THE Goitp ToucH PIECE oF CHARLEs II. 191 
by his touch, distributed to their patients the current gold coin 
called the Angel, which was hung round the neck of the afflicted 
person as a charm against further attacks of the disease. 
Angels continued to be struck until the end of the reign 
of Charles I. After the Restoration, Charles II. substituted 
small gold medallets somewhat similar in type, which were known 
as Touch Pieces. The practice of touching was scorned by 
William III. Anne, however, continued to dispense the Royal 
Gift of Healing. One child she touched was Dr Samuel 
Johnson, whose Golden Touch Piece may be seen in the British 
Museum. The Touch Piece enclosed is one of the above 
medallets, and would be given to the sufferer.by His Majesty 
King Charles. It would be suspended round the neck by means 
of a white silk ribbon. 
On the obverse is a frigate of so many guns, with the 
legend, Car II, DG. M.B.FR.ET.HI.REX. 
On the reverse side is St. Michael and the Dragon, with 
the motto—Soli Deo Gloria. 
BuCHANAN’s ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF CumIN. By Dr E. J. 
CHINNOCK. 
George Buchanan’s History of Scotland was published in 
1582. I have translated his account of the death of Cumin, not 
because it is of any historic value in itself but because it gives a 
different account of the “mak’ siccar’’ incident from that 
generally received. 
Book VIII., Chapter 28.—“ On the same night he set out 
with two companions, and men and horses being much fatigued, 
at last on the seventh day he arrived at his castle near the lake 
Maben. There he found his brother David and Robert Fleming, 
and taking them with him he explained to them the cause of his 
flight. He fell in with a courier, who was carrying a letter from 
Cuming to England. In this it was written that Robert must be 
removed as soon as possible ; for that there was danger in delay, 
lest the man noble and popular, with equal wisdom and daring, 
might stir up a revolution. Having received this proof of 
Cumin’s treachery, Robert, inflamed with wrath, proceeded 
straightway to Drumfries. For he learnt that his enemy was 
there. He found Johninthe church of the Franciscan friars, and 
