[30]. A Hermit in his solitude, tempted by the devil; MS. 10 E. IV., fol. 113 b. The miniature reproduced is one out of several which illustrate a well-known mediæval tale. Here it may be remarked that though this MS., invaluable as it is for the study of English customs, dresses, &c., during the fourteenth century has been often made use of, it has perhaps never been so thoroughly studied as it deserves. It contains Decretals, with marginal coloured drawings of the highest value on account of their variety and the subjects they illustrate. Not only a number of games and trades are there represented, with many miracles of the Virgin, &c., but there are also complete tales told by the draughtsman, without words, and only with the help of his colours. He does not invent his stories, but simply illustrates the fabliaux which he remembered and particularly relished. The drawing here belongs to the story of the “hermit who got drunk.” As he was once sitting before his cell he was tempted by the devil, who reproached him with his continual virtue, and entreated him to sin at least once, recommending him to choose either to get drunk or to commit adultery or to commit murder. The hermit chose the first as being the least (see below, p. [133], the picture where he is seen at his drink). But when he has once got drunk he finds on his way the wife of his friend the miller; he commits adultery with her, and then meeting the husband, kills him. The text of the tale is in Méon, “Nouveau recueil de fabliaux,” 1829, vol. ii. p. 173, “De l’ermite qui s’enyvra” • 144
[31]. Escaped prisoner flying to sanctuary. From the MS. 10 E. IV., fol. 206 b, in the British Museum, fourteenth century • 149
[32]. The Durham knocker (Norman), affixed to one of the doors of the cathedral. Fugitives used it to be admitted to sanctuary. Cf. a capital in the church at Saint Nectaire, Puy de Dôme, XIth century, representing, in accordance with Professor Enlart’s interpretation, a man who flies to sanctuary and embraces a column thereof, while an angel with drawn sword stands by to protect him • 158
[33]. The stone frith or frid stool in Hexham Abbey, Northumberland, dating from Saxon times, possibly the episcopal chair of St. Wilfrid, a great church builder, bishop of Hexham in the early years of the VIIIth century • 160
[34]. The stone fridstool at Sprotborough, Yorkshire, fourteenth century, a view kindly procured by my British colleague at Washington, Lord Grey of Fallodon • 161
[35]. An adventure seeker. From the MS. 2 B. vii., fol. 149, English, early fourteenth century • 181
[36]. A blind beggar led by his dog. From the MS. 10 E. IV., fol. 110 • 182
[37]. A Physician (Chaucer’s Doctour of Phisik):
“He knew the cause of every malady.”
From the Ellesmere MS. • 183