tarn nostra supplicacione quam vestra spontanea 
 mente credimus peracturum. Quo facto precipue dileccionis vestre 
 certissimum indicium et benevolenciam, que erga nos geritis, efficaciter 
 ostendetis. Proinde quodcunque ex facultatibus bone memorie domini 
 Walter! Shirryntone, ad tarn speciosi et pulcherrimi operis nostri in 
 complementum, immense probitati vestre nobis providere visum est, 
 illud per magistrum Robertum Cowper, carum nobis in Christo pre- 
 sencium latorem, ac probate fidei et examinate virtutis hominem, vestra 
 dignetur prestancia destinare. Postremo vobis felicia auspicia, se- 
 cundam valetudinem et nostre amicicie memoriam superesse vehe- 
 menter afficimus. Ex Universitate Oxoniensi, quam raptim, vicesimo 
 quarto die Maii. Cancellarius Universitatis, ut supra. 
 
 197. 
 To the executors of John Gedney. Fol. 853. 
 
 To lp e worshypfull and our ryght wellebeloved in God J* 3 executours H49- 
 of Jhon Gedeney. 
 
 Gretyng in Code w* J? e gostly suffrage of our prayers : fforasmoche 
 J>t ye have goods in yo* disposition, as hitt es sayde, of a worshipfull 
 man of London called Gedeney, late passyd oute of thys world, off 
 whoys soule our Lord have mercy, and, as hitt is nott unkanne, we 
 have hade of long tyme a grete beldynge. certain scoles, withinne our 
 Universite off Oxenford, named ]? e scoles off devinite, J5 6 whych we 
 may nott complysshe w* outt grete helpe & releve of oder devote 
 persons ; Wherfor we desyre and pray yow affectuosly, havyng respect 
 & considerasion to thys premisses, * ye woll, at J> e reverence of 
 Gode and our meke prayers, shew gracyeuxly your special favour & 
 benevolence to us, in grauntyng us some resonable gyfte off goods of 
 J? e sayde Gedeney, unto J? e performyng off our scoles abovesayd: 
 wherinne y e shall do a ffull meritory thynge, & deserve of our Lord 
 God a full singler thanke and plesur ; and cause us allso for to be 
 perpetuall oratours for yow & for J? 6 soule of hym beforsayde : Trustyng 
 verely Jj* this our peticion, }> e whych concernyth lp e commen profett of 
 Jj e sayde Universite, special increse of vertous connyng & stodye, and 
 ]& edyficacion of crystenmen fath, shall not comme voyde a yene from
 
 278 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 your godenesse: besekyng yow furthermor to gyffe credens to our 
 welbeloved maister Rob* Cowper, berer of thys same, in all J>* he 
 shall mynistre to yow in thys partie off our be halve. And all myghty 
 Lord preserve yow evermor in welyth & prosperyte to your lyves 
 hend. 
 
 Wrytt at Oxonford the xxiiii day off Maii. Be the Chanceller 
 proctours and regents of \P Universite off Oxonford. 
 
 Fol. 85 b. igg 1 . 
 
 From daily experience we know your great affection for this University ; 
 and pray that God will reward you for we are unable to do so. We are 
 now in great difficulties, and send Master John Fitzjames, as our 
 accredited messenger, with instructions to explain everything to you, and 
 pray you to place implicit trust in his statements and give a favourable 
 answer to our petition. 
 
 1449. REVERENDISSIME in Christo pater et graciose domine, benignissime 
 dominacioni vestre humillima recommendacione et obediencia filiali 
 devote premissis : E probatissimis experimentis ac fama nunciante, 
 que ad nos indies gratissima circumfertur, plane novimus ingentissimum 
 erga nos animi vestri affectum, vestram quoque dominacionem sin- 
 ceram Universitatis nostre caritatem pre se ferre. Unde pro tarn 
 constanti in nos fide et benevolencia vestra, cum opes nostre haud 
 fuerint persolvere dignas grates, Deum potissimum premiatorem 
 copiosam vobis mercedem tribuere sedulo duximus exorandum. Istud 
 reverendissime paternitati vestre sciendum cupientes, quod tam etsi 
 tenues duntaxat nobis facultates supersint, vobis tamen proxime acce- 
 dimus amplissima voluntate. Nunc vero, singularissime domine, multis 
 necessitatibus circumventi dilectum nobis in Christo Johannem ffyt 1 ^- 
 jamys,capellanum nostre Universitatis, scolaremet indubitatum nuncium 
 nostrum, ad vestram benignissimam dominacionem, sicut ad speratis- 
 simum nostre Universitatis patronum, mittimus pro succursu. Cui 
 res et vota nostra eximie dignitati vestre curam dedimus explicandi ; 
 accuratissime humillimeque precantes humanissimam dominacionem 
 vestram, quatenus memorato nuncio nostro in nostris referendis 
 negociis fidem indubiam cum favore feliciter adhibentes, veluti nostram 
 rempublicam in futuro salvam et incolumem vestra excellencia oblec- 
 tarit, nostre supplicacionis intuitu quam citissime dignemini justas 
 peticiones nostras efficaciter expedire. Qua in re magnum benevo- 
 lentie et humanitatis exemplar nobis prestabit insignis dominacio 
 
 1 No address.
 
 EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAL, 279 
 
 vestra; que in multas etates superstes maneat nostri memor. De 
 Oxonia, quam raptim, in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo sexto die 
 Octobris. Reverendissime paternitatis vestre humillimi oratores 
 Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum 
 regencium in eadem. 
 
 Indenture of agreement between the University and Fol. 86 a. 
 Master Richard Broun alias Cordone \ 
 
 Master Richard Broun, alias Cordone, having presented sundry books 
 to the library of the University, The Chancellor, proctors and masters 
 hereby under take, for themselves and their successors, that the said Master 
 Broun shall be allowed to use the books during his life ; and thai they 
 shall be delivered to any authorized person sent by him for that purpose, 
 His name shall be mentioned, in the masses and other prayers both for 
 the dead and the living, among other benefactors. 
 
 HEC indentura, facta inter magistrum Gilbertum Kymer, Cancellarium 1449- 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, et magistros Johannem Wode et Willelmum 
 Danyel, procurators dicte Universitatis, cetumque unanimem magistro- 
 rum regencium in eadem ex parte una, et magistrum Ricardum Broun, 
 alias Cordone, legum doctorem, ex parte altera, testatur, quod predictus 
 magister Ricardus concessit, tradidit et libere dedit prefatis magistris 
 Gilberto, Cancellario, et Johanni ac Willelmo, procuratoribus, cetuique 
 unanimi magistrorum regencium in dicta Universitate, ac successoribus 
 suis Cancellario et procuratoribus cetibusque unanimibus magistrorum 
 regencium in prefata Universitate, ad usum, videlicet, communis 
 librarie predicte Universitatis, hos libros inferius nominates, ' Lecturarum 
 domini Bartholi de Saxo Ferrato/ in papiro scriptos et in tabulis ligatos, 
 in sex voluminibus, Super corpore juris civilis, Bartholum, videlicet, 
 super ff. veteri, in duobus voluminibus ; secundo folio primi voluminis 2 
 et prime partis, in dicto ff. veteri, ' tribu ubi mercator ' ; secundo folio 
 secundi voluminis et secunde partis, super ff. veteri, ' ex te enim non 
 extraneum ' : super ff. novo, in duobus voluminibus ; secundo folio 
 prime partis primi voluminis ' sed quare appellatur' ; secundo folio 
 secunde partis et secundi voluminis ejusdem ' inspectis ideo per te' Et 
 super ff. inforciati, secundo folio prime partis sive voluminis, ' seroi 
 annuunf ; secundo folio secunde partis et secundi voluminis, super 
 
 1 A later hand writes on the margin, ' cujus testamentum valde longum extat in 
 Aaa,' i. e. in the ' Ada Curiae Cancellarii} from which MS. it has been extracted 
 and published in Munimenla Academia (Rolls Series). 2 The words ' sed 
 
 quare appellatur ' follow ' voluminis' but are crossed out in the MS. by a con- 
 temporary hand.
 
 280 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 eodem, ' in alio secundum quosdam! Item, ' Super codice,' in uno 
 volumine, secundo folio ' -tern el pacificum statum.' Habendum et 
 tenendum omnes predictos libros predictis magistris Gilberto Kymer, 
 Cancellario, et Johanni Wode et Willelmo Danyel, procuratoribus, 
 cetuique unanimi magistrorum regencium in Universitate predicta, ac 
 successoribus suis Cancellariis, procuratoribus, cetibusque magistrorum 
 regencium ejusdem Universitatis, ad usum communis librarie predicte, 
 ut dictum est ; ad cleri et populi, juxta statuta ejusdem Universitatis, 
 confluencium instruccionem et informacionem perpetuam. Predicti 
 tamen magistri, Gilbertus Kymer, Cancellarius, Johannes Wode et 
 Willelmus Danyel, procuratores dicte Universitatis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem, volunt et concedunt, pro se et 
 successoribus suis, Cancellariis, procuratoribus, cetibusque magis- 
 trorum regencium unanimibus dicte Universitatis, quod idem magister 
 Ricardus Broun, alias Cordone, habeat usum omnium predictorum 
 librorum per totam vitam suam, sine clameo ipsorum aut aliquorum 
 suorum successorum, Cancellariorum aut procuratorum cetuumve 
 magistrorum regencium. Eciam, si apud ipsos sint, vel in libraria 
 predicta, quod ad ejus peticionem, sive nuncii nomine suo venientis, 
 deliberentur eidem ; ut usum eorum habeat quamdiu in hac vita, 
 ubicumque fuerit, permaneat : quodque in missis et aliis suffragiis, per 
 ipsam Universitatem aut dicte communis librarie custodes, sacerdotes 
 seu alios, pro anima dicti magistri Ricardi mencio inter vivos et 
 defunctos habeatur, prout pro ipsius Universitatis benefactoribus fieri 
 consuevit. In cujus rei testimonium uni parti hujus indenture, penes 
 predictos Cancellarium et procuratores in cista quatuor clavium dicte 
 Universitatis remanentis, antedictus magister Ricardus Broun, alias 
 Cordone, sigillum suum apposuit ; alteri vero parti ejusdem indenture, 
 penes eundem magistrum Ricardum Broun, alias Cordone, residentis, 
 predicti magistri Gilbertus Kymer, Cancellarius, Johannes Wode et 
 Willelmus Danyel, procuratores dicte Universitatis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem sigillum Universitatis predicte apponi 
 fecerunt. Datum Oxonie in domo congregacionis Universitatis predicte, 
 decimo die Novembris, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadra- 
 gesimo nono. 
 
 Fol. 86 b. Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1449. SECUNDO die Decembris, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 
 quadragesimo nono, sigillata erat acquietancia sub forma que sequitur. 
 
 Pateat universis per presentes, nos, magistros Johannem Wode et 
 
 Willelmum Danyel, procuratores Universitatis Oxoniensis, recepisse 
 
 de religiosis viris Abbate et conventu monasterii de Eynesham Lincolni-
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 281 
 
 ensis diocesis, vice et nomine Universitatis predicte, viginti sex solidos, 
 pro parte cujusdam annue pensionis trium librarum et octo solidorum 
 dicte Universitati, videlicet, pro termino Omnium Sanctorum proximo 
 ante datum presencium, debitos : De quibus viginti sex solidis, in 
 partem solucionis annue pensionis predicte, fatemur nos fore solutos ; 
 et inde predictos religiosos viros acquietamus per presentes. In cujus 
 rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis predicte presentibus 
 est appensum. Datum in domo congregacionis Universitatis prefate, 
 secundo die Decembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum 
 vicesimo octavo. 
 
 199. 
 To one of the executors of the late Bishop of Chichester. 
 
 As weapons to the soldier so are books to us, who fight for the 
 Church against heretics. We beg you, therefore, since you have the dis- 
 position of his effects, to grant us a handsome donation of the books of the 
 late Bishop of Chichester ; who, as we learn from those who were 
 intimate with him, always intended to give them to us : or, if that may 
 not be, we hope you will make us some other present of conspicuous value. 
 
 VOTIVOS honores ac ea * perpetuo feliciter adimplere, que ad celebres 1449* 
 justicie laudes pertinent et glorie militaris. Sicuti pugnaturis militibus 
 arma tuciora adversus hostium impetus necessarium dinoscitur, ita 
 nobis indubie, qui Christiane fidei professores et peculiares alumpni 
 sumus, contra hereticorum insultus atque pro solidiori militantis ecclesie 
 confirmacione, opere precium est sanorum librorum multitudine com- 
 muniri. Sed cum reverendus in Christo pater et dominus, nuper 
 Cicestrensis episcopus, cujus spiritus in celis habitet, dum hoc 
 labente seculo fretus erat, dignam nobis et felicem suorum librorum 
 donacionem, uti bone fidei homines familiares sui plenissime retulerunt, 
 ad ampliorem Dei, virtutis et sciencie cultum, constantissima mente 
 tenuerit impartiri; itaque humanitatem vestram, quam equitate et 
 justicia clarissimam arbitramur, plenis desideriis unanimiter obsecramus, 
 ex quo bona dicti reverendi patris ad vestram, ut didicimus disposi- 
 cionem pervenerint, quatenus egregiam aliquam predictorum suorum 
 librorum largicionem, cum eruditos viros nihil dignius nihilque 
 honestius deceat 2 , in perpetuam recommendacionem et laudem 
 nominis ejus, cum dilecto nobis in Christo confratre, magistro Nicholao 
 Gosse presencium latore, cujus virtus et fidelitas apud nos probatissime 
 sunt, premissa considerantes dignemini destinare. Quod si forte 
 
 1 eo MS. a deciat ib.
 
 282 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 aliquod impedimentum prevenerit quominus volumina obtinere pote- 
 rimus, nostram tune Universitatem cum alio quovis spectato et honori- 
 fico munere suo vestram benignitatem devotissime expetimus insignire. 
 Quo facto rem vestre strenuitati dignam nobis atque gratissimam 
 facietis. Floreatque vestra nobilitas in multas etates continua gloria 
 et honore. De Oxonia in nostre congregacionis domo, decimo die 
 Februarii*. 
 
 2OO. 
 
 Fol. 87 a. To another executor, or administrator, of the late 
 
 Bishop of Chichester. 
 
 Knowledge is the fruit of the constant study of many and good books. 
 These then are our wealth; and we may well endeavour to collect volumes 
 of the sacred writings from every possible source. We beg you will give 
 us a large share of the books or some other considerable donation from 
 the property of the late Bishop of Chichester ; and send them to us by the 
 bearer of this letter. 
 
 1449. HONORES in scripto et meliores in voto ; Cum uberrimos scienciarum 
 fructus plurium optimorumque voluminum frequens et intentissima 
 leccio parturiat, hinc libellorum multitudinem studiosis hominibus baud 
 deesse. Quod si nos precipue in librorum cultu sollicitari, atque in 
 illorum eloquiis, tanquam in splendidissimis diviciis, oblectari deceret ; 
 nobis utique dignissimum videtur colligendis undique sacris codicibus, 
 ubi spes ulla superest, operam sollicitam dare. Plane, quanto litterarum 
 fons uberior fuerit, tanto efficacius studium consequitur. Sed reve- 
 rendus inChristo pater et dominus,Cicestrensisepiscopus, nuper elapsus, 
 cujus anima celis gaudeat, dum vitam hie tueretur, speciosam 
 atque amplam suorum librorum donacionem ad conferendum nostre 
 Universitati defixus erat, ut doctissimi reddimur, firmissima voluntate : 
 Cujus bonorum administratorem vestram probitatem esse fama cre- 
 brescente nobis delatum est. Itaque celebritatem vestram unanimiter 
 eciam atque eciam obsecramus, quatenus dicti reverendi patris insigne 
 aliquod et illustre librorum munus, in perpetuam ejus memoriam, 
 dilecto nobis in Christo confratri Nicholao Gosse, latori 2 presencium, 
 examinate siquidem fidelitatis et virtutis homini 3 , nobis dignemini 
 maturius delegare. Quod si facile impetrare non possimus, aliam 
 qualemcunque nobis memorabilem largicionem, qua nostra possit 
 Universitas splendidior exiberi, benignitatem vestram, sicuti vobis cordi 
 sumus, deposcimus 4 impertiri. Quod plane, cum religiosissima pietas 
 
 1 No address or subscription to this and following epistles. 2 latore MS. 
 
 8 homine ib. * depossimus ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 283 
 
 sanctissimaque amicicia filiorum in parentem esse debeat, vestram 
 fraternitatem non solum nostra deprecacione, sed vestra eciam generosa 
 mente, credimus peracturam. Valete in eternum, disertissime magister, 
 nostri memor. De Oxonia in nosire congregacionis domo, decimo die 
 Februarii. 
 
 2O I \ Fol. 87 b. 
 
 Your letter commending to us Master William Endyrby exhibits that 
 regard, which we have always by past experience found that you feel for 
 us. You will find us ever ready to acknowledge our obligations to you. 
 Be graciously pleased to receive the bearer with favour and confidence. 
 
 REVERENDISSIME in Christo pater et domine, benignissime domina- M49- 
 cioni vestre humillima recommendacione cum obediencia filial! devote 
 premissis. Ex suavissimis humanissimisque litteris vestris, quas nuper 
 in recommissionem boni et eruditi viri, fratris Willelmi Endyrby, digna 
 veneracione accepimus, deque eciam longo tempore probatissimis 
 creberrimisque experimentis dignissimam reverenciam vestram suavis- 
 simos benevolentissimosque affectus penes Universitatem nostram 
 gerere facillime intuemur, unde profecto dominacioni vestre nos 
 singularissime 2 devinctos habetis habebitisque, ut poeta inquit, 'dum 
 spiritus hos regit artus' Quod equidem vestris affectum erat litteris 
 implevimus quam libenter; equum est enim ut magnitudini vestre in 
 omni re nos illos prebeamus, ut ad singula, que vestra reverendissima 
 paternitas velit, ita appareamus 3 presto, ut nos non solum omnia debere 
 contemplacione vestra que possimus, sed ea eciam que vires non 
 suppetunt perficere putemus. Ceterum, quia longum sermonem 
 litterarum vestre dignitati baud jucundum esse speramus, res et vota 
 nostra, que maxime dicenda restant, latori presencium dedimus ex- 
 plicare : rogantes humillime atque accuratissime deprecantes benigni- 
 tatem vestram, sic eum in negociis nostris apud dominacionem vestram 
 recommendatum habere, ut illud, quod plenissima nostra aflfeccio 
 expetit, gratissimum nobis et felicem effectum consequatur. Cui, 
 veluti nos audieritis, aures dignemini impendere creditivas. Valete, 
 benignissime pater, in multas etates felicissime ; nosque solita humani- 
 tate et benevolencia complectamini. Oxonie, decimo die Februarii. 
 
 Testimonial letter issued for Master Denys ffrestone. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo die mensis Februarii, anno Domini 1449. 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo nono, sigillata erat littera 
 
 1 No address or subscription again to this epistle. * singularissimes MS. 
 
 3 apareamus ib.
 
 284 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 testimonialis pro magistro Dionisio ffrestone, non-regente, sub com- 
 muni forma. 
 
 Acquittances of Masters Spekyntone and Norlonde; 
 also of Oseney and Eynsham Abbeys. 
 
 1450- MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo septimo die Marcii, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo, sigillabantur quatuor 
 acquietancie, scilicet, acquietancia Spekyntone, acquietancia Norlonde, 
 acquietancia de Osney et acquietancia de Eynesham. 
 
 Fol. 88 a. Testimonial letter for Master Roger Kyng. 
 
 i45 UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis 
 magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Salvatore. 
 Inter cetera pietatis officia justicie proculdubio consentaneum, et 
 nobis, qui virtutis et sciencie studia profitemur, peculiari quodam 
 modo debitum est, viros morum gravitate et sciencia preditos digne 
 laudis testimonio juvare. Enimvero dum studiosis et eruditis hominibus 
 laus digna tribuitur, ceteri 1 ad capessendam virtutis et sciencie viam 
 concitacius ardenciusque hortantur. Hec et hujuscemodi ante oculos 
 nostre consideracionis statuentes, per has litteras attestamur, quod 
 predilectus nobis in Christo confrater, magister Rogerus Kyng, nostre 
 Universitatis predicte arcium magister, vir quidem conversacionis 
 venustate conspicuus, ingenio agilis ac in dicta facultate mature 
 eruditus, adeo studiose, sapienter et summa cum gravitate vitam 
 nobiscum transegit, cunctis bene beateque vivendi spectaculum ex- 
 hibendo, quod in eadem facultate apud nos ad magistratus apicem 
 honorifice provehi meritus fuit ; et que ad tanti gradus sollennitatem 
 attinebant laudabiliter cuncta explevit Ut igitur, hujus testificacionis 
 gracia, omnium quorum penes se interest uberiorem consequatur 
 favorem, has litteras sigillo communi Universitatis predicte fecimus 
 consignari. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, penultimo 
 die Aprilis, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo. 
 
 A similar letter given to Master Roger Kyng. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod eodem die magister Rogerus Kyng habuit 
 litteram testimonialem sub eadem forma. 
 
 Fol. 88 b. Noverint universi per presentes, nos, Gilbertum Kymer, Cancellarium 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, Ricardum Luke et Wistanum Browne . . . 2 
 
 1 ceteris MS. 2 The remainder is wanting in MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 285 
 
 2O2. 
 To T. Bokelonde, Squyere. 
 
 GRETYNG in GOD, wyth the gostely suffrage off cure prayers ; And H5 - 
 forasmoch that we bene informed by oure welbeloved brother, Mr. 
 Richard Luke, proctour off oure Universite, that ye have shewde 
 grete kyndnes to oure Universite beforesaide, as in laberynge for us 
 bifore thys tyme to f> e most excellent prince Duke of Gloucestre, oure 
 most gracyeux lord and protectour, late passyd oute J> is troubulous 
 world, whose soyle God assoyle for hys hygh mercy, therfore we 
 thanke you w* all the intiernes off oure harts ; prayng you hartly off 
 continuance off yo r gude frendshyp, & specially in > mater that 
 foloweth. We hold for certayn Ipt hyt is not out off yo r remembrance 
 how J> e most noble prince beforsaide, for J) e singlere favour and 
 tendyrnes that he had unto oure Universite, yave & bequethyd unto 
 us in hys testament, late before hys decese, all )/ e latyn bokes >* he 
 had, & also ane c lib ; to f> e edefying off oure divine scoles ; as f> e 
 saide proctour off oure Universite seyth >t ye certefyd unto hym : off 
 J) e whych gods we have no thynge yet receyved. And forsomoch J>t 
 certayn persones, as we understand, bene depute late forto execute 
 deuly lp e wyll off }> e saide most gracyeux prince, after J> e faculte off hys 
 gods J?at may be found; >erfore we pray you ryght tenderly to J? 6 
 complesshynge off oure desyre, whych concernyth all }> e commen 
 wele off oure saide Universite & f> e edificacion off cristenfayth, )?at ye 
 woll, at ]3 e reverence off God and the instance off oure prayers, to do 
 yo r labyr and diligence to J> e saide persones deputyd, for >e furthrance 
 and promocion off us to ]> e said bokes & money, yeven unto us as hyt 
 is premised ; sendyng futhermor unto us the copy off the testament, 
 in all e hast resonabl, off the most noble prince abovesaide ; lp & 
 whych, as we conceyve, ye promysed to do to J> e proctour off oure 
 Universite beforsaide : wherine ye may shewe gretely yo r benevolence 
 J>at ye have unto us, & deserve also a ryght special thanke off oure 
 Lord GOD. Whych have you evermor in hys blyssyd governance. 
 Wrytyn at Oxonford, p e xxviii day off Aust. 
 
 203. 
 To Master John Summerset, Doctor of Medicine. Fol. 89 a. 
 
 Our proctor, Master Luke, tells us of your efforts to obtain for us 
 the books given by the late Duke of Gloucester, and of your intercession 
 with the King in our cause : also that you propose to add, of your own
 
 286 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 gift, other books to his bequest. We are greatly pleased with this your 
 benevolent inclination towards us, but we cannot understand how it is 
 that, under these circumstances, the Dukes books, which came into your 
 custody, are not delivered to us, unless it be that some powerful influence 
 is exerted to prevent it ; for a steadfast and good man will not be made 
 to swerve from the path of justice by interest or cupidity. We trust, 
 therefore, you will use your best endeavours to put us in possession, and 
 thus do us a great service, and, at the same time, clear your own 
 character and that of others now suspected. We send you a list of all 
 the books in our library ; and, if you have duplicates, please remember 
 that, with our numerous students, we shall find them most useful. 
 
 1450. EXIMIE' dignitatis sciencie et celebritatis viro, magistro Johanni 
 Summerset, medicinarum doctor! nostroque amico precarissimo. 
 
 Votivam felicitatem, et iis, que ad celebres Dei et justicie laudes 
 pertinent, firmiter adherere. Recenter accepimus, disertissime ma- 
 gister, a carissimo confratre nostro, magistro Ricardo Luke, nostre 
 alme Universitatis procuratore, vestram celebritatem non modo pro 
 libris nobis restituendis, a dulcissime recordacionis serenissimo principe 
 duce Gloucestrie nuper elapso nostre Universitati predicte legatis, 
 promptissimo animo et amicissimo vultu penes regiam majestatem 
 velle insistere; sed quod vos nostra eciam studia devota librorum 
 vestra 1 largicione lucidiora atque ampliora reddere decrevistis. Et 
 plane benignitatem vestram tanta necessitudine nos amplecti per- 
 gratum nobis est, et vos inde gratissimum habemus, jocundam nobis 
 amiciciam vestram erga nos perpetua diuturnitate ferendam vehe- 
 menter cupientes. Verum cum bona died serenissimi principis post 
 lacrimabilem obitus sui diem in vestram custodiam, ut palam est, 
 atque disposicionem pervenerint; quod prefata nobis, ut premittitur, 
 legata volumina utilitati et ornamento Universitatis nostre vestra de- 
 liberacio minime reservavit, nisi vestra fortassis ad hoc faciendum 
 plenissima intencio aliorum hominum impetu frustraretur, grandi pro- 
 fecto ducimur admiracione; cum vir bonus et constans nulla per- 
 turbacione, complacencia aut cupiditate a justicie semita declinaret. 
 Sed gerentes forte ipsis temporibus amplissimas potestates vobis 
 impedimento fuere rectissime voluntatis, et quidem pro magna fide 
 virtute et sapiencia vestra rem sic se habuisse putamus. Nunc vero, 
 quum dictorum librorum nobis, uti leges et Celebris consciencia dictant, 
 debite reddendorum justissima desideracione afficimur ; cujus eciam 2 
 desiderii perfecta spes et magna vis, ut tenemus, in vestra probitate 
 nunc recumbit; itaque humanitatem vestram, sicuti decreveritis, as- 
 
 1 vestro MS. 2 eceam ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 287 
 
 siduo labore et industria penes regiam celsitudinem, ceterosque in hac 
 parte creditos necessaries, pro tarn honesto tamque racionabili voto 
 nostro vestras interponere partes rogamus ex corde. Quo facto baud 
 solum vestri nominis florebit integritas, ac aliorum, quos in premissis 
 creditur non fuisse innocentes, scandalum evanescet; sed nobis eciam 
 precipue amacionis et memorie specimen efficaciter ostendetis. Pro- 
 missam insuper nobis pie liberalitatis vestre librorum donacionem rem 
 ratam haberi firmiter estimamus. Proinde copiam registri omnium 
 librorum dicte Universitati nostre pertinencium vestre maturitati cum 
 presencium latore duximus transmittendam ; Eo ut l , si forte consimiles 
 apud vos ~ libri maneant iis quos dicta copia inscripsimus, quod non 
 eo magis vestra penes nos caritas minuatur (vestram prestanciam 
 oratissimam habemus ;) cum multiplicitatem studencium eandem ma- 
 teriam una contingat apud nos sepissime occupare. Et vestram 
 dignitatem, celeberrime magister, nostri memorem felicibus semper 
 letari auspiciis bonorum omnium plenissimus retributor facial Christus 
 Deus. Oxonie in nostre Congregacionis domo, vicesimo octavo die 
 Augusti. 
 
 2O4. 
 To the Cardinal Archbishop of York, Lord Chancellor. Fol. 89 b. 
 
 // is generally reported that the present parliament has determined to 
 take back all the lands recently granted for pious uses by the King. If 
 this were done without exception, the consequence to us would be terrible ; 
 for the colleges would lose their rents, and thus the University, which is 
 now made fruitful in virtue and knowledge by this bounteous stream, 
 would become dry and barren, for these foundations are the chief attrac- 
 tion to students. 
 
 REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri et domino, domino Cardinali 1450. 
 Eboracensi, Anglie cancellario, nostro domino graciosissimo. 
 
 Reverendissimo in Christo patri benignissimo et domino nostro 
 humillimam recommendacionem cum devotissimis nostris precibus 
 apud Deum. Ex quo, reverendissime pater, instanti parliamento 
 integram resumpcionem terrarum et possessionum, nuper devocionis 
 domini nostri regis, diffiniri ex communi voce intelleximus, cujus 
 effectum perpetuo nos graviter concernere visum est, dum temporales 
 redditus collegioram nostre communis matris virtutum, quos idem 
 Christianissimus princeps in humane virtutis et catholice fidei in- 
 
 1 Eo ut. These words are uncertain, and the words inclosed in brackets seem 
 redundant, but at any rate there is one of the usual confusions here. 2 nos MS.
 
 288 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 crementa donavit, sub prefato titulo resumi vulgaris presumpcio 
 arbitrator. Quo pacto nostra Universitas, que dictarum possessionum 
 gracia impresenciarum virtutibus et sciencia perenne 1 fecundatur, 
 quasi sterili preoccupata otio inerti torpendo marcesceretur ; cum 
 studencium multitudinem, que apud nos esse consuevit, sepius exhibi- 
 cione dictorum locorum quam aliunde palam scimus concrevisse. 
 Hujus igitur rei, ablato premisso, inestimabile sequens malum pio 
 intuenti ammo apperitur. Itaque humanissimam dominacionem ves- 
 tram, cui cerciorem fidem ac confirmaciorem spem opis nostre re- 
 posuimus, [habemus 2 , atque] gratiosam ac velut paternalem tutelam 
 esse in hac parte suppliciter exoramus ; et hanc nostram rempublicam 
 solito more vestre humanitatis grato et benignissimo animo pensare ; 
 cum res tante cure a nobis fieri nequit, nisi altiori superne mentis 3 
 medio, quo dictarum possessionum optato fine potiamur. Et quoniam 
 non facile quidem nobis est satis alti generis laudes et preconia 
 amplissime dominacioni vestre pro tantis muneribus excogitare, que 
 nuper in scolarum nostrarum edificia impensa 4 fuisse decrevistis ; sit 
 igitur ipse nobis pius consul Seneca, qui melius esse voluit ut beneficia 
 non respondeant quam non dentur; dum terrenam spernunt, immo 
 celestem expectant retribucionem ; qua 5 vestram benignissimam do- 
 minacionem frui plenissimus omnium bonorum retributor facial Christus 
 Deus. Oxonie in nostre congregacionis dome, sextodecimo die Novembris, 
 
 205. 
 To the Commons' House of Parliament. 
 
 This University is the mother of the clergy and the source of their 
 learning ; and we know that her prosperity is dear to you, for here are 
 educated not only students from foreign lands, but also those most near 
 and dear to you, your children and other relatives ; who from their 
 studies here derive the training ivhich qualifies them for exalted positions 
 in the state. Now if the design of taking back the lands, given by the 
 King for religious objects, should be carried out, our colleges would have 
 
 1 This passage in the MS. is unintelligible; the writing is quite plain, however, 
 and the words are ' Beronne fecundatur quasi tanquam sterili preocupatur ocio 
 mexti torpendo' &c. The version in the text is suggested as possibly near the 
 truth, a conjecture confirmed by similar words in Seneca, Ep. 81, ed. Lips. 
 Seneca, it may be observed, was clearly much read at Oxford at this time. See 
 ep. 206, and testimonial letter for Mr. Kyngdon, fol. 1 10 b, for two of the numerous 
 instances of application of Seneca's philosophical tenets. " hebemus atque MS. 
 
 The words seem to be redundant, or something is left out as usual. 3 mente MS. 
 4 inpessa ib. 5 quia ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 289 
 
 to reduce the number of their fellows , and the University would lose one of 
 its chief attractions to students. We trust, therefore, that an exception in 
 favour of these foundations may be made. 
 
 VENERABILIBUS ac circumspectis viris hujus presentis ac nobilissimi H5 - 
 parliament! communariis. 
 
 Votivos honores, et iis rebus firmiter adherere que ad laudem Dei, 
 gloriam et decorem regni, ac augmentum pertinent studii salutaris. 
 Cum inter precipua et celeberrima hujus famosissime regionis loca, 
 nostra Universitas Oxonie, que fecunda mater est et lucerna cleri, 
 sine quo nulla ubique terrarum nacio aut communitas sincera fide ac 
 integra prosperitate diu manere poterit, ad ornamentum et gloriam, 
 fame titulum, publicamque dicti imperil beatitudinem suis salutaribus 
 disciplinis ac probitate morum vehementer pertineat ; ipsam igitur 
 valde erigi, ac in Claris sui membris salvam et incolumem egregie 
 preservari, eximias * gravitates vestras velle ac intimius desiderare 
 putamus. Quod plane eo nobis evidencius visum est, quod non modo 
 a peregrinis et distantissimis mundi partibus homines, verum eciam 
 hujus nostre clarissime patrie dulcissimi liberi, cari nepotes, et con- 
 sanguinei ac propinqui, affines vestri, sacris litteris ac moribus im- 
 buendi, apud nos in famosis et devotis collegiis aliisque approbatis 
 locis habitant ; tanquam in fontali loco vere fidei, sciencie et virtutis ; 
 quibus eleganter prediti ad quam grandes et varios dignitatum honores, 
 in magnum cumulum glorie ac splendoris regni nostreque Universitatis 
 et amicorum suorum, sepissime eriguntur 2 . Sed quoniam in hoc 
 presenti parliamento pro resumpcione terrarum et possessionum, 
 nuper devocionis domini nostri regis, ita generaliter adhibenda tantus, 
 ut didicimus, labor efficitur, quod revera in precipuum nostre Universi- 
 tatis decrementum, ac grave dispendium et depauperacionem egregia- 
 rum partium ejusdem,nisi vestris industria et favore honestum interveniat 
 medium, verisimiliter redundaret, sunt etenim quedam nostre Uni- 
 versitatis percelebris fame collegia, eo sub numero sociorum ordinata, 
 quod si ea reddere deberent, que per eundem illustrissimum principem 
 eis conferri noscuntur, non solum socios dictorum locorum sed alios 
 eciam, quos spes future promocionis ad eadem collegia in dicta 
 Universitate nostra compulerit exspectare, simul cum beata doctrina 
 deficere oportebit, itaque, tametsi prefatam resumpcionem ad regis Fol. go a. 
 et regni prosperitatem procul dubio rem summe necessariam esse 
 arbitramur, vestre tamen prudentissime congregacionis cetui assiduis 
 precum instanciis unanimiter supplicamus, quatinus de vestre bene- 
 volencie ac pietatis fecunditate talem moderacionem in predicta 
 
 1 eximeas MS. 8 exiguntur ib.
 
 290 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 materia, sicuti optime scitis et potestis, premissa considerantes digne- 
 mini providere, quod nihil in dicto present! parliamento factum seu 
 faciendum in prefatorum collegiorum nostre Universitatis gravamen 
 seu prejudicium cedere debebit. Interne consideracionis oculo per- 
 pendentes, quod egregie virtutes et sciencie, quibus premissa nostra 
 Universitas hoc nobilissimuni imperium totamque 1 Christianitatem 
 illustrat, in collegiis fundatis in eadem precipue radicantur ; hac pro 
 re summas indubie atque immortales a Deo grates, nos quoque 
 perpetuos oratores vestros vobisque in eternum devinctos habebitis. 
 Et prenobilis vestre congregacionis cetum in singulis agendis dirigat 
 Christus Deus. Oxonie in nostre congregacionis domo, decimo die 
 Novembris. Vestri oratores devoti Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoni- 
 ensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 
 
 206. 
 To the Duke of York. 
 
 The Romans, who excelled all other nations in war, and the great 
 philosophers of ancient times, alike considered those, who labour for the 
 good of the commonwealth, deserving of the highest praise. Such have 
 been your labours and such will be your reward. Let us speak to you 
 then of our commonwealth this University and beg you so to labour in 
 our behalf, that we may not be deprived of the lands given to the colleges 
 by the King. These foundations not only provide for their own fellows ; 
 but the prospect of promotion, which they offer, is a great attraction to 
 students to come to Oxford; and the loss of them would be a mortal 
 blow to learning ; no less than, as Seneca says, a separation of soul 
 and body. 
 
 1450. ILLUSTRISSIMO principi, domino duci Eboracensi, nostro domino 
 graciosissimo. 
 
 Summis ac probatissimis viris, illustrissime princeps, sane visum est 
 ipsos viros benemeritos ac ingenti laude dignos fore, quos florenti 
 statui reipublice, ne facile a sua gloria decidat, totis animorum 
 conatibus insudare constabat. Nam communi utilitati studere, pa- 
 triamque aut consilio aut 2 opera tueri, non solum apud Romanos, 
 qui ceteras gentes in milicie gloria longe anteibant, verum eciam apud 
 ipsos antiquitatis philosophies inter cetera preclara facta pro divinissimo 
 sancitum erat. Vestre igitur serenitati summa ac maxima proposita 
 esse premia speramus, que in totius Anglic rempublicam jam pene 
 
 1 totaque MS. 2 ut ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 291 
 
 lacessitam maximo ac continue zelo fervebat: sed quid diximus 
 ' lacessitam ' ? revera vestra sciens 1 tenet prudencia quantum hujus 
 olim florentissime ac famosissime regionis, inter cetera totius 2 orbis 
 terrarum regna, fama statusque quorumdam sceleratorum s jamdudum 
 pravis factionibus a priscis suis honoribus pene sopiti ceciderunt. Cum 
 igitur inter cunctos orbis principes percelebri fama evecti estis, nihil 
 sublimitas vestra principis nomine dignius 4 vel prestantissimorum 
 majorum vestrorum virtute 5 facere potest, quam ut communi bono, 
 uti diximus, lacessito, quassato ac pene profligate subveniat 6 , quam 
 maxima laboret ; ex qua re celeberrimam famam et gloriam vestra 
 serenitas adipiscetur, firmam quidem et nullis seculis defecturam. 
 De nostra nunc republica, Universitatis nostre bonum intelligimus, 
 sermo brevis humanitati vestre texendus est. Cujus certe status 7 
 marcessere ac pene deficere arbitratur, si ea ad effectum deducta sint 
 que fama crebrescente a plurimis existimantur 8 . Vulgari quidem 
 tenetur opinione 8 resumpcionem terrarum et possessionum, nuper 
 devotionis domini nostri regis, presenti parlyamento integram 10 de- 
 finiri ; que u , si nulla moderacio honesta preveniat, perpetuo nobis 
 decremento fiet. Sunt etenim quedam famosissima nostre Universi- 
 tatis collegia, que si ea reddere deberent, que sibi per regem patentibus 
 litteris collata sunt, non modo socios dictorum locorum sed alios etiam, 
 quos spes future promocionis ad eadem collegia in dicta Universitate 
 nostra compulerit expectare, simul cum bona doctrina deficere oportebit. 
 Doctrinam vero deficere, uti Senece aliisque doctissimis placebat viris, 
 nihil aliud est quam animas a corpore separari 12 , virtutes singulas 
 extirpari, et, ut summam feramus, damna respublicas undique pene- 
 trare. Ea propter, serenissime princeps, tota Universitas, qua potest 
 devotione, vestram benignitatem exorandam ls duxit, quatinus prefato 
 malo verisimiliter eventuro humanissime occurrat. Quo facto per- Fol. 90 b. 
 petuos honores et eternas laudes vestras non modo nostrum viventium 
 sed posteritatis eciam nostre cuncta ora, cuncta eloquia celebrabunt. 
 Et vestra serenissima dominatio, ad Dei laudem et decorem regni, in 
 multas etates floreat continua gloria et honore. Oxonie in nostre 
 congregacionis dome, decimo die Novembris. Cancellarius Universitatis 
 Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regentium in eadem. 
 
 1 This word in the MS. is unintelligible, more resembling sciens, perhaps, than 
 anything else. 2 It will be noticed that the letters c and t, at this date and 
 
 forwards, in the MS. begin to be indiscriminately used before i. 3 scelaratorum 
 MS. 4 dignus ib. 5 virtuti ib. 6 subveniant ib. 7 stalun ib. 
 
 8 extimantur ib. ' opinioni ib. I0 Integra diffiniri ib. n quam ib. 
 
 12 seperari ib. ls exomandam ib. 
 
 U 2
 
 292 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 2O7. 
 
 To the Lords spiritual and temporal of the present 
 Parliament. 
 
 The wisest men of old times considered the pursuit of virtue and 
 learning the highest aim of statesmen, as being the source of safety 
 and good government. Hence the foundation of Universities, and, among 
 them, of Oxford, conspicuous for virtue, learning, and the faith un- 
 alloyed ; and a centre of attraction to students of every degree, noble, 
 gentle, or simple. To take away, then, the chief support of students from 
 us would be, of course, the ruin of our studies ; for the lands, which it is 
 proposed to take back, not only maintain a certain number of fellows, 
 but they are likewise a potent attraction to those who hope for promotion 
 as a reward. The history of Lacedaemon, Athens, and Rome proves 
 that the decay of education means the decline of empire. 
 
 1450. SPECTATISSIME congregacionis cetui dominorum spiritualium et 
 temporalium hujus nobilissimi instantis parliamenti. 
 
 Preclarissimi domini, spectatissime vestre congregacionis cetui sub- 
 jecciones honoresque cum omni devotione et humilitate. Apud anti- 
 ques probatissime auctoritatis viros inter summas reipublice partes 
 nulla quedam prestantior habita neque illustrior visa est, quam ea que 
 gloriosum virtutis cultum ac fecunde discipline studium precipue in- 
 tuetur. Quam ideo, sicuti illam in qua salus patrie ac perfeccio totius 
 regni constituta sit, in primis augendam tuendamque ac sinceriter dili- 
 gendam censuere. Itaque clarissimi principes retroactis temporibus pre- 
 celebres ubique terrarum Universitates, communia et studiorum loca, ubi 
 nunc preclare virtutes cum scienciarum rutilante splendore attentissime 
 coluntur, tanquam pro reipublice, regnorum, civitatumque x procura- 
 cione substituta, dedicarunt. Sed dum alma parens nostra Universitas 
 Oxoniensis suis salutaribus virtutibus et doctrinis ad incolumitatem, 
 splendorem et famam, precipuamque bone fidei tuitionem hujus nobi- 
 lissimi imperil, ceteras inter celeberrimas communitates egregie spectare 
 dinoscitur 2 , nobiles itaque strenuis parentibus nati, mediocres eciam 
 atque humiles, et fere ex omni alio genere hominum gracia addiscendi 
 veniunt ad electivam matrem sciencie et virtutis. Hanc itaque famosam 
 Universitatem nostram a nobis, benignissimi domini, et in se ac Claris 
 sui membris, gratis amplexibus complectendam fovendamque ac pre- 
 cipue defendendam putamus. Statum etenim ac percelebrem famam 
 dicte matris nostre gravissimorum estimatione magistrorum pene de- 
 
 1 regnorumque civitatum MS. 2 In the MS. four words, ad eterni hujus 
 
 regionis, here follow dinoscitur.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 293 
 
 ficere arbitrator, si ea ad effectum deducta sint, que a vulgo tritissime 
 predicantur. Communi namque voce tenetur instanti parliamento 
 terrarum et possessionum, nuper donacionis domini nostri regis, 
 generalem futuram esse resumpcionem : que, si nullam penitus excep- 
 cionem habeat, maximo nobis decremento fiet 1 . Sunt profecto quedam 
 nostre Universitatis sacra et devota collegia, eo sub numero sociorum 
 ordinata, quod si repetita fuerint, que per eundem Christianissimum 
 principem eis conferri noscuntur, non solum numerum sociorum 
 eorumdem, sed aliorum eciam studencium, quos spes future promo- 
 cionis ad eadem collegia in dicta Universitate compulerit expectare, 
 deficere necesse esset. Studentibus vero sublatis doctrinam perire 
 oportet. Et quid aliud est doctrinam extinguere, quam lucem e medio 
 tollere, vicia quoque regnare, et, ut paucitate verborum utamur, singula 
 incommoda regno provenire. Superiores transcurrenti z historias notis- 
 sima sunt que dixiinus. Lacedemoniorum, Atheniensium acRomanorum 
 olim respublice florentissime fuerunt; concidente vero in eis veteri 
 disciplina, ad id sunt deducti, quod vix eorum nominum vestigia 
 relicta sunt. Itaque preclarissime vestre congregacionis cetui dictam 
 Universitatem, matrem nostram, tota qua possumus devotione recom- 
 mittimus per presentes; supplicantes humillime, quatinus eandem 
 matrem nostram piis ac gravissimis defensionibus vestris ab imminenti Fol. 91 a. 
 periculo dignemini liberare. Qua 3 pro re benignissime dominationes 
 vestre continua apud nos vigebunt memoria, apud posteros vivent, et 
 in ipsa eternitate superstites erunt. Oxonie, in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, decimo die Navembris. Vestri humillimi oratores Cancellarius 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regentium in 
 eadem. 
 
 208. 
 To the Commons' House of Parliament. 
 
 To the worshipfull commyners off J> is present noble parlament. 145- 
 
 RYGHT worshupfull sires, worthy commeners in thys and noble 
 parlament, grace and j? 6 godnes of J> e holy gosthe be w* you to 
 streynth yow to gedur; to ]> e honore and J? e wership of god, to J> e 
 gode pece, profith, welyth and J? 6 desyderable and durable prosperyth 
 of all ]? is noble Realme. Please hyt you to knowe that oure moder J? 6 
 Universythe prayth tendyrly for sow and oure good spede, consideryng 
 youre gret and intensive ^ele and labur J>t se have to }? e reformyng 
 and save governawnce of J? 6 seid Realme. and for asmosche that 
 a generall resumpcion, and we wnderstonde, is in laboryng to be 
 
 1 fient MS. 2 trascurrenti ib. 3 quia ib.
 
 294 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 hadde to J? e kyngis handys of londys tenementys and possessonis; 
 cure seide Universith, whych ys J? 6 moder, lanterne, and welle of \ft 
 clergy, prayth ^ow devotly to excepte colleges of ]? e same Universyth, 
 of piouse intencione to J? e worshyp of god, and encrese of holy fayth 
 by diverse sciencys and vertus of home growyt ; stronge pyllers of 
 holy churche, as prelatys and sage fadyrs of ^oure chyldryn, kyn and 
 cousyns. Warfore by naturale inclinatione, as we trusth on 3011, we 1 
 woll oure strencth in mayntenyng cure collegges before sayde ; con- 
 syderyng ]?* ]? e principall bemys of vertus and connyng 2 , by }? e whych 
 oure sayde Universith shynyth 3 and lyghnyth alle ]? is noble Realme, 
 spryngh and growyth out of b e colleges fundyd, stabllid in j? 6 same. 
 And for ^ou all in generall we schall offyr to almygthy god oure 
 devote prayers. Writ at Oxford in oure sembly hous, j> e x day of 
 Novembur. 
 
 Chaunceller of J? 6 Universyth of Oxonford et 4 \> & hole semble of 
 maystrys Regentys in the same. 
 
 Fol. gib. 2O9 5 . 
 
 1450. RIGHT Worshipfull syre^, grace, pece and prosperite be to you, to 
 godes Worship and to the gode Welth of the Realme of Englond ever 
 during. Worthy syres, forasmoche that mony of your own Issieu and 
 also kynnesmen hath, be now, and shall be in tyme comyng tenderly 
 and bysyly norysshed and avaunced w* the Rype frute of connyng in 
 oure moder the Universite of Oxonford; in to the glory and the 
 Worship of god in special, and to the mayntenaunce of crysten faith, 
 causyng of Wyse menn in the Realme, and to you grete ioy, confort, 
 and eternal mede ; that causeth, supporteth, and furthereth suche 
 studiert; : Therfore we conceyveth that youre natures and benevolenc 1 ^ 
 shuld enioy w* ws of the furtheraunce of the said Universite. And for 
 somoche that oure ryght special lord and myghty Prince the Duke of 
 Gloucestre, late passed out of this worlde, whos soule god assoyle 
 for his hygh mercy, not long bifore his decesse, being in oure said 
 Universyte emonge all the Doctoure^ and maisteret; of the same 
 sembled togedor, graunted unto us all his latyn bokes, to the lovyng 
 of god, increce of Clergy and connyng menn, to the gode governaunce 
 and prosperite of the Realme of Englond w*outen ende, bifore all other 
 contreye^ or plac 1 ^ of the World ; the Whiche gyfte often tyme 1 ^ aftre, 
 
 1 we he MS., probably should be 'ye woll be oure strencth' 2 comyng ib. 
 
 3 shymyth ib. * et. This is as it stands in the MS. (probably an accidental 
 
 error by the scribe, more accustomed to Latin or French) ; but the et has the mark 
 of a contraction as if for etiam, et. 5 No address, superscription or title to 
 
 this letter in MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 295 
 
 be cure messengere^, and also in his laste testament, as we under- 
 stande, he conformed, the Which bokes we myght, be no maner of 
 laboure^, sythen he decessed opteyne ; Therfore We besech your sage 
 discrecione^, consideryng all this premysse^, that ye Wyll, at the 
 reverence of god and the instance of oure devote prayers, to the 
 complesshing of our said ryght special lordes Wylle and desire, and of 
 ryght Wesnes to be had in this behalve, ordeyn in suche Wyse for us 
 in this present noble parliament that We may reioysse 1 the bokes 
 biforesaid. And so oure lord god inspyre you and governe you to 
 his pleasaunce w* helth of soule and body to youre lyves ende. 
 Writene at Oxonford, tyc. 
 
 2IO 2 . 
 
 The duke of Gloucester, out of his zeal for the Church and love for us, Fol. 92 a. 
 wished that we should have all his Latin books ; and in our convocation 
 here publicly, and often by messengers to us, gave them to us, and con- 
 firmed the gift in his last will and testament, as we are informed ; we 
 pray then that, of your charity and love of justice, you will exert your 
 influence to obtain for us possession of them. 
 
 FELICES successus, et que ad perpetuam regni et studii nostri gloriam 1450. 
 pertinent emcaciter adimplere. Cum animadvertimus gravitates vestras, 
 prudentissimi homines, inter magnas occupaciones et studia vestra, 
 res ipsas precipue, quas clarissimo principi Humfrido, nuper duel 
 Gloucestrie, singular! domino et protectori nostro pertinere censuistis, 
 sacra quadam benevolencia ac sincera pietate promovere ; igitur in tali 
 negocio, quod idem clementissimus princeps, dum in humanis agebat, 
 nostre Universitati piissimo desiderio ac firmissima mente prestituit ad- 
 implendum, tarn claro ac felicissimo cetui vestro scribere pro succursu 
 nobis quam fructuosum et utile arbitramur. Voluit etenim humanissimus 
 ille ac litteratissimus princeps, ob precipuum in nos zelum ac amorem 
 suum, ad Christiane religionis et cleri perpetuum incrementum, omnes 
 latinos sui libros pre ceteris nobis dari. Nam semel apud nos in 
 nostre congregacionis domo, adunatis singulis doctoribus et magistris 
 dicte Universitatis, ac sepenumero per internuncios nostros, de summa 
 et magnifica liberalitate sua, nobis eosdem publica voce concessit ; ac 
 eandem donacionem paullo ante lacrimabilem obitus sui diem, uti 
 didicimus, in testamento suo feliciter confirmavit. Itaque benigni- 
 tatibus vestris devotas preces nostras, non sine maxima quadam animi 
 
 1 i. e. rejoice, receive") or ' rejoice in'? a No address, subscription or title 
 
 in MS.
 
 296 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 vehemencia et fiducia profusas, effundimus ; supplicantes quatinus 
 divina reverencia et contemplacione dicti serenissimi principis, nuper 
 zelatissimi amatoris nostri, cujus spiritus in cells habitet, intuitu 
 eciam caritatis et justicie complement!, talem nobis opem et favorem 
 in hac parte ostendere dignemini, ut vestra virtute et industria dictos 
 libros, nobis, ut premittitur, piissima voluntate memorati principis 
 indultos, quam primum fieri poterit consequamur. Quo facto, cum 
 ea res ad sustentacionem sacre discipline, virtutisque ac catholice fidei 
 unice et singulariter pertineat, rem vobis profecto longe meritoriam, 
 nobisque et posteritati nostre dignissimam facietis. Et prenobilis 
 vestre congregacionis cetum, ad regni et Universitatis nostre solamen, 
 commodum et honorem, in magnam etatem prosperet Christus Deus. 
 De Oxonia, <$fc. 
 
 2II 1 . 
 To a reputed executor of the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 Books are as necessary to us as weapons are to soldiers ; by them we 
 are enabled to defend the Church and overthrow hereticks. We pray you 
 then to use your influence in our behalf, that we may have possession of 
 the books promised by the Duke of Gloucester ; for they will, as we are 
 informed, be in your hands for disposal. 
 
 1450. VOTIVOS honores, et ea perpetuo feliciter adimplere, que ad celebres 
 justicie laudes pertinent et glorie militaris. Sicuti pugnaturis militibus 
 arma tuciora providere adversus hostium impetus necessarium di- 
 noscitur, ita nobis indubie, qui Christiane fidei professores ac pro- 
 pinquiores alumni sumus, contra hereticorum insultus, atque pro 
 solidiori militantis ecclesie confirmacione, opere precium est sanorum 
 librorum multitudine communiri. Sed cum felicis memorie illustris- 
 simus princeps Humfridus, nuper dux Gloucestrie, noster graciosissimus 
 Fol. 92 b. dominus et protector, ob precipuum amorem ac singularem bene- 
 volenciam et pietatem, quam penes nos, dum rebus humanis fruens, 
 habuerat, omnes latinos sui libros, ad ampliorem Dei, virtutis et 
 sciencie cultum, palam in Universitate nostra, presentibus singulis 
 doctoribus et magistris ejusdem, ac aliis subinde temporibus per 
 internuncios nostros, nobis pre ceteris quibuscunque habendos, ex 
 amplissima liberalitate sua concessit, ac eandem donacionem, sicuti 
 nobis dignissima relacione compertum est, parum ante extremum sui 
 diem virtute testamenti sui firmiter roboravit; itaque humanitatem 
 
 1 No address, &c., again, but, as the allusions to military life seem to indicate, 
 the person to whom this letter was written, was certainly a layman, and of military 
 calling.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 297 
 
 vestram, quam equitate et justicia clarissimam arbitramur, plenis 
 desideriis unanimiter obsecramus, ex quo bona died serenissimi 
 principis, uti didicimus, in vestram disposicionem pervenient, quatinus 
 ad dictos libros, nobis ut premittitur feliciter donates, in comple- 
 mentum justicie ac piissime voluntatis prefati domini nostri, nos, quam 
 cito poteritis, dignemini promovere. Quo facto, rem vestre strenuitati 
 dignam nobis quoque gratissimam facietis. Floreatque nobilitas vestra 
 in multas etates continua gloria et honore. De Oxonia. 
 
 212\ 
 To a reputed executor of the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 As we hear that the effects of the late Duke of Gloucester will be at 
 your disposal, we beg you will, of your piety and benevolence, help us to 
 obtain them, for it is of the greatest importance to us to have, and to 
 gather from every quarter, books on sacred subjects, since from the study 
 of them springs the most fruitful harvest of knowledge. 
 
 FELICIUM incrementa successuum, et iis rebus firmiter adherere, que 1450. 
 ad celebres Dei laudes ac augmentum pertinent studii salutaris. Cum 
 uberrimos scienciarum fructus plurium optimorumque voluminum 
 frequens et intentissima leccio parturiat ; nobis, qui virtutis et sciencie 
 studia profitemur, colligendis undique sacris libris, ubi digna spes 
 habendi superest, apprime convenit occupare. Etenim quanto littera- 
 rum fons uberior fuerit, tanto efficacius studium consequitur. Sed 
 quoniam singularissimus benefactor noster, serenissimus princeps 
 Humfridus, nuper dux Gloucestrie, omnes latinos sui libros nobis viva 
 voce concessit, ac in ea piissima voluntate usque ad ultimum fati sui 
 diem, ut ex fide dignorum testimonio accepimus, continue perduravit ; 
 itaque humanitatem vestram maximis atque intimis precibus duximus 
 exorandam, ex quo bona predicti illustrissimi principis, uti didicimus, 
 ad vestram curam atque administracionem pervenient, quatinus sacra 
 in nos benevolencia et profusa pietate vestra dictorum librorum nobis 
 equidem, sicut justicia et consciencia suadent, debite reddendorum 
 optato fine pociamur. Nullum utique beneficium ad egregias virtutes 
 et beatam doctrinam capessendas nobis oblatum iri prestancius aut 
 magnificencius arbitramur. Et vestram nobilitatem feliciter valere 
 semperque leto florere successu faciat Christus Deus. De Oxonia, 
 quam raptim, $c. 
 
 1 No address to this and to the following epistles.
 
 298 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 213- 
 
 To the Bishop of reputed to be an executor 
 
 of the Duke of Gloucester. 
 
 Fol. 93 a. To the same purpose as the preceding letters. 
 
 1450. REVERENDE in Christo pater et domine, debitas reverencias et honores 
 cum devotissimis nostris precibus apud Deum. Dominacionem vestram 
 credimus non latere, benignissime pater, quomodo dive et bone memorie 
 serenissimus princeps Humfridus, nuper dux Gloucestrie, ad perpetuum 
 virtutis et doctrine ac catholice fidei incrementum, omnes latini ydio- 
 matis libros suos, sincere quodam ac precipuo amore studii nostri, 
 nobis ex piissima liberalitate sua sepenumero, cum vixerat, libere et 
 gratanter concessit: quam utique promissionem, paullo ante flebilem 
 et infaustum necis sue diem, uti nobis significatum est, virtute testa- 
 menti sui ratam haberi prestituit. Sed cum opes predicti nobilissimi 
 principis in toanu vestra, ut docti reddimur, pervenient, igitur tola 
 devocione nostra dominacionem vestram suppliciter imploratam habe- 
 mus, ut quod nobis memoratus princeps pia voluntate indulsit, per 
 vestram in nos graciam et benevolenciam non minori pietate sit 
 executum: Quo facto non modo nos viventes, sed posteri nostri 
 nomen et magnificenciam vestram summis ac eternis laudum preconiis 
 celebrabunt. Postremo pro pristinis beneficiis vestris dominacioni 
 vestre singulares et amplissimas grates agimus, sperantes hoc quoque 
 librorum optatum beneficium, ubi in vestram disposicionem venerint, 
 celeriter adipisci. Et vestram dominacionem, ad felix ecclesie vestre 
 regimen, in magnam etatem prosperet Christus Deus. De Oxonta. 
 
 To the Bishop of 
 
 1450. REVERENDE in Christo pater et domine, humillima recommendacione 
 premissa cum devotissimis matris precibus apud Deum : Non fugit, 
 uti credimus, dominacionem vestram magnificum ilium principem 
 nuper ducem Gloucestrie, ob singularem in nos benevolenciam et 
 pietatem suam, omnes latini sermonis libros suos, ad sacrosancte 
 ecclesie Dei et tocius Christiane religionis supportacionem, nobis, dum 
 hoc labenti seculo fretus erat, eximia et divina quadam liberalitate 
 apud Universitatem nostram palam concessisse : quam utique egregiam 
 ac in eternum memorabilem donacionem, si ea quidem uti potue- 
 rimus, . . - 1 
 
 1 No address to this fragment.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE, 299 
 
 Acquittance of the Warden and Fellows of Fol. 93 b. 
 
 All Souls College. 
 
 Five years' rent of Tynchwyke's Inn in ' Catestrete ' paid to the 
 University. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Gilbertum Kymer, Cancel- i45- 
 larium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Ricardum Luke et Wistanum Browne, 
 procuratores dicte Universitatis, recepisse et habuisse, die confeccionis 
 presencium, vice et nomine dicte Universitatis, de custode et sociis 
 collegii animarum omnium fidelium defunctorum in Oxonia quinque 
 marcas sterlingorum ; de redditu cujusdam fundi, situati infra pre- 
 cinctum dicti collegii, vocati antiquitus ' Tynchewykesyn,' in vico de 
 ' Catestrete ' ; pro quinque annis ultime ante datum presencium 
 elapsis: videlicet pro quolibet anno tredecim solidos et quatuor 
 denarios: De quibus quidem quinque marcis fatemur nos, vice et 
 nomine predicte Universitatis, fore fideliter solutos pro predictis 
 quinque annis; dictumque custodem et socios, et eorum successores 
 ac quoscunque alios, inde quietos per presentes. In cujus rei testi- 
 monium sigillum commune predicte Universitatis presentibus est ap- 
 pensum. Datum Oxonie in domo nostre congregacionis, tercio die 
 Octobris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum vicesimo 
 nono. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Gilbertum Kymer, Cancel- 1450. 
 larium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Ricardum Luke et Wistanum Browne, 
 procuratores dicte Universitatis, recepisse et habuisse, die confeccionis 
 presencium, vice et nomine dicte Universitatis, de viris religiosis Abbate 
 et conventu monasterii de Einsham, Lincolniensis diocesis, sedecim 
 solidos ; pro annua pensione dicte Universitati debita in festo S. Nicholai 
 ultimo elapso : De quibus quidem sedecim solidis fatemur nos, vice et 
 nomine predicte Universitatis, fore fideliter solutos, dictosque viros 
 religiosos, Abbatem et conventum predict! monasterii, inde acquietamus 
 per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune Universi- 
 tatis predicte presentibus est appensum. Datum in domo nosire con- 
 gregacionis, quarlodecimo die Decembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti 
 post conquestum vicesimo nono.
 
 300 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 214. 
 To the Lords spiritual and temporal of this Parliament. 
 
 Four forefathers highly esteemed learning, as the source of strength to 
 the commonwealth and of glory to their arms in war ; for from books 
 men learn the history of the past and by its example may shape their 
 conduct. We believe you are of the same opinion, and therefore most 
 humbly entreat you to give effect to the last will of the late Duke of 
 Gloucester, in which he gave us the precious treasure of all his books, 
 to help us in our bloodless warfare. 
 
 1450- SPECTATISSIMO cetui dominorum spiritualium et temporalium hujus 
 nobilissimi parliament! domini nostri regis. 
 
 Preclarissimi domini, spectatissimo cetui vestro honores ac justam 
 observanciam. Dignissimi in primis memoratu progenitores vestri, 
 maxima 1 secum conferentes ratiocinando, studia litterarum magni 
 facere, in honore habere, ac augere magnopere curarunt; anim- 
 advertentes inde reipublice ac domestice simul ac rei militari restau- 
 randis et illustrandis non parum commodi et emolumenti affuturum. 
 Ab ipsis etenim optimis studiis accepimus clarissima superioris etatis 
 exempla presciendis futurorum eventibus dubiis adaptare. Et quia 
 dominaciones vestras tarn sacratissime rei proposito inherere ac 
 majoribus vestris, ad amplianda hujusmodi exercicia 2 , conformari 
 plenissimam tenemus opinionem, hanc causam nostre supplicacionis 
 tam clarissimo cetui vestro in presenciarum statuimus aperire. Quod 
 cum felicis memorie Humfridus, dux nuper Gloucestrie, nostre inermi 
 milicie peregregius protector, dum adhuc compos animo fuerat, in 
 nostre congregacionis domo preciosissimum omnium librorum suorum 
 thesaurum nobis ante omnes mortales derelicturum se et donaturum 
 gratanter asseruit, quam piissimam donacionem, per intervenientes 
 modo suos modo nostros legates, sepenumero confirmatam, per- 
 severanter ratam habuisse intelleximus, ad ipsum usque momentum 
 lacrimabile quo diem sibi clausit extremum; cujus ultime voluntatis 
 vestra auctoritate, sapiencia et virtute celerem fieri execucionem, domi- 
 nacionibus vestris, coram eisdem non minus mente quam sermone hu- 
 millimis, prostrati supplicamus. Quo pacto libri ipsi ad institutum sibi 
 finem justissimum evadent, bonorum stndencium profectui et grato usui 
 futuri ; ad publicam tocius regni beatitudinem ac cleri et sacrosancte 
 fidei certissimum incrementum. Et vestre dominaciones in multas 
 etates valeant quam felicissime. De Oxonia, sextodecimo diejanuarii. 
 
 Dominacionum vestrarum humillimi oratores, Cancellarius Universi- 
 tatis Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem. 
 1 maximana MS. 2 excerda ib.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMJCAE. 301 
 
 215. 
 To the King. Fol. 94 a. 
 
 Although the cares of state are, we know, very heavy, yet we believe 
 you do not forget the advancement of virtue and divine learning ; than 
 which, indeed, nothing is more deserving of the interest of a glorious 
 prince. History shows us that where the study of letters has been 
 fostered by wise princes their government has prospered. We humbly 
 ask, therefore, that, of your piety and justice, you will give orders that 
 the desire of the late Duke of Gloucester, which, as we are told, was 
 much in his mind up to the very time of his death, may be carried into 
 effect ; by giving us possession of the precious gift of books he intended 
 for us. Thus shall you obtain a recompense in heaven ; and grateful 
 memory on earth, among us and those to come after us. Remember, we 
 have always devoted our lives and studies to your wishes. 
 
 CHRISTIANISSIMO principi, Anglie et Francie regi illustrissimo et 1450. 
 domino nostro metuendissimo. 
 
 Quanquam, illustrissime princeps, circa publicas hujus regni curas 
 vestram serenitatem plurimum habere negocii certi sumus, tamen ob 
 singularem probitatem et sapienciam vestram, ad egregias virtutes et 
 sacram erudicionem ampliandas pios vestre consideracionis oculos 
 inter ceteros credimus vos retorquere. Nihil equidem glorioso principi, 
 ad communem tocius sui regni salutem, divinius aut magnificencius 
 obtingere potest. Nam si veteres contemplemur historias, ubicumque 
 studia litterarum sub clemencia et tuicione principum floruerunt, illic 
 simul imperium floruisse compertum est. Sed cum ad colendas vir- 
 tutes augendasque doctrinas librorum cultus potissimum conferat, de 
 libris quam maxime obtinendis celsitudini vestre impresenciarum * 
 duximus perscribendum. Quoniam vero magnificus ille princeps, 
 Humfridus, nuper dux Gloucestrie, vester carissimus avunculus ac 
 vestre Universitatis, matris nostre, preter amplitudinem vestram singula- 
 rissimus amator, parum antequam desinebat vivere, ex magna quadam 
 et prestanti liberalitate sua, ad Dei laudem et perpetuum virtutis, 
 sciencie, ac ortodoxe fidei incrementum, in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, presenti numerosa plebe magistrorum regencium et non- 
 regencium dicte Universitatis, nobis ore tenus omnium librorum 
 suorum latini sermonis quam preciosam ac celeberrimam tribuit 
 donacionem ; eandem quoque mentem, usque dum mors eum ab hac 
 luce rapuit, tanquam aliquid maximum in votis, ut docti reddimur, 
 constantissime tenebat ; quocirca, clementissime princeps, regiam 
 1 in presentiarum MS.
 
 302 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 majestatem 1 vestram obnixe et cum omni observancia exoramus, 
 quatinus ea pietas, ea justicia vestra taliter in hac parte jubere ac 
 providere dignetur, ut predicte munificencie memorati principis Hum- 
 fridi fructum jam diu expectatum debite consequamur. Ex qua re 
 non modo celestem vobis a Deo comparabitis mercedem, sed nobis 
 eciam ac toti posteritati nostre magnum et immortale recordacionis ac 
 benevolencie specimen ostendetis. Postremo, celsitudini vestre nos 
 obsequentissime recommendamus ; semper rogantes obtestantesque ut 
 memineritis nos eos esse, qui omnem vitam atque studium vestre 
 voluntati et arbitrio dedicavimus. Et vestram serenitatem, ad regni 
 et studii nostri gloriam, diu et feliciter conservet Christus Deus. De 
 Oxonia, in nostre congregations domo, sextodecimo die Januarii. 
 
 Vestre celsitudinis humillimi oratores, Cancellarius Universitatis 
 Oxoniensis cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium et non- 
 regencium in eadem. 
 
 2l6. 
 To the Bishop of Ely. 
 
 We beg you to use the great influence your family-connexions and 
 exalted position give you, to assist us in obtaining the books given to us 
 by the late Duke of Gloucester. If we have written to others before you, 
 it was only because we felt so sure of your sympathy from your formerly 
 having been our Chancellor ; and we hope you will not be offended. 
 
 1450. REVERENDO in Christo patri et domino, domino Thome, Eliensi 
 episcopo, nostro domino singularissimo. 
 
 Reverende in Christo pater et domine, humillima recommendacione 
 premissa cum devotissimis nostris precibus apud Deum. Quanquam 
 ab ineunte etate vestra, prestantissime pater, communem matrem, 
 nostram Universitatem singular! benevolencia et pietate complexi 
 fueritis ; ex quo magnas grates agimus sublimitati vestre ; id tamen 
 in primis nobis gratum est, quod, cum procurator noster, magister 
 Ricardus Luke, clericus vester, maxima vota nostra de libris obtinendis 
 quos dive memorie Humfridus, nuper dux Gloucestrie, nobis paullo 
 antequam obiit mortem, divina quadam liberalitate concesserat jam- 
 dudum vestre dominacioni explicuerit, propensum sibi favorem ac 
 vultum ostendentes, caram in ea re diligenciam atque operam vestram 
 dare, sicuti ab eodem didicimus, quam benignissimo animo promisistis. 
 Unde illam humanitatem vestram immortalitate dignam ab imis pre- 
 cordiis nostris gratulatissimam habemus ; hanc sacram in nos bene- 
 
 1 magistatem MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 303 
 
 volenciam vestram precipue in hoc arduo negocio nostro continuatum 
 iri magnopere cupientes. Interea, cum hujus regni cunctis optimatibus 
 aut clarissimis sanguine vel sancta necessitudine propinqui sitis, ut eos 
 ad opem nobis in hac parte similiter conferendam, hortari et suadere 
 dignemini vestram ex corde clemenciam deprecamur ; tenentes firmiter, 
 quod prestanti virtute et industria vestra hujus tarn justi tamque proba- 
 bilis et honesti desiderii nostri compotes fiemus. Quod si nobis vicio 
 fortassis a vestra gravitate datum fuerit, quia, superiores litteras nostras 
 in hac materia ceteris dominis transmittentes, vestre pretermisimus 
 scribere dignitati; sane ineffabilem vobis gerentes confidenciam, 
 memorantes vos olim placidissimum rectorem ac dominum nostrum 
 extitisse, non opus prius fuisse scriptis dominacioni vestre putabamus. 
 Quid multa ? in longam etatem valeat benignissima paternitas vestra 
 quam felicissime, nostri memor. De Oxonia, vicesimo septimo die 
 Februarii. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. Fol. 94 b. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, magistrum Gilbertum Kymer, 1450. 
 Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis ac magistros Ricardum Luke 
 et Wistanum Browne, procuratores ejusdem, nomine predicte Uni- 
 versitatis, recepisse de religiosis viris Abbate et conventu de Ensham, 
 Lincolniensis diocesis, tres libras et octo solidos, pro quadam annua 
 pensione eidem Universitati pro terminis S. Nicholai et capitis jejunii 
 quadragesime ultimis elapsis debita : De quibus quidem tribus libris et 
 octo solidis fatemur nos, nomine predicte Universitatis fore solutos, et 
 inde predictos religiosos viros acquietamus per presentes. In cujus 
 rei testimonium sigillum commune Universitatis antedicte presentibus 
 est appensum. Datum in noslre congregacionis domo, sextodecimo die 
 Marcti, anno regni regis Henrici vicesimo none *. 
 
 217. 
 To the Duchess of Suffolk. 
 
 To the rigth and myghti princes, the duchesse of Suffolke, cure 1450. 
 ryght especiall benefactrice and singuler lady. 
 
 RYGHT high and myghty princes. We youre humble oratours recom- 
 maunde us unto youre good ladyshippe an noble grace wyth the 
 gostely suffrages of oure prayers, inioyng gretly 2 als wel of youre ' 
 goude spede late in youre matyrs at London, as of youre commyng 
 home and abydyng in this contre : whiche treuly beth un to us grete 
 
 1 xix MS. 2 getfy ib.
 
 304 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 glore and comfort. And for as much that hit hath plesed youre noble 
 ladishippe but late ago to shew unto us grete liberalite and tendyrnes 
 in sondre wyse, therfore we besech devotely almygthi god to thank 
 yow ; and we for oure deute, als ferforth as is possible unto us, thanke 
 yowr heynesse al so w* alle the internes of oure hertes ; Recommending 
 us w* lowly spiryts into the gracyous continuaunce of youre rygth heyh 
 and benigne ladishippe ; as we shall dayly offre to god oure prayers 
 and devocions for youre noble estate, good helth, welthe and prosperite : 
 whiche oure lord graunte yow abundantly at the meke instance of oure 
 prayers. Writ at Oxford in oure sembly hous the 6 day of may. 
 
 1450. Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Wyldgrice. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod septimo die Julii, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo quinquagesimo, sigillata fuit quedam littera testi- 
 monialis pro magistro Thoma Wyldgrice, sub forma qua scribitur pro 
 magistro Sharburght septimo folio precedenti. 
 
 Two Indentures sealed. 
 
 1450- ITEM 1 , eodem die sigillate fuerunt due indenture locacionis fundi 
 cum gardino ; super quo nuper edificata fuit aula ' Cathall ' ; et 
 dimittitur sibi ad firmam pro quatuor solidis, et pro termino duodecim 
 annorum. 
 
 Fol. 95 a. Acquittance of Master John Evelyn, supervisor of the 
 building of the new school of theology. 
 
 1451. NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Gilbertum Kymer, Cancel- 
 larium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Willelmum Ketyll, Thomam Balsall, 
 procuratores dicte Universitatis, et cetum unanimem magistrorum 
 regencium in eadem remisisse, relaxasse et omnino, pro nobis et 
 successoribus nostris, in perpetuum quietum clamasse magistro 
 Johanni Evelyn, alteri supravisorum fabrice novarum scolarum sacre 
 theologie Oxonie, omnimodas acciones reales et personales, querelas, 
 calumnias, sectas et demandas, cujuscunque fuerint nature, accionis 
 vel condicionis, nobis et dicte Universitati quovismodo competentes 
 a principio mundi usque in diem confeccionis presencium, racione 
 
 . supervisionis predicte fabrice. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum 
 commune dicte Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum 
 
 1 This memorandum is crossed out in the MS., and on the margin is written the 
 word vacat.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 305 
 
 Oxonie in noslre congregacionis domo, ultimo die Ociobris, annis Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo primo, regnique regis Henrici, 
 sex ti post conquestum, tricesimo. 
 
 Ista acquietancia est sigillata die et anno supradictis pro magistro Johanne 
 Evelyn. 
 
 Acquittance of Master John Cowper. 
 
 ALIA acquietancia sub eadem forma sigillabatur pro magistro Roberto 1451. 
 Cowper, in festo S. Edmundi regis, anno Domini suprascripto. 
 
 Indenture of agreement between the University and All Fol. 95 b. 
 Souls' College for lease of tenement in Catstreet. 
 
 HEC indentura, facta inter magistros Gilbertum Kymer, Cancellarium 1451. 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, Willelmum Ketyll et Thomam Balsall, pro- 
 curatores dicte Universitatis, cetumque unanimem magistrorum re- 
 gencium in eadem, ex parte una, et magistrum Willelmum Kele, 
 custodem collegii animarum omnium fidelium defunctorum in Oxonia 
 et ejusdem loci socios, ex altera parte, testatur, quod prefatus Cancel- 
 larius, procuratores et cetus magistrorum concesserunt, tradiderunt et 
 ad firmam dimiserunt prefatis* custodi et sociis totum ilium fundum 
 dicte Universitatis, cum gardino et suis pertinenciis, in vico de 
 ' Catstret ' in parochia Beate Marie Virginis Oxonie, situatum inter 
 tenementum Abbatis et conventus de Eynesham ex parte boreali 1 , et 
 tenementum dicte ecclesie Beate Marie ex parte australi, habendum et 
 tenendum predictum fundum cum gardino et suis pertinenciis prefatis 
 custodi et sociis et eorum successoribus, a festo S. Michaelis Archangeli 
 proxime futuro post datum presencium usque ad finem termini septem 
 annorum proxime ex tune sequencium et plenarie completorum : red- 
 dendo inde annuatim prefatis Cancellario, procuratoribus, [et] 2 cetui 
 magistrorum et eorum successoribus, qui pro tempore fuerint, quatuor 
 solidos bone et legalis monete Anglic, ad quatuor anni terminos in 
 Oxonia usuales. Et si contingat predictam firmam quatuor solidorum 
 a retro fore non solutam ad aliquem terminum quo solvi debeat, in 
 parte vel in toto, aut per quindecim dies post hujusmodi terminum ; 
 ex tune bene liceat prefatis Cancellario, procuratoribus [et] 2 cetui 
 magistrorum et eorum successoribus in predicto fundo cum gardino 
 et suis pertinenciis distringere, et districciones ibidem inventas licite 
 asportare, abducere, efTugare et penes se retinere, quousque de tota 
 predicta firma cum omnibus inde arreragiis, si que fuerint, sibi fuerit 3 
 plenarie satisfactum. Et si sufficiens districcio ibidem inveniri non 
 
 1 boriali MS. 2 et omitted ib. 3 fuerint ib. 
 
 X
 
 306 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 poterit, aut si contingat prefatum Cancellarium, procuratores [et] cetum 
 magistrorum vel eorum successores, aut quemcunque alium edificare 
 in dicto fundo, vel si contingat predictum Gilbertum, nunc Cancel- 
 larium, habere dictum fundum cum gardino et suis pertinenciis ex 
 dimissione Universitatis predicte ad certum terminum sibi et assignatis 
 suis, aut ex dono dicte Universitatis sibi et assignatis suis in per- 
 petuum; ex tune bene liceat prefatis Cancellario, procuratoribus [et] 
 cetui magistrorum et eorum successoribus in predictum fundum cum 
 gardino et suis pertinenciis reintrare, et in manus suas retrahere, ac 
 Fol. 96 a. predictum custodem et socios eorumque successores inde totaliter 
 expellere, presenti dimissione non obstante ; allocando eisdem custodi 
 et sociis ac eorum successoribus costagia sua, si que fecerint, in dicto 
 fundo et gardino durante termino predicto. Et prefatus Cancellarius, 
 procuratores, cetusque magistrorum et eorum successores predictum 
 fundum cum gardino et suis pertinenciis prefatis custodi et sociis ac 
 eorum successoribus, durante dicto termino, sub forma et condicione 
 premissis, contra omnes gentes warantizabunt per presentes. In cujus 
 rei testimonium partes predicte alternatim sua sigilla apposuerunt. 
 Datum in ecclesia Beate Marie Oxonie, sextodecimo die Decembris, anno 
 
 regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum tricesimo. 
 
 
 
 Indentura de Tyngewyks Inne. 
 
 1451. HEC indentura, facta inter magistrum Gilbertum Kymer, Cancellarium 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, magistros Willelmum Ketyll et Thomam 
 Balsall, procuratores dicte Universitatis, cetumque unanimem magi- 
 strorum regencium et non-regencium, ex parte una, et Willelmum Kele, 
 custodem collegii animarum omnium fidelium defunctorum de Oxonia, 
 ac socios ejusdem et eorum successores, ex parte altera, testatur, quod 
 prefatus Cancellarius, procuratores, cetusque unanimis magistrorum 
 regencium et non-regencium dederunt, concesserunt et hac presente 
 carta sua confirmaverunt, pro se et successoribus suis in perpetuum *, 
 prefatis custodi, sociis et successoribus suis antedictis unum tene- 
 mentum cum suis pertinenciis in Oxonia, nuper vocatum ' Tyngewyke's 
 Inne', situatum in vico de ' Catestrete ' in parochia Beate Marie Virginis 
 Oxonie; inter tenementum hospitalis S. Johannis Oxonie ex parte 
 australi et curiam que vocatur ' Maryolecourt ' ex parte boreali; ha- 
 bendum et tenendum predictum tenementum, cum suis pertinenciis 
 prefatis custodi, sociis et successoribus suis in perpetuum : reddendo 
 inde annuatim prefatis Cancellario, procuratoribus [et] cetui magi- 
 strorum regencium et non-regencium et eorum successoribus in per- 
 
 1 pro se et successoribus suis in perpetuum, these words are repeated in the MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 307 
 
 petuum, tredecim * solidos et quatuor denarios sterlingorum, in festo 
 Annunciacionis Beate Marie Virginis. Et si contingat dictum redditum 
 a retro fore non solutum, infra mensem post tempus solucionis superius 
 memoratum, ex tune bene liceat prefatis Cancellario, procuratoribus 
 cetuique magistrorum regencium et non-regencium et eorum suc- 
 cessoribus, tarn in predicto fundo quam in singulis tenementis ejusdem 
 collegii in comitatu Oxoniensi distringere, et districciones sibi captas 
 penes se asportare, abducere et retinere, quousque idem redditus cum 
 arreragiis plenarie fuerit satisfactus 2 . Et nos, predictus Cancellarius, 
 procuratores cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium et non- 
 regencium et successores nostri, pro nobis et successoribus nostris 
 in perpetuum, predictum fundum cum suis pertinenciis predictis 
 custodi, sociis et eorum successoribus contra omnes gentes warantiza- 
 bimus in perpetuum. In cujus rei testimonium uni parti hujus inden- 
 ture, penes prefatum custodem, socios et successores suos remanenti, 
 predicti Cancellarius, procuratores cetusque unanimis magistrorum 
 regencium et non-regencium sigillum suum commune apposuerunt; 
 alteri vero parti ejusdem indenture, penes predictum Cancellarium, 
 procuratores cetumque magistrorum regencium et non-regencium re- 
 manenti, predicti custos et socii sigillum suum commune apposuerunt. 
 Datum Oxonie, tricesimo primo die Marcii, anno regni regis Henrici 
 sexti post conquestum tricesimo. 
 
 Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod eodem anno et die sigillata est una acquietancia 
 Abbati et conventui de Oseney, secundum formam consuetam in isto 
 registro registratam prius. 
 
 Lease of Bedyl-Hall 3 . Fol. 96 b. 
 
 SCIANT presentes et futuri quod nos, Gilbertus Kymer, Cancellarius 1451. 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, Willelmus Ketyll et Thomas Balsall, pro- 
 curatores dicte Universitatis, cetusque unanimis magistrorum regen- ' 
 cium et non-regencium in eadem dedimus et concessimus, et hac 
 presenti carta nostra confirmavimus Johanni Carpenter, clerico, totum 
 illud tenementum nostrum cum gardinis vocatum ' Bedyllhall] situa- 
 tum in parochia Beate Marie Virginis Oxonie in vico vocato ' Shydy- 
 herde ' ex parte occidentali, et inter ortum collegii de ' Oryell ' ex parte 
 australi, et tenementum ejusdem collegii, vulgariter vocatum ' Seynt 
 
 1 tresdecim MS. 2 satisfactum ib. 3 This lease occurs in duplicate 
 
 in the MS., the second copy being on fol. 97 a, but in the latter the names of the 
 proctors are John Ekys and Thomas Reynald, and the date is May 24. 
 
 X 2
 
 3 o8 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Mary Hall,' ex parte boreali, et tenementum pertinens ecclesie Beate 
 Marie ex parte orientali ; habendum et teneridum dictum tenementum 
 vocatum ' Bedyllhall] cum gardinis et singulis suis pertinenciis prefato 
 Johanni Carpenter et suis assignatis in perpetuum de capitalibus 
 dominis feodi illius per servicia inde debita et de jure consueta. Et 
 nos vero, prefati Gilbertus, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis, 
 Johannes et Thomas, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, cetusque 
 unanimis magistrorum regencium et non-regencium et successores 
 nostri predictum tenementum, cum gardinis et suis omnibus et 
 singulis quovismodo ad prefatum tenementum pertinentibus, servicio 
 capitali domino feodi illius tantummodo excepto, acquietabimus et in 
 perpetuum defendemus. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune 
 dicte Universitatis huic present! carte nostre apposuimus ; his tes- 
 tibus ; Ricardo Spragote, Majore ville Oxoniensis ; Roberto Sadelar, 
 Thoma Wytheke, Roberto at Wode, aldermannis ; Thoma Berton et 
 Johanne Doll ballivis dicte ville. Datum in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, primo die mensis Aprilis, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post 
 conquestum tricesimo. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Germyn. 
 
 1452. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 
 pervenerint, Gilbertus Kymer, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonie, 
 cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in 
 Domino sempiternam : Cum litterarum studia, que sola verum virtutis 
 iter demonstrare et vicia compescere creduntur cum in iis honestum 
 ipsum et agitacio quedam mentis ac melioris vite cultus querantur, 
 virtutem ad capessendam, ad quam nunquam nisi arduo et laborioso 
 calle pertingitur commoda pociora a summis sapientibus censeantur ; 
 hos viros, qui summam operam curamque claris scienciis ac virtutibus 
 in colendis posuerunt, veris efferre laudibus, nobis, qui virtutis et 
 litterarum studia profitemur, non indignum visum est: quippe dum 
 benemerentibus honores virtutum premia largiuntur, ceteris ad vir- 
 tutum opera majora excitamina preparantur. Hec igitur iisque similia 
 rite considerantes, necnon et fructum ecclesiasticum non modicum 
 prestolantes, per has nostras litteras attestamur, quod predilectus 
 nobis in Christo confrater, magister Johannes Germyn, sacre theologie 
 professor, Exoniensis diocesis, vir singular! mentis prestans acumine, 
 conversacionis conspicuus venustate, cujus honor nobis clarus est 
 clarusque status, quique litterarum studia ita complexus est, adeo 
 quoque comiter et humane nobiscum diuturnam vitam ac suo gradui 
 Fol. 97 a. conformem deduxit, quod ad dictum doctoratus apicem benemeritus
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 309 
 
 est acceptus, et verum laudis testimonium consecutus. Ut igitur 
 testificacionis hujus gracia omnium, quorum penes se interest, pro- 
 pensiorem consequatur favoris effectum, has testimoniales litteras 
 communi Universitatis sigillo fecimus consignari. Datum in nosfre 
 congr eg adonis domo, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinqua- 
 gesimo secundo, mentis Aprilis die vicesimo quarto. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 VICESIMO sexto die Aprilis, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo i45 3 * 
 quinquagesimo secundo, sigillata est una acquietancia pro Abbate et 
 conventu de Eynesham, pro annua pensione, sub forma antiquitus 
 consueta. 
 
 218. 
 To Master J. Somerset. 
 
 Our mother, the University, rejoices that she has given birth to a son 
 at once so illustrious and so grateful ; and thanks you for your splendid 
 gift of Alexander Neckham ' de naturis rerum ' ; which will remain 
 a bright and imperishable memorial of your name amongst us for ever. 
 We hope your benevolent disposition towards us will continue. 
 
 VENERABILI et egregio viro magistro J. Somerseth. 1452. 
 
 Venerabilis et egregie doctor, cui, sui pro nobili benevolencia, 
 tenemur reddere vices gratas in his celi suburbiis, bonorum operum 
 per exercicium sic promereri ut finaliter in equam mercem 1 Deus 
 prebeat semet ipsum. Gaudet nempe mater nostra Universitas se 
 tam nobilem et gratum filium parturire, suisque ex uberibus sub 
 juventutis floribus nutrivisse ; qui humaniter respexit et gratuite ubera 
 predulcia que sugebat, mittendo eidem sue matri tam insigne me- 
 moriale, videlicet librum Alexandri Nekham ' de naturis rerum ' ; quo 
 dono prefulgida nominis vestri lucerna nostre Universitatis inoccidua 
 memoria registrata precordiis existet superposita, ad illuminacionem 
 gencium in his seculis et futuris. Pro quo et nos unanimiter tributa 
 persolvimus graciarum, gaudentes quod grata et pia vestra precordia 
 illius de fontali dulcedine, que est fons vivus, ignis, caritas et spiri- 
 tualis 2 unccio, sic celitus degustarunt, ut, ad divine laudis extollenciam 
 augmentumque studii salutaris, honor Dei regnique decor felicius 
 augeatur. Speramus insuper de continuacione vestre benevolencie 
 nobis et Universitati nostre in futurum [adhiberi] 3 ad Dei gloriam 
 
 1 mercedem ? 2 spiritalis MS. 3 This word is as it occurs in the MS., 
 
 and, apparently, should be omitted.
 
 310 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 et vestri meritum sempiternum. Et statum vestrum de bono semper 
 in melius prosperari faciat virtus et bonitas Spiritus sancti. Scriptum 
 in nostre congregacionis domo, Junii die duodecimo. 
 
 219. 
 
 Fol. 97 b. To the Archbishop of Canterbury l , in behalf of Master 
 
 William Moreton. 
 
 Not only would it be displeasing to you, but it would be wrong and 
 a gross impropriety, if we should recommend to you an unworthy person; 
 But we with confidence solicit your favourable acceptance of Master 
 William Moreton, ivhose character and attainments we well know, by 
 experience both of his private and official life in the University. 
 1452. REVERENDISSIMO in Christo patri recommendaciones, observancias 
 et honores. Inter omnes filios, quos nostra mater alma Universitas 
 propter merita, et bonorum studiorum et virtutum, in dignos honores 
 attollit, maxime illos preferre cupimus, qui fideles officio, qui morum 
 honestate, qui presertim aut scienciarum aut facultatum studiis in- 
 sudantes apud nos probati existant. Si quidem alios quosquam 
 dignitati vestre, colendissime presul, commendare presumimus, preter 
 displicenciam vestre paternitatis, quam incurrere nolumus, non nimiam 2 
 certe mereremur culpam ; et, quod Deo propicio evitabimus, intolera- 
 bile improperium. Placeat ergo dominacioni vestre, reverende in 
 Christo pontifex, approbatum dilectumque satis apud nos virum, magi- 
 str^um Willelmum Moreton gracius inspicere, intendere scilicet et 
 acceptare ; ut quern nos singuli secundum nostre dileccionis modum 
 arnplectimur, vestra benignitas, que satis potest, eciam velit considerare 
 profecto non peregrinum, sed vestra natum in diocesi, insuper et 
 promotum, quod persone merito attribuimus. Preterea, quasi ab 
 ineunte etate utpote philosophic lactatum uberibus, postquam ejus 
 industriam, studium, probitatem et in scolasticis actibus ac in agendis 
 rebus providenciam experti sumus, non inutile nobis visum erat ad 
 procuratoris officium simul et dignitatem eundem promovere. Cujus 
 equidem officii quantam egerit curam libenter adderemus, si non 
 sermonis obviaret prolixitas. Deinde vero et scienciarum et bone 
 vite merito proficientem experti, sacre theologie approbavimus nuper- 
 rime doctorem; hunc ergo in theologia sacra professorem, nostra 
 quidem estimacione dignum consiliis principum, tanto patri com- 
 mendamus ; et quod vestre reverencie non plene nostris innotescit 
 litteris, supplicamus votis ut, si quid nostra valeat apud tantum archi- 
 
 1 The name of the Archbishoprick does not occur in the MS., but there is no 
 doubt how it should be supplied. a minimam ?
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 311 
 
 presulem intercessio, veraciter illud senciat devocio deprecantis. Et 
 in Christo valeat, prosperetur ac floreat vita, virtus dominacioque vestra. 
 Ab Oxonia in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo none die Odobris. 
 Congregacio magistrorum regencium in Oxoniensi studio. 
 
 The demise of 'BedyllhalT to Master John Carpenter 
 sealed by the University. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod decimo die Novembris sigillata erat carta 1452. 
 Johannis Carpenter episcopi Wigornensis, secundum formam prius 
 scriptam, tali clausi excepta ' servitio capitalis domini feodi illius tan- 
 tummodo excepto! 
 
 Release of executors of Robert Coupere, one of the 
 supervisors of the building of the school of theology. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Gylbertum Kymer, in medi- 1452. 
 cina doctorem, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxonie, Johannem Ekys 
 et Willelmum Mogys, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, cetumque 
 unanimem magistrorum regencium in eadem remisisse, relaxasse et 
 omnino pro nobis et successoribus nostris in perpetuum quietum 
 clamasse Jacobo Letuce et Johanni Dryell, clericis, executoribus 
 Roberti Coupere clerici, quondam supervisoris fabrice novarum sco- 
 larum sacre theologie Oxonie, omnimodas acciones, querelas, sectas 
 et demandas, cujuscunque fuerint nature, accionis vel condicionis, 
 nobis et predicte Universitati quovismodo competentes, racione re- 
 cepcionis pecuniarum ad dictas scolas pertinencium et dispensacionis 
 earundem per dictum Robertum, a principio mundi usque in diem 
 confeccionis presencium. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune 
 Universitatis presentibus est appensum. Datum in nostre congrega- 
 cionis domo, undecimo die Novembris, anno regis Henrici sexti post 
 conquestum tricesimo primo. 
 
 Appointment of attorney, to give seisin of 'Bedyllhall' 
 to Master John Carpenter. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Gylbertum Kymer, Can- 1451. 
 cellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Johannem Ekys et Thomam 
 Reynold, procuratores ejusdem Universitatis, cetumque unanimem 
 magistrorum regencium et non-regencium in eadem, attornasse et 
 deputasse et loco nostro posuisse dilectum nobis in Christo Johannem 
 Smyth, clericum, nostrum verum attornatum ad deliberandum, vice 
 et nomine nostro, Johanni Carpenter, clerico, plenam et pacificam
 
 312 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 possessionem et seisinam in et de toto illo tenemento cum gardinis 
 vocato ' Bedyllhall] situate in parochia Beate Marie Virginis Oxonie, 
 in vico vocato ' Schideherde ' ex parte occidentali, et inter ortum 
 collegii de ' Oriell' ex parte australi, et tenementum ejusdem collegii 
 vulgariter nuncupatum ' Seynt Mary Hall ' ex parte boreali, et tene- 
 mentum pertinens ecclesie Beate Marie ex parte orientali ; habendum 
 et tenendum eidem Johanni Carpenter, heredibus et assignatis suis, 
 secundum vim, formam et effectum carte nostre eidem inde confecte ; 
 Fol. 98 a. ratum et gratum habentes et habituri totum et quicquid prefatus attor- 
 natus noster fecerit vice et nomine nostro in deliberacione seisine 
 predicte. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum nostrum commune dicte 
 Universitatis presentibus apposuimus, his testibus, Ricardo Spragot, 
 Majore ville Oxonie; Roberto Sadler, Thoma Wytheke, Roberto 
 Attwode, aldermannis ; Thoma Bertone et Johanne Doll, ballivis 
 dicte ville ; et aliis. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo 
 quarto die Maii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum tri- 
 cesimo J . 
 
 Acquittances of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 1452. MEMORANDUM, quod tali die, scilicet vicesimo octavo die mensis 
 Novembris, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo 
 primo 2 , sigillata erat acquietancia pro Abbate de Enysham, ut patet 
 inferius; Noverint universi per presentes, nos, Gilbertum Kymer, 
 Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, et magistros Johannem Ekys 
 [et] z Willelmum Mogys, procuratores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse 
 et habuisse, die confeccionis presencium, de Abbate et conventu de 
 Enisham in Comitatu Oxoniensi, viginti sex solidos sterlingorum, in 
 partem solucionis cujusdam annue pensionis predicte Universitati 
 debite : De quibus quidem viginti sex solidis fatemur nos fore solutes, 
 dictosque Abbatem et conventum inde acquietamus per presentes 
 sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, 
 vicesimo octavo die mensis Novembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti 
 post conquestum tricesimo primo. 
 
 Memorandum, quod tercio decimo die mensis Decembris, anno 
 Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo primo 4 , sigillata 
 erat acquietancia pro Abbatia de Oseney. 
 
 1 This document should, it seems, follow on fol. 97 a. 
 
 2 and 4 The date in both these cases is inconsistent with the regnal year, which 
 is the 3ist of Henry VI, i.e. 1452. But it will be noticed that the words sigillata 
 erat perhaps indicate that the acquittance was sealed then, and only formally 
 entered in the register now; for no acquittance of Eynsham for the year 1451 
 occurs. 3 et omitted in MS.
 
 E PISTOL A E ACADEMICAE. 313 
 
 Noverint universi per presentes, nos, Gilbertum Kymer, Cancellarium 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, Johannem Ekys et Willelmum Mogys, pro- 
 curatores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, die confeccionis 
 presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Oseney in Comitatu Oxoniensi 
 viginti sex solidos octo denarios, in plenam solucionem cujusdam 
 annue pensionis predicte Universitati debite : De quibus quidem 
 viginti sex solidis octo denariis fatemur nos fore solutos, dictosque 
 Abbatem et conventum inde acquietamus per presentes sigillo nostro 
 communi signatas. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, tercio decimo 
 die Decembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum tricesimo 
 primo. 
 
 Eodem die littera destinata Magistro Johanni Somerseth. 
 
 22O. 
 To Master John Somerset. 
 
 Your gift of books proves your zeal for learning, and the beautiful 
 silken vestments embroidered with gold, now presented by you, are an offer- 
 ing such as an only son might make to his mother. Be not offended that 
 we call you a son, though the gravity of your character and the number 
 of your years be rather those of a father. This munificence is no less 
 than an inspiration. We have no merits to correspond, and can find no 
 words fit to express our sense of your generosity. 
 
 LARGISSIMAM in nobis tue munificencie donacionem, O doctor MS 3 - 
 egregie, ne plus laudare mirarique 1 possumus, ea presertim racione 
 qua te matri nostre filium amantissimum contemplamur. Nee filium 
 nuncupari tua vereatur serenitas, tametsi moribus grandevum etate 
 dierumque cursu patrem pocius quam filium appellari deceat. Pro- 
 fecto turn nostre matris unigenitum induisti, cum illam tue mentis 
 speciem splendor supernus illuxerat, ut nostram genetricem tantis 
 decrevisses honoribus decorandam, quantis earn tuis dignam muneribus 
 duxeras eternaliter permansuram. O bonum per omnia virum ! 
 quem virtutis amatorem affectus commendat, studii fervorem librorum 
 collacio manifestat, atque itidem, ne laudibus hominum videatur 
 extolli, Ejus a quo bonum omne fontaliter acceperat, Dei cultum 
 solemniter vestitus 2 sericis deauratisque indutum ampliavit. Et quid 
 nos tantilli, laudis in tue cumulum innateque probitatis largicionem, 
 dignum persolvere valemus? Equidem, si verum fateamur, non 
 aliquid nostris ex mentis, quod tuum nobis inflecteret animum, pre- 
 cessit; sed tanquam ignotum notum te feceras, cum nos matremque 
 nostram amplissimis indebitisque donariis condecorare suscepisti. 
 
 1 aMS. * vcstibusi.
 
 3 i4 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Qua in re plausum suspirio conjungimus, ut quod voluntatis obsequio 
 possemus verbis quidem explicare nequimus. Optamus igitur tue 
 pietatis amplitudinem, ut quod fida mente votis exequimur lacius 1 
 mentis aviditati quam verborum tenuitati indicetur. Sic nos et matrem 
 nostram censebis indemnes, quum te utriusque collectorem discre- 
 toremve fuerimus assecuti. At ne videatur latere erga nos tue pro- 
 videncie desiderium, prenobilis vir magister W. Kele, custos collegii 
 animarum omnium fidelium defunctorum, quem legatum tuum 2 fide 
 dignum accepimus, ita nobis te tuaque placita 3 commendaverat, ut 
 incredibili nos gaudio faceret esse letatos. Hec eapropter continuum 
 . . .* favoris intuitum singulariter expetentes, oratoria prece Deum 
 veneramur ac petimus, quemadmodum suscepte voluntatis prebuerat 
 incitamentum, sic et impenso muneri sine fine eternum largiatur 
 imperium. Datum ut supra. 
 
 Fol. 98 b. The ancient form 5 of citation of persons accused of 
 embezzlement of funds of the Chests. 
 
 SATIS nobis dilecte, salutem. Cum circa singulas nostre matris 
 Universitatis occupaciones oculum vigilanciorem apposuerimus, quo- 
 modo veneratissimus saluberrimusve ipsius status felicitate valeat per- 
 petuari quam plurimis consuetudinum statutorumque generibus, inter 
 omnes compellimur nostrarum cistarum indemnitatem annuatim ob- 
 servare. Quum vero te ciste ' Chicheley ' appellate custodiam noverimus 
 acceptasse, sicuti ex indenturis inde confectis, non paucis annis trans- 
 actis, evidentissime apparet, nee hucusque raciocinium vel 6 delibera- 
 cionem inde reddideris ; ea propter estimamus prefatam cistam 
 intolerabile pati detrimentum. Nos igitur, pristinum statum ac 
 ejusdem reformacionem cupientes, singulos, quorum interest in hac 
 parte, undecimo die mensis Aprilis, proxime post datum presencium 
 futuri, coram nobis in nostre congregacionis domo Oxonie, ex parte 
 nostre Universitatis objiciendis in dicto negocio responsuros, de- 
 crevimus accersiri. Te insuper exhortamur, ac virtute juramenti 
 Universitati nostre prestiti, prime, secundo ac tercio peremptorie 
 monemus ac citamus, quatinus loco ac die prenotatis nobis, de et 
 super articulis sanam ac tutam prefate ciste custodiam concernentibus, 
 in propria persona te conferas responsurum; ulterius facturus et 
 recepturus quod justicia in ea parte suadebit. Quod si, uti te decet, 
 curaveris adimplere, rem sane tibi necessariam et nobis gratam perficies. 
 Ac tue commoditati, quantum cum equitate poterimus, studebimus 
 
 1 satius . . . aviditate . . . tenuitate ? * The words legatum tuum are probably 
 what is intended, but the MS. is much confused, and the whole letter unusually 
 troublesome. 3 placide MS. 4 A word obliterated in MS. 5 Cf. p. 318, 
 line 7. 6 ve MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 315 
 
 proficere : sin autem, ad acriora, ac tibi magis molesta, quanquam 
 juridica, remedia recurrere oportet. Quid multa? animadvertas rei 
 seriem ; ast sana consciencia vivas per secula. Datum ut supra l 
 vicesimo Marcii. 
 
 Notandum, quod forma istius littere duobus magistris mittitur, et ideo non 
 indiget duplici scriptura. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 VICESIMO secundo die mensis Marcii, anno Domini millesimo quad- 1452. 
 ringentesimo quinquagesimo secundo, sigillata est una acquietancia 
 pro Abbate et conventu de Enysham pro annua pensione, in forma 
 antiquitus usitata. 
 
 a Annas Domini millesimus quadringentesimus quinquagesimus tercius. 
 
 Citation of Master Richard Base to appear at S. Mary's 
 church and give account of his guardianship. 
 
 CUM saluberrimi status nostre matris honorem pre mentis oculos 
 habemus, nee tantum perpendamus ejus gloriam quantum earn tem- 
 poralibus ampliandam summopere cupiamus, idque fieri non posse si 
 circa custodiam cistarum remission quadam supervisione torpeamus; 
 nos igitur, diligenciam, ut oportet, baud segni provisione facientes, 
 reperimus cistas intolerabile pati dispendium, per insufficienciam 
 caucionum inconsulte non minus quam imprudenter impigneratarum. 
 Quamobrem imminenti ruine finem abdicare cupientes, hos omnes, 
 quorum pigneribus hujuscemodi ciste graviter damnificantur, vocari 
 citarique fecimus ; teque insuper, magistrum Ricardum Base, virtute 
 juramenti Universitati nostre prestiti, primo, secundo, ac tercio peremp- 
 torie monemus ac citamus, ut compareas coram nobis personaliter 
 sexto decimo die mensis Junii, ad satisfaciendum cistis, pro caucionibus 
 per te impigneratis, virtute quarum nostre ciste pre ceteris damna 
 luunt. Sique nostris jussionibus obtemperare volueris, gratum te 
 poterimus habere, salvo quod juris est ex omni parte : sin autem 
 aliud mente tractaveris, valebimus quod pertulisse nimio terrore tedebit. 
 Recollige conscripta et bene prosperare. Datum $c. quarto die Mail. 
 
 Acquittance for 500 marks received from the executors 
 of Cardinal Beaufort. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes nos, Cancellarium Universitatis 1452. 
 Oxoniensis et procurators ejusdem, cetumque unanimem magistrorum 
 
 1 To what document this refers does not appear ; the last preceding day being 
 Dec. 13. The document to which reference is made is probably one of those not 
 entered in this register. a This is the only occasion on which a separate 
 
 notice is made of the date.
 
 316 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 in eadem recepisse et habuisse, ad usum fabrice et edificii nostrarum 
 novarum scolarum juxta collegium Exoniense situatarum, de magistro 
 Gilberto Kymer et Elia Holcote quingentas marcas, nobis per execu- 
 tores testament! recolende memorie domini Henrici, nuper Cardinalis 
 Anglic, ad edificacionem earumdem scolarum datas et assignatas : De 
 quibus quidem quingentis marcis fatemur nos plene solutos, dictosque 
 Gilbertum et Eliam quietos per presentes. In cujus rei testimonium 
 sigillum commune nostre Universitatis presentibus apposuimus. Datum 
 quarto die Mail, anno regni regis Henrici sex ti post conquestum tricesimo 
 primo. 
 
 FoLgga. Appointment of Seneschall. 
 
 All members of holy mother Church are hereby informed that we, the 
 Chancellor, proctors, and masters of the University, having read and 
 examined the letter sent to John Norys, Esquire, of the King's body 
 guard ; by which letter he is appointed to the office of Seneschall, do 
 hereby ratify and confirm the same, and grant him a salary of four 
 marks a year , payable from the perquisites of his court, but not from the 
 fines for violation of the assize of bread, wine, and ale, on the four 
 quarter days ; saving always our privileges, liberties, customs, and 
 statutes ; which, on his admission to office, he shall be sworn to observe. 
 
 1452. UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere per- 
 venerint, Gilbertus Kymer medicine doctor, Cancellarius Universitatis 
 Oxoniensis, Johannes Yong, Johannes Seymour, procuratores ejusdem, 
 cetusque unanimis magistrorum in eadem salutem in Domino sempi- 
 ternam. Noveritis nos, prefatos Cancellarium, procuratores et Uni- 
 versitatem, legisse et inspexisse litteras preclarissimi viri, magistri 
 Gilbert! Kymer, Cancellarii Universitatis nostre antedicte, venerabili 
 viro Johanni Norys, ad corpus domini nostri regis armigero, concessas 
 in hec verba, ' Sciant presentes et futuri quod nos, Gilbertus Kymer, in 
 medicina doctor, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonie, de provida dis- 
 crecione et circumspeccione venerabilis viri Johannis Norys, ad corpus 
 domini nostri regis armigeri, ad plenum confidentes, ordinavimus, deputa- 
 vimus etfecimus eundem Johannem Norys nostrum et successorum nostro- 
 rum locum tenentem et senescallum in dicta Universitate et ejus precinctu ; 
 ad curias ibidem tenendas, secundum leges regni Anglie, et cetera faciendum 
 et exercendum, secundum dictas leges, per se vel deputatum suum, que ad 
 dictum pertinent officium ; salvis semper jurisdictione nostra et succes- 
 sorum nostrorum, una et privilegiis, libertatibus et consuetudinibus 
 magistrorum et scolarium et personarum eisdem gaudere debentium ; 
 habendum et tenendum prefatum officium eidem Johanni Norys ad ler-
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 317 
 
 minum vite sue, recipiendo annuatim, pro dicti officii execucione, prout 
 alii pro eadem recipere consueverunt.' In cujus rei testimonium sigillum 
 nostrum presentibus fee imus apponi. Datum in Universitate Oxoniensi, 
 quarto die mensis Marcii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum 
 tricesimo primo. Quas litteras, pro nobis et successoribus nostris 
 confirmavimus, et ratificavimus, premissis jurisdictione et juribus 
 Cancellarii nostre Universitatis, successorumque suorum, magistrorum, 
 scolarium et personarum predictarum, in omnibus semper salvis; 
 singulariter confidentes, quod predictus Johannes Norys in execucione 
 sui dicti officii, ac in aliis maxima et nonnulla commoda faciet Uni- 
 versitati : unde concessimus per presentes prefato Johanni Norys, pro 
 laboribus execucionis dicti officii, per eum et suum deputatum im- 
 pendendis, pensionem quatuor marcarum, proveniencium de perquisitis 
 curiarum, ut prefertur, per ipsum et suum deputatum tenendarum; 
 que de amerciamentis pro fraccione assaie et assise panis vini et 
 cervisie non provenerint : habendum et tenendum eidem Johanni 
 Nory, cum dicto officio, prefatam pensionem quatuor marcarum, 
 a nobis et successoribus nostris, in forma premissa ad quatuor anni 
 terminos principales, ad terminum vite sue per equales portiones per- 
 solvendam : proviso semper, quod nostre Universitatis privilegia, liber- 
 tates, consuetudines et statuta continue observet, et in admissione sui 
 ad dictum officium se ea juret taliter observaturum. In cujus rei 
 testimonium sigillum commune nostre Universitatis presentibus ap- 
 posuimus. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, sexto die Maii, anno 
 regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum tricesimo primo. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Ludlow. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo tercio die Octobris, existentibus Can- HS 2 - 
 cellario et procuratoribus magistro Georgio Nevyll, Johanne Yong et 
 Johanne Seymour, sigillata fuit littera, sub forma antiquitus usitata, 
 que dicitur testimonialis, pro magistro Johanne Ludlow, in facultate 
 sacre theologie professore. 
 
 Citation of Master John Spekyntone. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, de littera citatoria transmissa magistro Johanni 1452. 
 Spekyntone sub forma antiquitus usitata, septimo die mensis No- 
 vembris. 
 
 Acquittance of Master John Norlond. 
 
 EODEM die sigillata erat acquietancia pro magistro Johanne Norlond. 1452.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 Acquittance of Abbey of Eynsham in arrears. 
 
 1453. MEMORANDUM, quod quinto decimo die mensis Novembris sigillate 
 erant due acquietancie pro Abbate et conventu de Eynysham, una pro 
 anno tricesimo secundo regni regis Henrici sexti, et alia pro anno 
 septimo 1 ejusdem regis. 
 
 Citation of Master John Nyman. 
 
 H53- MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo quarto die mensis Decembris trans- 
 missa est littera citatoria pro magistro Johanne Nyman, sub forma 
 antiquitus usitata, que sic incipit ' satis nobis,' fyc? 
 
 Fol. 99 b. Citation of Master Towne. 
 
 1453. GEORGIUS Nevyll, in artibus magister, Cancellarius Universitatis 
 Oxoniensis, Johannes Yonge et Johannes Seymour, procuratores 
 Universitatis antedicte, cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium 
 in eadem Magistro Willelmo Towne, sacre pagine professori, salutem : 
 Te, tenore presentium, citamus et mandamus, quod compareas coram 
 nobis personaliter, in nostre congregacionis domo in ecclesia parochiali 
 Beate Marie Virginis dicte Universitatis, in crastino S. Hilarii proximo 
 futuri ; ad respondendum certis articulis meram correccionem anime 
 tue concernentibus. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, nostro sub 
 communi sigillo, septimo decimo die Decembris. 
 
 221. 
 To the Bishop of Bath and Wells. 
 
 Your name has ever been held in high honour by us ; and now your 
 aid in obtaining for us the books promised by the late Duke of Gloucester 
 will raise it to a place second only to his own. It is a lamentable thing 
 that the books should have been dispersed and be in private hands un- 
 connected with us. We pray that you will advise us, and help us to get 
 possession of them, and thereby do us the greatest service possible, and 
 gain for your self a glorious reputation. 
 
 r 453- CUM semper egregiam ac pergratam vestri nominis famam, reveren- 
 dissime pater, honore quo decuit animo contexerimus, ea nunc res est, 
 in laudum ac meritorum titulos animos flectat oportet, qua publice 
 
 1 It is unlikely that the arrears should have been so long left unpaid ; but there 
 is not any ambiguity in the writing, septimo being written at length, and not in 
 numerals in MS. 2 See above, fol. 98 b.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 319 
 
 cure necessitudinem librorum collacione privata 1 potenciorem 2 esse 
 censuistis, quorum scripta et maximo in precio nobis sunt et voluptati 
 non modice legentibus cedunt. Quid enim laudabilius honestiusve 
 cogitari possit, quam jam vos potissimum iis rebus operam impendere, 
 ex qua optimi principis Humfridi fama revirescat. Perpulchra pro- 
 fecto res est et eximia laude digna, qua et vivos colimus et in 
 mortuorum memoriam accimur et incendimur. Et quia paternitatem 
 vestram apud nos optatissima decoravit liberalitas, ex sperata nobis 
 continuacione, uti alterius Humfredi, curabimus nomina ac gloriam 
 celebrari debere. Vos igitur inter ceteros nostre etatis viros, post 
 ducem memoratu dignum, singularius amplecti decrevimus, ut in- 
 timiore favoris contuitu deflendam nostre matris injuriam solita quadam 
 pietate remediare curetis. Nam libros non admodum paucos, ex prin- 
 cipis justo legati titulo, externorum manibus hucusque disperses cogi- 
 tatu dolendo pensamus : provida tamen sagaxque vestre paternitatis 
 cura optatum nobis exitum imminentis ruine satis abunde preparatum 3 
 adducet, si quod in iis sanum consilium nobis duxeritis consequendum. 
 Qua * credimus opera nihil mortalium nostre reipublice ornacius pre- 
 ferendum nee ad vestre nominis summum glorie cumulum aliquid 
 optacius unquam fuisse concessum. Scripta est hec littera domino 
 Thome, episcopo Bathoniensi et Wellensi 5 septimo decimo die mensis 
 Decembris. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master Thomas Balsall. 
 
 MEMORANDUM, quod undecimo die Aprilis, eisdem existentibus Can- H53 
 cellario et procuratoribus, sigillata erat quedam littera testimonialis pro 
 magistro Thoma Balsall sub forma antiqua, que sic incipit, ' Universis 
 sancte matris' Sfc. 
 
 222. 
 
 The vicar of S. Mary Redcliffe in Bristol cleared of a Fol. 100 a. 
 libellous charge. 
 
 To All cristenmen to wohom thys present letres shall comm, and in 1453. 
 especiall to worschyfull Syeres, Mayre, Sherrif and cominalte of 
 Bristowe, Thomas Sawnders, doctour of decres, Commissarie generall 
 in the Universite of Oxonforde of master George Nevell, Chauncellere 
 of the saide Universite ; John Yong, John Saymur, procurators, and 
 all the Regentes of the same Universite, gretyng in oure lord god. 
 
 1 private MS. a Or possibly potiorem ; but this letter, which is in the same 
 
 hand as letters 204-207, is, as they are, clearly the work of a careless or ignorant 
 scribe. 3 perpreatum MS. * Quo ib. 5 episcopo repeated after Wellensi ib.
 
 3 2o EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 ffor as much as we late tyme passed wer informyed of a sediciose 
 lettyr, in special for on clause, send from a yong scolare beyng wyth 
 us in the Universite of Oxonford, called John Mede, concernyng the 
 person of oure right welbeloved in criste master Nicholas Pyttes, vicarie 
 of Redcleffe in Bristowe ; by the which lettur, after publyshid bitwene 
 certayne of your comminalte, ther Rose a sclander importable unto 
 the seid master nicholas ; We of grete charite mevyd, wyllyng the ease 
 of all parties, to whom thys mater perteynys, made as dew serch and 
 inquisicion as we cewed in this behalfe ; makyng to be called byfor us 
 the personys that were notarily knowyn first publisheris of the seide 
 sclandirful noysyng ; and assignyd to them a terme probatiffe ; in the 
 which terme we, seyng no preffe utterly had in that party, consideryng 
 also the sadde and vertuose conversacione of the saide master Nicholas, 
 ever byfor this tyme knowyn as a mong us, admittyd the said master 
 Nicholas to hys purgacione; the which was had befor us by right 
 worshipfull and well avised personys, as h* will appere by the letteris 
 testimoniall of the same. Wherfor we, seyng the innocencei of the 
 said master Nicholas, right hertely pray you that, after youre grete 
 sadnes and avised discrecion, wold make this oure writyng and 
 testimony be publyshed ther, and unto them of joure right worshipfull 
 comminalte ; wher ye, after jour grete discrecion, suppose hys worship 
 and fame in this mater be hurt : tristyng that this oure writyng shall 
 be to more declaracione of hys troweth and innocencie in this mater 
 than any evidens by for this tyme had to his sclandyr or repreff ; and 
 yef ye, as oure trust ys, wyll this oure desire performe, ye shall right 
 hertly please us, and cause us in lyk wyse to do for any of you, or of 
 youre comminalte, at your l request or desyre. Yeven undyr our seek 
 in oure seamble at oxonforde, the xvtij day ofjanuari The y ere of oure 
 lorde mccccliij. 
 
 Scriptum est hec littera pro magistro Nicholao Pyttys ad declaracionem 
 bone fame sue. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master T. Phyppes. 
 
 1453. MEMORANDUM, quod undevicesimo die Februarii sigillata fuerat Una 
 littera testimonialis pro magistro T. Phyppes, anno gracie millesimo 
 quadringentesimo quinquagesimo tercio, sub forma antiquitus usitata. 
 
 Acquittance of John Dolle, book-binder, on payment made 
 for pledges sold by him for the University. 
 
 1453. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Georgium Nevyll, Cancellarium 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, Johannem Yong et Johannem Saymur, pro- 
 
 1 our MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 321 
 
 curatores ejusdem, cetumque unanimem magistrorum regencium in 
 eadem, recepisse et habuisse, die confeccionis presencium, de Johanne 
 Dolle, de Oxonia, Bokebyndere, quatuor libras septem solidos et 
 quatuor denarios sterlingorum, in plenam solucionem caucionum 
 pertinencium ciste de Gyldeford sibi expositarum per Universitatem 
 predictam: De quibus quidem quatuor libris septem solidis quatuor 
 denariis fatemur nobis fore fideliter solutum, dictumque Johannem 
 Dolle heredes et executores suos inde quietos per presentes sigillo 
 communi dicte Universitatis. Datum Oxonie in nostre congregacionis 
 domo, sexto decimo l die Februarii, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post 
 conquestum tricesimo secundo. 
 
 223. 
 To Edmund Reed, Esquire. Fol. loob. 
 
 We are sure that, when you gave us timber for the building of the 
 
 new school of theology, your intention was to complete the work ; for true 
 
 praise is for him, not who begins but, who completes that he has begun. 
 
 Will you, then, graciously give us some stone, which we now sorely need ; 
 
 and you shall find us ready to serve you, as we shall be able, in return. 
 
 SALUTEM tuam, quam in Christi visceribus perpetuam esse cupimus, 1453. 
 eciatn ut in hoc seculo floreat optamus. Nam cum probitatis tue 
 munera, que scilicet in lapidibus et meremiis fabrice nostrarum 
 scolarum plurimum decoris afferre visa sunt, contuleris, non minus 
 a laudis tue fama putamus abesse, quod ad tam famosi operis com- 
 plecionem 2 manus adjutrices posuisse credaris. Et quid tibi, probis- 
 sime vir, cumulacius unquam concessum fuit, quam ut ad tante fabrice 
 maturacionem operam dederis et continuitatem. Proculdubio veritatis 
 ab ore commendatur, qui, non incepisse sed, quod incepit ad perfectum 
 duxisse, letatur. Quia igitur nobis de te nefas est quidquam aliud 
 suspicari, dignetur humanitas tua, uti solita fuerat, instanti necessitatis 
 articulo, pro felicis operis hujus consummacione quibusdam lapidibus 
 subvenire curare. Nos quoque pro posse nostro valebimus, si tibi 
 fuerimus oportuni, quod nos explere cupias efficacissime perimplere. 
 
 Scripta fuit hec littera Edmundo Reed, armigero, pro lapidibus ac- 
 quirendis adfabricam novarum scolarum, undecimo die Marcii. 
 
 1 decimo nono written over, MS. a This word is omitted in the context and 
 
 written over the line, so faintly, howerer, that it may be almost anything. 
 
 T
 
 322 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 224. 
 To the Lord Lovell. 
 
 HSS- RIGHT Worshipfull and Reverent syr, as hertly as we canne or may 
 we recommende us unto you : and, for asmuch as we Right wel under- 
 stand the grete zele and tendre benevolence that ye have unto the god 
 expedicion of oure scoolis of divinite, we besech alle mighty god to 
 reward you ther, as we may not bot only by continuall priere the wich 
 is the moste singulere mean that we may offre unto the pleasure of all 
 might god to make you partene in the desires of oure peticions for 
 oure protectours and speciall welwillers. And how be it we be 
 sufficiently enformed, that it pleasith youre godnesse to shew unto us, 
 by the enformacion of oure right welbeloved ] Edmund Reed esquiere, 
 your tendre love to the final complecion of oure seid scoolis; we 
 besech your lordship of continuance ; for, notwithstandyng 2 oure grete 
 necessite, by youre singulere and charitable furtheraunce we canne 
 suppose within short tyme oure seid worke effectuosly may be com- 
 plessid : the wich after oure powere shall endure unto you and youre 
 progeny in oure Universite a perseveraunt memorialle ; and as we 
 shal prey to god your merece 3 to be cncresid everlastingly. Wreten 
 the XX* day of march the 7,ere of oure lord mccccliiifor my lord lovell. 
 
 225. 
 To the Earl of Salisbury, Lord Chancellor. 
 
 Whereas certain religious of foreign Universities, and especially of that 
 of Paris, are in the habit of coming here, in the season of Lent only, 
 ostensibly to preach and shrive penitents ; but also, in fact, to receive the 
 alms of Italians which have been the means of support of our own 
 students of that nationality to the injury of these last mentioned and 
 discredit of the University ; we venture to make our petition that graduates 
 of Oxford and Cambridge, approved by us, may be selected, and members 
 of foreign Universities not allowed to remain in London for this purpose ; 
 both because of the injury inflicted upon us, with whom they do not deal 
 equally in the mutual granting of degrees, and also because we consider 
 that, by residing in this country, they are the means of communicating 
 secrets of state to a nation with whom we are at war. 
 
 J 454- SERENISSIME domine, quanquam id nobis semper affuit, quo preclara 
 vestra celsitudinis dignitas et titulus 4 meritorum laudumque preconiis 
 
 1 -welbelovyd, corrected by the same hand, MS. 2 at this tyme our seid 
 
 works effecluosly may be complessid. These words in the MS. come after notwith- 
 standing, but are faintly crossed out. 3 Perhaps merete, but probably from 
 merces. * Titus MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 323 
 
 decorari meruit ; nihilominus tamen eo fervencius exorandam optan- 
 damque celerius esse decrevimus, pro quanto nobis in hiis, que digne 
 petimus, gratissimam se velle prebere putamus. Et quamvis ambigere 
 non est datum ut apud nobilissimos probosque viros ill! precipue bene 
 merit! sint, quos morum gravitas sciencieque sublimitas condecorant; 
 pro hiis tamen, qui altissimam professi paupertatem, in Christi stigma- 
 tibus se divites esse letantur, nobilitatem dominacionis vestre duximus 
 informandam. Itaque sic res in propatulum venit. Quidam viri 
 religiosi forensium Universitatum, potissime Universitatis Parisiensis, 
 hoc solum anni tempore, titulo predicandi illucusque veniunt, seu 
 confessiones audiendi; ac eleemosinas Italicorum virorum, quibus 
 nostri studentes religiosi illius lingue sustentari solebant, in ipsorum 
 dispendium atque alme nostre matris Universitatis minorem famam, 
 recipiunt et demoliuntur. Perceptoque quod volebant, statim post 
 quadragesimam sua repetunt; et in hoc plane non parva miracione 
 ducimur, quomodo et ipsi permitti valeant sic infra regnum non solum 
 nostris detrimentum ferre; verum, quod timendum est, consilia se- 
 cretaque nostre reipublice per tales in latissima terrarum spacia sepius 
 promulgari posse. Et quia non tante caritatis vinculo nobis sociari 
 presumuntur, qui nobiscum scienciis et gradibus communicari nolunt, 
 unde laudabile Universitatis nomen longius diffunderetur, sicuti deceret ; 
 deprecamur igitur, quatenus nostrarum Universitatum filii, Oxonie 
 scilicet et Cantabrigie, quos apud nos examinatos censemus, aliis 
 preferantur : nee tales aliarum Universitatum, potissime illius, que est 
 in terra inimicorum, Parisiensis, permittantur, in repulsam nostrorum 
 studencium, Londoniis expectare : quin pocius, principum domino- Fol. 101 a. 
 rumque potestate considerata, regni securitate et nostrarum Universi- 
 tatum honestate, a tali prestolacione extraordinaria coerceantur. Quam 
 peticionem, si precibus nostre Universitatis fueritis inclinati perimplere, 
 rem putamus vestre dignitati congruam, et nostre studencium utilitati 
 profecisse gaudebitis. 
 
 Scripta fuit hec litter a domino Cancellario Anglie, Comiti Sarum:, 
 anno Domini milksimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo quarto, quinto die 
 Aprilis. 
 
 226. 
 To the Executors of Rawlyn Holand. 
 
 RYGTH worschipfull syrys, we grete you well ; and forasmuche as 1454. 
 we ben credybely enformyd of dyverse grete almes and merytory 
 dedys, that ye have of late tyme ful blessfully dystrybuted of the 
 goodes of Rawlyn Holand late decesed wose soule god assoile
 
 324 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 pleese you to wete, that we have yn the Unyversyte of Oxonford 
 a scole of divinite in bildyng, to the worschippe of god, edifiing of 
 feyth, and destruction of vices : the wyche worke we be not suffycient 
 of goodes of the seide Universyte to fynishe and performe ; like as 
 your welbelovyd berer of thys canne pleynely enforme yow ; to whom 
 we pray yow gefe feytfulle credence yn thys mater. Werfor we 
 hertely pray yow of your charytable subportacion and helpe to the 
 seyde worke, so that we may have cause perpetualy to pray for yow 
 and for the seide soule ; lyke as we pray for other singuler benefactors 
 of the seyde Unyversyte. And youre lord have yow yn hys kepyng. 
 Wreten at Oxonford the xix day of may. Chaunceler of Oxonford and 
 the hole semeble of may sires regensyn the same. 
 
 227. 
 To Master Gilbert Kymer, Dean of Salisbury. 
 
 The wise and successful discharge of your duties as our chief magi- 
 strate have won for you increasing respect among us, and made your 
 example a mirror for Chancellors ; To govern others well the first 
 requisite is ' mens conscia recti.' Deeds however, not words, become us : 
 and whereas we have received your assistance in building our new school 
 with the full intention of repaying the same, though at present we have not 
 been able to do so, we appeal to your goodness and affection for us to 
 grant us farther or even larger aid, and we hope to discharge our debt by 
 the appointed time. 
 
 1454. INDIES apud nos, recolende Domine, adeo tua veneranda crescit 
 auctoritas ut totam nostram rempublicam eo celsiorem felicioremque 
 putemus, quo tuis munita presidiis attollitur in melius, et beneficiorum 
 sperata continuitate prosperatur securius. Quis enim probitatem 
 tuam digna laude commendet? quandoquidem in administracione 
 nostre reipublice tarn prudenter, sobrie, fortiterque vigilaveris, ut 
 prioribus tuis in officii tui dignitate constitutis quippe ne cesseris; 
 et sequacibus tuis, si libet audire, perspicuum imitacionis speculum 
 exhibere bene meritus es. Nihil profecto mortalibus unquam * salubrius 
 esse concessum fateamur oportet, maxime iis qui presunt, quam 
 primum semetipsos intranee virtutis examine probates esse posse 
 intelligere; quo nedum sui, quin pocius subditorum curam vigilanter 
 gerere possint. Sed quia percelebres actus tui hiis morum predotatis 2 
 insigniis excellenter claruere 8 , satis est ad tue veneracionis cumulum 
 facta pocius quam verba proferre testimonium. E quibus et illud 
 1 unquam aliquid MS. a prenotatis ? 3 clarue MS.
 
 EP2STOLAE ACADEMICAE. 325 
 
 tuum a nobis ex mutuo susceptum, quod quantum glorie nostrarum 
 scolarum fabrice contulerit ocufis intuencium liquet. Esse censendum 
 hoc eapropter accommodatum, quod fide media a nobis receptum non 
 ambigimus remittere, curavimus. Hoc in animo habentes, ad tue 
 paternitatis confidenciam uti, quomodo nos reddere quod justum est, 
 quanquam aliquali necessitate prepediti, sategimus, ita sic rogamus 
 ex corde humanitatis caritatisque tue, felici operis hujus consumma- 
 cione, rursus eandem summam vel ampliorem, si baud gravitati tue 
 simus infesti, nobis accommodare. Cui peticioni, vel ut verius 
 dicamus, oportunitati l , si gratanter annueris, statutes inter te et nos 
 dies, cum fortuna letius arriserit, sperabimus posse custodire. Ecce 
 quod nostrum erat : et si non, ut debuimus, perfecisse valeamus, 
 amicicie 2 tamen fores exiliter pulsamus ; quod si nobis aperueris, 
 ingentis tue magnificencie vinculo nos artius constat esse ligatos. 
 
 Scriptafuit hec litter a magistro Gilberto Kymer, Decano Sarum:, duo- 
 decimo diejulii. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. Fol. 101 b. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Georgium Nevell, Can- 1454. 
 cellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, T. Beket et Robertum Norman, * 
 procuratores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, die con- 
 feccionis presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Eynesham in comitatu 
 Oxoniensi, viginti sex solidos sterlingorum, bone et legalis monete 
 Anglie, in partem solucionis cujusdam annue pensionis predicte 
 Universitati per dictum Abbatem et conventum debite : De quibus 
 quidem viginti sex solidis fatemur nos solutos, dictumque Abbatem 
 inde acquietavimus per presentes, sigillo nostro communi signatas. 
 Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, secundo die mensis Novembris, 
 anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum tricesimo tercio. 
 
 Scripta fuit hec quietancia Abbati et conventui de Eynesham, anno Domini 
 millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo quarto, et anno regni regis Henrici 
 tricesimo tercio. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Morton. 
 
 NONO die mensis Novembris, sigillata erat littera testimonialis H54- 
 pro magistro Johanne Morton, legum doctore, secundum formam 
 antiquitus usitatam. 
 
 Acquittance for Master John Spekynton. 
 
 VICESIMO quinto die mensis Novembris, sigillata fuit una acquietancia 1454. 
 pro magistro Johanne Spekynton, sub forma communi et antiquitus 
 1 importunitatil ' l amide MS.
 
 326 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 usitata ; Cancellario Georgio Nevyll, et procuratoribus magistris T. 
 Beket et Roberto Norman : anno regni regis Henrici sexti post con- 
 questum tricesimb tercio. 
 
 Citation of Master John Nyman. 
 
 J454- NONO die Decembris, sigillata fuit una littera citatoria pro magistro 
 Johanne Nyman, sub forma ut patet in tercio folio, que sic incipit 
 ' Satis nobis,' &c., anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quin- 
 quagesimo quarto. 
 
 Sexto l decimo die Decembris sigillate erant iste due literae subscriptae. 
 
 228. 
 
 To the duchess of Suffolk 2 . 
 
 I 454- RYGHT hygth and noble lady, we recommend us mekely un to youre 
 good and gracyouse ladyshyppe, wyth lp e gostely suffrages of oure 
 prayers for youre goode estate and prosperyte, and alle youre wel 
 wyllyng ; prayng almyghty god, }?* rewardyth every goode and 
 merytori dede, to thanke yowr goode and graciose ladyschip for yowr 
 noble and ryght notable ^yftes in boks and golde to owr moder 
 thunyversite, quar yowr meniore schall be had ever in gods mynd and 
 manne 3 . & for alsmuche as we be informyt, be the report of ^owr 
 servant robert bulkley, that :jou, of ^owr abundant goodnese and 
 graciose lady schip, grawnttit xx lib mor un to J? e beldyng of owr 
 scole of dyvinite in oxn: , and the benevolence of ^owr gode ladyschip, 
 of J? e qwyche we pray ^ow devotly, as we and owr successoris schall 
 pray specially for ^ow and for ^owr noble progenitors, and we pray 
 ^owr gode ladyschip to }ife fayt and credence un to owr ryght well- 
 belovyd maystre william churche, supervisor of f> e werks of f> e sayd 
 scollis, in suche materis as he schall declare un to yowr hy and noble 
 ladyschip. and alle myghty god kep and preserve }ow in welth and 
 prosperite, and defend ^ow from aJle adversite. Wrytin at Oxn: in 
 owr semely hows the xiii day ofdecembre, Be the chancellare t procuratours 
 and regents of thuniversite of oxn: 
 
 229 4 . 
 
 1454. RYGHT wyrschipfull sens, we gret :jow well, and, aftre ^owr welfar 
 interly desyryd, we pray ^ow to remembre ^ow of owr letteris send to 
 
 1 This seems to be a mistake, both the letters in question being distinctly dated 
 December 13. 3 No address, probably to Lady Suffolk. 3 i.e. and man's. 
 
 No address, but evidently to the executors of Rawlin Holand.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 327 
 
 ^ow from us be owr welbelovyd mayster w. churche, berer of this owr 
 letter ; the tenor of the qwyche letter a for sende the sayd m l can 
 remembre ^ow. and we now hertly pray ^ow to schew ^owr benevo- 
 lence, qwat it plese sow of sow goode charite, in the goods of the 
 wyrschipfull and notable man rawlin holand, lat decesed, qwos sowl 
 god asoille, so that we may have cause to have the sayd sowl in 
 speciall rememorans amonge owr syngulere benefacturs of owr sayd Fol. 102 a. 
 thuniversite, aftre the forme declarid in owr first lettre. and we pray 
 ^ow to gyfe faythfull credence to the sayd maystre, in that that he 
 woll declare un to :jow, in J> e gret and large costs J>* the universite 
 beryth in beldyng of owr scoll of divinite in oxn: . And alle myghty 
 god preserve sow in prosperite. Wrytin at oxn: in owr semly hows 
 xiii day of decembre, Be the chawncellere and procuratours and regents 
 of thuniversite of Oxinforde. 
 
 Acquittances of Oseney and Eynsham Abbeys. 
 
 QUINTO die mensis Marcii, sigillate erant due acquietancie, una 1454- 
 Abbati et conventui de Oseney, et altera Abbati et conventui de 
 Eynysham, pro anno Henrici sexti tricesimo tercio, secundum formam 
 antiquitus usitatam. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master W. Town. 
 
 UNIVERSIS sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes littere 1455- 
 pervenerint, Georgius Nevill, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxoniensis, 
 cetusque unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in 
 omnium Salvatore. Quia inter cetera humanitatis officia justicie 
 proculdubio consentaneum, et nobis, qui virtutis et sciencie studia 
 profitemur, modo peculiari quodam debitum est, viros morum gravitate 
 et sciencia preditos digna laudis veritatisque prerogativa venerari, et 
 benemeritis laudem tribuere ; Hinc nos, istiusmodi 2 non segni pre- 
 cipitive consideracionis oculo perlustrantes, has per litteras attestamur, 
 quod predilectus nobis in Christo, magister W. Town, sacre pagine 
 professor, vir quidem ingenio solers, maturitate nedum sciendi 3 
 magnificus, verum rebus in agendis ac universa morum honestate 
 adeo preclarus, providus et circumspectus apud nos extiterit, quod 
 ad summi doctoratus fastigium provehi celebri cum gaudio * in 
 nostra Universitate promeruit. Quinimo cuncta, que ad tanti gradus 
 solemnitatem pertinent in eadem sacra pagina, usquequaque com- 
 plevit atque felicissimum deduxit ad exitum. Ut igitur hujus testi- 
 
 1 i. e. master. * This it seems, should be ' hec et istiusmodi' ; cf. testimonial 
 letter (/or Master Merschall) next following, p. 330. 3 sciencie ? * gaudi MS.
 
 328 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 ficacionis gracia omnium, quorum penes se interest, propensiorem 
 consequatur effectum, has litteras communi dicte Universitatis sigillo 
 fecimus consignari. Datum in nostre congregations domo, vicesimo 
 octavo die mensis Marcii, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quin- 
 quagesimo quinto. 
 
 Scripta fait hec littera pro doctore Town, in sacra theologia professore, die anno 
 et mense suprascriptis. 
 
 Acquittance of Bishop of Worcester (J. Carpenter) and 
 Henry Sampson, clerk. 
 
 1454. NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Georgium Nevyll, Can- 
 cellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Thomam Beket et Robertum 
 Norman, procuratores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, 
 die confeccionis presencium, a Reverendo in Christo patre et domino, 
 domino Johanne Carpenter, Dei gracia Wigorniensi episcopo et 
 Henrico Sampson, clerico, decem libras sterlingorum bone et legalis 
 monete Anglie ; virtute cujusdam compoti inter dictam Universitatem 
 et predictum reverendum in Christo patrem et Henricum clericum 
 facti : De quibus quidem decem libris fatemur nos fore solutos, dic- 
 tosque reverendum in Christo patrem et Henricum inde acquietamus 
 per presentes, sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum in nostre, 
 fyc., vicesimo quarto die mensis Aprilis, anno regni regis Henrici sexti 
 post conquestum tricesimo tercio 1 . 
 
 Sigillata fuit hec acquietancia episcopo Wigorniensi, anno Domini millesimo 
 quadringentesimo quinquagesimo quinto, mense et die suprascriptis 2 . 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1 45S- NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Georgium Nevell, Can- 
 cellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Johannem Mareschale et Walterum 
 Wyndscore, procuratores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, 
 die confeccionis presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Enesham in 
 comitatu Oxoniensi, viginti sex solidos sterlingorum bone et legalis 
 monete Anglie, in partem solucionis cujusdam annue pensionis pre- 
 dicte Universitati per dictum Abbatem et conventum debite: De 
 quibus quidem viginti sex solidis fatemur nos fore solutos, dictumque 
 Abbatem et conventum inde acquietamus per presentes sigillo nostro 
 communi signatas. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, ultimo die 
 mensis Octobris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti tricesimo quarto. 
 
 1 and a One or other of these dates is obviously wrong ; and, as Masters Beket 
 and Norman were proctors in 1454, this and not 1455 is the correct date. The 
 document therefore is, as so many others are, misplaced in the MS.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 329 
 
 Another acquittance of the same Abbey. Fol. 102 b. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Georgium Nevell, Can- 1455- 
 cellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Johannem Marschall et Walterum 
 Wyndesore, procuratores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, 
 die confeccionis presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Enensham in 
 comitatu Oxoniensi, sedecim solidos sterlingorum, pro quadam pen- 
 sione Universitati debita, ac per eosdem Abbatem et conventum ad 
 festum S. Nicholai solvenda : De quibus sedecim solidis fatemur nos 
 fore solutos, dictumque Abbatem et conventum inde acquietamus per 
 presentes sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum in nostre con- 
 gregacionis domo, undecimo die mensis Decembris, anno regni regis 
 Henrici sexii post conquestum tricesimo quarto. 
 
 Acquittance of Oseney Abbey. 
 
 NOVERINT universi per presentes, nos, Georgium Nevell, Can- H55- 
 cellarium Universitatis Oxoniensis, Johannem Mareschall et Walterum 
 Wyndesore, procuratores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, 
 die confeccionis [presentium a ], de Abbate et conventu de Osenay in 
 Comitatu Oxoniensi, viginti sex solidos octo denarios sterlingorum, 
 bone et legalis monete Anglie, in plenam solucionem cujusdam annue 
 pensionis predicte Universitati per predictum Abbatem et conventum 
 debite : De quibus quidem viginti sex solidis octo denariis fatemur 
 nos fore solutos, dictumque Abbatem et conventum inde acquietamus 
 per presentes sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum in nostre con- 
 gregacionis domo, undecimo die mensis Decembris, anno regni regis 
 Henrici sexti post conquestum tricesimo quarto. 
 
 Another acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 DUODECIMO die Februarii deliberata fuit quedam acquietancia Abbati HSS- 
 et conventui de Enesham, sub hac forma. Noverint universi per 
 presentes, nos, Georgium Nevyl, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoni- 
 ensis, Johannem Mareschall et Walterum Wyndesore, procuratores 
 Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, die confeccionis pre- 
 sencium, de Abbate et conventu de Enesham in comitatu Oxoniensi, 
 viginti sex solidos bone et legalis monete Anglie, in plenam solu- 
 cionem cujusdam annue pensionis predicte Universitati per predictum 
 Abbatem et conventum debite : De quibus quidem viginti sex solidis 
 fatemur nos fore solutos, dictumque Abbatem et conventum inde ac- 
 quietamus per presentes, sigillo nostro communi signatas. Datum 
 1 presencium omitted in MS.
 
 33 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL 
 
 in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo nono die mensis Januarii, anno 
 regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum tricesimo quarto. 
 
 Testimonial letter for Master John Merschall, 
 
 1456. SEPTIMO die mensis Aprilis, anno Domini millesimo quadringen- 
 tesimo quinquagesimo sexto, deliberata fuit quedam littera testimonialis 
 magistro Johanni Merschall, procuratori boreali Universitatis, sub 
 hac forma ; Universis sancte matris ecclesie filiis, ad quos presentes 
 littere pervenerint, Cancellarius Universitatis Oxonierisis cetusque 
 unanimis magistrorum regencium in eadem salutem in omnium Salva- 
 tore : Inter cetera humanitatis officia justicie procul dubio consen- 
 taneum, et nobis, qui virtutis et sciencie studia profitemur, modo 
 peculiari quodam debitum est, viros morum gravitate et sciencia 
 preditos, in nostre matris grege conversantes, digne laudis testimonio 
 juvare. Enimvero quo magis benemeritis et jugi studio solerter in- 
 sistentibus congruum laudis tributum impenditur. ceteris eo fervencius 
 ad capessendas virtutum semitas moralitatis exemplar proponitur. 
 Hec atque istiusmodi ante nostre consideracionis oculos statuentes, 
 per has litteras attestamur, quod predilectus nobis in Christo magister 
 Johannes Marshall, in artibus magister, vir quidem ingenio pollens, 
 arcium maturitate liberalium insignitus, nostreque reipublice, quamdiu 
 procuratoris officium honorifice adeptus, nedum rebus in agendis 
 providus et circumspectus, verum eciam in universa morum honestate 
 preclarus extiterat. Quibus in rebus adeo studiose sapienterque et 
 summa cum gravitate vitam nobiscum transegit, necnon singula, que 
 ad procuratoris nostri 1 officium pertinere noscuntur, adeo provide 
 laudabiliterque complevit, ut eum nullo noverimus 2 crimine innodatum, 
 nee ulla sinistre fame labe quovismodo maculatum ; sed cunctis bene 
 beateque vivendi exemplar exhibuit, ac suis exigentibus meritis per 
 nos sibi meruit de premissis fidele testimonium perhiberi. Ut igitur 
 hujus testificacionis gracia, omnium, quorum penes se interest, pro- 
 pensiorem consequatur favorem, has litteras communi Universitatis 
 sigillo fecimus consignari. Datum in domo congregacionis, die et anno 
 supradictis. 
 
 Fol. 103 a. Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1456. SEXTO die Decembris deliberata fuit quedam acquietancia Abbati 
 et conventui de Enysham sub hac forma; Noverint universi per 
 presentes, nos, Georgium Nevyll, Cancellarium Universitatis Oxoni- 
 ensis, Johannem Brethere et Robertum Abdy, procurators Univer- 
 
 1 nostre MS. 2 nullo nomine crimine. ib.
 
 EP1STOLAE ACADEMICAE. 331 
 
 sitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, die confeccionis presencium, 
 de Abbate et conventu de Eynesham in comitatu Oxoniensi, sexdecem 
 solidos sterlingorum bone et legalis monete Anglic, in partem solu- 
 cionis cujusdam annue pensionis predicte Universitati per prefatos 
 Abbatem et conventum debite : De quibus quidem sexdecem solidis 
 fatemur nos fore solutos, dictumque Abbatem et conventum inde 
 acquietamus per presentes. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, 
 sexto die Decembris, anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum 
 tricesimo quinto. 
 
 Another acquittance of the same Abbey. 
 
 TERCIO decimo die mensis Decembris, deliberate fuit quedam ac- 1456. 
 quietancia Abbati et conventui de Eynesham ; sub forma que sequitur, 
 Noverint universi per presentes, nos, Georgium Nevyll, Cancellarium 
 Universitatis Oxoniensis, Johannem Brethere et Robertum Abdy, 
 procuratores Universitatis antedicte, recepisse et habuisse, die con- 
 feccionis presencium, de Abbate et conventu de Eynesham in comitatu 
 Oxoniensi, viginti sex solidos sterlingorum bone et legalis monete 
 Anglic ; in partem solucionis cujusdam annue pensionis predicte 
 Universitati per prefatos Abbatem et conventum debite : De quibus 
 quidem viginti sex solidis fatemur nos fore solutos, dictumque Abbatem 
 et conventum acquietamus per presentes. Datum in nostre congre- 
 gacionis domo, tercio decimo die mensis Decembris, anno regni regis 
 Henrici sexti post conqueslum tricesimo quinto. 
 
 230. 
 To the Pope. 
 
 The government, maintenance, and improvement of churches and 
 religious foundations are, we think, a worthy object of your care ; there- 
 fore feeling anxious that men may be promoted to preside over them, whose 
 lives will advance the honour of God and his worship, and increase the 
 devotion of the laity, and who will maintain the buildings in good repair; 
 we humbly commend to your holiness Master William Westcare, Prior of 
 Mottefont, a man of gravity and learning, and whose value we well 
 know. He has been unanimously chosen Prior of their students by the 
 united voice of all the chapters of the regular Canons in England, and 
 has discharged the duties of that office with discretion and advantage to 
 all : He has been several times Commissary, and has governed wisely 
 and well, and his sermons both here, and in the most important places else- 
 where, have been of remarkable excellence, and his life an example to all.
 
 332 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 
 
 1456. QUARTO decimo die Decembris, deliberata fuit quedam littera domino 
 Pape Kalisto pro doctore Westcare, doctore theologie, sub hac forma 
 que sequitur; Sanctissime ac beatissime pater, post pedum oscula 
 beatorum, non indignum putamus vestre solicitudinis oculos ad ea 
 eciam convertere, que commodum, profectum, et utilitatem ecclesiarum, 
 et locorum ecclesiasticorum ubilibet constitutorum regimen, conser- 
 vacionem, et augmentum concernere dinoscuntur : et ad eorum 
 gubernacionem tales assumere et promovere ardenter affectamus, 
 quorum vita honor Dei ac cultus sacre religionis ampliari, populi 
 devocio augeri, loca ipsa ecclesiastica tueri, edificari ac bene recteque 
 gubernari valeant. Nos itaque, cognoscentes religiose vite honestatem, 
 sciencie maturitatem ac prudencie industriam, et aliarum virtutum 
 plurimarum morumque bonorum probitatem, quibus insignitus claruit 
 venerabilis ac circumspectus vir, et nostre Universitatis predilectus 
 filius, magister Willelmus Westcare, sacre pagine professor, Prior 
 prioratus ecclesie gloriose et individue Trinitatis de Moteffonte, ordinis 
 S. Augustini, Wyntoniensis diocesis, qui, ob morum gravitatem et 
 singularis sciencie eminenciam, consensu unanimi diversorum capitu- 
 lorum generalium canonicorum regularium, infra regnum Anglie 
 celebratorum, in Priorem studencium in Universitate predicta eorum- 
 demque rectorem merito electus, ubi per plurimos annos in artibus 
 scolasticis, necnon in aliis predicti ordinis profectum concernentibus, 
 politice ac sapienter sese gessit ; unde,propter ejus laudabilem et honeste 
 conversacionis fragranciam a diversis nostre Universitatis Cancellariirj 
 officium commissarii generalis ei per plurimos annos commissa est : in 
 quo quidem officio, Cancellariorum nostrorum loca tenens, adeo 
 graviter ac sapienter nostre reipublice regimen curamque peregit, 
 quod cunctis bene beateque vivendi prebebat exemplum; et, quod 
 singulis premissis anteponendum fore arbitramur, ad Dei cultum et 
 ortodoxe fidei incrementum, verbum Dei sermonibus exactissimis per 
 loca publica ac regni Anglie famosissima creberrime seminavit. Quibus 
 devotissime sanctitati vestre oblatis ac clementer, veluti speramus, 
 exauditis, ardenter rogare non cessamus, et sepe ac sepius suppli- 
 camus, quatinus nostris intercedentibus precibus, necnon suis exigen- 
 tibus meritis, piis ejus ac justis peticionibus aures sanctissime pietatis 
 graciose dignemini inclinare. Et vestram sanctitatem, ad universalis 
 ecclesie solacium et percelebre regimen, in longiora tempora gubernet 
 et prosperam conservet Altissimus. Datum Oxonie in nostre congre- 
 gacionis domo, mentis Decembris die nono. Vestre sanctitatis ancilla 
 Universitas Oxoniensis.
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 333 
 
 Citation of Master Henry ffrances. Fol. 103 b. 
 
 VICESIMO octavo die Januarii, anno Domini millesimo quadringen- 1456. 
 tesimo quinquagesimo sexto, deliberata ac sigillata fuit quedam littera 
 citatoria magistro Henrico flfrances, sub hac forma que sequitur : Satis 
 nobis dilecte, salutem : cum circa singulas nostre matris Universitatis 
 occupaciones oculum vigilanciorem apposuerimus, quomodo venera- 
 tissimus saluberrimusque ipsius status feliciter valeat perpetuari, quam- 
 plurimis consuetudinum statutorumque generibus; ac inter cetera 
 nostrarum cistarum indemnitatem pro posse observare nuper vero te 
 ciste ' Gylforde ' appellate custodiam noverimus acceptasse, sicuti ex 
 indenturis inde confectis evidenter satis apparet, nee hucusque racio- 
 cinium seu deliberacionem inde reddideris, nee substitutum quempiam 
 tuam gerentem vicem in ea parte statuisti; eapropter, non absque 
 causa veremur prefatam cistam in multis pati dispendium ; necnon et 
 ejusdem ciste statuta quam graviter violari. Nos igitur, pristinum 
 statum ac reformacionem, ejusdemque ciste deliberacionem, secundum 
 statutorum formam cupientes, singulos, quorum interest in hac parte, 
 quinto decimo die mensis ffebruarii, proxime * post datum presencium 
 future, coram nobis in nostre congregacionis domo Oxonie, ex parte 
 nostre Universitatis, in dicto negocio objiciendis responsuros, decre- 
 vimus accersiri. Te igitur, magister Henrice flfrances, hortamur, ac 
 virtute juramenti Universitati nostre prestiti, primo, secundo ac tercio 
 peremptorie monemus atque citamus, quatenus, loco et die prenotatis a , 
 nobis, de et super articulis sanam ac tutam prefate ciste custodiam 
 concernentibus, in propria persona te conferas responsurum ; ulterius- 
 que facturum et recepturum quod justicia in hac parte suadebit. 
 Quod si, uti te decet, curaveris adimplere, rem sane 3 tibi commodam 
 atque necessariam perficies, ac tue commoditati, quantum cum equitate 
 poterimus, studebimus proficere. Sin autem, acriora, ac tibi magis 
 molesta quanquam juridica, remedia prosequi oportebit. Animadvertas 
 igitur tui juramenti vinculum atque rei seriem; et sana consciencia 
 vivas per secula. Datum in nostre congregacionis domo, vicesimo sexto 
 die Januarii, anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo 
 sexto, c. 
 
 Similar citations issued to Masters W. Brywer and 
 R. Merschall. 
 
 EODEM die quo supra, deliberate fuerunt alie due littere citatorie, 1456. 
 sub eadem forma prescripta, nominibus tantum mutatis; scilicet 
 
 1 proximum MS. a prenotis ib. 3 sanam ib.
 
 334 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAE. 
 
 magistro Willelmo Brywer et magistro Ricardo Merschall, anno Domini 
 et dato lit prius, &c. 
 
 Another to Master Wm. Corker. 
 
 1456. VICESIMO nono die Januarii, deliberata et sigillata fuit quedam alia 
 littera citatoria, sub eadem forma, nomine tantum mutato; scilicet 
 magistro Willelmo Corker, pro deliberacione ciste de Warwyke, &c. 
 
 Acquittances of Eynsham and Oseney Abbeys. 
 
 1456. MEMORANDUM, quod vicesimo die mensis Marcii, deliberate et sigillate 
 fuerunt due acquietancie ; una Abbati et conventui de Eynesham, pro 
 viginti sex solidis, in plenam solucionem annue pensionis, pro anno 
 regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestum tricesimo quinto ; et alia 
 Abbati et conventui de Oseney pro viginti sex solidis octo denariis, 
 pro eodem anno regis. 
 
 231. 
 Fol. 104 a. To the King. 
 
 The most illustrious princes have favoured and fostered learning, and 
 none have done so more than yourself. The narrow compass of a letter 
 
 forbids us to say more. We have received your letter requesting us to 
 give the office of superior bedell of Laws to one John Andrew : And this 
 we would gladly do, if we could without violation of our oath to observe 
 our statutes ; but, as these require that our votes should be given ' without 
 
 fear or favour ' we hope you will condescend to accept this our excuse, and 
 graciously hear farther particulars from our Chancellor. 
 
 1456. CHRISTIANISSIMO principi, Anglie et Francie regi illustrissimo et 
 domino nostro metuendissimo. 
 
 Serenissime atque Christianissime princeps, tocius matris ecclesie 
 singularissime protector atque defensor, cum omni devocione honores 
 amplissimos ac subjecciones humillimas. Cum nihil prope regiam 
 magis deceat celsitudinem, regnum magis amplificet et felix efficiat, 
 quam morum cultus atque studium litterarum, maximi ac celeberrimi 
 principes, ut accepimus ex historiis, ea loca sunt prosecuti favore, in 
 quibus has res all crescereve putabant. Quorum secuti vestigia vestri 
 progenitores, inclitissimi atque clarissimi reges, vestre Universitati 
 Oxoniensi graciose, ac certe divinitus, privilegia et libertates indul- 
 serant ; quos utique universes predecessores vestra benignissima regia
 
 EPISTOLAE ACADEMICAL. 335 
 
 celsitudo in tarn pio erga nos favore transcendit. Nam quis est aut 
 fuit uspiam princeps amancior cleri quam vestra serenitas ? Multa hie 
 diceremus, sed litterarum angustia prohibemur 1 . Tercio Kalendas 
 Marcii, metuendissime princeps, omnimoda veneracione, ut equum est, 
 vestre serenitatis litteras nobis destinatas suscepimus ; quibus vestram 
 celsitudinem quorumdam precibus credimus inclinatam, ut quendam, 
 Johannem Andrew nuncupatum, in superioris bedellatus officium in 
 jure canonico et civili jam nunc vacans eligeremus, et pre ceteris 
 acceptaremus ; pro quo equidem reverendum in Christo patrem et 
 dominum, dominum Cancellarium nostre matris Universitatis Oxoni- 
 ensis, quoad statutorum strictitudo permisit, efficaciter egisse testamur. 
 Et nos ipsi, omnes et singuli, toto mentis affectu vestre majestatis 
 contemplacione id perficeremus, si sana cujuslibet consciencia ac salvo 
 nostri juramenti vinculo possemus illud perimplere. Re enim vera, 
 clementissime princeps, si in nostrarum eleccionum forma ordo statuti 
 debiti debitus in aliquo subvertatur, statuta juramentaque, quibus 
 astricti sumus, quam graviter violarentur, atque plurimos baud dubium 
 ejusdem rei occasione ad consciencie offensam et perjurii reatum, quod 
 absit, invitaremus : quod et inclitissimam vestram celsitudinem magno- 
 pere nolle firmiter existimamus. Scimus profecto quod benignissima 
 sublimitas vestra ad honorem et felicem statum Universitatis vestre 
 pias semper benevolencie aures, ac prudentissime consideracionis 
 oculos graciose solet atque magnifice inclinare. Unde sapiencie et 
 serenitati vestre grates eternas et immortales unanimiter agimus, sup- 
 plicantes ac devote et humillime implorantes vestram majestatem, qua- 
 tenus dignetur cuilibet electuro proprie vocis libertatem 2 secundum 
 statuti tenorcm : ne quis forsan timore ductus, in quern quam con- 
 senciens, incurrat perjurium. Eapropter has nostre excusacionis litteras 
 acceptare non dedignetur vestra benigna nobilitas; que si parve aut 
 diminute in aliquo prudentissime consideracioni vestre videantur, 
 reverendo in Christo patri et domino, Exoniensi electo et confirmato, 
 vestre Universitatis Cancellario, ceterisque doctoribus et magistris 
 vestre celsitudini statutorum strictitudinem lacius declaraturis, fidem in 
 his plenius dignetur regia serenitas adhibere. Floreat prospere in 
 multas etates gloria, virtus, et magnificencia vestra, semper cum victoria 
 et triumpho. Scriptum in nostre congregacionis domo, Marcii die 
 secundo. Devoti et fideles pro vobis oratores Cancellarius et procu- 
 ratores vestre alme Universitatis Oxoniensis, simulque ejusdem regentes 
 et non-regentes, tota humilis communitas. 
 
 1 prohibemus MS. a Some such word as permittere seems to be omitted.
 
 336 E PIS TOLA E ACADEMICAE. 
 
 232. 
 Fol. 104 b. To the Qwene, cure sovverain lady. 
 
 1456. MOST gracyous prynces and cure rygth souverain lady, we youre 
 humble oratours w* alle reverence recommend us un to youre most 
 noble and hygthe estate, w* the gostely suffrages of oure dayly prayers. 
 And for as muche as yt hath plesyd youre noble hythnesse tendrely to 
 wryte and to commaund us, that we schuld chese be fore alle oder 
 John Andrew, servaunt un to Syr Edmund Hamdene, Knygth, to the 
 offyce of the gentylman bedle of youre universite ; we be seche devoutly 
 youre noble and hygth dyscrescyone, to have in remembraunce that 
 everyche of youre sayd oratours, that shall have interest in the eleccyone, 
 shall ^eve an othe, immedyatly be fore the same eleccyone, that alle 
 maner love, hate or drede, favoure or ony odyr affeccyon, prayer or 
 mede utturly layd a parte, such a persone to chese and name, as the 
 dyscrescyone of hys owne private consciense demyt most abyll to be 
 chosyne, and to do worschyp and truest servyce in the sayd office. 
 The wyche streynesse of othe, deuly consydred of yo r most prudent 
 and excellent dyscrecyone, we trust shall be oure suffisant and re- 
 sonnabyl excuse in oure eleccyone to kepe oure othe and statute. 
 Wherefore we be seche yo r hygth and gracyous ladyschyp to graunte 
 us owre consuete libertes in oure eleccyones ; and alle that may be do, 
 savyng oure consciense, and that the straynesse of the sayd statute 
 may permytte us, at the reverence and contemplacyone of youre 
 gracyous letteres we shall do and utturly fulfyll. Besechyng youre 
 noble estate to be gracyous protectryse to youre sayd universite, as 
 we shall pray god hertyly for youre noble estate. Wrytyn at Oxonford 
 in oure semble howse the secunde day of Marche, Be youre devoute and 
 trew oratours, the Chanceler procturs and regentes of jO r universite of 
 Oxon. 
 
 Acquittance of Eynsham Abbey. 
 
 1457. MEMORANDUM, quod quinto die mensis Novembris, anno regni regis 
 Henrici sexti tricesimo sexto, deliberata fuit quedam acquietancia 
 Abbati et conventui de Eynesham, in comitatu Oxoniensi, de viginti 
 sex solidis, in partem solucionis cujusdam annue pensionis per eosdem 
 Abbatem et conventum debite, secundum formam communem.
 
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 yforb Historical Society. 
 
 PUBLICATIONS. 
 1884. 
 
 1. Register of the University of Oxford. Vol. I. (1449-63; 
 
 1 505-7 1 ), edited by the Rev. C. W. BOASE, M. A., pp. xxviii + 364. 
 (Price to the public, without discount, and prepaid, i6s.) 
 
 2. Remarks and Collections of Thomas Hearne. Vol. I. (4 July 
 
 1705 19 March 1707), edited by C. E. DOBLE, M.A., pp. 
 
 1884-85. 
 
 3. The Early History of Oxford (727-1100), preceded by a 
 
 sketch of the Mythical Origin of the City and University. 
 By JAMES PARKER, M. A. With 3 illustrations, pp.xxxii + 420. (20^.) 
 
 1885. 
 
 4. Memorials of Merton College, with biographical notices of 
 
 the Wardens and Fellows. By the Hon. GEO. C. BRODRICK, 
 Warden of Merton College. With one illustration, pp. xx + 4i6. 
 (i6s., to members of Merton 12^.) 
 
 5. Collectanea, 1st series, edited by C. R. L. FLETCHER, M.A. 
 
 With 2 illustrations, pp. viii + 358. (i6s.) 
 
 (Contents : a. Letters relating to Oxford in the i4th Century, ed. by H. H. 
 Henson ; b. Catalogue of the Library of Oriel College in the I4th Century, 
 ed. by C. L. Shadwell ; c. Daily ledger of John Dome, bookseller in Oxford, 
 1520, ed. by F. Madan ; d. All Souls College versus Lady Jane Stafford, 
 1587, ed. by C. R. L. Fletcher ; e. Account Book of James Wilding, Under- 
 graduate of Merton College, 1682-88, ed. by E. G. Duff; /. Dr. Wallis's 
 Letter against Maidwell, 1 700, ed. by T. W. Jackson.) 
 
 1886. 
 
 6. Magdalen College and King James II, 1686-88. A series of 
 
 documents collected and edited by the Rev. J. R. BLOXAM, D.D., 
 with additions, pp. Hi + 292. (i6s., to members of Magdalen 12^.) 
 
 7. Hearne's Collections [as No. 2 above]. Vol. II. (20 Mar. 
 
 1707 22 May 1710), pp. viii + 48o. (i6s.) 
 
 8. Elizabethan Oxford. Reprints of rare tracts. Edited by the Rev. 
 
 C. PLUMMER, M.A., pp. xxxii + 3i6. (los.) 
 
 (Contents : fl. Nicolai Fierberti Oxoniensis Academise descriptio, 1602 ; 
 b. Leonard Hutton on the Antiquities of Oxford ; c. Queen Elizabeth at 
 Oxford, 1566 [pieces by J. Bereblock, Thomas Nele, Nich. Robinson, and 
 Rich. Stephens, with appendices] ; d. Queen Elizabeth at Oxford, 1592, by 
 Philip Stringer ; e. Apollinis et Musarum Eidyllia per Joannem Sanford, 
 159 3 -) 
 
 1887. 
 
 9. Letters of Richard. Radcliffe and John James, of Queen's 
 
 College, Oxford, 1749-83 : edited by MARGARET EVANS, with 
 a pedigree, pp. xxxvi + 306. (15^., to members of Queen's IQS. 6d.) 
 i. z
 
 PUBLICATIONS (continued}. 
 
 10. Register of the University of Oxford, Vol. II (1571-1622), 
 Parti. Introductions. Edited by the Rev. ANDREW CLARK, M. A., 
 pp. xxxii + 468. (i8j.) 
 
 1887-8. 
 
 11. Do. Part 2. Matriculations and Subscriptions. Edited by 
 
 the Rev. ANDREW CLARK, M.A., pp. xvi + 424. (i8s.) 
 
 1888. 
 
 12. Do. Part 3. Degrees. Edited by the Rev. ANDREW CLARK, M.A. 
 
 pp. viii + 448. (iff.) 
 
 13. Hearne's Collections [as No. 2 above]. Vol. III. (25 May 
 
 1710 14 December 1712), pp. iv+giS. (i6j.) 
 
 1889. 
 
 14. Register of the University of Oxford, Vol. II, Part 4. Index. 
 
 Edited by the Rev. ANDREW CLARK, M.A., pp. viii+ 468. (17^.) 
 
 15. Wood's History of the City of Oxford. New Edition. By the 
 
 Rev. ANDREW CLARK, M.A. Vol. I. The City and Suburbs. With 
 3 Maps and several Diagrams, pp. xii + 66o. (25^., to citizens 
 of Oxford 2OJ. ; the two Maps of old Oxford separately, not 
 folded, is. 6d., to citizens is.) 
 
 1890. 
 
 16. Collectanea, 2nd series, edited by Professor MONTAGU BURROWS. 
 
 With one diagram, pp. xii + 5i8. (i6s.) 
 
 (Contents : a. The Oxford Market, by O. Ogle ; b. The University of Oxford 
 in the Twelfth Century, by T. E. Holland ; c. The Friars Preachers of the 
 University, ed. by H. Rashdall ; d. Notes on the Jews in Oxford, by A. 
 Neubauer ; e. Linacre's Catalogue of Grocyn's Books, followed by a Memoir 
 of Grocyn, by the Editor ; f. Table-Talk and Papers of Bishop Hough, 
 1703-1743, ed. by W. D. Macray; g. Extracts from the 'Gentleman's 
 Magazine' relating to Oxford, 1731-1800, by F. J. Haverfield. Appendix : 
 Corrections and Additions to Collectanea, Vol. I. (Day-book of John 
 Dome, Bookseller at Oxford, A.D. 1520, by F. Madan, including a ' Half- 
 century of Notes ' on Dome, by Henry Bradshaw). ) 
 
 17. Wood's History of the City of Oxford [as No. 15 above]. 
 
 Vol. II. Churches and Religious Houses. With Map and 
 Diagram, pp. xii-f 550. (20^., to citizens of Oxford i6s. ; Map 
 of Oxford in 1 440, separately, not folded, 9^., to citizens 6d.) 
 
 1890-91. 
 
 18. Oxford City Documents, financial and judicial, 1268-1665. 
 
 Selected and edited by Prof. J. E. THOROLD ROGERS, pp. viii+44o 
 (+2 loose leaves for vols. 6 and 16). (12.?.) 
 
 1891. 
 
 19. The Life and Times of Anthony Wood, antiquary, of 
 
 Oxford, 1632-1695, described by Himself. Collected from 
 his Diaries and other Papers, by the Rev. ANDREW CLARK, M.A. 
 Vol. I. 1632-1663. With 7 illustrations, pp. xvi-f 520. (zos.)
 
 PUBLICATIONS (continued}. 
 
 20. The Grey Friars in Oxford. Part I, A History of the Con- 
 vent ; Part II, Biographical Notices of the Friars, together with 
 Appendices of original documents. By ANDREW G. LITTLE, M.A., 
 pp. xvi+372. (i6s.) 
 
 1892. 
 
 21. The Life and Times of Anthony Wood [as No. 19], Vol.11. 
 
 1664-1681. With i o illustrations, pp. xxviii + 576. (20^.) 
 
 22. Reminiscences of Oxford, by Oxford men, 1559-185O. 
 Selected and edited by LILIAN M. QUILLER COUCH, pp. xvi + 43o. 
 (i7-r., to members of the University los. 6d.) 
 
 1892-93. 
 
 23. Index to Wills proved and Administrations granted in 
 the Court of the Archdeacon of Berks, 1508-1652. Edited 
 by W. P. W. PHILLIMORE, M.A. (Issued in conjunction with 
 the British Record Society.) pp. viii+2Oo. (IQJ.) 
 
 1893. 
 
 24. Three Oxfordshire Parishes. A History of Kidlington, 
 Yarnton, and Begbroke. By Mrs. BRYAN STAPLETON. With 
 a coloured map and 2 sheet-pedigrees, pp. xx-f4Oo. (17^., to 
 residents in 'the three villages los.) 
 
 25. The History of Corpus Christi College, with Lists of its 
 Members. By THOMAS FOWLER, D.D., President of the 
 College. With 3 illustrations, pp. xvi+482. (20^., to members 
 of Corpus 1 2 s. 6d.) 
 
 1894. 
 
 26. The Life and Times of Anthony Wood [as No. 1 9]. Vol. III. 
 
 168^1695. With 3 illustrations, pp. xxxii + 548. (2U.) 
 
 27. The Register of Exeter College, Oxford, with a history of 
 the College, and illustrations. By the Rev. C. W. BOASE, M.A. 
 Third edition, enlarged, pp. [8] + clxxxiv + 400. (Presented to 
 the Society by the author : 15$., to members of the College los.) 
 
 28. The Cartulary of the Monastery of St. Prideswide at 
 
 Oxford. Edited by the Rev. S. R. WIGRAM, M.A. With illus- 
 trations. Vol. I. General and City Charters, pp. xx + 504 + 6 
 pages (loose) of corrections to vol. 24. (2 is.} 
 1895. 
 
 29. The Early Oxford Press, a bibliography of printing and 
 
 publishing at Oxford, * 146 8 '-164O. With notes, appendixes, 
 and illustrations. By FALCONER MADAN, M.A., pp. xii+366. 
 (Separate copies can be obtained only from the Clarendon Press, 
 price 1 Ss. The Society can only supply it in sets.) 
 
 30. The Life and Times of Anthony Wood [as No. 19]. Vol. IV. 
 
 Addenda. With illustrations, pp. xii + 322. (24^.)
 
 PUBLICATIONS (continued). 
 
 1896. 
 
 31. The Cartulary of the Monastery of St. Prideswide at 
 
 Oxford. Edited by the Rev. S. R. WIGRAM, M.A. With illus- 
 trations. Vol. II. The Chantry and Country Parish Charters, 
 pp. xii + 488 + 8 pages of additions and corrections (loose) 
 to vol. 25. (2U.) 
 
 32. Collectanea, 3rd series, edited by Professor MONTAGU 
 
 BURROWS. With illustrations, pp. xii + 450. (215.) 
 (Contents : a. Some Durham College Rolls, by Rev. H. E. D. Blakiston ; 
 
 b. Parliamentary Petitions relating to Oxford, by Miss L. Toulmin Smith ; 
 
 c. Poems relating to the riot between Town and Gown, 1355, by Rev. H. 
 Furneaux ; Tryvytlam de laude Univ. Oxoniae, by the same ; d. Wykeham's 
 Books at New College, by A. F. Leach ; e. Correspondence of Henry Earl 
 of Clarendon and James Earl of Abingdon, 1683-85, by C. E. Doble ; 
 
 f. Dr. Newton and Hertford College, by S. G. Hamilton ; g. Charles Earl 
 Stanhope and the Oxford University Press, by H. Hart.) 
 
 1807. 
 
 33. A History of Pembroke College, anciently Broadgates 
 
 Hall. By the Rev. DOUGLAS MACLEANE, M.A. With 4 illus- 
 trations, pp. xvi + 544 + 4 pages of Addenda to vol. 32. (21.?., 
 to members of Pembroke 13^.) 
 
 34. Hearne's Collections [as No. 2 above]. Vol. IV (15 Dec. 
 
 1712 30 Nov. 1714). Edited by D. W. RANNIE, M.A., 
 pp. x + 466 + [2], with a plate. (1898, 2U.) 
 
 1898. 
 
 35. Epistolae Academicae Oxon, a collection of letters and 
 
 other documents illustrative of Oxford in the fifteenth century. 
 Edited by the Rev. H. ANSTEY, M.A. With illustrations. 
 Part I, pp. lii + 336. (21*.) 
 
 36. Ditto. Part II, pp. vi + 389. (21*.) 
 
 Forthcoming Publications. 
 
 The 5th (and last) vol. of CLARK'S edition of Wood's Life and 
 Times, the 3rd (and last) vol. of the same Editor's Wood's 
 History of the City of Oxford, a reproduction of the unique 
 copy of Agas's map of Elizabethan Oxford, with notes, and 
 other volumes, are in active preparation. 
 
 A full description of the Society's work and objects can be obtained by applica- 
 tion to any of the Committee residing at Oxford (FALCONER MADAN, Esq. 
 (Hon. Treasurer), 90 Banbury Road ; the Rev. the PROVOST OF QUEEN'S 
 COLLEGE (Dr. MAGRATH); the REGIUS PROFESSOR OF MODERN HISTORY, Oriel 
 (F. YORK POWELL, Esq.); the Rev. H. RASHDALL, New College ; and C. L. 
 SHADWELL, Esq., Frewin Hall, Oxford). The annual subscription is one guinea, 
 and the published volumes as a set can be obtained by new members 
 at one-fourth the published price (i. e. 10^. Qd. a year). Life Composition 
 for new members (not being Institutions) is twelve guineas : after five years of 
 subscription it is ten guineas ; after ten years, eight ; after fifteen, six ; after twenty, 
 four. The Society counts compositions among its liabilities (in case it ceased its 
 work) at the rate of one guinea a year from the date of effecting them. 
 
 Dec., 1898.
 
 Date Due 
 
 ILL 
 
 (A 
 
 PRINTED IN U.S.A. CAT. NO. 24 161
 
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