286 WHITE 



prior and their common refectory, should be carefully col- 

 lected together by their eleemosynarius, and given to the 

 poor without any diminution, the officer to be suspended for 

 neglect or omission. 



Item 23rd. He bids them distribute their pittances, " pitan- 

 cias" 8 regularly on obits, anniversaries, festivals, etc. 



Item 25th. All and every one of the canons are hereby in- 

 hibited from standing godfather to any boy for the future, 

 "ne compatres alicujus pueri de cetero fieri presumatis," 

 unless by express license from the bishop obtained ; because 

 from such relationship favor and affection, nepotism, and 

 undue influence arise, to the injury and detriment of religious 

 institutions. 9 



Item 26th. The visitor herein severely reprimands the 

 canons for appearing publicly in what would be called in the 

 universities an unstatutable manner, and for wearing of boots, 

 " caligae de Bifrneto, et sotularium in ocrearum loco, ad 

 modum sotularium." 10 



It is remarkable that the bishop expresses more warmth 

 against this than any other irregularity ; and strictly enjoins 

 them, under pain of ecclesiastical censures, and even impris- 

 onment if necessary (a threat not made use of before), for 

 the future to wear boots, "ocreis seu botis," according to 

 the regular usage of their ancient order. 



Item 29th. He here again, but with less earnestness, for- 

 bids them foppish ornaments, and the affectation of appear- 

 ing like beaux, with garments edged with costly furs, with 

 fringed gloves, and silken girdles trimmed with gold and 

 silver. It is remarkable that no punishment is annexed to 

 this injunction. 



Item 3 1 st. He here singly and severally forbids each 

 canon not admitted to a cure of souls to administer extreme 

 unction, or the sacrament, to clergy or laity ; or to perform 

 the service of matrimony, till he has taken out the license of 

 the parish priest. 



Item 32nd. The bishop says in this item that he had ob- 

 served and found, in his several visitations, that the sacra- 

 mental plate and cloths of the altar, surplices, etc., were 

 sometimes left in such an uncleanly and disgusting condition 



