XXII.] 
531 
canentes dictum electum ad majus altare ecclesie deduximus, ut 
apud nos est moris." Then Wyndesor electionem clero et populo 
infra cliorum dicte ecclesie congregatis pnblicavit, et personam 
electi publice et personaliter ostendit." We then returned to 
the chapter-house, except our prior; and Wyndesor was ap- 
pointed by the other two their proctor, to desire the assent of 
the elected, and to notify what had been done to the bishop ; 
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 niultiplicatis devictus," consented, "licet 
indignus electus," in writing. They tlierefore requested the 
bishop's confirmation of their election " sic canonice et solem- 
niter 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 11th, 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, a high opinion of his 
abilities and integrity. 
LETTER XXII. 
As Prior Berne, when chosen in 1454, held his priorship only 
to 1468, and then made a voluntary resignation, wearied and 
disgusted, as we may conclude, by the disorder that prevailed 
in his convent; it is no njatter of wonder that, when re- 
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