For convenience of reference the lines are numbered as in the Roxburghe edition, though perhaps it would be more satisfactory to combine the prologues, as regards numbering, with the books to which they belong.
In regard to the Notes there are no doubt many deficiencies. The chief objects aimed at have been to explain difficulties of language, to illustrate the matter or the style by reference to the works of the author in French and in English, and to trace as far as possible the origin of those parts of his work which are borrowed. In addition to this, the historical record contained in the Cronica Tripertita has been carefully compared with the evidence given by others with regard to the events described, and possibly this part of the editor’s work, being based entirely upon the original authorities, may be thought to have some small value as a contribution to the history of a singularly perplexing political situation.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] 2nd Series, vol. ii. pp. 103-117.
[2] Script. Brit. i. 414.
[3] Itin. vi. 55. From Foss, Tabulae Curiales, it would seem that there was no judge named Gower in the 14th century.
[4] Script. Brit. i. 414. This statement also appears as a later addition in the manuscript.
[5] ‘Gower’ appears in Tottil’s publication of the Year-books (1585) both in 29 and 30 Ed. III, e.g. 29 Ed. III, Easter term, ff. 20, 27, 33, 46, and 30 Ed. III, Michaelmas term, ff. 16, 18, 20 vo. He appears usually as counsel, but on some occasions he speaks apparently as a judge. The Year-books of the succeeding years, 31-36 Ed. III, have not been published.
[6] These arms appear also in the Glasgow MS. of the Vox Clamantis.
[7] Worthies, ed. 1662, pt. 3, p. 207.