234 
ANTIQUITIES OP SELBOENE 
enjoined to distribute for the good of tlie souls of founders and bene- 
factors : he also strictly orders that the fragments and broken victuals, 
both from the hall of their prior and their common refectory, should be 
carefully collected 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, pitancias" 
regularly on obits, anniversaries, festivals, &c. 
Item 25th. All and every one of the canons are hereby inhibited 
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 favour and 
affection, nepotism, and undue influence, arise, to the injury and 
detriment of religious institutions, f 
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, caligse de BurnetOj et 
sotularium in ocrearum loco, ad modum sotularium." % 
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 imprisonment 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, forbids them 
foppish ornaments, and the aflfectation of appearing 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 31st. 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 observed and 
* Pitancia, an allowance of bread and beer, or other provision to any pious use, 
especially to the religious in a monastery, &c., for augmentation of their 
commons." — Gloss, to Kennefs Par. Ant. 
t The relationship between sponsors and their god-children, who were called 
spiritual sons and daughters, was formerly esteemed much more sacred than at 
present. The presents at christenings were sometimes very considerable : the 
connexion lasted through life, and was closed with a legacy. This last mark of 
attention seems to have been thought almost indispensable : for, in a will from 
whence no extracts have been given, the testator left every one of his god- 
children a bushel of barley." — Sir John Cullum's Hist, of Hawsted. 
" De Margaretse filise regis primogenitse, quam filiolam, quia ejus in baptismo 
compater fuit, appellat, cyphum aureum et quadraginta libras, legavit," — Arch- 
bishop Parker de Antiquitate Eccles. Brit, speaking of Archbishop Morton. 
I De Fresne is copious on caligse of several sorts. "Hoc item de Clericis, 
presertim beneficiatis : caligis scacatis (chequered) rubeis, et viridibus publice 
utentibus dicimus esse censendum." — Statut. Eccles. Tutel. The chequered boots 
seem to be the highland plaid stockings — " Burnetum, i. e. Brunetum, pannus non 
ex lana nativi coloris confectus." — " Sotularium, i. e., subtalaris, quia sub talo est. 
Peculium genus, quibus maxime Monachi nocte utebantur in sestate ; in hyeme 
vero Soccis." 
This writer gives many quotations concerning Sotularia, which were not to be 
made too shapely ; nor were the caligse to be laced on too nicely. 
