STRAY NOTES, PREHISTORIC, SAXON, AND NORMAN. 2 2g 



Let even measure, for justice sake 

 Be given in sight of God and man ; 



That the plaintiff his complaint ma}^ make, 

 And the defendant answer — if he can. " 



The Frohner, having placed the seat in the middle of the plot, 

 proceeds : 



"Sir Graff, Master brave 

 I remind you of your honour here. 

 And moreover that I am your Knave ; 

 Tell me, therefore, for law sincere. 

 If these mete-wands are even and sure, 

 Fit for the rich and fit for the poor, 

 Both to measure land and condition. 

 Tell me as you would eschew perdition." 



And, so speaking, he laid the mete-wand on the ground. The 

 draff then began to try the measure, by placing his right foot against 

 the wand, and he was followed by the other Free Echevins in rank 

 and order, according to seniority. The length of the mete-wand 

 being thus proved, the Frohner spoke for the third time : 



" Sir Graff, I ask by permission 

 If I with your mete-wand may mete. 

 Openly and without displeasure. 

 Here the King's free judgment seal." 



And the Graff replied : 



" I permit right, 

 And I forbid wrong, 

 Under the pains and penalties 

 That to the old known laws belong." 



Now was the time of measuring the mystic plot : it was measured 

 by the mete-wand along and athwart, and when the dimensions were 

 found to be true, the Graff placed himself in the seat of judgment 

 and gave the charge to the assembled Free Echevins, warning them 

 to pronounce judgment according to right and justice : 



'• On this day with consent, 

 And under the clear firmament, 

 A free field court is established here 

 In the open eye of day ; 

 Enter soberly 3'e who may. 

 The seat in its place is pight. 

 The mete-wand is found to be right. 

 Declare your judgments without delay. 

 And let the doom be truly given 

 While yet the Sun shines bright in heaven." 



