THE CASE OF REVOCATION OF USES. 289 



what to have men s possessions lie about them, and not 

 dispersed. So it must be as much, as good, as near ; so 

 plainly doth the intent appear, that my lady should not be 

 a loser. 



[For the point of the notice, it was discharged by the 

 court.] 



THE 



JURISDICTION OF THE MARCHES. 



The effect of the first argument of the king s solicitor- 

 general, in maintaining the jurisdiction of the council of 

 the marches over the four shires. 



THE question for the present is only upon the statute of 

 32 H. VIII. and though it be a great question, yet it is con 

 tracted into small room ; for it is but a true construction of 

 a monosyllable, the word march. 



The exposition of all words resteth upon three proofs, 

 the propriety of the word, and the matter precedent, and 

 subsequent. 



Matter precedent concerning the intent of those that 

 speak the words, and matter subsequent touching the con 

 ceit and understanding of those that construe and receive 

 them. 



First, therefore, as to vis termini, the force and propriety 

 of the word ; this word marches signifieth no more but 

 limits, or confines, or borders, in Latin limites, or confinia, or 

 contermina ; and thereof was derived at the first marchio, a 

 marquis, which was comes limit amus. 



Now these limits cannot be lima imaginaria, but it must 

 have some contents and dimension, and that can be no 

 other but the counties adjacent; and for this construction 

 we need not wander out of our own state, for we see the 

 counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmore 

 land lately the borders upon Scotland. Now the middle 



VOL. xm. u 



