iv. 



levy a Benevolence. This tax, originated by Edward the Fourth,, 

 was abolished by Richard the Third by Act of Parliament, 

 to ingratiate himself with the people ; it was revived by Henry, 

 who raised thereby large sums. Morton was said to raise up 

 the Benevolence to higher rates, by a means which some called his 

 Fork, for he inserted an article in the instructions to the Commis- 

 sioners who were to levy the Benevolence, that if they met any who were 

 sparing, that they should tell them, that they must needs have, because 

 they laid up ; and if they were spenders, they must also needs have, 

 because it ivas seen in their port and manner of bearing so neither 

 escaped. Cardinal Morton, being much broken by age and 

 infirmities, after a lingering illness, died at Knoll, in Kent, on 

 the 13th of September, 1500. 



J. C. M. P. 



