350 ANTIQUITIES OF SELBORNE. 



and to desire him to confirm the election, and do whatever else was 

 necessary. Then their proctor, before the witnesses, required 

 Berne's assent in the chapter-house ; " qui quidem instanciis et 

 precibus multiplicatis devictus," consented, " licet indignus electus," 

 in writing. They therefore request the bishop's confirmation of 

 their election "sic canonice et solemniter celebrata," &c., &c. Sealed 

 with their common seal, and subscribed and attested by the notary. 

 Dat. in the chapter-house September 5th, 1472. 



In consequence, September nth, 1472, in the bishop's chapel at 

 Esher, and before the bishop's commissary, appeared W. Wyndesor, 

 and exhibited the above instrument, and a mandate from the bishop 

 for the appearance of gainsayers of the election there on that day ; 

 and no one appearing, the absentees were declared contumacious, 

 and the election confirmed ; and the vicar of Aulton was directed 

 to induct and install the prior in the usual manner. 



Thus did Canon Berne, though advanced in years, reassume his 

 abdicated priorship for the second time, to the no small satisfaction, 

 as it may seem, of the bishop of Winchester, who professed, as 

 will be shown not long hence, an high opinion of his abilities and 

 integrity. 



STOiNE COFFIN, KEl'T IN THE FARM HOUSE GARDEN. 



